Source: Vincent Kubi/Daily Guide Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The National Democratic Congress (NDC) says President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is misdirecting Ghanaians as they address what they say is the true state of Ghana's economy. The party held a forum on Monday, March 20 at the auditorium of University of Professional Studies, Accra, on what it describes as the True State of the Nation Address. The True State of the Nation Address was organized to counter the State of the Nation Address by President Nana Addo on Wednesday, March 8. The National Chairman of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, delivering a speech before a gathering sought to reveal the rot in government. "Cruel financial haircuts never before imagine have become a normalized feature of this reckless regime. All credit-rating agencies have declared Ghana junk and bankrupt. Ghana has for the first time in more than half a century defaulted in its debt obligations. Youth employment is at an all-time high according to the 2020 Population and Housing Census," he lambasted the President. He continued that, due to the poor administration of the State under the Akufo-Addo regime, "many businesses, banks and industries have collapsed and some have relocated to other countries in the sub-region". "The Bank of Ghana has gone rogue and become a lawless money printing syndicate," he exclaimed. He added; "There have been massive job losses as a result. Corruption has reached an epidemic levels as epitomized by the special COVID-19 audit which was an IMF bailout precondition. The President refuses to cut down on the size of his bloated government. Human rights violations are on the ascendency with the recent condemnable killing of a soldier and the unfortunate brutalities in Ashaiman, all of which President Akufo-Addo, as Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, refuse to speak about." On behalf of the NDC, Mr. Asiedu Nketia, also called 'General Mosquito', appealed to Ghanaians to give the party their unflinching support. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Grammy-winning rapper and actor Ludacris is currently soaking up the vibrant culture of Ghana, as evidenced by his social media posts. The "Act a Fool" artist was recently seen hanging out with Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie and his entourage in a video shared online by artiste manager Angel Town. The two were recording music and indulging in Ghana's famous Jollof rice. Sporting his signature corn roll hairstyle and a blue and black Puma X BMW bomber jacket, Ludacris appeared to be thoroughly enjoying his time in the company of his fellow musicians. Sources suggest that Ludacris and Sarkodie are collaborating on new music to be included in Ludacris' upcoming Afrobeats album. The album will reportedly feature contributions from other African artists and producers. This marks Ludacris' second visit to Ghana, having first travelled to the West African nation during the successful Year of Return in 2019. Source: Eugene Osafo-Nkansah/Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Award-winning Ghanaian actress and entrepreneur, Gloria Osei Sarfo has been made the brand ambassador of Rafmoh Jewellery. The ceremony which took place last Saturday, March 11 at Osu in Accra saw management and staff of Rafmoh Jewellery, selected media, family, friends and some fans of the actress in attendance. Representatives of Rafmoh Jewellery took turns to express their happiness for Gloria coming on board their prestigious brand. Speaking to Graphic Showbiz on the side lines of the unveiling, Gloria Osei Sarfo expressed her gratitude to her fans and well-wishers for their support, I am deeply grateful for your presence and unwavering support when I was unveiled as the brand ambassador for Rafmoh Jewellery. Your overwhelming show of love and encouragement means the world to me, and I want to take this opportunity to express my sincerest thanks to each and every one of you. I also want to extend a special thank you to Rafmoh Jewellery for entrusting me with this responsibility and for creating such stunning pieces, which I am honoured to represent. Your dedication to quality and artistry is truly exceptional. To my fans and well-wishers, I promise to work hard and represent Rafmoh Jewellery to the best of my abilities. And to all of you who came to support me on the momentous occasion, I will forever cherish your support and encouragement. Thank you again for the love shown, and I hope to continue to make you all proud, she concluded. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Imagine Dragons-Backed Charity Hosting CSOP "Slay Cancer with Poker" in Las Vegas March 21, 2023 Connor Richards Editor & Live Reporter U.S. Fans of poker, charity events and popular rock music are in luck as there's an upcoming event that checks all three boxes. The Tyler Robinson Foundation (TRF), founded by the Grammy award-winning band Imagine Dragons, has once again partnered with the Charity Series of Poker (CSOP) for Slay Cancer with Poker," a $300 buy-in No-Limit Hold'em tournament that will benefit the pediatric cancer community. The "Slay Cancer with Poker" tournament, taking place on March 25 at The Sterling Club in Las Vegas, will play turbo-style with $100 rebuys and add-ons and will feature a $5,000 grand prize in addition to bounty and final table prizes, a silent auction and a 50/50 cash raffle drawing. The event will also be an opportunity to hang out with Las Vegas royalty as Ink Master winner and Revolt Tattoos founder Joey Hamilton, as well as former Las Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Deryk Engelland will be featured bounty players. Let's see if you have what it takes to knock out celebrity bounties @EngosHeroes and @joeyhamiltontat at Slay Cance https://t.co/EtgjiMo9wJ CharitySeriesOfPoker (@TheCSOP) Read about the CSOP 2022 Awards! Playing Poker for a Good Cause TRF was founded by members of the Las Vegas-based pop rock band Imagine Dragons, known for hits like "Radioactive" and "Believer," in honor of Tyler Robinson, who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer as a teenager. According to the foundation's website, its mission is to "strengthen families financially and emotionally as they cope with the tragedy of a pediatric cancer diagnosis by offsetting out-of-pocket life expenses." Tyler Robinson Foundation The "Slay Cancer with Poker" event is just the latest charity offering by CSOP, a non-profit founded to promote charity poker tournaments which earlier this year celebrated its first-ever award dinner to honor volunteers and sponsors. Mary Bodine was named Volunteer of the Year, while the TRF beat out St. Jude Against All Odds, HIT Living Foundation and Families for Effective Autism Treatment for People's Choice for Event of the Year. All net proceeds from the event will benefit TRF, which has supported over 7,500 families and raised more than $15 million in the past decade. For every dollar that TRF raises, more than 85% goes directly to families in need, according to a press release. The event will begin will a cocktail hour and hors doeuvres at 5:30 p.m. local time and the tournament will kick off at 7 p.m. To learn more about the upcoming "Slay Cancer with Poker" event, visit http://bit.ly/csoptrf. Matthew Gray Captures WSOPC UK Main Event Title for First Ring & 100,000 March 21, 2023 Matt Warburton The World Series of Poker International Circuit returned to the United Kingdom for the first time in four years earlier this month and has now wrapped up proceedings following two weeks of poker action at Dusk Till Dawn, Nottingham. The final event to play out was the WSOPC UK 1,100 Main Event and after several days of play, Matthew Gray pulled off a final table comeback to claim the title, the WSOP ring and 100,000 set aside for the winner. The Main Event had a 500,000 prize pool as it saw 439 entries across Day 1a and Day 1d, and only 140 of those made it through to Day 2. The top 63 finishers made the money, with the min-cahs being set at 2,000. Following the second day of action, just 16 players returned to the felt for the final day. Jonathan McCann started the day as chip leader, but could not go all the way as he fell in third place for 45,500. By the time the final table started, Hong Pham had taken the lead and continued to add to her stack as the final table progressed. She made impressive bluffs and steals before losing several all-ins that reduced her stack for the heads-up battle. Pham finished in second for 64,500. Final Table Results WSOPC UK 1,100 Main Event Place Player Country Prize 1st Matthew Gray United Kingdom 100,000 2nd Pham Hong Vietnam 64,500 3rd Jonathan McCann United Kingdom 45,500 4th Paul Hizer United Kingdom 34,500 5th Steven Warburton United Kingdom 26,500 6th Gary Miller United Kingdom 20,000 7th Jamie O'Connor United Kingdom 15,000 8th John Adderley United Kingdom 11,500 9th Lee French United Kingdom 9,000 Action on the Final Day The eliminations came thick and fast during the first couple of hours of play. Gerald Mcinally, Fabio Miranda, and Ryan Otto all hit the rail before the first break. Two of those three were eliminated by Pham, as was Jack Allen in 12th and Jiaze Li in 10th. Lee French was the first player to exit the final table after his pocket queens were bested following a flip with Steve Warburton. John Adderley followed French to the payout desk after his pocket sixes could not leapfrog Gray's pair of nines. Jamie O'Connor became Gray's second final-table elimination after the latter paired up on the flop to move ahead of the pocket nines held by O'Connor Warburton then downed British grinder Gary Miller in sixth place after his ace-jack held out against Miller's king-ten. However, Warburton was the next player to hit the rail after Pham's pocket eights remained best against his ace-five. Hong Pham Players across the floor and viewers on the live stream wondered who Pham was and why she looked so comfortable under the spotlights playing against some of the top regulars in the country. Despite only having a handful of recorded live tournament cashes, she made moves suggesting she could mix it up, including a bluff that would stun her opposition if they watched it back on the stream. At one point, she was so far out in front that it seemed like nobody would catch her. That was until a huge three-way all-in completely changed the dynamics on the final table. Paul Hizer bowed out in fourth place after he shoved, Pham isolated, and Gray woke up with aces. He held up to bring his stack much closer to Pham's, later calling off her bluff to pull almost level. McCann had maintained a decent stack to the business end of the tournament but crashed out in third place after shoving and getting called by Gray's ace-king. This further increased Gray's stack, so he went into the heads-up battle as chip leader over Pham. After around 20 minutes of heads-up play, it all came down to a simple all-in and call, as it often does. Gray shoved, Pham called, and Gray's jack-ten paired up to win the tournament. Sharelines The WSOP International Circuit returned to the UK for the first time in four years and saw Matthew Gray pick up the Main Event title. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Former federal prosecutor Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-MD) accused Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) of intimidating law enforcement officials. Rep. Ivey tweeted: I was stunned to read this letter that could obstruct a criminal investigation and intimidate an elected state law enforcement official. The Chairman of @JudiciaryGOP appears to be demanding that @ManhattanDA violate NY grand jury secrecy laws. https://t.co/A3l4kFxFap Rep. Glenn Ivey (@RepGlennIvey) March 20, 2023 The plan to use the House to investigate the Manhattan DA is not working out so well for Jordan, McCarthy, and Trump. Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA) pointed out that Jordans plan to investigate the DA was a crime. History is repeating itself as top Republicans are jumping smack dab into the middle of Trumps legal problems. Trumps supporters seem to have learned which is why they arent rushing out into the streets to defend him, but people like Pence, Jordan, and McCarthy still believe that they can politically benefit by sticking with Trump. Rep. Jordan is starting to give Trump a run for his money in the abuse of power and crime categories. Some Republicans want to believe that the party is different and that they are moving away from Trump when the reality is that the same behavior that has caused them to lose every election since 2016 is repeating itself ahead of 2024. The Republican Party is so weak and unethical that it is following Trump off the cliff into an abyss of criminality. Republicans like Jim Jordan claim to love law enforcement, but that love ends when the law comes for Donald Trump. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Rachel Maddow shot down the idea that Trump is anything special and that the country will fall into violence if he is indicted. Video of Maddow: Rachel Maddow put Trumps indictment into context: It didnt create a lasting problem for us as a country. It does not bend the constitution, let alone break it, to indict criminals for crimes, even when the alleged criminal is someone who has been elected to a very important job. Its run-of-the-mill public corruption enforcement in this country, and we do it all the time. Subscribe To Our Newsletter: And there is no reason why a former president should be magically immune from the same legal system that just in the past three years has put handcuffs on at least 13 state senators, 17 state representatives, 1 serving congressman, 1 former congressman, the Delaware state auditor, the Republican party chair, too many counselors, aldermen, executives, and mayors to count. It happens all the time. It really does not have to be the end of the world. And anybody telling you if there is an indictment of this particular former public official, there will be a protest like youve never seen before, there will be civil war there will be an unstoppable uprising among his supporters and violence and all the rest. Anybody telling you that is the consequence of him being potentially indicted, well, that person may be wishing for that, but there is no reason that something like that is inevitable. This is not something coming up that is extraneous to our system that we need to invent something new to contend with. The bottom line here is that prosecuting public officials and former public officials, it happens all the time in the United States of America. And it never engenders violence. And it never endangers the country, and it doesnt require our legal system to be fundamentally rethought or dismantled. Unless someone wants to try to gin that up, and that is what we that up and that is what we are contending with now, with this particular former public official was so far, the reaction among supporters of former president Donald Trump feels to be very muted at least in the real world. Rachel Maddow was correct. Republicans arent being subtle about this. The GOP is trying to use Trumps indictment to rally their party for 2024. House Republicans have been an ineffective disaster in the majority. Ron DeSantis has faceplanted as a presidential candidate. Republicans have nothing, so they are going to try to unify around outrage over Trump being indicted. The problem is that Trump being indicted really isnt that big of a deal. Maddow obliterated the fake hysteria and showed what is really behind it is another cynical Republican attempt to rally their supporters and distract from a growing list of crippling failures. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print A new lawsuit blows the lid off of the sexism and discrimination of Tucker Carlson and Fox News. The New York Times reported on the lawsuit filed by Fox News producer Abby Grossberg: Last year, she began working as a senior booking producer at Tucker Carlson Tonight. On her first full day, according to the lawsuit, Ms. Grossberg discovered that the shows Manhattan work space was decorated with large pictures of Representative Nancy Pelosi of California, then the House speaker, wearing a plunging swimsuit. The next day, Justin Wells, Mr. Carlsons top producer, called Ms. Grossberg into his office, she said, to ask whether Ms. Bartiromo was having a sexual relationship with the House Republican leader, Kevin McCarthy. Mr. Carlsons staff joked about Jews and freely deployed a vulgar term for women, according to the complaint. Later that fall, it said, before an appearance on the show by Tudor Dixon, the Republican candidate for Michigan governor, Mr. Carlsons staff held a mock debate about whether they would prefer to have sex with Ms. Dixon or her Democratic opponent, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Subscribe To Our Newsletter: Fox News was rocked to its core by the Bill OReilly and Roger Ailes scandals, but judging from Grossbergs lawsuit absolutely nothing has changed at the network. Grossberg filed the lawsuit after Fox News pressured her to lie in the Dominion lawsuit testimony and not implicate male executives. Fox tried to throw Grossberg and host Maria Bartiromo under the bus and blame them for the election lies. The systemic toxic culture of sexism and discrimination at Fox News has not been fixed. The lawsuit reveals that Tucker Carlson is exactly who many Americans think he is and that he could be heading for the same fall that took down Bill OReilly. Carlson is nothing special. He could easily be replaced in the 8 PM timeslot by any number of sexist generic white male Fox News hosts. Carlson doesnt even host the most consistently popular show on Fox News anymore. The Five pulls in more viewers. If the Fox News house of cards starts to collapse, dont be surprised if Tucker Carlson is shown the door. Sudanese are huddling in their homes for a third straight day as the army and a powerful rival force fight in the streets of the capital and other cities for control of the country. The weekends civilian death toll has risen to 97. Airstrikes and shelling intensified on Monday in parts of Khartoum and the adjoining city of Omdurman. Rapid, sustained firing was heard near the military headquarters, with white smoke rising from the area. The clashes are part of a power struggle between the armed forces chief and the leader of a paramilitary force. Read moreSudan battles intensify on 3rd day; civilian deaths reach 97 The final curtain came down Sunday on New Yorks production of The Phantom of the Opera, ending Broadways longest-running show with thunderous standing ovations, champagne toasts and gold and silver confetti. It was show No. 13,981 at the Majestic Theatre, and it ended with a reprise of The Music of the Night performed by the current cast, previous actors in the show including original star Sarah Brightman and crew members. Andrew Lloyd Webber took to the stage in a black suit and black tie and dedicated the final show to his son, Nick, who died last month after a protracted battle with gastric cancer and pneumonia. Read more'The Phantom of the Opera' closes on Broadway after 35 years More development is scheduled for the area near the Sage Mill Industrial Park in Graniteville based on the discussion about two pieces of property during the Aiken County Planning Commissions meeting March 16. JCA Sage Mill LLC is seeking to change the zoning for the land from Rural Development and Limited Development to Industrial Development. After hearing from Stewart Mills, who said he was the manager of JCA Sage Mill, the Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend to County Council that the property be rezoned. JCA Sage Mill and Cal 47th East Sites LLC purchased the two parcels, which are on Old Vaucluse Road, last September, according to Aiken County land records. The companies acquired the 243.40-acre tract from Wyatt Realty Investment Opportunity Fund Ltd. for $8,106,000. They bought the 24.39-acre parcel for $600,000 from Sage Mill LLC. The surrounding zoning is industrial. We are an industrial developer so our intent is develop this, Mills said. At this time, we want to get the property shovel ready. We have started some timber removal so we can have the property leveled out. Mills also told the Planning Commission that we dont have a user (for the land) at this time. JCA Sage Mill LLC was incorporated in Delaware last August. The registered agent is CT Corporation System of Columbia. JCA Sage Mill has a Lombard, Illinois, address. Our company, we are called an LLC, but we have several LLCs, he told the Planning Commission. We own 8 million square feet of industrial (space) from Florida to Louisiana to Milwaukee to Ohio. Other action taken by the Planning Commission on March 16 included the unanimous approval of a preliminary plat extension for Section 3 of the Highland Hills subdivision in the Bettis Academy Road area of Graniteville. There will be 213 lots on just under 77 acres. The applicant was Highland Hills LLC. The engineer for the project is HB Engineering. The County Planning Commission met at the Aiken County Government Center in Aiken. Seven members of the panel were present. Chairman Liz Stewart didnt vote during the proceedings because she wasnt needed to break a tie. The dining scene at the state's busiest airport soon will see an upgrade. The food concession vendor at Charleston International plans to revamp its passenger offerings with a complete overhaul of the central dining area, including the addition of Starbucks cafe, a Lowcountry-themed bar and a quick-bite venue, all behind the security checkpoints. Buffalo, N.Y.-based Delaware North plans to add the coffee shop, transform an idle kiosk once operated by Caviar & Bananas into a grab-and-go cafe called Flight Ready and replace the Harvest & Grounds restaurant with a bar that symbolizes the Holy City. Caviar & Bananas operates a restaurant in the central food marketplace, and CEO Joe Caradonna said his company has a lease for the site through 2028. "I was notified there are no plans to make changes with our unit currently," he said. A new venue is reportedly taking over the space in the phased-in makeover, but no timeframe has been announced. Also, an unidentified restaurant by an unidentified Charleston chef will take over the space where the Jack Nicklaus Golden Bear Grill operates. On Concourse B, the Samuel Adams Brewhouse also will be replaced by an as-yet unnamed local brewery. The gazebo will remain, but the concession company wants to put Charleston's stamp on the makeover with "local wood tones and metal work," according to Chris Chila, vice president of operations for travel hospitality services at Delaware North. The changes are meant to create a mix of local and national vendors and will be phased in. "We live in one of the best food cities in the world," airport CEO Elliott Summey said. "So this particularly is very important for the passenger experience." The airport board authorized Summey to negotiate an amended 10-year contract extension with Delaware North. Food-and-beverage offerings unaffected by the changes include Burger King, Cinnabon, Charleston Beer Works, DeSano Pizza Bakery, Dunkin' Donuts and a Harvest & Grounds cafe on the pre-security side of the terminal. A new Chick-fil-A restaurant is on the way in a space once leased to the Eddie Bauer clothing chain, but it is coming through Hudson News, a New Jersey-based company that provides retail services at airports. The opening date has not been announced. Note: This story was updated on March 22. The Port of Charleston is marketing itself as a solution to ongoing labor strife at West Coast ports, with the State Ports Authority aiming to lure retailers worried that their merchandise will get delayed by worker slowdowns and supply chain snarls. The maritime agency's entire marketing and sales staff about a dozen employees met with merchandise shippers and other potential customers at the annual Trans-Pacific Maritime conference last month in Long Beach, Calif., to tout South Carolina's ability to move their cargo quickly. "We have been successful in telling our story, and there are retailers who want to look at this port," Barbara Melvin, the SPA's president and CEO, said during the SPA's board meeting on March 21. "They are proud for us of our operational performance, particularly during the pandemic, of our very quick recovery when there was congestion. They are looking at how to diversify their supply chains, and we are on the list." Melvin said she expects some announcements will be forthcoming, but did not provide details. More than 3,000 people attended the conference, which is one of the nation's largest focusing on container shipping and logistics. Charleston's port has had success attracting major retailers in recent years, with Walmart opening a 3 million-square-foot import distribution center in 2022 in Ridgeville and Amazon moving cargo through a building at the Wando Welch Terminal in Mount Pleasant. Melvin said in January that Target is looking for an import distribution site in the area after operating out of a temporary hub in North Charleston. Negotiations over a new contract for roughly 22,000 West Coast dockworkers have dragged on for nearly a year with no signs of resolution, and that's worried some retailers who bring Asian-made goods through the busy waterfronts in Los Angeles and Long Beach, according to the National Retail Federation. Jonathan Gold, the trade group's vice president for supply chain and customs policy, told attendees at the conference that retailers are starting to "diversify their risks" by sending cargo to East Coast and Gulf Coast ports, according to a report by The Loadstar website. The parties are not negotiating in the press, which is a good sign, but the negotiations need to move on and, until there is a contract, cargo wont move back (to California ports)," Gold said during the event. A report on March 21 by the American Journal of Transportation said West Coast labor talks "are under increasing strain" due to a recent lunch break issue that's disrupted operations at Los Angeles and Long Beach. The union's contract calls for port operators to stagger lunch breaks so enough workers are available at any given time, but they stopped complying with that last week. The decision has caused "significant delays" to cargo movements, the union said. Charleston has its own labor problem, with the International Longshoremen's Association seeking to operate ship-to-shore cranes at the Leatherman Terminal, but the issue hasn't affected the flow of cargo through the SPA's other terminals. The National Labor Relations Board ruled in favor of the ILA in December, and a federal appeals court is scheduled to hear the matter this summer. The trend of cargo migrating from West Coast ports to the East Coast has been taking place for years, but appears to be accelerating as labor talks drag on. Global Port Tracker, a report compiled by the retail federation and maritime consultant Hackett Associates, shows West Coast ports experienced a 7.5 percent year-over-year decline in loaded import containers and an 8.6 percent drop in exports last year. The Port of Charleston handled a record 2.8 million containers in 2022 1.5 percent better than the previous record a year earlier. Concerns of delayed or embargoed freight led shippers to change destination ports to ensure continuity of supply, Spencer Shute, principal consultant at supply chain consultancy Proxima, told Logistics Management. This caused many shippers to shift volumes to the Gulf and East Coast ports to avoid delays or cargo being stuck at anchor should a strike go into effect. SULLIVAN'S ISLAND An oceanside home in this pricey seaside enclave recently changed hands for $10.1 million, just a few hundred thousand greenbacks off the highest-priced deal ever for the town. The 4,350-square-foot house at 2411 Atlantic Ave. was sold in early March, according to Charleston County land records. The three-story residence has 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and a 4-car garage. The price is the most paid for a house on Sullivan's Island this year and follows the recent $8.7 million sale of a 4,360-square-foot, newly built residence at 812 Conquest Ave. on the island's western tip. The new owner, 2411 Atlantic Ave. LLC, bought the property from the Nicholas and Lisa Krawczyk Trust, which purchased the house in 2021 for $6.85 million, according to property records. Sign up for our real estate newsletter! Get the best of the Post and Courier's Real Estate news, handpicked and delivered to your inbox each Saturday. Email Sign Up! Listed for $10.8 million, the recently renovated home stayed on the market for about two months. Built in 1986, it has an oceanside pool, elevator and a newly configured brick drive. Renovations include white oak flooring throughout the home, new appliances and fixtures, custom window treatments and wallpaper and completely remodeled bathrooms and kitchen. Robertson Allen, founding partner of The Cassina Group, represented the seller, and Katherine Cox of Coldwell Banker Realty represented the buyer. The previous record for a single-family home on the island was set in 2021 with the $10.5 million sale of the 5,844-square-foot house at 1901 Thee St. The highest-priced residential transaction in the Charleston area is the Vanderhorst Mansion on Kiawah Island. It sold for $20.5 million two years ago. Regulators are considering whether to allow the utility to recoup about $428 million in unexpected fuel expenses from the 780,000 customers it serves in the Palmetto State. Read moreSC power customers of Dominion could be hit with another rate hike COLUMBIA A S.C. Statehouse bill widely criticized for making women who get an abortion eligible for the death penalty got a lot of attention in recent days, including in Congress, Rolling Stone magazine and newspapers nationwide. But for all the social media chatter and spotlight put on the state's abortion foes, that bill has zero chance of becoming law. The legislation, pre-filed in December by a newly elected far-right Republican, has never received a hearing and probably never will. House GOP leaders said Republicans have already passed the bill they want, and even the leading abortion foe in the South Carolina House called the publicity-grabbing death-penalty proposal "outrageous." "It doesn't represent the majority of House members or the Family Caucus or the Republican Caucus," Rep. John McCravy, R-Greenwood, told reporters March 15. "I think it's just an extreme position," he added. That's coming from the author of all the abortion-banning bills already pushed through the South Carolina House and fought by Democrats as extreme since the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling last June left the legality of abortions to state legislators. The words "death penalty" don't actually appear in the abortion-ban proposal filed Dec. 15 by freshman Rep. Rob Harris, a 57-year-old registered nurse and father of 10 in Spartanburg County. Instead, it indirectly makes women eligible for execution by extending "equal protection of the laws" to a fetus from the moment of conception, making abortion at any point of pregnancy legally akin to murder. To be eligible for the death penalty in South Carolina, murders must have been committed with an "aggravating circumstance," which includes the killing of a child younger than 12. Harris' bill would leave penalty decisions to prosecutors and allow the woman to use "threat of imminent death or great bodily injury" as a defense. Harris, R-Wellford, said the national headlines are "not intellectually honest." The intent of his bill had nothing to do with the death penalty, he said, noting a death sentence requires both prosecutors to seek it and jurors to unanimously support it. "Does anybody honestly think that's going to happen" as a punishment for abortion, he asked. "The bill is super simple," he said. "It doesn't change any laws on the books. It doesn't change due process. It does define life as starting at conception." The focus on the death penalty is a "false narrative," he continued. "I'm just simply saying, does life begin at conception and if it does, should equal protection apply? My intention is to save babies." Most of the bill's sponsors, including Harris, are members of the hardline conservative Freedom Caucus, which is publicly feuding with the larger GOP Caucus. Most Freedom Caucus members, including Harris, aren't part of the majority caucus. Harris' bill had as many as 24 Republican co-sponsors. Nine of them removed their names over the last two weeks as the death penalty possibility made headlines. Still, the bill became fodder for Democrats. "Its amazing that 16 (actually it was 15) GOP Freedom Caucus members are in support of a stronger penalty for abortion in our state than the Taliban," said state Sen. Dick Harpootlian, D-Columbia. "In Afghanistan, the penalty is seven years in prison and our Freedom Caucus wants the death penalty. Why are they trying to out-Taliban the Taliban?" Unlike in other GOP-controlled states, South Carolina Republicans have been unable to agree on any abortion ban since the nation's high court threw out Roe v. Wade. A 2021 law making abortions illegal at roughly six weeks briefly took effect, until the state Supreme Court suspended it last August amid a challenge tied to privacy rights in the state constitution. Justices' ruling in January threw out the law completely, leaving abortions legal in South Carolina through 5 months, making South Carolina the second-least restrictive Southern state for abortions, behind Virginia. That's unlikely to change anytime soon. The House and Senate have again passed differing versions of bills outlawing abortions. And, like last fall, there seems to be no compromise between them. Senators still don't have the votes to ban abortions prior to six weeks. "The reality is the votes are not there" for an earlier ban, no matter what the exceptions, Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey, R-Edgefield, told reporters March 16. "We've shown that multiple times. That's just where we are." McCravy continues to insist his chamber will accept nothing short of a ban at conception. But he stressed major differences between what passed the House last month along party lines and the bill getting recent national headlines. His bill's limited exceptions to a ban included abortions necessary to preserve the mother's life or lifelong health. It also allowed abortions for women up to three months pregnant who are victims of rape or incest, or for fatal fetal anomalies. And it did not criminalize women for getting an abortion. Harris offered his bill as an amendment during the Feb. 15 floor debate. The House rejected it on a voice vote. The first article about a South Carolina proposal to make abortion punishable by death appeared a week later. "Women are often the victims of boyfriends, victims of crimes, and we don't want to prosecute women in any way," McCravy said. "Extreme punishment would certainly be out of the question." Asked whether House GOP leaders wanted to take up any other abortion bill amid the impasse, House Majority Leader Davey Hiott quickly gave a resounding, "No!" As for Harris' death-penalty-possibility bill, the Pickens County Republican said, "I don't believe in that at all." COLUMBIA Ascent Classical Academies, a Colorado-based network of charter schools that touts a traditional education style and has connections to religious colleges, is aiming to open four new charter schools across South Carolina in the next few years. Their students would get an American Classical Education, according to the network's applications to open the schools, which lay out a focus on the Western tradition. Ascent's CEO Derec Shuler described the classical educational model as a well-rounded liberal arts education with an intentional focus on virtue. The network has connections to the K-12 initiative run by Hillsdale College, a small Christian school in Michigan that plays an active role in U.S. conservative political thought and whose K-12 office works with schools across the country to promote classical education. Ascent is hoping to open two of the schools, near Irmo and Fort Mill, as soon as fall 2024. The timelines for the other two proposed campuses, near Greenville and Charleston, are less certain, but will likely open a year later, Shuler said. The network submitted applications in February for all four campuses to the Charter Institute at Erskine, a statewide charter school sponsor founded in 2017 by Erskine College, a small, private college in Due West with a website describing a "high-quality education from a biblical worldview." If approved, the four campuses each intend to serve an estimated 448 students from kindergarten to eighth grade when they open, and expand with an additional grade of high school each year. Students would be admitted through a lottery system. The curriculum described in the schools' applications to the institute, which Shuler said will align with the states education standards, includes a concentration on the "Western tradition." Developed throughout the curriculum, the Western tradition is central in the study of history, literature, philosophy and the fine arts, it reads. Ingraining in students the rich and recurring examination of the American literary, moral, philosophical, political and historical traditions. Ascent's conception of that tradition starts in ancient Greece and Rome, Shuler said, looking at the concepts of democracy and republican governments which he said manifest themselves today in the "American experiment." Such a curriculum needs to be placed in its proper context, according to James Kirylo, a professor of curriculum studies at the University of South Carolina, who described it as "a response to a multicultural perspective in our schools." "There's nothing wrong with Western classical education in and of itself, but if it's the only thing that is going to be included, then that is problematic," he said, adding that focusing on the Western tradition can be "exclusionary of everything else." A concentration on that tradition can come at the expense of not being inclusive of a multicultural and diverse perspective, Kirylo said. "History is written from those who have the power, who have the pen," he said. Shuler said Ascent students would "study a very well-rounded global perspective of history" in a topically diverse program, including civilizations from India, China, Africa and South America. Elective classes would also offer more depth into other parts of the world, he added. "That is one of the things that people like to point to, is accusing a classical education of not being diverse," Shuler said. "But when you get into it and look at what's actually being done, it's a well-rounded program that exposes children to cultures throughout the world." The schools' applications also describe a patriotic American education, listing that "the founding of the country is emphasized in curriculum," "the flag is honored," and that "assembly guests are those who support the Constitution and motivate students to love their country." Literature studies would include poetry and the best stories of the Western tradition," and the school would offer a conceptual approach to math to lay a foundation for higher-level classes in high school and college. The schools would teach reading using phonics, and students would also study Latin, in addition to modern languages "once we're up and running and get the Latin established," Shuler said. Two of Ascent Classical Academies' existing schools in Colorado are "member schools" in Hillsdale College's K-12 initiative, which means they receive curriculum and support from Hillsdale. Two more opening next year will be "license schools," meaning they'll just get the college's program guide to use as a "framework" for their program. Ascent may continue that relationship with Hillsdale in South Carolina, Shuler said. "We may look to see where Hillsdale is on that, but we would like to retain at least that partnership to use the program itself," he said. Shuler described the curriculum laid out in the Ascent schools' applications as "pretty similar" to the Hillsdale curriculum, but said that over time, some Ascent schools have made some changes or added some supplements, such as in the math and literacy programs, after "actually operating schools." Kirylo, the USC professor, said Hillsdale is "explicitly fostering and promoting the Western tradition at the expense of all other." The college works with schools across the country to provide an education that is both classical and American, as its website describes it. Hillsdale did not respond to requests to comment on its K-12 curriculum, but the college and its involvement in K-12 education have sparked controversy across the country. The colleges president, Larry Arnn chaired former President Donald Trumps 1776 Commission, whose January 2021 advisory report to Trump on American history was widely and sharply condemned by historians as an "apparent attempt to reject recent efforts to understand the multiple ways the institution of slavery shaped our nations history." Hillsdale published its own 1776 Curriculum, but says that no formal connection exists between the former presidents 1776 Commission. In Tennessee, Republican Gov. Bill Lee attempted to formalize a relationship with Hillsdale to increase civic education and to bring more charter schools to the state, while some critics said the college's curriculum rewrites civil rights history. That relationship sparked even more controversy after Arnn seemingly disparaged public school teachers' intelligence during a closed-door reception with Lee, according to reporting from NewsChannel Five in Nashville and The Tennessean newspaper. On the other side of the country, two southwest Colorado school boards each voted to deny charter school applications from Ascent in the past year, over various concerns about the applications' handling of special education, budgets and the organization's relationship to Hillsdale College, according to reporting by The Durango Herald newspaper. In South Carolina, Ascent had a table at the state Moms for Liberty's Legislative Day in January, where the parental rights group heard from speakers like state Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver and state Rep. R.J. May, the Lexington County Republican and S.C. Freedom Caucus vice chairman. Shuler said Ascent doesn't have a formal affiliation with Moms for Liberty. Before they teach anything, the proposed Palmetto State Ascent schools will have to get approval from the Erskine institute's board of directors, who will make a decision with recommendations from its staff based on their review of the applications and state statutes, according to Superintendent Cameron Runyan. The institute is focused on school models like classical education, said Runyan, who praised the system while pointing to what he described as its several thousand-year-old history. It works not only academically, but theres a focus on teaching kids, not just knowledge, but how to live well, he said. If that board gives its approval, the institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, would sponsor the schools and play a support and compliance role. State law gives the institute oversight responsibility, Runyan said, so if it finds problems it has to notify the school and put them on a path to remedy the issue. Some of Erskine's existing charter schools have bucked under that control, including two Charleston-area schools that sued the college and its institute, alleging that Erskine can't legally delegate its authorizing powers to another organization. While both Hillsdale and Erskine are explicitly religious colleges, those beliefs cannot bleed into their affiliated charter schools, which are publicly funded, according to Derek Black, a constitutional law professor at the University of South Carolina. However, Black said religiously affiliated groups are able to oversee secular public charter schools because of court rulings in recent years prohibiting discrimination based on someones religious status. Just because you are religious, doesnt mean youre engaging in religious teaching or religious indoctrination, Black said. But if thats what you end up doing, the state can prohibit that. Runyan and Shuler both said their schools are not religious. That lines not crossed, Shuler said. Click here for more news from Columbia, S.C. Fewer public school teacher positions in South Carolina remained vacant this February compared to last fall, but overall vacancies remain high. School officials across the state reported nearly 1,300 teacher vacancies this winter, a slight drop from when districts reported nearly 1,500 unfilled positions in fall 2022, according to the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention and Advancement. The center, based out of Winthrop University, has been tracking teacher vacancy trends since 2001. The vacancies reported last fall were the highest recorded in those 20-plus years. Still, more needs to be done to improve teacher retention and recruitment in South Carolina. The states teacher vacancy numbers in February remained higher than those reported a year ago. In February 2022, school districts reported roughly 1,100 vacancies. More Coverage To read more in-depth stories from The Post and Courier's Education Lab, go to postandcourier.com/education-lab. Sherry East, head of the South Carolina Education Association, and Patrick Kelly, a teacher and spokesman for the Palmetto State Teachers Association, both expressed concern about the total number of openings. The fact that the vacancy report also found an additional 880 teachers had left their jobs between last fall and February alarmed both as well. As Kelly pointed out, a midyear departure would be considered a breach of contract and could result in teachers losing their educator licenses for up to 12 months. When those 880 people are leaving, they're not just leaving their school, Kelly said. Their working conditions are such that they decided they will leave the profession altogether in the state of South Carolina. Last school year, CERRA reported districts had nearly 980 additional teacher departures between fall 2021 and February 2022. Kelly also wondered about data the report didnt catch, such as how many positions were dissolved between September 2022 and February 2023 because the district gave up on trying to fill them and perhaps increased class sizes instead. Sign up for our Education Lab newsletter. Email Sign Up! The vacancies reported in February account for about 2 percent of the roughly 57,000 total teacher positions in the state if the number of positions has remained the same since fall 2022. Donate to our Investigative Fund to support journalism like this Our public service and investigative reporting is among the most important work we do. Its also the most expensive reporting we do. We cant do it without your support. Donate Now That percentage may seem miniscule, but the effects of just a single teaching position remaining vacant can impact dozens of students. With each unfilled position, class sizes might increase or long-term substitutes might be called on to lead students. That could in turn stymy student learning at a time when many are still recovering from the pandemics earlier disruptions. "This is the lives of our children," East said. "Children deserve a certified teacher in their classroom." Ultimately, addressing the teacher shortage in South Carolina will require a comprehensive strategy, Kelly said. Currently, a task force convened by the state Department of Education is working on studying policies and will release in May recommendations on how to improve teacher recruitment, retention, effectiveness and working conditions. Kelly urged the General Assembly to prioritize those recommendations. Increasing salaries also is key, he added. The House of Representatives recently approved a budget plan that would raise the state-funded minimum for first-year teachers from $40,000 to $42,500. But in some districts, educators have found they need an even higher starting salary. In Charleston, a task force recently recommended the school district increase starting salaries to $58,000. 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. Several bills that have been filed in the Legislature could also help with the teacher shortage, from providing more scholarships to removing burdensome recertification requirements. But Kelly also noted the General Assembly has mostly focused on school choice, as well as curriculum and transparency debates in the last few years. It has felt like Groundhog Day in education policy space, because we're talking about the same thing every year, Kelly said. Next year needs to be the year of the teacher and that needs to be the priority for education policy work. Briggs Gwozdo of Summerville is one of only 18 players in his age group nationwide to be selected for the US Club Soccer's 2023 id2 National Selection team. Read moreSummerville youth selected for international tour The iconic kitchen container maker cranked up production in Hemingway 47 years ago last week. Its future is unclear, in the Pee Dee and beyond. Read moreSC rural town stands by as storm clouds engulf Tupperware, a big employer ORANGEBURG In May 2019, photographer Cecil Williams took matters into his own hands and created a museum. He used property he already owned in a residential neighborhood on the outskirts of Orangeburg. The reason for the museum was to share thousands of important photographs, artifacts and documents he had produced or collected since the 1940s that conveyed the important history of the civil rights movement in South Carolina. Now, the Cecil Williams South Carolina Civil Rights Museum is getting a big boost thanks to two injections of cash: one a 2023 appropriation from the S.C. State Legislature for $250,000, the other a $700,000 federal allocation arranged by U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C. Add in the $110,000 S.C. Arts Commission annual grant and the $50,000 the museum received recently from the 1772 Foundation, and the numbers are starting to look pretty good. Were just so stoked, said Jannie Harriot, the museums executive director of programs and development. Most of the money is meant to help Williams and his team prepare to move the museum to a new space in downtown Orangeburg. The plan is to build out an area called Railroad Corner, located steps from the S.C. State University campus and near the intersection of Magnolia and Russell streets. The federal money must be spent by September, Harriot said. It will help pay for planning, materials, equipment, expansion of the museum collection, exhibit design and possibly a touring show of some kind. Orangeburg City Administrator Sidney Evering told The Post and Courier last month that a developer for Railroad Corner has been selected and a groundbreaking could take place early next year. The plan is to create more than 50,000 square feet for student housing, 14,000 square feet for retail shops, and 7,500 square feet of cultural and flexible space that will accommodate the museum. By transforming a neglected lot into a dynamic destination that recalls its earlier uses as a railroad depot, officials hope to create a city gateway that connects to the S.C. State and Claflin University campuses, Evering said. The total project cost could approach $40 million, he said. If it succeeds, Railroad Corner would join the nearby county library and All-Star Bowling Lanes (whose renovation now is in progress) in forming a small cultural corridor and helping to revitalize downtown Orangeburg. A March 20 announcement of the new funding drew around 45 people to the museum, including Clyburn; state Sen. Brad Hutto; Evering; the Rev. Nelson Rivers III of Charity Missionary Baptist Church in North Charleston; museum board member and former state Rep. James Felder; and Bobby Donaldson, director of the University of South Carolinas Center for Civil Rights History and Research. Williams noted the important role South Carolina has played in the fight for enfranchisement and equal rights, emphasizing in particular Briggs v. Elliott, the 1952 case argued by Thurgood Marshall of the NAACP in Charleston. What had begun as a plea for a separate-but-equal school busing solution became, at the urging of Judge J. Waties Waring of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of South Carolina, a comprehensive argument for school desegregation. It was the first of five cases consolidated and argued before the Supreme Court, ultimately resulting in the 1954 Brown v. Board decision. Williams, 84, asserted that it was the Briggs case and not the Montgomery bus boycott that marked the start of the direct-action phase of the civil rights movement. Clyburn seemed to defend that argument, Williams said. He cited the historical importance of Septima Clark, who trained Rosa Parks three months before the Montgomery boycott began, and he recalled Sarah Mae Flemming, a Columbia woman who in June 22, 1954 17 months before Parks action in Montgomery was expelled from a city bus for accidentally sitting in the Whites-only section. Williams started the museum with his wife Barbara, a retired educator, and his sister Brenda. They were determined to fill a void and assert the historical importance of South Carolina in the ongoing struggle for equality. They had $60,000 to invest in the project, Williams said. Since Hariot joined the institution in November 2021, the museum has raised about $1.2 million. And a new home is coming into view. NORTH CHARLESTON The largest medical provider to jails and prisons in the country is accused of causing the death of a 28-year-old Black man with mental illness who rotted in a filthy Charleston County jail cell this winter under the watchful eyes of detention center officers. Charleston County Coroner Bobbi O'Neal on March 20 ruled the death of D'Angelo Dontrel Brown on Dec. 29 a homicide "due to gross medical neglect." Medical care for people housed at the correctional facility is entrusted to Wellpath, a for-profit health care company based in Nashville, Tenn. Brown's cause of death, the coroner stated, was multiple organ system failures and E. Coli septic shock, a life-threatening condition that occurs when someone's blood pressure drops to dangerously low levels after an infection. Brown, who suffered from schizophrenia, was repeatedly observed lying in his own feces during the four months he was caged in an isolation cell within the Al Cannon Detention Center, South Carolina's largest jail, The Post and Courier previously reported. Jail records state he was observed Nov. 11 eating his own feces. A circuit judge found Brown incompetent to stand trial Dec. 16 and ordered that he be committed to a psychiatric facility for restoration treatment. But before a bed was made available for him at a state hospital in Columbia, a detention center deputy the morning of Dec. 21 found Brown unconscious. Body camera footage reviewed by The Post and Courier showed the emaciated father of two passed out in his own vomit in a cell soiled with feces. He never regained consciousness. Charleston County, records show, pays more than $6 million annually to Wellpath to provide medical and mental health care to people detained in the facility. The Nashville, Tenn.-based company is the largest medical provider to correctional facilities throughout the United States. It has been the subject of hundreds of lawsuits and multiple investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice, which found civil rights violations. An attorney representing Wellpath could not be reached for comment on March 20. Company officials have not returned calls or emails from The Post and Courier for weeks. Browns mother this month filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Charleston County and its sheriffs office, contending county officials knew the medical provider was inadequate yet failed to properly assist Brown when he was in distress. The suit was brought by James B. Moore III of Evans Moore Law Firm, who thanked the coroner for her "courage" in ruling Brown's death a homicide. "I've been involved in numerous jail death cases under really horrible circumstances, and I've never seen a homicide manner of death in a medically-related case, ever," the Charleston attorney said. "The family is obviously very upset but also relieved to know or to hope that there's going to be some accountability," Moore added. Moore encouraged anyone with knowledge of the circumstances of Brown's death to come forward. Brown was arrested Aug. 10 at the scene of a violent home invasion in West Ashley. He was charged with kidnapping, assault and battery, and first-degree burglary. In response to the coroner's findings, Sheriff Kristin Graziano reiterated previous statements that her staff at the detention center are trained to recognize signs of illness but are not responsible for providing medical care. "I have full confidence in my Detention staff that concerns over Mr. Brown's medical treatment and his needs were documented and referrals were made," she said. Graziano added that she is working with county government to replace Wellpath in advance of the contract expiring this June. It is unclear to what extent medical professionals or officers at the jail will be held to account in Brown's death now that it has been ruled a homicide. State Law Enforcement Division opened an investigation into Brown's death last month and the sheriff's office also continues to conduct its own internal review. SLED spokeswoman Renee Wunderlich said March 20 that the agency's investigation remains active but declined to comment further. Ninth Circuit Solicitor Scarlett Wilson, who prosecutes criminal cases in Charleston and Berkeley counties, said her office has not received any charges or information to act on in Brown's death. Law enforcement makes arrests, the prosecutor said, and her office then reviews evidence in the case to see if there is proof beyond a reasonable doubt. But experts say it is rare that criminal charges are brought in jail death cases. The more common avenues of accountability include federal civil rights lawsuits and federal investigations brought by the Justice Department. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of South Carolina declined to comment March 20 on whether the agency has opened an investigation into the Charleston County jail. Recourse and accountability It is rare that criminal charges are brought in cases of medical negligence because of the high standard of proof prosecutors would have to show to secure a conviction, said Madalyn Wasilczuk, a law professor at the University of South Carolina. Charging someone with misconduct in office or involuntary manslaughter, for example, is further complicated by the fact that responsibility in jail medical care "can be a bit diffuse" due to bureaucracy and personnel changes. "Holding people criminally accountable for medically related deaths is almost never done," Wasilczuk said. "It's extremely rare not only inside the prison system, but outside the prison system, as well." The law professor also contends that criminal charges against an individual do not address the root problem: Why do we allow institutions to continually fail to provide basic medical care, basic safety, basic hygiene and sanitation to people who rely on those institutions to care for them because we have taken away their liberty? 'Woefully inadequate' That Brown's death has been ruled a homicide due to medical negligence gives credence to overwhelming concerns that Wellpath is not able to provide proper care to people housed in South Carolina's largest detention center, where six people died last year amid a surge of jail deaths reported across the state. The announcement of Brown's cause and manner of death comes days after another Black man died in the Charleston County jail. Julian Jenkins, who contended with numerous medical conditions, died March 14 just days after he was booked into the jail. The 50-year-old man was arrested on a bench warrant for a failure to appear in court in a three-year-old shoplifting offense. He was accused of stealing a $97 vacuum cleaner from Walmart. A deputy making morning rounds on March 14 discovered Jenkins unconscious in the jails medical unit, according to an incident report, which revealed there was no doctor on site. Jenkins was pronounced dead 40 minutes after the deputy, nurses and emergency responders began administering life-saving measures. Charleston County told the newspaper earlier this month that it is reviewing three proposals to replace Wellpath after it put out a request for service this winter. Charleston County Sheriff Kristin Graziano called Wellpath woefully inadequate in a January interview. Brown was diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, according to a medical evaluation filed in court. He was also addicted to drugs. Medical staff at the jail initially failed to prescribe Brown medication to treat his schizophrenia, court documents show, even though the local man had cycled in and out of the detention center his entire adult life. The document, a court-ordered medical evaluation completed Dec. 15 by the Medical University of South Carolinas forensic psychiatry program, summarized records of Browns psychiatric history. The report states medical providers at the jail prescribed Brown medication commonly used to treat schizophrenia when he was jailed earlier in 2022. When Brown was again booked into the jail in August, he was not prescribed any psychiatric medication until he was rushed to a hospital the following month. Hospital staff gave Brown medication to treat schizophrenia and said he should continue the regimen upon release. Once he returned to the jail, however, he refused medication on most occasions. Without his psych meds, Browns psychosis became unmanageable. He was observed in November growling, unable to sleep for long periods and disorganized in his thoughts. In early December, he exhibited signs of delusions and he wallowed in his urine and feces. It is unclear what action if any medical staff took. NORTH CHARLESTON The city is advancing its City Council redistricting map over a plan proposed by the NAACP favored by some people representing a historic Black neighborhood. A city committee voted 8-2 last week to move forward a map supporters say fairly addresses population growth and neighborhood boundaries. But not everyone agrees and is happy about the plan presented. It reflects the "most cohesive view" of all the feedback offered by community members, City Council and the state NAACP since the city first presented its redistricting plan in January, city attorney Derk Van Raalte said. We don't claim it's perfect," he added. Its just the best balance weve been able to find." The city's proposed map will need to undergo two more readings by City Council over the next few weeks before it's approved. The Committee of the Whole, which gave the initial approval, includes all City Council members. Some representing the predominantly Black Liberty Hill neighborhood feel council members have already made up their minds and that the redistricting plan is pretty much a done deal. Both the city's map and the NAACP map place Liberty Hill in a council district with the predominantly White and more affluent Park Circle community. The difference is that the NAACP's map does a better job at keeping intact the existing predominantly African American District 7, which covers a portion of Liberty Hill on the south side of East Montague, said John Ruoff with the Columbia-based Ruoff Group, which was contracted by the state NAACP to draw its map proposal. The existing District 7 is currently represented by Sam Hart, an African American. Phillip Scott, with the North Charleston NAACP, said the plan drawn by the civil rights group doesnt dilute Black voters' power in electing candidates of their choice in District 8. The city's latest proposal does away with District 7, while at the same time adding a new district in the upper section of the city in Dorchester County, which has drawn opposition. Were saying they took away a Black voice and added a White voice," said Valarie Harper Young, president of the Liberty Hill Improvement Council. The northern portion of the city saw significant population growth in the last decade, which influences how the lines are drawn, Raalte said. Raalte downplayed the claim that District 7 is "going away," adding that numbers on the district map are less important than the boundaries themselves. Overall, the city's proposal for the new districts respects natural and traditional boundaries and is balanced, Raalte said. Moving forward, groups representing the Liberty Hill neighborhood said they will focus on voter registration and other political initiatives, such as busing people to the polls in November. "For right now, well work the hand that we are dealt," Young said. The city's proposed map has five majority-minority districts. North Charleston's current map has five majority-minority districts, and six total African American council members. Mayor Keith Summey pointed out that minority districts don't always elect minority candidates, adding that the redrawn map is one he thinks makes all parties, including the NAACP, comfortable. Liberty Hill representatives aren't the only people displeased with the city's redistricting proposal. Councilman Bob King, who voted against the plan, said he disagreed with how the map "butchered up" the district he represents by removing the Olde North Charleston community from District 8. The district, which covers much of the Park Circle area, has long been the "crown jewel of the city," King said. "I ain't voting for that crap," King said. Redistricting is every 10 years based on census population growth. From 2010 to 2020, the city grew from 97,449 residents to 114,852 residents. The overall percentage of African Americans in North Charleston declined from 47 percent to 40.6 percent from 2010 to 2020. The number of White residents dipped from 42 percent to 40 percent. The Hispanic population grew to about 20 percent. The last of five defendants that faced federal charges stemming from the civil unrest that erupted in downtown Charleston on May 30, 2020, and into May 31, 2020, has pleaded guilty. Shabazz Watson, 27, was convicted March 20 of a single count of arson for fires he set inside the Family Dollar at 478 Meeting St. the night of protests in response to the death of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. Demonstrators took to Charleston's streets five days after Floyd's killing. Earlier peaceful protests descended into chaos as night fell, according to U.S. Attorney Nick Bianchi, who described the looting, vandalizing and fire-setting that took place along King and Meeting streets. +3 2 men plead guilty to state charges stemming from Charleston riot Two men already serving federal prison time for their roles in the May 2020 riot in downtown Charleston have pleaded guilty to charges in state court. Fires alone caused an estimated $2.28 million in damage, according to an after-action report from the Charleston Police Department. All told, officers and firefighters responded to 22 fires, 20 of which were intentionally set, the report stated. One of the worst was at the Family Dollar. Bianchi said that after forcing his way into the store with others, Watson set several different aisles alight, including one containing paper towels, causing the flames to spread quickly and causing more than $1 million in damage. While several others were also inside the store, Bianchi told U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel that Watson "was solely responsible for setting those fires." He initially faced four counts of arson, but prosecutors agreed to drop the other three charges in exchange for his guilty plea. He will be sentenced at a later date. Under the plea agreement, the St. Stephens man faces five years in prison, the minimum sentence for arson. Citing repeated violations, Gergel revoked the new father's bond, ordering him into the custody of U.S. Marshals after the brief hearing on March 20. He hugged his parents and wife, with whom he had a child four weeks ago, according to his attorney, Chris Adams. +2 Judge adds 18 months prison for Charleston rioter after state conviction Abraham "AJ" Jenkins pleaded guilty in the 9th Circuit's general sessions court to second-degree assault and battery, third-degree arson and malicious injury to property. He was sentenced to 18 months in prison. At least 35 people were arrested during the tumult that night, but only five were prosecuted in U.S. District Court. Last year, Orlando Shalrocko King was sentenced to two years for inciting a riot and a weapons offense. He livestreamed while forcing his way into the College Market on King Street, shattering the stores windows, and helping steal approximately $80,000 in store merchandise, according to the U.S. attorneys office. +2 Charleston rioter gets 2 years in federal prison following plea deal Orlando Shalrocko King, 32, was sentenced on Aug. 24 by U.S. District Judge Richard M. Gergel to 24 months followed by 36 months of supervised release for the offense. Kelsey Donnel Jackson was sentenced to two years in federal prison and ordered to pay Charleston police $1,224 for setting fire to a cruiser. Abraham A.J. Jenkins and Tearra Guthrie were each convicted of civil disorder. Jenkins was ordered to pay more than $8,000 in restitution, and serve 18 months in prison. Guthrie was given credit for time served, but also had to pay more than $1,200 in restitution. SIMPSONVILLE The bill passed by the S.C. House in February to allow people to carry a gun in public without a permit is a danger to public safety and should not be passed by the Senate. Read moreCommentary: SC Senate needs to kill dangerous permitless gun bill SPARTANBURG Spartanburg County's library board heard from residents about moving childrens books with LGBTQ characters and themes to its adult sections, mirroring efforts in Greenville and elsewhere in South Carolina. A few dozen people filled the Board of Trustees meeting room of the library headquarters in downtown Spartanburg on March 16. Because of the 30-minute time limit on public input, 11 people spoke. Four speakers wanted the books moved out of the children's section. Seven wanted them to stay. It wasn't the first time the library was criticized for offering children's books with LGBTQ references. Last year, state Sen. Josh Kimbrell, R-Spartanburg, held a news conference calling for certain books to be removed from the children's section. Months later, a group made a similar request to County Council. The Greenville County Library System is going through its own discussion about moving books. Its library board is scheduled March 27 to vote whether to adopt a policy that would remove from the juvenile and young adult sections books that include discussions of gender identity, among other topics, and put them in the adult section instead. The comments during the March 16 meeting in Spartanburg were similar to those previously made to County Council. Once you see some of these things, you cannot unsee them, said Kirsty Schenkel during the public comment section of the library board of trustees meeting. Schenkel brought a box of books she wanted moved, including Rainbow: A First Book of Pride, The Rainbow Parade, My Family, Your Family, The Meaning of Pride and Heather has Two Mommies. County Librarian Todd Stephens said he also noticed an increase in book complaints in the last 12 to 18 months. If a resident wants the library to reconsider where a book is placed, they can fill out the form on the library website and hand it to a librarian. Stephens said staff will then review the book and make a decision. The process has been in place forever, Stephens said. The librarys materials selection policy gives wide latitude to staff to cultivate the collection. Stephens said some complaints have merit. He pointed to the book Sex is a Funny Word as a title the library no longer provides. Stephens said the book is confusing and hard to read. But other books have stayed, including Max and the Talent Show, which features a boy who wears a dress and tiara. Max is different, Stephens said. But its a childrens book. Its about friendship, and its about going to the talent show. Schenkel sent Stephens a list of all the books she wanted him to review, but the review hasnt happened yet. Four of the books are still checked out, Stephens said. After the board meeting, Schenkel opened up My Family, Your Family and pointed to an illustration of a girl with two fathers. One of them had a bag under his arm. She said it could be confusing to preschoolers who pay most attention to external appearances. I dont necessarily have a problem with presenting couples of various orientations, she said. What I have an issue with is the purse here because that sends a mixed message. The child is not going to know if thats a boy or a girl. Tommy Quick, pastor of Promised Land Church of God in Christ in Spartanburg, decried the pornographic nature of the books and accused the library of endangering children. There are some things in this box that I dont think should be browsing material for children under 12 for the simple fact that LGBTQIA+ is a sexual orientation, said Laura Terrio, a former school teacher and mother of three. Amberlyn Boiter, a transgender woman and president of LGBTQ family advocacy group PFLAG Spartanburg, countered that gender nonconformity has been a part of her Cherokee ancestors culture for hundreds of years. I have a 2-year-old daughter, Boiter said. In her world, she has two moms, and one of those moms is transgender. This isnt age-inappropriate or sexual. Its simply who her parents are. If you move books which contain characters like the members of her family, you are telling her (that) her family is something to be hidden. The push for book removal is part of a coordinated, politically motivated effort, said South Carolina Library Association President Melanie Huggins. She said the complaints about pornography are usually targeted at books with LGBTQ characters, but those are not pornographic books. Book complaints in South Carolina spiked in frequency last year, with most occurring in schools rather than public libraries. In 2019, one book was challenged in school libraries. In 2022, it was 307, Huggins said. Librarians have the important job of cultivating diverse collections to match the interest of the community and keep "something on our shelf that offends everyone, Huggins said. Its fundamental to democracy. Its fundamental to critical thinking. If we start to limit what people have access to, we risk marginalizing and oppressing important voices in our community. The third edition of Poetry Cafe has begun at the Grand Ballroom Eko Hotel and Suites Victoria Island, Lagos. Titled World Poetry Day with Wole Soyinka, the event is designed as an evening of engagement in poetry rendition and performances between the grand poet and Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka With the theme, Restating Humanity With The Woman, the event will feature established mid-career and young poets, including students of varied persuasions and styles. Produced by Culture Advocate Caucus, (CAC), and sponsored by Providus Bank, this years edition is dedicated to celebrating womanhood. As a result, the evening will feature eight poets from five countries; Nigeria, UAE, South Africa, Canada and Ghana. Five of the poets are Nigerians, while three are other nationals. The Nigerians are Wana Udobang; Amrah Aliyu; Achalugo Ilozumba; Kemi Bakare, and Jumoke Verissimo, based in Canada. The non-Nigerians are Nathalie Handal (French-American based in Abu Dhabi, UAE), Vuyokazi Ngemntu ( Cape Town, South Africa), and Emma Ofosua (Accra, Ghana). Exploring poetry The producers of Poetry Cafe say the overall idea of the theme is to explore poetry works that pay close critical attention to the various modes of reduction and exclusion that the female gender faces in many parts of the world. The countries include Iran, Afghanistan, Nigeria, and other countries in Asia and other parts of the world. Also speaking about the event in a statement, Mr Soyinka reiterated the strength of poetry to triumph over odds placed on its path by state authorities and people of extremist persuasions. He said, Poetry has survived millennia of corruption, hate and destruction. It will outlive all enemies of the freedom of thought and imagination. Even in the darkness and despair of torture chambers and dens of the hangmen, the ember lives, straining to burst into purifying flames in the least expected places. On its decision to sponsor the programme, a statement from Providus Bank I was told that it has consistently promoted the World Poetry Day project since 2019. They stated that its engagement with the Nigerian literary community is designed to be a cross-generational endeavour, one where established, mid-level and budding writers could share one big stage. World Poetry Day Celebrated on 21 March every year, World Poetry Day was declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1999. It aims to support linguistic diversity through poetic expression and increase the opportunity for endangered languages to be heard. Its purpose is to promote the reading, writing, publishing, and teaching of poetry worldwide in line with the original UNESCO declaration, which aims to give fresh recognition and impetus to national, regional, and international poetry movements. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print After unveiling new programmes for its 20th anniversary, Africa Magic took a giant leap with the production of an action thriller series. The new series titled Lahira tells the daring story about the insecurity in Nigeria through the young character of a brave Nothern girl. Built on the theme of insurgency, the action-packed series premiered on Thursday at the Wheatbaker Hotel in Ikoyi, Lagos, with the attendees complying with the combat chic dress code. In attendance were the President of the Directors Guild of Nigeria- Victor ohai, Comedian Bovi, Zeb Ejiro, Robert and Gloria Young, Yemi Cregx, Sandra Essiene, Bade Smart, Sunday Afolabi and representatives of the army Brigadier General Ojogbane Adegbe. Speaking about the series, Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and West Africa Channels, MultiChoice Nigeria, described the series as an extraordinary project for the Africa Magic platform. This story is very dear to our hearts because it speaks to a part of the country and an unspoken series of occurrences that no one shines any light on. We hear about the insurgency in the news, but we dont feel the experiences of those there. She went on to appreciate the Nigerian armys support and advisory roles during production Id like to thank the Nigerian military. We made this happen with their support, and we wouldnt have been able to pull it off authentically without them. Bravery, Action, Reality Focusing on the sad reality and challenges of terrorism, insurgency, and survival in Northern Nigeria, Lahira tells the story of a brave young girl whose village gets destroyed by armed men. This destruction forces the girl, Lahira, into an IDP camp, but her stay is short-lived as the same insurgents who obliterated her home also stormed the IDP camp and abducted her and other young girls. Doctor Louis Michel, the head of the IDP camp, becomes the insurgents target. In captivity, the fearless Lahira stages several escape attempts and stops at nothing to liberate herself and the other girls. In doing so, she becomes an insufferable plague within the camp. Meanwhile, a special military team the Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) squad leads the search for Lahira and the girls while Doctor Louis must continue trying to evade abduction. Created and directed by Peter Fada, the 13 episodes series was produced by veteran Nigerian filmmaker Justice Atigogo and featured a diverse cast of actors from across the country, including Norbert Young and Gloria Anozie-Young, among others. Unfortunately, the main character Lahira was absent from the premiere due to health issues. Labours of our Heroes past The military, who supported the production from start to finish and provided advisory and protective services for the cast and crew while they shot in Nassarawa, also had representatives at the watch party. Brigadier General O. Adegbe represented the Chief of Defense and gave a short speech, commending Africa Magic for telling the very challenging story of Lahira. Speaking at the private screening, Mr Adegbe, the Director of Psychological warfare for the former aide to President Goodluck Jonathan, thanked Africa Magic for asking the army for support in putting out this story. In those days, you dont mention what happened in the trenches, but its a new military. We are fighting a war where you cannot call the opposition an enemy we call them adversaries, bandits and terrorists. Im so highly pleased to watch the show being scripted and screened. Mr Adegbe pointed out the need for civilians to care about armed forces members. We sit here in Lagos, trust me, a very nice place; you probably dont care about the North-east, but we forget that we have a representative, not from the North-east, that would have died; thats how we are connected. Somebody is representing your local government, your state in the military. Adegbe, who stated he could recall the face of soldiers under him who died from 1997 to 1999, urged people to care more about military members and thanked everyone that took part in the movie. As Im standing right here, I remember the faces of soldiers who died between 1997 to 1999, and thats what we signed up to do. We sacrifice our lives to keep the citizens safe. So, thank you to Africa Magic and the production crew for telling these stories and bringing them to life through Lahira. He also requested that the entire room observe a minute silence for the dearly departed heroes of the armed forces. Lahira, whose production was backed by the Nigerian army, from the first episode set an utter display of the military prowess of the Nigerian army in response to threats within the society. The first episode also evolved into action thrillers production with a great attempt at costumes, combat and sound to accompany the already suspense-filled storyline. Lahira is set to start airing from 4th April and will air every Tuesday at 9:00 pm on Africa Magic Showcase. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Despite laws prohibiting the discrimination of people with disabilities, children with special needs still experience difficulty in accessing adequate education and healthcare resources. The Ugo Edward-Dibiana Down Syndrome Foundation, a non-profit organisation, made this known in a statement issued to commemorate the 2023 World Down Syndrome Day. The Co-founder of the Foundation, Edward Dibiana, lamented the distressing challenges in getting schools to accept children or wards with special needs in the country. Mr Dibiana said children with special needs face lots of stigmatisation and discrimination in Nigeria, a country with laws prohibiting such acts. Despite this law which was supposed to protect the interest of people living with disability, parents of children with special needs still experience difficult and distressing challenges in getting schools to accept their children or wards, as many schools in Nigeria still reject these children on account of their conditions, he said. Thats a sad example of obvious discrimination that the law prohibits. He noted that in some cases, children living with special needs are made to pay extra fees, much higher than those paid by their peers in the same class, just for them to have access to education, a strong violation of the discrimination law. The Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 was signed into law in 2019 to meet four goals for people with disabilities; equal opportunities, full participation in the community, sufficient living, and economic independence. The Act prohibits any form of discrimination against persons on the ground of disabilities and imposes penalties for breaches. However, many persons, living with disabilities have lamented the continuous violations of the provisions of the law. World Down Syndrome Day World Down Syndrome Day is marked globally on 21 March annually to highlight the challenges faced by people living with Down Syndrome and how government and the society could help to assuage their plight. Down Syndrome (or Trisomy 21) is a condition in which a person has an extra chromosome. People living with the syndrome are often impacted by diverse health challenges including internal organ defects and intellectual disability. READ ALSO: According to Down Syndrome International, roughly half of the children born with this condition would have heart defects that would require surgery and adequate post-surgery medicare. Sadly in Nigeria, parents are made to bear this cost without support from the government, contrary to the provisions of the law. Stigmatisation/Discrimination Mr Dibiana also lamented that cultural and social prejudices and stigmatisation of children with special needs have not abetted despite the good intentions of the law. He said the perception that children with special needs are carriers of bad luck or possessed by some demons is still prevalent in Nigerian society. He said the beauty and credibility of every democracy are often judged by how it protects the weak and the disadvantaged demography against tendencies that threaten to hinder their well-being, dignity, and survival in society. For instance, sometimes children with special needs in Nigeria are tragically allowed to die, sadly, due to circumstances that are interwoven in lack of access to healthcare, cultural/religious prejudices, ignorance and incapacitating economic conditions of many indigent parents. He urge the Nigerian government to take steps to protect this vulnerable demography by ensuring strict compliance with laws that were made to protect their rights and interests. This, he said can be achieved by compelling relevant government agencies to escalate enlightenment and sensitisation about the provisions of the law across the nation to promote compliance and curb discrimination against people with disability. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has dismissed Bola Tinubus call for healing after a violent election as the height of hypocrisy. He, however, commended the United States Government for condemning the violent and ethnically charged election in Lagos State. Mr Tinubu had in a statement he personally signed said he was saddened by the infractions in some states as well as the divisive rhetoric that characterised the polls. Atikus Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, in a statement on Tuesday, however, described Mr Tinubus statement as an after-thought and hypocritical garbage. He said it was curious that Tinubu was talking about reconciliation after his minions attacked Igbo voters in Lagos in order to give his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), advantage during the governorship election. Mr Shaibu said Mr Tinubu had continued to protect transport hooligans, politicians and even traditional leaders in Lagos who were seen on video threatening non-indigenes. He said, Tinubus latest statement is laced with hypocrisy and lies. For a whole month, traditional leaders, transport hooligans and politicians in his camp threatened non-indigenes but Tinubu kept mute. His lackey, MC Oluomo, who is a member of his Presidential Campaign Council, was seen on video threatening Igbo people but Tinubu said nothing. His campaign spokesmen, Bayo Onanuga and Femi Fani-Kayode, went on social media to warn Igbo people against exercising their franchise but Tinubu looked the other way. Traditional rulers imposed curfews and went about slaughtering goats and placing them in front of polling units but Tinubu said nothing. A traditional leader and council chairman in Gbara community, Eti Osa local government summoned non-indigenes to a meeting where they threatened non-indigenes with eviction if they failed to vote for the APC but Tinubu said nothing. Those invited by the police ignored invitations because Tinubu was shielding them. On the day of election, many people who looked Igbo were beaten and prevented from voting but Tinubu kept mute. Now that his party has stolen the election, he has found his voice and is preaching reconciliation. He should tell that to the marines. If Tinubu is serious, he should ensure that all those found culpable are arrested and prosecuted. But we know he cannot do this because he is their godfather. Mr Shaibu also described the statement by the US Embassy in Nigeria condemning the violence meted out to the Igbo as a welcome development. He, however, said the US ought to have gone further by mentioning the names of those found culpable and exposing the identities of those it will hit with visa restrictions. Atikus aide added, We commend the US and the EU governments for condemning the violence and intimidation that marred the governorship election especially in Lagos where Tinubus henchmen held the state to ransom. But the US knows the identities of the perpetrators of violence and ought to have mentioned their names. MC Oluomo is an American citizen. The US must also go further by mentioning the names of others including the traditional rulers in Lagos who were complicit. The US has in the past openly condemned Vladmir Putin of Russia and others found wanting in other countries. This is not the time for political correctness. Those who will be slammed with visa bans should be named and shamed. Mr Shaibu maintained that there could be no reconciliation without restitution. He said anything short of this would not heal any wounds. Atikus aide further argued that Mr Tinubu had shown from his electioneering that he had no plan to unite Nigeria but was only after one thing power and the resources of Nigeria. He said, Tinubu is only after power. Before he took over power, Lagos was known for its urbane and accommodating nature. The late Nnamdi Azikiwe built his political base and business empire in Lagos. Mbonu Ojike, born in Imo State, was the Deputy Mayor of Lagos in 1951. Many others from around the country and beyond built businesses and political careers in Lagos unmolested. But on Bola Tinubus watch, Lagos has become an intolerant state where non-indigenes are openly beaten on election day and threatened with eviction if they dont vote for his party. Now he seeks reconciliation? What a joke! There will be no reconciliation until MC Oluomo and all his minions who took part in issuing threats and brutalising people are diligently prosecuted. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print MONROVIA A witness has told a Finnish Appeals Court in Monrovia that a Sierra Leonean man accused of aggravated war crimes and aggravated crimes against humanity, including murders and rapes, was not in Liberia during a year prosecutors say he committed his crimes. Called by both prosecution and defence lawyers, Defense 9, also a Sierra Leonean claimed Gibril Massaquoi, a former commander for Sierra Leones Revolutionary United Front (RUF) was in his native country in 2001. He told the Court on Monday that Mr Massaquoi brought him to Liberia between 2000-2001 to be a caretaker for a guest house, Charles Taylor, the Liberian President at the time, had given to RUF soldiers, including Sam Bockarie, Issa Saysay and Kenneth McCauley, who had come to Liberia on a diplomatic mission. Charles Taylor was hosting us because he was supporting the RUF rebels in Sierra Leone, said Defence 9. In April 2012, the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone convicted and sentenced Mr Taylor to 50 years in prison for supporting the war in that country. 2001 is one of the years prosecutors have alleged Mr Massaquoi was in Liberia and carried out his atrocious crimes. 2002 and 2003 are the other years. READ ALSO: Although the Pirkanma District Court ruled in April 2022 that prosecutors did not prove Mr Massaquois charges beyond a reasonable doubt, they are still making the argument on appealbringing witnesses they believe will help them prove that the Court wrongly ruled against them by acquitting Mr Massaquoi. As they did in the District Court, Mr Massaquois lawyers are arguing on appeal that he was in Sierra Leone at the time of the alleged crimes, providing information to the Special Court. Defence 9 seemed to have done just what they had called him for, linking Mr Masaquoi to no crimes, although he said he was never on the frontlines. He did say that it was Mr Massaquoi, Bockarie, Saysay, McCauley and one Abdul Razak, who frequently travelled to Lofa to fight rebels from the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy. The witness said the rebels were between the Liberian and Guinean borders. But Defence 9 said in 2001, Mr Taylor informed them that the international community had discovered he was hosting them, so he asked them to leave Liberia. The witness said although he made several personal and mission trips to Liberia for the Special Court afterwards, he never saw Mr Massaquoi in Liberia. The hearings continue on Tuesday. The coverage of the appeal of Massaquois acquittal is a collaboration with New Narratives as part of the West Africa Justice Reporting Project. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print President Muhammadu Buhari rejoices with distinguished banker, economist, and philanthropist, Tony Elumelu, CFR, on his 60th birthday, March 22, 2023, sharing joy and warmth of the occasion with the entrepreneur, who was ranked amongst Worlds 100 most influential personalities in 2020 by Time. President Buhari felicitates with Chairman of the United Bank of Africa (UBA) Group on the milestone, affirming the honour and pride that the benefactor has brought to Nigeria, and Africa, with his achievements, lighting the way for many to grow through inspiration, mentorship and training, with focus on raising generation of entrepreneurs. The President believes Elumelus benevolence typifies his humble background and upbringing, starting out as a young banker, daring to dream of a modern and technologically friendly financial institution, Standard Trust Bank, and leading one of the biggest mergers with the UBA, which made history and strengthened the economy. President Buhari notes the combination of youthfulness in style, broadness in networking, with both old and young, and the passion in pursuing and realizing dreams that the entrepreneur continually projects, graciously guiding others to nurture their business ideas to reality, especially in meeting societal needs and rendering value. As the Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Transcorp and Tony Elumelu Foundation clocks 60, the President joins family members, particularly his wife, Dr Awele Elumelu, in thanksgiving to God for all the resourcefulness and impact, with brighter future ahead. President Buhari prays for long life, good health and wisdom for the Humanitarian. Femi Adesina Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) March 21, 2023 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Chief Whip of Senate, Orji Uzor Kalu, has signified his interest in becoming president of Nigerias10th Senate should the position be zoned to the South-east by the All Progressives Congress (APC). Mr Uzor-Kalu said this when he spoke with journalists on Tuesday in Abuja. The 10th National Assembly will be inaugurated in June. I will like the party to zone it to my zone, to my village in Igbere because the president-elect needs people of high character to turn around the economy and work for for the masses and make laws that will enable him turn around the economy. This because, I am an economic person, an entrepreneur, he said. The former Abia governor said he was the most qualified senator for the position based on the Senate rules as well as his pedigree. The Senate has rules. Let me be honest with you, if we practice true democracy, I should not be in contest with any body, because apart from the senate president, deputy senate president,the senate Leader, I am the next ranking member in the Senate going by the position I occupy today in the 9th Senate. It is virtually impossible that the Senate will elect or zone it to a new member of the Senate. The Senate is an established institution that needs somebody with an experience,some one with the skills and will be able to relate, Mr Kalu said. He lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the conduct of the 2023 general election, adding however, that no election all over the world was perfect. We have some lapses, there is no democracy that is perfect, but we must move on, INEC has done the job they can do, it is left for us as lawmakers to tighten the noose in the act where there were mistakes and make necessary amendments in the electoral act. And I want you journalists to highlight where there were lapses, Mr Kalu said. He said the president -elect, when sworn in, would stand firm in giving good governance, and would also stand firm with the 10th assembly to amend the constitution to make for an electronic voting process and do away with paper works in election. For me, no election is perfect and the president-elect is talking about fairness and he will work with the National Assembly in line with human rights to address the issues of economy, electoral processes, police and security and remove the issues around our electoral processes, he said. Mr Kalu said he had been part of team Nigeria and would always be there for Nigerians at all times. And I hope that Nigerians will pray for me to be senate president because it is my turn, he said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Following the conclusion of the 2023 general elections, the Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has expressed appreciation to the people of Kaduna State for the largely peaceful nature of the democratic exercise. Mr El-Rufai stated that he is especially grateful to the people of the state for their votes for the All Progressives Congress (APC), which culminated in the emergence of Bola Tinubu as the president-elect and the declaration of Uba Sani as the governor-elect of Kaduna State, his media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, said in a statement. The Independent National Electoral Commission on Monday announced the candidate of the APC, Mr Sani, as the states governor-elect in Saturdays governorship election in Kaduna. Mr Sani was declared the winner by the Returning Officer from the Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, Lawal Bilbis. He scored a total of 730,002 votes to defeat his close opponent, Isa Ashiru, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who got 719,196 votes. Following the declaration, Mr El-Rufai said he was optimistic that the results of the elections in the state have created an atmosphere that enhances the progress of Nigeria and Kaduna State. He wishes the leaders that have been reelected or freshly elected in this 2023 cycle every success in accelerating the uplift of our country and society and in improving the wellbeing and life chances of all our people. With 69 days left to complete the eight-year mandate the people of Kaduna State have kindly granted him, Malam Nasir El-Rufai wishes to convey his profound appreciation for this privilege of service. He will devote the few weeks to 29 May 2023 to the continued discharge of his duties and to support the transition arrangements for the next government of Kaduna State, Mr Adekeye said in the statement. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Kano State governor-elect, Abba Kabir, has said he will not take for granted the trust between his party the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and the people of Kano State while discharging of his responsibilities as governor. Our unflinching gratitude goes to the entire people of the state. We recognize your determination, courage, loyalty, and commitment as well as your ferocious resolve to defend your sovereign rights and the integrity of our democracy, Mr Kabir said in his acceptance speech on Tuesday. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Mr Kabir as the winner of Saturdays governorship election in Kano. The NNPP candidate won with 1,019,602 votes to defeat the candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Nasiru Gawuna, who scored 890,705 votes. The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Muhammad Abacha, got 15,957 votes while that of the Labour Party, Ishaq Bashir, scored 5,409 votes. The acceptance speech Mr. Kabir said he won the election despite widespread violence, votes buying, and other challenges during the conduct of the governorship and state house of assembly election. Even though our party the NNPP is relatively new coupled with the fact that the logo of our party was poorly depicted on the ballot paper and widespread electoral violence; you still gave us your mandate. We had no money and due to the inflicted poverty on the citizenry the government took advantage by buying votes of the people with both the new and old currencies and distributing wrappers and other household items to voters. Against all these odds you still came out in mass to give us your mandate. We are profoundly grateful and will not take your mandate for granted. Our unreserved commendation goes to members of the armed forces who were deployed to Kano for the election and most of the other security agencies and indeed the Independent Electoral Commission for maintaining their neutrality by keeping the peace and promptly responding to our genuine complaints before, during, and after the elections. In the same vein, I salute and commend the patriotism of members of the media for their coverage and also applaud and appreciate the role played by members of the Civil Society and the numerous domestic and international observer groups that worked tirelessly towards ensuring free, fair, and credible elections, Mr Kabir said. He said he will continue with the legacy of the former governor of the state, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and complete abandoned projects. Our administration will be an off-shoot of the Kwankwaso administration and we assure the good people of Kano State of our resolve to uphold and continue with the philosophy of the Kwankwasiyya. READ ALSO: Kano APC speaks on governorship election We shall continue with its laudable populace policies of good qualitative education, empowerment programs, policies and programs that promote skills acquisition and entrepreneurship, the completion of abandoned projects, free maternal healthcare programs, and the provision of a conducive atmosphere for the development of businesses in and within the state. We cannot complete this acceptance speech without thanking our leader and mentor, His Excellency Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso for his untiring effort that led to the declaration of our mandate today as Governor and Deputy Elect. Finally, we thank all people of goodwill across the country and even foreign nationals, Mr Kabir said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected the governorship election results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Bauchi State, alleging irregularities. The National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Felix Morka, in a statement on Monday, asked INEC to probe alleged overvoting, BVAS compromise and widespread violence during the governorship election in the state. Governor Bala Mohammed of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was declared the winner of the 18 March governorship election in Bauchi on Monday. The INEC said Mr Mohammed had 525,280 votes, while the APC candidate Sadique Abubakar polled 432,272 votes. The Returning Officer, Abdulkarim Mohammed, a professor at the Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State, announced the results on Monday. But the APC said the process was marred by illegalities which favoured the PDP candidate to be declared the winner. APC said, With indisputable cases of over-voting, massive electoral fraud, thuggery, harassment, intimidation, and widespread despicable violence that marred the Bauchi State Governorship election. The All Progressives Congress (APC) calls stridently on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to expeditiously investigate reports that its Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) was compromised in many voting units and cancel invented results of affected polling units in the state. Specifically, in Alkaleri, Kirfi, Toro, Warji, Ningi and Zaki Local Government Areas of Bauchi State which recorded widespread violence, over voting and massive rigging against the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Candidate, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar (Rtd.). It is perplexing that inexplicable massive figures were invented in polling units in which voting didnt take place, and in which results were never collated. Extensive cancellations of polling units results in APC Candidates strongholds were made without valid justification, except to depress his vote count and give undue advantage to the PDP candidate, the incumbent Governor, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed. The opposition APC in the state also accused the ruling PDP of using violence to chase away its agents in some of the polling units during the conduct of the governorship election. Specifically in Alkaleri LGA, APC polling units agents were chased away by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) thugs who took control of affected polling units and thumb-printed ballot papers without BVAS accreditation, and results were gratuitously awarded and written up without voting, as mandated by law. The bogus result in the same Alkaleri LGA with recorded and verifiable over-voting, and in which INECs returning officer was molested and threatened at gunpoint to sign the result sheet was irregularly collated and used in the declaration of the final result of the election in the state, APC said. It added, In one of the many brazen cases recorded by polling unit agents, a reportedly serving PDP Commissioner in the state was captured buying votes in the open and full glare of cameras, citizens, and assisted by security officials that bore a constitutional duty to arrest and take the criminal into custody for further investigation and prosecution. The APC rejects the invented election figures and INECs declaration of the Governor-elect in Bauchi State, and calls on INEC to cancel the election in the afore-mentioned LGAs that were characterized by over-voting, destruction of electoral materials, harassment, intimidation, and widespread violence and other irregularities in line with its power to review the declaration of the result within 7 days under Section 65 of the Electoral Act. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and senator-elect for Akwa Ibom North-west, Godswill Akpabio, has denied an alleged pact with the governorship candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Bassey Albert, during the 18 March state elections. The ex-ministers spokesperson, Jackson Udom, said this in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES on Monday. Some members of the APC and supporters of the former minister in the state had alleged that Mr Akpabio won the senate election partly because Mr Albert directed his partys candidate to step down and urged his party structure to support Mr Akpabio. The senator-elect, PREMIUM TIMES learnt, was to reciprocate the gesture by directing APC supporters across the state to support Mr Albeert, the YPP candidate, during the governorship election. An APC member in the state, Zion Umoh, who claimed to be an aide to Mr Akpabio on special duties, confirmed the existence of the pact on a live Facebook video, PREMIUM TIMES reported last week. YPP stood by APC in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, APC will stand by YPP in Akwa Ibom State, Mr Umoh said in a Facebook post last week. In Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, the APC went on a ward tour. The YPP abandoned their own senatorial candidate, Emmanuel Ekon, and accompanied the APC on the ward tour. I am talking about the YPP stakeholders, they mounted the podium and declared total support for Godswill Akpabio in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District. They stood with us and we gave them that promise that we are going to stand with them for the governorship, Mr Umoh said in the live video. Mr Umoh had made a step further to ask the APC governorship candidate in the state, Akanimo Udofia, to step down for Mr Albert in fulfilment of the pact between Mr Akpabios APC pacts with the YPP governorship candidate. He had argued that Mr Udofia had not campaigned and did not have the goodwill of the people to win the governorship election compared to the YPP candidate, whom he said, had a support base across the state. Akan Udofia has never supported the opposition party in Akwa Ibom State and has no clue on how to play the opposition politics in Akwa Ibom State and we the people must align with reality to chat a new course with YPP before we lose another eight years, he said in another Facebook post. READ ALSO: Many were made to believe Mr Umohs claim because Mr Akpabios campaign organisation did not issue a disclaimer condemning his utterances against the APC governorship candidate. Also, Mr Akpabio was not seen campaigning for Mr Udofia in Uyo and Eket senatorial districts, a development that triggered speculations that he might have abandoned Mr Udofia after winning the senate race. No pact between Mr Akpabio and Mr Albert Mr Udom Reacting to the allegations, Mr Akpabios spokesperson, Mr Udom, dismissed speculations that the former minister abandoned the APC governorship candidate. Mr Udom told PREMIUM TIMES that Mr Akpabio had to rush to Abuja shortly after the APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, was declared president-elect to witness the presentation of a certificate of return to Mr Tinubu. He said Mr Akpabio also waited to collect his certificate of return as a senator-elect before returning to Uyo. After collecting his certificate of return, he addressed the press that by the virtue of the victory of Mr Tinubu and his own victory that the people of Akwa Ibom state should rise and vote en masse for Akanimo Udofia for a seamless link to the national, the ministers spokesperson said. He denied the existence of any pact between Mr Akpabio and the YPP candidate and urged the people to disregard such rumour. There was no pact between the two of them. I am not aware of that. I said there was nothing like a pact between anybody. No, Mr Alert did not tell anybody to vote for Mr Akpabio and leave their own candidate in Ikot Ekpene senatorial district. The people voted for Akpabio based on his antecedents and achievements in public office. So if other party members voted for him it is on their own conviction, he said. He challenged Mr Umoh who claimed to be working for Mr Akpabio as an aide on special duty to produce his evidence of appointment by the senator-elect and urged the public to disregard claims. Anytime you see him, ask him to produce his letter of appointment. I have mine. Anybody can say anything but what we know is that Mr Umoh is not an aide in whatever form to Akpabio. He has no right to speak on behalf of Mr Akpabio. Mr Udom said his boss was not aware that Mr Umoh had been attacking Mr Udofia, adding that a group from the Ikot Ekpene senatorial district had denied that Mr Umoh was working for the senator-elect. He did not, however, say if the groups disclaimer had the backing of Mr Akpabio. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reacted to the suspension of the collation of the results of Saturdays governorship elections in Enugu and Abia states. PREMIUM TIMES reported that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Monday, ordered the suspension of results collation in two local government areas of Enugu State over alleged irregularities. The two affected local government areas in Enugu State are Nsukka and Nkanu East. Festus Okoye, the spokesperson for the INEC, said in a statement on Monday, that collation of the governorship results from the two areas was suspended due to reports from state collation officials calling for the review of the governorship election in the areas. Similarly, Mr Okoye, a lawyer, said the commission also suspended the collation of the governorship election results in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State over alleged attack and invasion of its local government office by suspected thugs in the area. PDP speaks on Enugu Reacting to the development, the PDP campaign organisation in Enugu State criticised the INEC for the decision, arguing that the commission lacked the power, by law, to suspend the declaration of already collated results. The spokesperson for the PDP campaign council in the state, Nana Ogbodo, said this at a press conference on Monday. Mr Ogbodo said INEC was also wrong to present Abia and Enugu cases as the same. He pointed out that unlike the case of Abia, the results from 17 local government areas of Enugu State had been collated since Sunday and only remaining to be tallied to declare the winner. That is why we are saying that INEC is overreaching itself, they have no powers at this stage to suspend the pronouncement or declaration of the winner of the election, which is our candidate, he said. He added, Section 64 (8) of the Electoral Act 2022 provides that where collation has been completed as in the present case of Enugu State, the duty of the collation officer, who collated the result is to announce the result and make a declaration. Therefore, having collated the results from Nsukka LGA and Nkanu East LGA, the statutory duty and legal responsibility of the state returning officer is simply to announce and declare the results, as INEC cannot, by law, suspend the declaration of the result already collated. During collation of the results on Sunday, some agents of other political parties had demanded the cancellation of the results from the Nkanu East Council Area on the basis that the number of votes cast exceeded the number of accredited voters in the area. But the spokesperson for the PDP campaign said, even in such a situation, Section 51 (2) of the Act did not permit a returning officer to cancel any results at the stage of collation. The only option open to any person dissatisfied with the process is to resort to Section 130 91) of the Electoral Act, which vests the power to receive and adjudicate petitions complaining of an undue election or return in an election in the tribunal or court, he said. He added that the PDP was dissatisfied with the results from Nsukka, Udenu, Isi-Uzo, Ezeagu Local Government Areas but would challenge the results at appropriate quarters later, and not at the stage of collation. We therefore call on INEC to immediately announce the summation of the 17 local government areas it has already collated and declare Peter Ndubuisi Mbah the winner of the March election, Mr Ogbodo added. Meanwhile, based on the results announced on Sunday, the race for the Enugu governorship is a close one between the PDP and the Labour Party with the PDP having a narrow lead. Party speaks on Abia Also reacting to the suspension of the collation of the governorship election in Abia State, the PDP in the state said it was shocked and disappointed that the INEC would take such a decision in the state after the results had passed through polling unit, ward and local government collation processes. The chairperson of the PDP in the state, Asiforo Okere, in a statement on Monday, said the party was not aware of any report from security agencies in the state indicating violence in Obingwa Council Area during and after the Saturdays election to justify the suspension of collation. We suspect strongly that this so called review is another grand design to subvert the 2022 electoral guidelines, as published by INEC in our state given that in the case of presidential elections, PDP and other parties made similar calls for review without acceptance by INEC that simply asked them to go to court, he said. Mr Okere also claimed that there were reports that some INEC officials were held hostage in Ohafia, Umuahia South and Umuahia North local government areas but that the commission still accepted results from the areas. He said the PDP and other political parties had complained about results that were allegedly changed at INEC office in Umuahia particularly in Umuahia North, Umuahia South, Osisioma, Aba North, Aba South and Arochukwu local government areas. But the commission did not take any action. We therefore call on INEC to immediately accept and announce Obingwa LGA results as collated from units through the wards, using the same guidelines and rules they applied during the 2023 presidential election, the PDP chairperson added. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has filed his petition to challenge the victory of Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 25 February election. Mr Obi, who came third in the election, filed his petition to challenge the outcome of the poll at the Presidential Election Petition Court in Abuja at about midnight on Tuesday. He alleged that the election was characterised by various irregularities including the non-qualification of Mr Tinubu and his running mate, Kashim Shettima to contest the election. He also alleged that Mr Tinubu failed to win the majority of the lawful votes cast in the election, and just as he could not secure one-quarter of the lawful votes cast in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. He also alleged that the election was conducted in substantial non-compliance with the provision of the law. The Labour Party candidate, therefore, urged the court to either declare him the president-elect, in the belief that he scored the majority of the lawful votes during the election, or nullify the entire election and order a fresh election. The petition contains a total of five prayers divided into two categories two main prayers and three alternative prayers. Mr Obi jointly filed the petition alongside his party, the Labour Party. The co-petitioners sued the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mr Tinubu, Kashim Shettima (vice-president-elect) and their party, the APC, as the respondents. The petitioners filed their case on Tuesday, beating the 21-day deadline that began to count from March 1 when INEC declared the winner of the election. INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, who announced the final results in the early hours of 1 March in Abuja, said Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) came second in the election. Atiku polled a total of 6,984,520 votes in the election, according to the results declared by INEC. Mr Obi of the Labour Party came behind Atiku with a total of 6,101,533 votes, while Rabiu Kwankwaso of the NNPP came fourth with 1,496,687 votes. Mr Obis legal team which filed the petition against the outcome of the election on Tuesday is led by Livy Uzoukwu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). Mr Uzoukwu led Atikus legal team when the former vice president unsuccessfully challenged the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019. Grounds of the petition As part of the grounds of the petition, Mr Obi argued that Mr Tinubu, at the time of the (presidential) election, was not qualified to contest the election. The petitioner anchored this claim on the grounds that the Mr Tinubu was fined $460,000 for an offence involving dishonesty, namely narcotics trafficking imposed by the United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division, in case no:93C 4483 between the United States of America and Bola Tinubu. Concerning the alleged non-qualification of Mr Tinubus running mate, Mr Shettima, the petitioner cited his nomination for two separate constituencies as Borno Central senatorial candidate and vice-presidential candidate for the whole of Nigeria in the same election cycle. He said the law provided that a presidential candidate shall nominate another person as his associate who is to occupy the office of vice president. He recalled that Mr Tinubu had nominated Mr Shettima as his vice-presidential candidate on 14 July 2022 while the latter was still representing Borno Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly. He added that the APC nominated Mr Shettima as its candidate for Borno Central Senatorial District as of 15 July 2022, while already chosen by Mr Tinubu as his running mate. Mr Obi said Mr Shettima should not have allowed himself to be nominated in more than one constituency. He said this was a violation of the provision of the Electoral Act. He vowed to prove in court that APCs purported sponsorship of Messrs Tinubu and Shettima while the latter was still representing Borno Central Senatorial district, rendered their candidacy invalid. He added that for this reason, the votes purportedly recorded for Mr Tinubu at the presidential election were/are wasted votes and ought to be disregarded. The petitioner also contended that Mr Tinubu was not duly elected by majority of the lawful votes cast at the time of the election. He argued that Mr Tinubu did not win the majority of lawful votes cast in each of at least two-third of the states of the federation and the FCT, Abuja. He added that Mr Tinubu was not entitled to be declared the winner of the election having failed to score one-quarter of the lawful votes cast in the FCT in the election. 5 prayers Mr Obi put forward five prayers in court. Three of them are alternative prayers to the two main ones. In his two main prayers, he urged the court to declare Mr Tinubu and his running mate, Kashim Shettima, unqualified to contest the 25 presidential election. Still under the first prayer, he urged the court to declare that Mr Tinubu did not score the majority of the lawful votes cast in the election. He asked the court to declare that he satisfied the constitutional requirements to be declared the winner of the 25 February 2023 presidential election after the deduction of alleged illegal votes from Mr Tinubus scores. In the second main prayer, Mr urged the court to invalidate Mr Tinubus victory due to his failure to win one-quarter of the lawful votes cast in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. However, in his third prayer, which he put forward as an alternative prayer, Mr Obi urged the court to cancel the election and order INEC to conduct a fresh one. But he went further to repeat his claim that he won the election in prayer 4 which he also put forward as an alternative prayer. Claiming to have secured the majority of the lawful votes cast during the 25 February election, Mr Obi called on the court to declare him the president-elect, and order the INEC to issue him a certificate of return. He urged the court to void the certificate of return wrongly issued to Mr Tinubu. In his fifth prayer, another alternative prayer, he called on the court to nullify the election which he said was conducted without compliance with the electoral law, and order a fresh poll. READ THE 5 PRAYERS IN FULL The Petitioners, therefore, seek the following Reliefs from this Honourable Court: 1. (i) That it be determined that at the time of the Presidential Election held on 25th February, 2023, the 2nd and 3rd Respondents (Tinubu and Shettima) were not qualified to contest the election. (ii) That it be determined that all the votes recorded for the 2nd respondent in the election are wasted votes, owing to the non-qualification/disqualification of the 2nd and 3rd respondents. (iii) That it be determined that on the basis of the remaining votes (after discountenancing the votes credited to the 2nd Respondent) the 1st petitioner (Mr Obi) scored a majority of the lawful votes cast at the election and had not less than 25 per cent of the votes cast in each of at least 2/3 (two-third) of the states of the federation, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and satisfied the constitutional requirements to be declared the winner of the 25 February 2023 presidential election. 2. That it be determined that the 2nd Respondent having failed to score one-quarter of the votes cast at the presidential election in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, was not entitled to be declared and returned as the winner of the presidential election held on 25 February 2023. IN THE ALTERNATIVE TO 2 ABOVE: 3. An order cancelling the election and compelling the 1st Respondent to conduct a fresh election at which the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Respondents shall not participate. IN THE ALTERNATIVE TO 1, 2 AND 3 ABOVE: 4. (i) That it may be determined that the 2nd Respondent was not duly elected by a majority of the lawful votes cast in the election for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria held on 25 February 2023; and therefore, the declaration and return of the 2nd Respondent as the winner of the Presidential election are unlawful, unconstitutional and of no effect whatsoever. (ii) That it be determined that based on the valid votes cast at the Presidential election of 25 February, 2023, the 1st Petitioner scored the highest number of votes cast at the election and not less than one-quarter of the votes cast at the election in each of at least two-thirds of all the States in the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and ought to be declared and returned as the winner of the Presidential election. (iii) An Order directing the 1st Respondent to issue the Certificate of Return to the 1st Petitioner as the duly elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. (iv) That it be determined that the Certificate of Return wrongly issued to the 2nd Respondent by the 1st Respondent is null and void and be set aside. FURTHER ALTERNATIVE TO 1, 2,3 AND 4 ABOVE: 5 (i) That the Presidential election conducted on 25th February, 2023 is void on the ground that the election was not conducted substantially in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, (ii) An order cancelling the Presidential Election conducted on 25th February 2023 and mandating the 1st Respondent to conduct a fresh election for the office of President, the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Jigawa State governor-elect, Umar Namadi, has pledged to be just, fair, and pragmatic in his administration of the affairs of the state. Mr Namadi said this in his acceptance speech, signed by his media aide, Ahmad Haruna, on Tuesday. The Independent National Eletoral Commission (INEC) had declared him the winner of the governorship election held in the state on Saturday. Mr Namadi won in 26 of the 27 local government areas in Jigawa State with a total of 618,449 votes. He defeated his closest challenger, Mustapha Lamido of the People Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 368,726 votes. The candidate of the New Nigeria People Party (NNPP), Aminu Ibrahim, came a distant third with 37,156. Gratitude The governor-elect expressed gratitude to the people of Jigawa State for reposing their trust in him by electing him as their governor. I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who cast a ballot in this election. Your votes have demonstrated that you share our vision for a Greater Jigawa State, and I promise to work assiduously to make that vision a reality, Mr Namadi said. He also thanked Governor Muhammad Badaru for his mentorship and service to the state, saying that nothing would have been possible about this milestone without his approach to leadership As we celebrate this victory, let us remember that this is not just a victory for me or our party, but a victory for all the people of Jigawa State. Our victory is a testament to the effectiveness of our democracy, and to the strength and resilience of our people. Our governments priorities will be on building a strong economy, creating jobs, expanding access to quality education, and enhancing the provision of healthcare services. We will make investments in critical infrastructure to facilitate travel and commerce across the state. We will prioritize the welfare of our people, especially the vulnerable and marginalized, and ensure that no one is left behind. We will work to promote peace and unity in our state and create an enabling environment for businesses to prosper. We will work hand in hand with traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society groups, and other government officials to ensure that we deliver on our promises to the people of Jigawa State, Mr Namadi said. He called on the people of Jigawa State to come together as one people, united in their quest for a better state. He said everyone was an equal partner in the task of building a better Jigawa State. The governor-elect thanked all his supporters, volunteers, and well-wishers for their dedication to the cause of the state. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has rejected the results of Saturdays House of Assembly elections, saying it will challenge the outcome in court. This is even as six members of the party have sued the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali, in court over their alleged maltreatment by men of the police force during the just-concluded elections in Ondo State. They were said to have been illegally arrested and detained during the election. The PDP members are Taoheed Jimoh, Kazeem Sumonu, Tayo Oyedeji, Hakeem Sanuni, Afelumo Peter, and Ademuwagun Ganiyu. The suit was filed through their lawyer, Adetoye Akinsemoye, seeking the enforcement of their fundamental human rights as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution. Party spokesperson, Kennedy Peretei, said on Tuesday that the party had enough evidence that the elections were inconclusive in some constituencies while there were manipulations in some others. For us, the process is not concluded yet. We have sufficient evidence that Ose is not conclusive. We also have sufficient evidence that some of the units in Odibgo Constituency 2 were manipulated, he said. Mr Peretei said the partys lawyers were still studying the rest of the results and would take a final decision on Thursday. By the official results declared by INEC, the PDP won only four of the 26 seats at the assembly while the APC won 22. The seats won by the PDP are; Akure South Constituency 1; Akoko southwest constituency 1, Akoko South West Constituency 2 and Akoko Northwest constituency 2. On the suit filed at the Federal High Court, Akure, the party chieftains joined a policeman, Faloni Felix, and one Bode Obanla as defendants. The applicants alleged that they were arrested by the police on the instigation of Mr Obanla for alleged anti-party activities in Akoko Northeast local government area of Ondo state days before the March 18 House of Assembly election in the constituency. Prayers They sought a declaration that the arrest, detention of the 1st Applicant from 15h day of March to 16th day of March 2023 is unlawful and constitutes grave violations of the Applicants rights to human dignity and personal liberty. Also, they asked for a declaration the threat to arrest, call invitation being issued by the 1st to 3rd Respondents on the instigation, motivation of the 4th Respondent is unlawful. Besides, the applicants prayed for an order of this Honourable Court restraining the Respondents from arresting, issuing a further threat to arrest, regular calls to any of the Applicants in respect of allegation levied/reported by the Respondents. They prayed the court to issue an order directing the respondents to pay the first applicant the sum of N100,000 as general and exemplary damages on account of the grave breaches of the applicants fundamental rights to freedom of movement, personal liberty, and dignity of the human person, occasioned by the illegal and unlawful acts of the Respondents. They further asked for an order compelling the defendants to release the mobile phone belonging to the first applicant which was forcefully impounded. A part of the grounds of their suit, the applicants said as citizens of Nigeria, they deserved personal liberty and the right to personal dignity, and on no account in this circumstance, should their movement be curtailed. The court fixed 22 March for hearing. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Since the outbreak of Diphtheria in January 2023, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has continued to record new infections and fatalities in the country. NCDC in its latest situation report from weeks six to eight shows that a total of 377 suspected cases were reported from seven states across the country. Of the 377 suspected cases reported, NCDC noted that 102 were confirmed, 113 (30 per cent) were discarded; 148 (39.3 per cent) are pending classification and 14 (3.7 per cent) were unknown. The disease control centre added that six deaths with a case fatality ratio (CFR) of 5.8 per cent were recorded from the confirmed cases during the weeks under review. Kano tops infection chart Kano State, North-west Nigeria, has maintained the lead on the Diphtheria infection chart since the NCDC announced the outbreak in January. The disease centre had confirmed in a public health advisory issued in the wake of the outbreak that not less than 25 people have reportedly died from the disease in Kano State. The State Government subsequently confirmed the infection outbreak in 13 local government areas of the state, with 100 suspected cases and three deaths recorded as of 20 January. In the latest situation report, Kano State recorded 96.8 per cent (355) of the 377 suspected cases reported from weeks 6 to 9 of 2023. Cumulative from 2022 According to NCDC, Nigeria has recorded a total of 389 confirmed Diphtheria infections and 62 deaths across 24 local government areas in six states from week 19 of 2022 to week 9 of 2023. NCDC noted that only 60 (15.4 per cent) of 389 cases were fully vaccinated with a diphtheria toxin-containing vaccine. It added that the majority of 78.4 per cent of the confirmed cases occurred among children aged two to 14 years. NCDC also noted that a total of 1,064 suspected cases were reported from 21 states. Six states: Kano (843), Yobe (86), Katsina (46), Lagos (22), Sokoto (14) and Zamfara (13) accounted for 96.2 per cent of these suspected cases. Of the 1,064 suspected cases reported, 389 (36.6 per cent) were confirmed, 322 (30.3 per cent) were discarded, 201 (18.9 per cent) are pending classification, and 152 (14.3 per cent) are unknown, the disease centre noted. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The European Union Election Observer Mission (EU EOM) has said the 18 March governorship and states houses of assembly elections lacked transparency. The EU-EOM Chief Observer, Barry Andrews, stated this in its preliminary observation report for the elections. Mr Andrews, however, said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) improved on logistics during Saturdays gubernatorial elections. Positively, INEC introduced some corrective measures ahead of Saturdays polls, allowing a timely delivery of sensitive materials and improved use of election technologies, yet the institution continued to lack transparency, he said. He said the EU observers witnessed a widespread voter apathy, which he attributed to the consequence of INECs earlier flaws. Mr Andrews said the missions findings revealed that while voting mostly started on time, there were multiple incidents of thuggery and intimidation of voters, polling officials, observers, and journalists, disrupting the process in some parts of the country. Throughout the mission we saw that Nigerians have a great appetite for democracy and are keen to engage in various civic activities, he said. However, in many parts of the country, their expectations were not met. Many were disappointed and we witnessed voter apathy that is in part a clear consequence of failures by political elites and, unfortunately, also by INEC. He also noted that the mission directly observed incidents of vote buying. Lagos, Kano, and other states in the southern and central part were most affected, he said. Unfortunately, there were many casualties and fatalities. Vote-buying, also directly observed by EU EOM observers, further detracted from an appropriate conduct of the elections. Mr Andrews said the underrepresentation of women as candidates in the elections demonstrated a lack of internal party policies to support constitutionally prescribed inclusion, contrary to Nigerias international commitments to eradicate discrimination against women. He also commended the civil society, media and fact-checkers commitment to promoting democratic standards, through the provision of electoral information of public interest to voters. He added that the mission, which has been in Nigeria since 11 January, will continue to observe post election developments and will present and publish its final report, including recommendations for improving the electoral framework in the next few months. On 27 February, the EU-EOM released the preliminary report for the presidential and National Assembly elections, where it also noted a lack of both efficiency and transparency in the critical stages of the electoral process. Qosim Suleiman is a reporter at Premium Times in partnership with Report for the World, which matches local newsrooms with talented emerging journalists to report on under-covered issues around the globe Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print President Muhammadu Buhari has inaugurated the new Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and National Counterterrorism Centre (NCTC). The two state-of-the-art facilities are meant to optimise efforts at addressing evolving security challenges in the country, especially terrorism and violent extremism. Speaking at the inauguration of the two world-class facilities, the president said they would serve as a major legacy to provide the incoming administration with infrastructure to effectively coordinate national security and counterterrorism efforts. He also used the occasion to outline significant milestones achieved by his administration on National Security. These, according to him, include gains in combating terrorism, armed banditry, kidnapping, separatist tendencies, crude oil theft, piracy as well as militancy in the South-south and cyber-security. On the threat of terrorism, which was labelled as a major security challenge facing the country when he assumed office in 2015, the president said: I can confidently state here today that we have achieved significant milestones in degrading the major threat and restoring normalcy to most of the hitherto securitized areas in the North-east. These areas previously occupied by terrorists have been freed and Internally Displaced Persons are voluntarily returning to their homes. This was largely achieved through the valiant efforts of our armed forces and other security agencies, in collaboration with our regional and international partners but above all, the support and cooperation of the Nigerian citizens. Apart from the degraded threat of terrorism in the North-east, Mr Buhari also expressed delight that government had curbed the series of armed banditry and kidnapping cases in the North-west and North-central zones. He said that these criminal acts had emerged as a result of the scattering of Boko Haram in the North-east and the implosion of Libya in the Maghreb. On separatist agitations, the president noted that agitators in the South-east and to a much lesser extent the South-west, who have been experiencing concerns of separatist tendencies were being checkmated. Meanwhile, issues of crude oil theft, sea robbery, piracy and militancy in the South-south are equally being addressed. Most of these threats have transnational linkages thereby reinforcing the need for regional and international cooperation as critical enablers to enhance our national security, he said. On maritime security, Mr Buhari expressed delight that some key threats within Nigerias Maritime Environment such as piracy, sea robbery, crude oil theft as well as illegal unregulated and unreported fishing were being effectively tackled. He said between August 2018 and March 2023, over 220 vessels involved in maritime criminality within Nigerias Exclusive Economic Zone, up to the Republic of Togo, had been prosecuted. Mr Buhari commended the Falcon Eye maritime domain awareness project, domiciled with the Nigerian Navy and coordinated by ONSA, for providing high-quality real-time intelligence, leading to the arrest and prosecution of economic saboteurs. He added that over 87 oil tankers involved in various crude oil and product theft had been arrested, the theft of over three million barrels of crude oil was prevented and 15 million litres of petrol and diesel recovered. Recent commendations from the International Maritime Organisation, European Union and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to Nigeria on our efforts in reducing maritime criminality in the Gulf of Guinea and successful prosecution of pirates in the region are worth mentioning, he said. Cyber threats On cyber threats, the president underscored the importance of protecting Nigerias cyberspace from all forms of intrusion. To this end, Mr Buhari said in addition to receiving regular briefing from the Cybercrime Advisory Council, the government had established the Nigeria Computer Emergency Response Team and revised the National Cyber Security Policy and Strategy in February 2021. To further complement these efforts, I will soon be endorsing the Presidential Order for the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure. This is bearing in mind that cyberspace creates a nexus for synchronizing efforts of our security and law enforcement agencies towards addressing numerous security challenges, he said. On the newly inaugurated top grade facilities, the president described the secure and hi-tech offices as a demonstration of his administrations firm commitment to ensure national security capabilities were kept abreast with the highest global standards. According to him, the offices are designed to enhance strategic response to a broad range of current and emerging security concerns. Mr Buhari said Nigeria exists in an interconnected world and therefore must be able to face and respond to both domestic and global security challenges. While congratulating the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, a retired major general, and his team for this noble achievement, the president expressed confidence that the new facilities would in no small measure enhance the desired peaceful and secure environment for the country. He also commended some of the key security policy documents either produced or revised by this administration and supervised by ONSA. These included the National Counterterrorism Strategy 2016, National Security Strategy 2019, National Cyber Security Policy and Strategy 2021 and the National Crisis Management Doctrine 2022. Mr Buhari said: In broad terms, these policy documents emphasise a Whole-of-Government involving all the ministries, departments and agencies in combination with a Whole-of-Society involving civil society organisations and the citizenry. Thereby, we can achieve a Whole-of-Nation, and ultimately a Whole-of-Region approach involving our contiguous neighbours, ECOWAS and AU partners in order to address various dimensions of security concerns. ONSA In his address of welcome, Mr Monguno said the dynamic nature of global and domestic security environment necessitated the modification and expansion of some of the functions of ONSA. According to him, ONSAs core mandate is to assess the security concerns of the country and advise the president on all matters bordering on national security. He, however, noted that the changing nature of the security landscape over the last three decades in the country and across the world had led to the broadening of ONSAs mandate to accommodate the needs of emerging security threats. The new office for the NCTC is designed to accommodate the additional workforce and improved technological capabilities of the Centre, particularly the Exclusive Devices Analysis Office (EDAO) , increasing activities of countering violent extremism department and joint terrorism analysis branch. The new ONSA and NCTC complex boasts of office spaces, a world-class hall, conference rooms, team rooms, laboratories, an auditorium and an operations/crisis centre, he said. The NSA observed that the facilities would further enhance Nigerias already recognized contribution to global counterterrorism policy and practice efforts. They will also give impetus to the countrys internal, bilateral, and multilateral cooperation and collaboration in tackling the menace of terrorism and violent extremism. Mr Monguno commended Mr Buhari for his administrations investment strategy in legacy infrastructure projects and also acknowledged the support of the National Assembly. In his goodwill message, the UN Resident Coordinator for Nigeria, Matthias Schmale, commended Mr Buhari and his government for championing the NCTC. He said: This is no doubt part of your legacy that will enable Nigeria continue to address domestic and regional security challenges. Mr Schmale was represented by Kimaris Toogood, Peace and Advisor, Office of the Resident Coordinator (UN Nigeria). He also commended the progress made by the Nigerian military to degrade the operational capacity of Islamic State West Africa Province and Boko Haram and to improve intelligence gathering on suspected terrorists. The top UN official in Nigeria praised ONSA for the development of threat assessments and watchlists, active cooperation with Interpol. He also acknoledged the establishment of multiagency screening processes, the trials of multiple terrorist suspects, and the development of federal and state rehabilitation and reintegration programmes. Mr Schmale said: We all know that it takes both kinetic and non-kinetic responses to end terrorism. The fact that almost 80,000 persons have surrendered to authorities in the North-east since May 2021 represents a real opportunity to shift the dynamic. Challenges remain in terms of screening and identification of those individuals and ensuring appropriate responses in line with their needs and profiles. Some persons are no doubt deserving of and desperate for humanitarian assistance. And likewise, individuals will need to be accountable for their crimes and justice will need to be served. He said the UN stands willing and ready to support the Government of Nigeria on this effort, and commends Governor Babagana Zulum for developing the Borno Model and engaging with the UN on this matter. Mr Schmale pledged that UN would continue to be a strong partner and supporter of Nigerias efforts to address the issues of insecurity and terrorism. He recalled that since 2001, the Security Council had adopted more than 40 counter-terrorism resolutions. As outlined in these resolutions, Member States are obliged to implement significant measures at the national level while also enhancing bilateral and multilateral cooperation to counter and eradicate terrorism. As part of a whole of government effort these include criminalizing terrorist acts and prosecuting offenders, countering the financing of terrorism, enhancing border security, countering incitement to terrorism and addressing the root causes. The visit of the Members of the UN Security Council to Nigeria and the passage of Resolution 2349 of 31st March 2017 are the strongest demonstrations yet of the UNd commitment to supporting Nigerias counter terrorism efforts, the UN official said. Mr Schmale said that the newly inaugurated NCTC would effectively contribute to advancing implementation of these various Security Council resolutions. He added: And is thus a positive step towards Nigeria fulfilling its obligations under international law. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano, Nasiru Gawuna, said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should have declared Saturdays governorship election inconclusive due to widespread violence. He said the INEC declared elections into the states House of Assembly as inconclusive due to the violence in the state but refused to do so for the governorship election. Mr Gawuna lost the election to the candidate of the New Nigeria People Party (NNPP), Abba Kabir. The NNPP candidate won with 1,019,602 votes to Mr Gawunas, 890,705 votes. Mr Gawuna in his first appearance after the governorship election expressed surprise that INEC which presided over the same elections governorship and House of Assembly- treated the outcomes differently. Meanwhile, the leadership of the APC in the state has rejected the declaration of Mr Kabir as the winner of the election. The APC chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, asked for an immediate review of the election result by INEC within seven days. Mr Abbas, represented by the partys legal adviser, Abdul Fagge, said that the election should be declared inconclusive because the canceled votes were greater than the margin between the winner and the runner-up respectively as provided by the Electoral Act 2020. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print President Muhammadu Buhari says given the chance of a free and fair election as well as non-interference as was witnessed on 25 February and 18 March elections, Nigerians have proved to be capable of deciding who leads them without anyone telling them what to do. Mr Buhari who expressed satisfaction with remarkable passion towards democracy exhibited by Nigerians through the choices they made in the presidential, National Assembly and the subsequent governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections, said Nigerias democracy has truly matured. People are realising their power. Given the chance of a free and fair vote, nobody can tell them what to do. I am unhappy that some candidates lost in the election. But I am inspired by the fact that voters were able to make their own decision, to decide who won and who lost. With the currency change, there was no money to spread around but even then, I told voters to take the money and vote according to their consciences, the president said. Mr Buhari who was speaking at a farewell meeting with the outgoing United States Ambassador, Mary Beth Leonard, at the State House in Abuja, said he was completely satisfied with his own role in the election process staying above it, without meddlesomeness or any form of interference. It was the first time the president will be speaking on last Saturdays polls, which some observers said were characterised by intimidation, vote buying, violence and other forms of irregularities. Mr Buhari commended the outgoing ambassador for the enormous achievements recorded in Nigeria-US relations in the three-and-half years she had been here. He chronicled a number of challenges faced by Nigeria as the country strives to unite our diverse communities and achieve national development and expressed his appreciation of the way the United States is able to hold together as a nation. He expressed the hope that Nigeria will continue to make progress in building a nation out of our different and competitive communities. He added that he enjoyed working with the ambassador and wished that she had more time to serve here. In an answer to a question posed by Ms Leonard, Mr Buhari said he planned to be a big landlord back at home, working his farms and tending his more than 300 animals. I am eager to go, said the president. In her remarks, the American ambassador said she was happy with the progress made in Nigeria-US relations in these three-and half years, specifically citing the recent institution of a five-year visa regime between the two countries; active collaboration in security and the supply of military hardware including war planes and the soon-to-come fighter helicopters; and also cooperation in the health sector to fight HIV and Covid response, giving assurances that US will continue to assist in the strengthening of Nigerias health sector. Ms Leonard expressed her gratitude and that of the US government in the continuing role of the president in ensuring regional security and strengthening of democracy as a system of government, citing his strong response against the recent surge of coups-detat in West Africa as worthy of commendation. She expressed hope that even as he is preparing to leave, there are still a few more things the president could do, among which she mentioned, the urgent need to remove fuel subsidy. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Governor Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos APC have opened the Pandoras box. They have crossed a line that cannot be uncrossed. The physical wounds the thugs have inflicted on innocent people may heal in the weeks to come, but the scars of ethnic profiling and a vicious and malicious propaganda of hate, may take an entire generation to fix. Was it worth it? As the results of the 25 February presidential election filtered in, it shocked many, especially the political elites in Lagos, that Senator Bola Tinubu (now president-elect) had lost his home state to the candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi. Although the All Progressives Congress (APC) also failed to pull a win in Kano, Osun, Katsina, and the FCT, Abuja, losing Lagos seemed to cut deeper. A post-mortem of the shocking result in Lagos yielded two significant conclusions. The first was that the ruling party in Lagos had lost the support of young voters a critical demographic in the 2023 elections. Secondly, and even more worrying, was that it had lost the confidence of the educated middle class population in Lagos. And so, it became obvious that the party could suffer a similar fate in the governorship race if it went into that election without young voters and the educated middle class. As a last resort, in a bid to maintain its flailing hold on power, the APC resorted to identity politics and ran the most divisive ethnocentric campaign ever witnessed in Lagos since the return to democratic rule in 1999. Even though some of his supporters believe that Sanwo-Olu is one of the better performing governors, his campaign was not based on the impact of his stewardship on the lives of Lagosians, but on a primordial technique of acquiring power fascism. The key thing about fascist politics is that it identifies an enemy and riles the in-group (usually the majority group) against that perceived enemy. In this case, they found a familiar foe, the usual punching bag, the Igbos. As with many fascist propaganda, the goal is to make the in-group majority (in this case, the Yorubas), feel like a victim who has lost something and that such a thing was taken away from them by a specific enemy. In her book about totalitarianism, the Philosopher Hannah Arendt, makes the point that fascists are never content to merely lie, they must transform their lie into a new reality, and they must persuade people to believe in the unreality they have created. Hence the ruling party convinced Yorubas in Lagos that the candidate of the Labour Party, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, who himself ia a bona fide Lagosian, was not only an Igbo man but a sympathiser of the dreaded terrorist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Interestingly, both the incumbent and his deputy are not indigenous Lagosians but have somehow found a way to convince the people that a true Lagosian is the outsider. This would not have mattered so much if the aim of this divisive strategy was simply to appeal to an indigenous base and mobilise them to the polls in large numbers to participate in a free and credible process. It turned out, unfortunately, to a suppression and intimidation tactic against a targeted group of voters, all of which ultimately resulted in widespread violence against the Igbos or people that look like Igbos. In Amuwo Odofin, Isolo, Ajeromi, Eti-Osa, Igbos were either not allowed access to the polling booth or were violently attacked for insisting on exercising their right to vote, even if it meant casting their vote against the ruling party. Thugs mobilised themselves in groups brandishing weapons and walked round neighbourhoods dominated by Igbos, warning them not to step out to vote. Igbos became victims of violence and intimidation in an election contested mainly by Yoruba men. I have asked what the problem most of these ethnic supremacists have with the Igbos, and the answers are often funny, if not ridiculous. They call Lagos no mans land, they do not respect our culture, and they are very arrogant. Thankfully, I have many Igbo friends, and Im incredibly lucky to be married to one. But not once have I heard anyone ever mention that Lagos is no mans land. And if were being honest, even you reading this piece havent. The issue about disrespecting the culture of Lagos is funny because the ruling party has, on several occasions, forcefully evicted indigenous families from their land, elevated cabinet chiefs to royal status, and pulled down heritage sites for luxury condominiums. That said, what really is the culture of Lagos? Before the unfortunate incidents on Saturday, Lagos could easily be described as the one place in Nigeria where ethnic nationalism has given way for cosmopolitanism a place where mutual respect and universal values supersedes the feelings of shared identity. Unfortunately, that core promise of liberalism to protect individual choice, that has made Lagos a magnet for talent and investment, is now threatened by a group of fascists who are bent on winning elections at all costs. In their usual myopia, these politicians forget that our tendency to assemble in groups and demand group recognition is responsible for the darkest chapters in human history. Clashes between different identity groups have been the greatest driver of human conflict, and an unfair and exclusionary democratic process can do much to exacerbate such conflicts. Governor Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos APC have opened the Pandoras box. They have crossed a line that cannot be uncrossed. The physical wounds the thugs have inflicted on innocent people may heal in the weeks to come, but the scars of ethnic profiling and a vicious and malicious propaganda of hate, may take an entire generation to fix. Was it worth it? Ayodele Adio, a political and communications strategist, is national publicity secretary of Youth Party. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print It seems fairly certain now that the Senate President for the 10th National Assembly will come from the South-East or South-South, a Christian, to assuage the feelings of those who feel marginalised and to make the All Progressives Congress the party it always claims to be, one that belongs to us all, irrespective of religion, region or ethnicity, one in which every Nigerian may aspire to greatness. With 57 senators so far, the party has a comfortable majority in the Senate and because of the famous cognate experience rule, which presumes that only ranking senators may vie for the office of the Senate President, the battle is going to be amongst the returning senators, of whom there are half a dozen or so who fit the bill; a Christian from the South-East or, perhaps, the South-South, a leader in a previous assembly and a former governor. Names like Senators Orji Uzor Kalu, David Umahi, Godwin Akpabio and Adams Oshiomhole, all former governors, top the list. What this means is that baring any seismic changes, the speakership of the House of Representatives will be zoned to the North, possibly between the North-West and the North-Central, mainly because the North-East already has the Vice President-elect, Senator Kashim Shettima. This may well truncate the ambition of someone like Hon Mukthar Aliyu Betara, the current chairman of Committee on Appropriations, who represents the Biu/Bayo/Shani/Kwaya Kusar federal constituency of Borno State. It is the same principle that has knocked off Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, who comes from the same Lagos State as the President-elect, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In the North-West, names like Rt.Hon. Sada Soli from Katsina State, Aminu Jaji from Zamfara State and Tajudden Abbas from Kaduna State, appear to be at the forefront of those vying for this office. The current Deputy Speaker, Honourable Ahmed Idris Wase, who is from the North-Central state of Nasarawa and has shown serious interest in the job is a major contender. In the end, nearly everything will depend on how the party chooses to zone the offices and how it wishes to share the spoils among the six geopolitical zones. Recently, the leadership of the party and the president-elect and vice president-elect have been working out a zoning formula for the extant offices. Although, officially, the president-elect has said he would not interfere with the elections of the presiding officers into the National Assembly, it is clear that both Tinubu and Shettima, former senators themselves, will be taking a more active role in the process if only to avoid the debacle that saw Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and Senator Bukola Saraki upset the applecart a few years ago, when they took the speakership of the House of Reps and the Senate presidency away from the chosen candidates of the party. At the time, Bola Tinubu was said to very furious and though he eventually got his men, Gbajabiamila and Senator Ahmed Lawan on the saddle in subsequent assemblies, it is doubtful if he would allow that sort of clumsiness to play out on his watch. It is clear that the North-West has some edge over the rest of the regions in this quest for speakership and there is a more than even chance that it would provide the candidate for that office. First, the zone was able to provide the party, and thus the president-elect with the largest number of votes during the presidential and National Assembly elections of 25th February, 2023, and may well do so again in the governorship and State Assembly elections. But beyond that fact is a nebulous but nonetheless profound fact: In an election in which the president-elect was buffeted from all sides, harassed and harangued by almost every power block, the Northern governors, led by the formidable governors of the North-Western states of Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, and Zamfara, in the persons of Ganduje, Nasiru El Rufai, Aminu Masari and Bello Muhammad, Mutawalle, stood by him in plain sight, defending him at every turn. Tinubu would certainly feel that he owes them some political capital. In the end it may come down to who has the largest number in the National Assembly and in that case Katsina State holds the ace, with its three senators and nine members of the House of Reps, giving it the largest contingent of APC legislators from any zone. So while there is no shortage of quality in the 10th Assembly, these permutations may well have skewed the process in favour of some. One of these is Hon. Sada Soli, the calm but highly influential member who represents Jibia/Kaita federal constituency in Katsina State and is the current committee chair for Water Resources. His name stands out in the House of Reps today because of the trust he elicits from colleagues and Assembly staff alike, but also as a result of his remarkable, extraordinarily particular experience: a former civil servant who worked for a decade-and-a-half in the National Assembly, clerking for committees in both the Senate and the House of Reps, he spent four years at the Nigerian Mission in Washington as Special Assistant and Minister Counsellor to Ambassador Jibril Aminu, on the approval of President Olusegun Obasanjo, through a Special Dispensation that is granted by only the president when a crucial need arises. After gaining crucial diplomatic experience, Sada returned to Nigeria and was posted as Clerk to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs. Three years later he resigned and joined politics. Hon. Sada Soli was first elected into the green chamber in 2007. In 2011 he became chief of staff to the speaker of the House of Reps, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal. He returned to the House in 2019, where he was chairman of the House Committee on Water Resources. This, his third term in the chambers, may be the charm, and having won his election in the 25th February election, he is being prevailed upon to run for the speaker of the 10th Assembly. His slogan, Better Together resonates with those who believe that the last elections was fractious and exposed the raw underbelly of our problematic union, our tendency to revert to atavistic ethnoreligious groupings. The clear path available for us is to find ways to come together and heal by agreeing that no part is more important than the whole. A man of great generosity of spirit who likes to walk the talk, Hon. Soli is determined to make his campaign about experience, about issues and about competence, but even more clearly, about unifying the nation through the efforts of the foremost symbol of democracy, the House of Representatives. Olu Jacobs, a former newspaper editor, wrote in from Abuja. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Chinese-built Belgrade-Novi Sad high-speed railway marked its first anniversary on Sunday, having transported nearly 3 million people between Serbia's two largest cities since operation last year. Produced by Xinhua Global Service The Kaduna State governor-elect, Uba Sani, has pledged to fulfill the promises made to the people during his campaign. Mr Sani, who contested on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), stated this in his acceptance speech in Kaduna on Monday after he was declared winner of the election. He thanked people of the state for reposing their confidence in him, assuring that he would not betray their trust. Mr Sani, a serving senator for Kauna Central Senatorial District, commended the efforts of APC leaders at all levels for their commitment to ensure the success of the party. He also thanked the president-elect, Bola Tinubu, and President Muhammadu Buhari for their support. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the governorship election in Kebbi State as inconclusive. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the election was keenly contested by the two giant political parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The collation and returning officer of the election, Yusuf Saidu, a professor at the Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, announced the position at the collation centre situated at INEC headquarters in Birnin Kebbi, on Monday. He said there were cancellations of results in different polling units across Registration Areas (RAs) in 20 of the 21 local government areas of Kebbi State. Mr Saidu said: We aggregated the total number of collected PVCs in those polling units and it came to a total of 91,829. And when we checked the results, the two leading political parties in this contest, APC and PDP, polled 388,258 and 342,980 votes respectively. When we looked at the difference, it stands at 45,278. He noted that they had no option other than to refer to sections 51(2) and (3) of the Electoral Act 2022 for guidance. READ ALSO: He read the provision as saying: Where the number of votes cast in an election in any polling unit exceeds the number of accredited voters in that polling unit, the presiding officer shall cancel the result of the election in that polling unit. Sub-section three of section 51 also states that where the result of an election is cancelled in accordance with sub-section two, there shall be no return for the election until another poll has taken place in the affected polling unit. He added: By virtue of this provision and the powers vested in me as the collation and returning officer of the 2023 gubernatorial election in Kebbi State, I, Prof. Yusuf Saidu of the Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, hereby declare the gubernatorial election in Kebbi State inconclusive. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Copyright 2023 - Todos los derechos reservados SEATTLE, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Anahata Graceland, the passionate visionary behind Royal Frenchel Bulldogs, has cultivated a breed that has not only captured the hearts of dog enthusiasts worldwide but also created a lasting impact on the lives of those fortunate enough to call themselves Royal Frenchel owners. As the original breeder of this remarkable crossbreed, Graceland's dedication to the well-being and companionship of these dogs has led to the creation of a thriving community and a breed that is cherished for its exceptional health and heartwarming disposition. Royal Frenchel (PRNewsfoto/Royal Frenchel) Royal Frenchel Bulldogs were born out of Graceland's desire to unite and improve the best qualities of primarily two beloved breeds, the French Bulldog and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Through meticulous breeding practices, Graceland developed a breed that marries the charm and appeal of its predecessors while achieving superior health and longevity. Royal Frenchels come in three sizesRegular (Height 14-15, Length 16-20), Small (Height 12-14, Length 12-16), and the far smaller Micro Mini (Height 7-13", Length 11-13)these loving and loyal companions have become a favorite among dog owners for their sturdy, confident demeanor and their unparalleled ability to form deep bonds with their human counterparts. At the core of Graceland's mission is a steadfast commitment to transparency and the health of each Royal Frenchel Bulldog. By continually monitoring breeding lines and responding promptly to any issues that may arise, Graceland and her team ensure the highest possible standard of health for each dog. This unwavering dedication to their well-being has earned Royal Frenchels a prestigious accolade as one of the top two dogs in the US for health and longevity. To further reinforce this commitment, Graceland's policy requires all adoptions to include pet insurance, guaranteeing the best possible care for each canine companion. In past years, Graceland and her team have brought together the Royal Frenchel community with the highly anticipated Royal Frenchel Day. This event, held at Victor Steinbrueck Park near Seattle's iconic Pike's Market, serves as an annual reunion for Royal Frenchel families to celebrate their shared love for these extraordinary dogs. Attendees revel in a day filled with activities, including showcasing their puppies, meeting fellow Royal Frenchel owners, and enjoying live jazz performances. A highlight of the event is the parade, where Royal Frenchels of all shapes, sizes, colors, and personalities proudly strut their stuff, reinforcing the breed's well-deserved title as "The Dog that Stole Seattle's Heart." The remarkable story of Anahata Graceland and the Royal Frenchel Bulldogs serves as a testament to the transformative power of love, passion, and dedication. As the original breeder of this unique and enchanting breed, Graceland has left an indelible mark on the hearts of dog lovers around the world. With each passing year, the Royal Frenchel community continues to grow, further solidifying the breed's legacy as a cherished companion and a heartwarming symbol of the unbreakable bond between humans and their four-legged friends. For more information about Royal Frenchel and their dogs please see their website: https://www.royalfrenchel.com/. For more information or to contact Anahata Graceland directly visit her LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anahata-graceland-therarebird/. Media Contact: Leo Bailey 530-721-7651 [email protected] SOURCE Royal Frenchel BANDUNG, Indonesia, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Digiasia Bios announced its new cooperation with PT Jabar Telematika (JT Digital), one of West Java Regional Owned Enterprise (BUMD Jawa Barat). The agreement was signed by the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Digiasia Bios, Hermansyah Haryono and the President Director of PT Jabar Telematika Thalhah Fakhrizal, witnessed by the Governor of West Java, Dr. (HC) Ridwan Kamil, the President Director of PT Jasa Sarana as well as the CEO and Co-Founder of Digiasia, Alexander Rusli, on March 16, 2023 during the Collaboration Forum Jasa Sarana event, which taken place at the West Java Governor's Office - Gedung Sate Bandung. CEO and Co-Founder Digiasia Alexander Rusli with Hermansyah Haryono as Chief Operating Officer (COO) Digiasia Bios in the Collaboration Forum& Jasa& Sarana event. West Java has around 50 million individuals or 20% of the total Indonesian population. West Java has the highest investment funds and is the most efficient investment destination in Indonesia. This region also has the highest economic growth compared to the other regions within Java. Considering these huge potentials, Digiasia Bios has been actively participating for the business growth development in the West Java region by collaborating with the government as well as the BUMD Jawa Barat and its business ecosystem. The collaboration between Digiasia Bios and PT Jabar Telematika is also part of the West Java government's efforts to accelerate the digital transformation and business innovation of the region; including to support the operations and synergies of the entire BUMD Jawa Barat, the oil and gas companies, the largest port in West Java area, the industrial areas as well as the local government themselves. As the realization of this cooperation, in the third quarter of 2023, Digiasia Bios and PT Jabar Telematika plan to launch a regional ecosystem that can increase the Local Own-Source Revenue (PAD) in every cities and districts of West Java province ,through electronic and cashless system programs such as eGovernment, Smart City and Smart Village, to share and ensure a concrete and sustainable impact for the West Java government as well as the people. CEO and Co-Founder of Digiasia, Alexander Rusli says, "Able to expand the penetration of digital and financial technology is our current biggest motivation. We are proud to partner with West Java's largest BUMD like PT Jasa Sarana and PT Jabar Telematika to provide the best ICT-based digital and infrastructure solutions. From digital cashless systems, IoT, telecommunications and AI systems, up to applications which will be used by the districts' and cities' organizations in West Java province, including BUMD, companies and the people." With the strong penetration of digital technology and financial services owned by Digiasia Bios, Alex admitted that this collaboration would be a new step for the company to continue developing ICT and telecommunications based cooperation. Alex further explained, the collaboration with PT Jabar Digital is in line with Digiasia Bios business' focus. Through its 4 legally licensed digital and financial product assets - KasPro, KreditPro, RemitPro and DigiBos - Alex admitted that the company is still growing strong and seeking for even greater collaboration opportunities to be able to further provide ease of transaction for the communities and partners. This collaboration is also a new way for Digiasia Bios to continue supporting the government's programs and increase digital inclusion with a positive and productive manner; especially for the unbanked people and those who are still unfamiliar and lack understanding of the usage of technology. The concept of efficiency, transparency and convenience by using the digital products of Digiasia Bios believed will further enhance the economic growth in Indonesia more broadly, especially in the West Java region. "The continuous synergies from the collaborations between us and our partners within this ecosystem is done for the advancement of West Java province's infrastructure development as well as increasing the revenue growth of all parties," Alex concluded. About DigiAsia: Established in 2017, DigiAsia Bios is the first Embedded Fintech-as-a-Service (EFaaS) company in Indonesia. Committed to responding to all kinds of challenges related to the financial sphere, this start-up company, founded by Alexander Rusli and Prashant Gokarn, operates with four licenses; to serve Digital Payment (KasPro), P2P Lending (KreditPro), Remittances (RemitPro), and Digital Financial Services (Digibos). The entire products and services from DigiAsia Bios can be embedded with any application and ecosystem, enabling corporate partners and the public in general to easily utilize fintech solutions to optimize financial management processes, both in terms of business and daily life. SOURCE Digiasia Bios KANSAS CITY, Mo., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CRB, a leading global provider of advanced engineering, architecture, construction and consulting solutions to the life sciences and food and beverage industries, today announced the hiring of Ryan Thompson as its new Industry 4.0 lead. With nearly two decades of driving digital transformation within CRB's core markets, Thompson will report to Niranjan Kulkarni, CRB's Senior Director of Consulting Services, and further deepen CRB's ability to guide clients to safer, leaner and more efficient operations. Ryan Thompson's Industry 4.0 credentials will guide CRB clients to safer, leaner, more efficient operations. Tweet this Thompson brings to CRB deep experience with the challenges faced by manufacturers and the solutions that Industry 4.0 tools and technology can deliver. The 4.0 movement enables digital transformation for companies, allowing them to gain new efficiencies, increase productivity and raise asset performance. Industry 4.0 technologies reduce costs, increase capacity, improve time-to-market, and drive more accurate and quicker decision making for manufacturers. "Industry 4.0 is about manufacturers taking advantage of advances in connectivity and computing power," Thompson said. "CRB's understanding of life sciences and food and beverage manufacturers' businesses from the factory floor to the boardroom uniquely positions us to provide solutions our clients can count on to achieve their goals." Industry 4.0 use cases include automatic and contextualized data flow, artificial intelligence and machine learning, asset and scheduling optimization, preventative maintenance, digital twins, and predictive quality. Most importantly, these solutions allow for interconnectivity across a facility or enterprise to eventually achieve a smart factory, allowing teams to collaborate with real-time information and act on insights provided by enabling technologies. In the long term, factories will use these tools to self-optimize allowing for truly "lights out" manufacturing. "Ryan brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our team, having worked with numerous industry-leading organizations to implement cutting-edge technology solutions," Kulkarni said. "We couldn't be more excited about the new capabilities he brings to CRB." Thompson's career began in 2004 in the automotive industry with Magna where he worked as a project engineer. He spent the bulk of his career with Grantek Systems Integration, serving in controls engineering, project manager, and business development roles before progressing to an Industry 4.0 role with Skellig. About CRB: CRB is a leading global provider of sustainable engineering, architecture, construction, and consulting solutions to the life sciences and food and beverage industries. Our innovative ONEsolution service provides successful integrated project delivery for clients demanding high-quality solutions -- on time and on budget. Across 21 offices in North America and Europe, the company's nearly 1,800 employees provide world-class, technically preeminent solutions that drive success and positive change for clients and communities. See our work at crbgroup.com, and connect with us on social media here. CONTACT: Clarity Quest Marketing: 877-887-7611 Bonnie Quintanilla, [email protected] CRB: 816-200-5234 Chris Clark, [email protected] SOURCE CRB AUSTIN, Texas, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Abilene Christian University is partnering with the Texas Education Service Center Region 13 to offer a unique set of fully-online degree programs and professional development pathways to both aspiring educators and working teaching professionals in Central Texas. In an effort to help solve the teacher shortage across the state, ACU and ESC Region 13 are establishing new pathways for prospective teachers to obtain their teaching certification, undergraduate degree or graduate degree while also helping upskill the next generation of district leaders by providing unparalleled opportunities to earn graduate degrees and advance their leadership capacity. "ACU Online and ESC Region 13 are determined to offer practical and effective solutions to today's teacher shortage. Through our collaboration, we collectively aim to serve and build the next wave of educators grounded in excellence and vocational mission," said Rich Elsasser, executive director and chief executive officer of Region 13 Education Service Center. Divided into four essential pathways, the partnership will offer distinct programs for every level, including high school students, paraprofessionals, certified teachers and district administrators. As a joint effort between ESC Region 13, Lamar Institute of Technology and ACU, the Classroom to Career program connects driven high school students interested in pursuing a career in education with mentoring faculty members to earn dual-credit amounting to an associate's degree to enter their school's talent pool of qualified teaching aids upon high school graduation. As paraprofessional positions become more widely available, students will not only have the opportunity to work as a certified instructor within their district but also be offered guaranteed admission, with reduced tuition rates, into ACU Online's Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies program, which will prepare them to become fully licensed teachers in their home district as soon as two years after high school graduation. Dedicated to improving the quality of instruction at ESC Region 13 schools, the Level Up program provides existing paraprofessionals the opportunity to earn their undergraduate degree and teaching certification through c0-enrollment in ACU Online's Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies program and in ESC Region 13's Educator Certificate Program. Focused on addressing the teacher shortage in Central Texas, the New Teacher Pathway helps preselected individuals make a career change to become newly certified and licensed teachers within ESC Region 13 ISDs. Plus, through the Grow Your Own Dual Credit Instructor program, current high school teachers will be able to earn the required credentials to serve as teachers of record at post-secondary institutions offering academic dual credit courses. This program will also allow ISD teachers to teach in the Classroom to Career courses as affiliate faculty members of ACU Online. Both programs are designed to promote academic excellence and empower new and existing teachers by earning a Master of Education in Instruction and Learning through ACU Online. Recognized for offering one of the best online Ed.D. programs in the country by Fortune, ACU extends its continuing education efforts to district administrators by providing the Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership in exclusive cohorts for Central Texas educators taught by leaders in ESC Region 13. Geared towards enhancing each administrator's gifts and talents through reflective practice, this program seeks to guide individuals toward finding the personal meaning and purpose behind their work with students and staff. "Through our innovative partnership with ESC Region 13, we are connecting career goals with each individual's current strengths and aspirations," said Dr. Stephen Johnson, chief executive officer for ACU's Dallas campus. "Our customized online programs provide unparalleled opportunities for every level of aspiring and current educators to further their education to better serve their district. This partnership is just the beginning of how ACU will go beyond the role of offering innovative online classes and expand into an advocacy role for qualified teachers across the state." ACU's online programs are administered through its branch location in Dallas and include 15 bachelor's degrees, 15 master's degrees, four doctoral degrees, two undergraduate certificate programs, and nine graduate certificate programs. For more about ESC Region 13 programs offered through ACU Online, visit acu.edu/region13 . Founded in 1906, Abilene Christian University enrolls more than 5,700 students in robust online and residential undergraduate and graduate programs. Students choose from 87 baccalaureate majors that include more than 171 areas of study, 71 areas of study in master's degree and specialist programs, and four doctoral programs. ACU's mission is to educate students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world. Abilene Christian is one of only 19 universities to be ranked in the top 50 nationally for both Undergraduate Teaching and Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects in the 2022-23 U.S. News & World Report rankings. Learn more at acu.edu . SOURCE Abilene Christian University ST. PAUL, Minn., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- TODAY at 3:00 p.m. Central, high school students and educators will hold a virtual news conference to call on Minnesota lawmakers to act this year to end all flavored tobacco sales. While students and schools continue to battle youth tobacco use and its related health harms and disruptions, progress has stalled on the bill ( SF2123 / HF2177 ) to end the sale of menthol and all flavored tobacco products in Minnesota. Last week, around 250 youth, parents and advocates from around the state joined Minnesotans for a Smoke-Free Generation's Day at the Capitol and urged Minnesota lawmakers to act swiftly and end flavored tobacco sales. The bill to end the sale of all flavored tobacco products (including menthol cigarettes, flavored cigars, e-cigarettes, hookah and smokeless tobacco) will prevent youth addiction and improve health for all Minnesota residents. This is the fourth year a flavored tobacco sales bill has been in play at the Capitol and meanwhile, flavors continue to drive youth tobacco use. The students and school staff will share how youth commercial tobacco use including youth vaping remains a huge problem in Minnesota schools. Doctors and health experts caution that commercial tobacco use sets kids up for a lifetime of nicotine addiction and serious health conditions like heart disease and cancer. WHAT: Kids Can't Wait - Virtual Press Event Calling for Flavored Tobacco Bill to Pass in 2023 WHEN: 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 21, 2023 WHERE: Register for the Zoom event here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wIL-eAySREKJtBmdlldD8g (After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing joining instructions) WHO: Bethlehem Yewhalawork, Northpoint Health & Wellness Center Preethika Naveen, Eagan High School Student Da'kwon Eppolite, Lourdes High School student (Rochester) Colleen O'Neil, LADC, CPP, Chemical Health Prevention Specialist, Mounds View School District Matthew Drugg, Assistant Principal, Simley High School (Inver Grove Heights) MORE INFO: Fact Sheet: End the sale of all menthol and flavored tobacco products Recent Minnesota Poll: 2023 Flavored Tobacco Poll Summary FOLLOW: @smokefreegenMN About Minnesotans for a Smoke-Free Generation : Minnesotans for a Smoke-Free Generation is a coalition of more than 50 organizations that share a common goal of advancing justice by striving toward a future where every person is free from commercial tobacco's harms and can reach their full health potential. Partners include: A Breath of Hope Lung Foundation, Advocates for Better Health, Allina Health, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Heart Association, American Lung Association in Minnesota, Association for Nonsmokers Minnesota, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, Cancer Legal Care, CentraCare, Children's Minnesota, Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio CLUES, Dodge County Public Health, Essentia Health, Eugene Nichols, Faribault Martin & Watonwan Co SHIP, Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare, HealthPartners, Hennepin County Public Health, Hennepin Healthcare, Horizon Public Health, Indigenous Peoples Task Force, Lincoln Park Children and Families Collaborative, Local Public Health Association of Minnesota, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Mayo Clinic, Medica, Meeker McLeod Sibley Community Health Services, MHA Minnesota Hospital Association, Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians, Minnesota Association of Community Health Centers, Minnesota Cancer Alliance, Minnesota Council of Health Plans, Minnesota Dental Association, Minnesota Medical Association, Minnesota Public Health Association, Minnesota Society for Public Health Education, Minnesota Youth Council, MNAAP Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Mowery Communications, LLC, NAMI Minnesota, NorthPoint Health & Wellness, Olmsted Medical Center, Parents Against Vaping e-cigarettes, PartnerSHIP 4 Health, Perham Health, Public Health Law Center, Rainbow Health, SEIU Healthcare Minnesota, Steele County Public Health, Tobacco-Free Alliance, UCare, WellShare International, Winona County Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention. SOURCE Minnesotans for a Smoke-Free Generation HONG KONG , March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Earlier this month Agroforestry Group proudly welcomed the Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB) to its Aquilaria plantations in Johor, Malaysia. The MTIB visit was part of the audit requirement for the MTIB license which is an essential prerequisite for the issuance of a CITES permit. The permit allows Agroforestry Group to export directly to international buyers. It is of vital importance as Aquilaria can only be legally traded with a permit from CITES. Representatives from MTIB, a federal statutory body responsible for the development of the Malaysia timber industry, conducted an on-site physical inspection of all Agroforestry Groups Aquilaria plantations. This inspection reviewed the company's operations to ensure traceability of any harvested timber. Mr. Paul Martin, MD of Agroforestry Group stated, "We are very pleased to have welcomed MTIB to our plantations. It gave us the opportunity to showcase our beautiful Aquilaria trees and share our vision, plans and how we see the development of the agarwood industry. We are very proud of the outstanding quality of our plantations, and the level of care our staff places on its daily management." Mr. Martin added, "The difference between our plantations at Agroforestry Group and those of traditional growers is immediately apparent when you visit our plantations. We take a scientific approach coupled with professional care to create a wood product that we hope the MTIB found both inspiring and appealing." Regulation and licensing of Aquilaria plantations is essential as high demand for its precious agarwood resin has led to the near extinction of Aquilaria trees today. The United Nations has placed these trees on its list of critically endangered species. As a result, only agarwood with a permit from CITES is allowed for international trade. The dark fragrant agarwood resin found within the Aquilaria tree has become one of the rarest and most valuable commercial commodities in the world. Agarwood, which occurs naturally in less than 2% of Aquilaria trees in the wild has been sold for as much as 50,000-100,000 USD/KG. Agarwood is exceptionally valuable and is mainly used for the production of luxury perfumes, incense and medicine. In the last decade, demand has increased tremendously, and agarwood is now used in makeup, skin and hair care, diffusers, candles, and much more. About The Malaysian Timber Industry Board The Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB), is a statutory body under the Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities (MPIC) which is responsible for leading and developing Malaysia's timber industry. About Agroforestry Group Established in 2015, Agroforestry Group have applied their thirty years of private forestry management into the establishment and commercial development of durian and agarwood plantations, product distribution and sales. As an asset class, agriculture and forestry has expanded rapidly over the last decade due to interest from risk-averse private investors attracted by the green credentials of the industry and the long-term high returns of agroforestry. Related Websites https://www.agroforestrygroup.com/ https://www.mtib.gov.my/ SOURCE Agroforestry Group FORNEBU, Norway, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Aker BP (OSE: AKRBP) (OTCQX: AKRBF) (OTCQX: AKRBY) has notified the Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy that the company has acceded to all the Plans for Development and Operation submitted in December 2022, except from one. The Troldhaugen project in the Edvard Grieg area, which represents around four percent of the net estimated resources in these projects, has been discontinued. When an offshore field development decision is made in Norway, the licensees are required to submit a Plan for Development and Operation (PDO) to the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy (MPE) for approval. After this, each licensee must notify the MPE within three months whether they accede to the field development plan or not. On 16 December 2022, Aker BP and its partners submitted PDOs to the MPE for the following field development projects: Yggdrasil (Hugin, Munin and Fulla) Valhall PWP-Fenris Skarv Satellites ( Alve Nord , Idun Nord and rn) , Idun Nord and rn) Utsira High (Symra and Troldhaugen - in addition to a Development Report for Solveig Phase 2) The total recoverable resources from these development projects were estimated to 730 million barrels of oil equivalent (mmboe) net for Aker BP, with net investments of approximately USD 19 billion in nominal terms and an average break-even price of USD 35-40 per barrel. Aker BP has notified the MPE that it accedes to all but one of these PDOs, and the development projects are progressing according to plan. As previously communicated, the execution of the Troldhaugen project was subject to the performance of an extended well test (EWT) which has been producing since August 2021. The experience from the EWT has resulted in a reduction in the expected recoverable volume. The project is no longer considered to have sufficient financial robustness, and Aker BP has decided not to accede to the PDO. In the resource and investment figures mentioned above, Troldhaugen was included with approximately 30 mmboe and USD 0.5 billion, respectively. Contacts: Ole-Johan Faret, Press Spokesperson, tel.: +47 402 24 217 Kjetil Bakken, Head of Investor Relations, tel.: +47 918 89 889 The following files are available for download: SOURCE Aker BP ASA NEW YORK, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Alloy , the leading Identity Decisioning Platform for banks and fintech companies, today announced its partnership with Kyckr , a corporate KYC company providing businesses with real-time data on prospective and existing customers and suppliers. The partnership gives Alloy's 350+ clients including Carta, Ramp, and Brex a powerful tool in performing KYB for companies outside of the US. "With fraud higher than ever before, finding a speedy but safe way to onboard business customers remains a challenge for many financial institutions, particularly as they look to service clients in multiple global markets," said Edwina Johnson, Head of Global at Alloy. "Integrating Kyckr into Alloy's platform will help our clients provide a seamless digital onboarding experience to their customers without increasing the risk of fraud, no matter where in the world they are located." This partnership with Kyckr comes on the heels of Alloy's UK launch in February, in which it strengthened its presence in EMEA with key senior hires and office space in London. Alloy first expanded to 40 new countries in 2022. Today, over 350 companies around the world use Alloy's API-based platform to connect to more than 170 data sources, automate identity decisions during account origination, monitor them on an ongoing basis, and make credit underwriting decisions. Kyckr provides real-time access to aggregated corporate Know Your Customer (KYC) and Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) data from over 300 company registries and primary regulated sources worldwide, helping organisations to avoid the significant regulatory and commercial costs associated with using poor-quality data. The partnership will strengthen Alloy's ability to help financial institutions overcome the challenges of achieving seamless digital business onboarding on an international basis. "Tackling financial crime is the number one priority and it can only be achieved if companies can identify the criminals and meet the increasing scrutiny of regulators," said Ian Henderson, CEO of Kyckr. "Our partnership with Alloy means its customers can automatically validate the status of companies at the respective corporate register in real-time, helping avoid the significant regulatory and commercial risks associated with using poor quality data." To learn more about Alloy, visit https://www.alloy.com About Alloy Alloy helps over 350 banks and fintech companies make safe and seamless fraud, credit, and compliance decisions. Founded in 2015 and backed by leading investors from Lightspeed Venture Partners, Bessemer Venture Partners, and Canapi Ventures, Alloy's platform connects companies to more than 170 data sources of KYC/KYB, AML, credit, and compliance data through a single API to help create a future without fraud. Learn more at https://www.alloy.com . About Kyckr Kyckr is a B2B information services company that aggregates, organises and structures the world's primary source company data to help businesses reduce the risks associated with counterparty relationships. Unlike traditional data companies which source data from multiple, secondary sources, Kyckr provides accurate data with trusted, legally-authoritative provenance. This helps organisations to avoid the significant regulatory and commercial costs associated with using poor-quality data. Through the combination of accurate data with innovative technology, Kyckr's solutions help businesses to succeed in the fight against fraud, money laundering and financial crime. Kyckr is wholly owned by serial entrepreneur and founder of WiseTech Richard White through his personal investment vehicle RealWise KYK AV Pty Ltd. Learn more at https://www.kyckr.com/ Media contact: For Alloy: Kylee Sibilia [email protected] For Kyckr: Cat Lenheim [email protected] +44 7511117587 SOURCE Alloy CHICAGO, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- AlternativeSoft, the leading provider of investment analysis software, is proud to announce its integration with PitchBook, the premier data provider for the private and public equity markets. This integration will provide AlternativeSoft users with access to the latest information on private companies, funds and deals, enabling them to make informed investment decisions. The integration between AlternativeSoft and PitchBook will bring together two powerful tools to provide investment professionals with a complete view of the investment landscape. AlternativeSoft's proprietary software provides a suite of investment analytics tools that enable users to assess the performance and risk of their portfolios. As a premier provider of private market intelligence, PitchBook offers data and analysis on venture capital, private equity, and M&A deals. "We are thrilled to partner with PitchBook to bring their extensive data on the private market to our users," said Laurent Favre, CEO of AlternativeSoft. This integration will give our users a comprehensive understanding of the investment terrain, allowing them to make informed investment choices. AlternativeSoft is dedicated to assisting investment specialists in confidently navigating the private markets. Through this integration, users can obtain the most up-to-date data and insights on private companies, funds, and transactions, all within the convenience of AlternativeSoft's platform. About AlternativeSoft AlternativeSoft is a leading provider of investment analysis software, serving investment professionals around the world. The company's proprietary software provides a suite of investment analytics tools that enable users to assess the performance and risk of their portfolios. With a focus on innovation and user experience, AlternativeSoft is dedicated to helping investment professionals make informed investment decisions. Contact For more information on AlternativeSoft and its integration with PitchBook, please contact: Steve Gollins AlternativeSoft [email protected] UK: +44 20 7510 2003 USA: +1 630 632 5777 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2036334/AlternativeSoft_Logo.jpg SOURCE AlternativeSoft NEW YORK, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Anchin, a premier accounting and advisory firm, has announced that it has been named one of the 2023 Best Companies to Work for in New York by the New York State Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), Best Companies Group, and Rochester Business Journal. This is the 16th consecutive year that Anchin has received this distinction since the inception of the program. This award serves as a recognition of the Firm's outstanding culture and policies. It follows Anchin's most recent recognitions as a top firm to work for in New York City by Crain's New York Business, and in the United States by Accounting Today in 2022. Best Companies to Work for in New York identifies, recognizes, and honors the best places of employment in New York in three categories: small companies (15-99 employees), medium companies (100-249 employees) and large companies (250 or more employees). There are two parts used to determine the rankings. The first consists of evaluating each nominated company's workplace policies, practices, and demographics, worth approximately 25 percent of the total evaluation. The second part consists of an employee survey to measure the employee experience, which consists of 75 percent of the total. The combined scores determine the top companies and the final rankings. "Recognitions like this only further emphasize that Anchin prioritizes cultivating a collaborative work environment with opportunities for professional growth, and consistently demonstrates care for our employees' well-being," says Russell B. Shinsky, Anchin's Managing Partner. "The best way we can service our clients is to ensure that our teams feel engaged, listened to, and supported. As we celebrate Anchin's 100th anniversary this year, we are reflecting on the efforts we have put forth to get us here, and of course, how we can make Anchin an even better place to work going forward." "The 2023 Best Companies to Work for in New York know that the people in their organizations are the key to their success. The companies foster a positive environment for innovative teams to thrive," said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, managing director of BridgeTower Media. "We are pleased to join our partners, the New York State Council of the Society for Human Resource Management and the Best Companies Group, in honoring these businesses." About Anchin Anchin is a leading accounting, tax and advisory firm, specializing in the needs of privately held companies, investment funds and high-net-worth individuals and families. Its highly-focused industry specialization helps clients overcome challenges and achieve their financial objectives with exceptional confidence. Consistently recognized in respected "best of" lists for service, firm management and employee satisfaction, Anchin prioritizes partner-level engagement, and commitment to employee happiness. The full-service firm, with a staff of 450, including more than 60 partners, provides a wide range of assurance, financial reporting, tax and advisory services, including tax strategies and compliance; tax credits and incentives; state and local and international tax strategies, family office strategies management and succession advisory; growth, transition and exit strategies; transaction advisory; client accounting advisory services; cybersecurity and digital risk solutions; and litigation support, forensic accounting and valuation services. Anchin has offices in New York City, Uniondale, New York, and in Boca Raton, Florida, and is an independent member of BKR International, a network of more than 160 firms with over 500 offices in over 80 countries around the world. Discover what's possible by visiting us online at anchin.com. For further information: Lisa Tomlinson 212.840.3456 [email protected] SOURCE Anchin, Block & Anchin LLP VANCOUVER, BC, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Media.io, a leading AI tools provider, is thrilled to announce the launch of AniEraser, an advanced cross-platform software solution designed to assist content creators in deleting unsuitable or undesired components from their media files such images and videos. AniEraser offers several features, including effortlessly removing people and other items from photo files. Users can refine their images by removing text, glare, cluttered items, logos, timestamps, and other objects. Shadows, creases, and skin defects from the subject can also be eliminated. Similarly, users can remove people, logos, power lines, birds, and other elements from video files with ease. AniEraser also enables users to remove subtitles from video files without compromising quality. As the demand for a tool capable of correcting media files continues to soar, with increased usage of search terms such as "photo remover" and "video remover", platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok have seen a surge in personalized or commercial content creation. Users require a reliable solution to remove distracting elements from their media files to attract more views. AniEraser was created to cater to the needs of content creators, such as YouTube influencers or SME marketers. "AniEraser allows you to erase any unwanted part of your videos and photos with a single click," said product director, Kai Yong, "AniEraser's goal was to ensure that everything the user displays and expresses is clean and complete in a time everyone has been encouraged to express themselves through digital material." AniEraser offers several features, including effortlessly removing people and other items from photo files. Users can refine their images by removing text, glare, cluttered items, logos, timestamps, and other objects. Shadows, creases, and skin defects from the subject can also be eliminated. Similarly, users can remove people, logos, power lines, birds, and other elements from video files with ease. AniEraser also enables users to remove subtitles from video files without compromising quality. Furthermore, the software's multiplatform support, including native iOS, Windows/Mac, and web-browser compatibility, and its availability in ten languages, including English, Italian, German, Portuguese, French, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Spanish, make it accessible to a broad audience. Given its advanced features, AniEraser is expected to benefit content creators significantly. Compatibility and Price AniEraser is accessible on desktop (Mac, Windows), mobile (iOS), and online (via any web browser). Users will purchase on any device and get access to all 3 ends. This 3-in-1 purchase solution consists of the following three plans - a Free trial, a Monthly plan of USD 31.99, or an Annual plan of USD 47.99. For more information and a free trial, you can visit the AniEraser website. About Media.io Media.io is a promising software development company with a wide global potential audience. We focus on creating and delivering AI solutions for business and personal use related to media types such as video, images, audio, etc. In fact, the company enables the development of new ideas in the market and contributes to the growth of content creators and businesses. Media Contact: Frank Zhang [email protected] Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2036543/AniEraser_offers_features_including_effortlessly_removing_people_items_photo_files.jpg SOURCE Media.io MIAMI, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ariel Manzur, the co-founder of Godot, the most popular open-source game engine, has joined The Mirror Game Development Platform as an advisor. Manzur is a well-respected engineer in the industry with over two decades of experience in game and engine development. Manzur will provide valuable guidance and insights to The Mirror team as they continue to build out their game development platform. Left to right: Jared McCluskey (Founder/CEO), Ariel Manzur (Co-Founder, Godot Game Engine), Maria Derchi (Florida Funders, Angel Investor), Jason Traeder (Senior Engineer) The Mirror is a "game used for developing games," bringing real-time collaboration to development and providing out-of-the-box features such as visual scripting and in-world coding, multiplayer networking, co-building, publishing, analytics, and a marketplace for builders to share their creations and monetize games. Manzur's knowledge and expertise of the Godot engine will help The Mirror's team push the engine to its limits and develop cutting-edge functionality. "We are thrilled to have Ariel on board as an advisor," said Jared McCluskey, Founder of The Mirror. "The Mirror wouldn't exist if it weren't for Godot. When choosing an engine, starting with open-source was a no-brainer. However, Godot isn't only good because it's open-source: it's a remarkably well-architected game engine. We owe much appreciation to Ariel Manzur, Juan Linietsky, and the Godot community for their stellar work." Manzur is equally excited to be joining The Mirror. "I have always been a fan of The Mirror's vision to create a Roblox-style platform built in Godot," he said. "I am thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to the team as an advisor and help in any way possible." The Mirror is currently in closed alpha, with an open alpha release planned for later this year. The Mirror is continuing to grow its community, recently focusing on Reddit, Discord, and YouTube, where The Mirror posts devlogs and discusses new ideas with its creator community. For more information about The Mirror and to apply for the closed alpha, visit www.themirror.space Media Contact: Jared McCluskey 754-273-8746 [email protected] SOURCE The Mirror Game Development Platform CHICAGO, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A new female protagonist; the unforgiving pimp hunter, LA Jones. Gutsy investigator LA Jones has made it her business to hunt down low-life pimps. Following the murder of a young woman in Reno, Jones sets her sights on the No. 1 suspect, Luciano "Lucky" Strykes. Artillery Network is excited to announce Pimp Killer , the all-new exploit from Afghan-American writer Ghezal Omar (.357 Magnum Opus), which will make its debut at C2E2 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL (Mar 31 - Apr. 2), artist alley booth #V-04. Artillery Network presents Pimp Killer created by Ghezal Omar. Got pimp problems? Then LA Jones is your woman. She's made a nice little business for herself over the last few years: hunting down pimps. Following the murder of a young woman in Reno, she turns her attention to Luciano "Lucky" Strykes, a low-life pimp hiding out in Hollywood. Lucky is notorious for torturing women who try to flee him, and LA is more than willing to dish out her own brand of justice, making this a match made in vengeance. "While the book is written as a dark action comedy, it tackles a very serious subject," said series creator Ghezal Omar . "The character of Lucky is notorious for torturing women who try to flee him. I was determined to create a female heroine who was more than willing to serve her own brand of justice." Pimp Killer is not Ghezal Omar 's first foray into the graphic novel fandom of female empowerment. The first Afghan-American graphic novelist, her 2020 graphic novel, .357 Magnum Opus, depicts the dark entanglements of an unflinching woman bounty hunter named Sexx Pistol. The limited edition paperback is the first of in a forthcoming series of three, features art by Ayhan Hayrula (X'ed) with a cover by Phillip Ginn (That Fighter Girl: One Night's Fight). Pimp Killer continues the graphic novel fandom of female empowerment. For fans of Quentin Tarantino, Darren Aronofsky, and David Lynch, the title is now available for purchase at https://pimpkiller.com . For additional press queries, please contact Don't Hide PR: [email protected] . SOURCE Artillery Network Microsoft Azure customers worldwide now gain streamlined access to the Ataccama ONE Unified Data Management Platform to take advantage of the scalability, reliability, and agility of Azure to drive application development and shape business strategies. TORONTO, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ataccama today announced the availability of the Ataccama ONE Unified Data Management Platform in the Microsoft Azure Marketplace, an online store providing applications and services for use on Azure. Ataccama customers can now take advantage of the productive and trusted Azure cloud platform, with streamlined deployment and management. Ataccama ONE is a fully unified, yet modular platform, uniting all the critical capabilities for modern data management. Business and data teams can easily collaborate on creating high-quality, reusable data products and massively scale data-driven innovation while maintaining data accuracy, control, and governance. Recognized as a market leader by major industry analyst organizations, Ataccama ONE delivers seamless sharing of metadata across its Data Governance, Data Quality, and Master Data Management modules to enable advanced automation. Decision-makers and technical users alike rely on Ataccama ONE for instantly available, high-quality data to drive innovation and deliver measurable outcomes with confidence. "This natural next step in our partnership with Microsoft shortens time to value for prospective users of Ataccama ONE," said Afshin Lotfi, CEO of Ataccama Americas. "It gives customers who have selected Microsoft as their strategic partner the opportunity to apply that investment to their own data-driven digital transformation, and do great things with high-quality, governed, instantly available data. Listing Ataccama ONE on the Azure Marketplace simplifies the procurement and process for our customers and allows them to leverage their Microsoft Azure Consumption Commitment (MACC) credits with a Microsoft-recommended vendor." Jake Zborowski, General Manager, Microsoft Azure Platform at Microsoft Corp., said, "Through Microsoft Azure Marketplace, customers around the world can easily find, buy, and deploy partner solutions they can trust, all certified and optimized to run on Azure. We're happy to welcome Ataccama's solution to the growing Azure Marketplace ecosystem." The Azure Marketplace is an online market for buying and selling cloud solutions certified to run on Azure. The Azure Marketplace helps connect companies seeking innovative, cloud-based solutions with partners who have developed solutions that are ready to use. Learn more about Ataccama ONE at its page in the Azure Marketplace . About Ataccama Ataccama enables enterprise data democratization with Ataccama ONE, a unified platform for automated data quality, MDM, and metadata management across cloud and hybrid environments. We enable business and data teams to collaborate on creating high-quality, reusable data products and massively scale data-driven innovation while maintaining data accuracy, control, and governance. Learn more at www.ataccama.com . SOURCE Ataccama As psychedelic therapy regulations are being implemented, drafted and discussed globally, the need to educate doctors, psychiatrists and prescribers in psychedelics is greater than ever. CALGARY, AB, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - ATMA Journey Centers Inc. ("ATMA"), Canada's leading psychedelic-assisted therapy training provider, begins its first psychedelic training program highly focused on psilocybin and MDMA, designed for physicians, psychiatrists and prescribers starting April 14, 2023. Up to now, psychedelic therapy has largely been in the attention realm of therapy providers like psychologists and clinical counselors and as a result, training programs have traditionally been designed for and revolve around the therapy provider. However as psychedelic assisted therapies are being rolled out, drafted and discussed, real life psychedelic therapy implementation is clearly evolving to involve doctors, psychiatrists and prescribers. "There are so few trained psychedelic therapists as is, and there are even fewer trained prescribers" Vu Tran Co-founder of ATMA states. "We already see in Australia and Alberta, and even looking ahead to the rest of Canada and most US states, the approach to psychedelic therapy is likely going to involve prescribers as the gate keepers for psychedelic-assisted therapy" The leader in psychedelic-assisted therapy training, ATMA is the only training provider to have gathered real life protocol experiences through conducting legal psilocybin assisted therapy for palliative care patients and has been leading clinical trials with healthcare professionals over the past two years. ATMA is working to add MDMA clinical trials to further increase the scope of psychedelic understanding. With psychedelic assisted therapy just barely emerging in the medical space there are few, if any, training providers with the depth of experience in legal psychedelic therapy as ATMA. ATMA's recently approved N500 Phase II Clinical Trial for healthcare professionals suffering from anxiety, depression, and occupational burnout arising from Covid-19 provides the opportunity for prescribers to cross participate between training and clinical trials, a unique training experience to understand fully the efficacy and utility of the medicine. The Psychedelic Training for Physicians and Prescribers course is now open for registration: Physicians and Prescriber Program. ABOUT ATMA JOURNEY CENTERS INC. ATMA is pioneering a practitioners business model for the psychedelic industry. Education, training, clinical trials, and business support services in the largest online community platform for psychedelic practitioners are all being developed to assist mental healthcare professionals in adopting psychedelic-assisted therapy. SOURCE ATMA Journey Centers Inc LONDON, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Aron Groups Broker , winners of Forex Expo Dubai's 'Fastest Growing Forex broker in MENA ' and 'Retail Broker of the Year in MENA' by Pan Finance has announced a new partnership with Acuity Trading, a trusted provider of alternative data and trading technology. Award-winning broker Aron Groups announce partnership with alternative data innovators, Acuity Trading The strategic move will see Aron Groups Broker offer its clients an enhanced trading experience through access to Acuity's economic calendar, Signal Stream and cutting-edge news sentiment data which offers sophisticated trade execution capabilities, giving Aron Groups Broker clients the opportunity to take advantage of anticipated price movement and unique trading opportunities in the market. The global broker began life in the Middle East before rapidly expanding globally to provide client-centric trading and investment opportunities in multiple languages including English, Arabic, Farsi and Spanish. It offers over 2000 of financial instruments for traders to choose from, forex pairs, stocks, indices, cryptocurrencies and commodities as well as access to multiple trading platforms, including MetaTrader 5 and a web-based platform. With the integration of Acuity Trading's AI-powered sentiment analysis tools, Signal Stream and Economic Calendar Aron Groups Broker will further support its traders to gain insights into market trends and sentiment, potentially giving them an edge in the highly competitive world of trading. The integration of Signal Stream, a tool provided by Acuity's Signal Centre (which is authorised and regulated by the FCA), will help traders to make more informed trading decisions. They will have access to a wide range of trading signals, analysis, and market news. Through powerful visualisations traders can view real-time signals using financial instruments, including currency pairs, commodities, and indices. These signals are generated by Acuity's in-house, human-led experienced traders and analysts who use a variety of technical and fundamental analysis tools to identify potential trading opportunities that support novice and advanced traders. The integration of Acuity Trading tools give Aron Groups Broker traders greater flexibility to customise their settings and receive alerts on specific financial instruments or types of signals, making it a highly personalized tool that can be tailored to individual trading styles and preferences. In addition to Signal Stream, Aron Groups Broker traders will have access to Acuity's Economic Calendar which fuses event data with news and news sentiment data to provide unique market insights. The Calendar is packed with features to improve the trading experience enabling them to make well-informed trading decisions with more speed and confidence. "Aron Groups Broker is a reputable company which follows a customer-centric approach in its business which is why our interactive and intuitive tools are a great fit for their clients", said Andrew Lane, CEO of Acuity. "Our visualisation of calendar and news data is designed to help traders of all levels manage the volatility associated with economic announcements much more effectively." About Acuity Trading Acuity Trading revolutionised the online trading experience for millions of investors with the introduction of visual news and sentiment tools in 2013. Today, Acuity continues to lead the fintech market with alpha generating alternative data and highly engaging trading tools using the latest in AI research and technology. Acuity's team of academics, scientists, news and market professionals are dedicated to delivering highly effective data products that bring value to investors of all levels and experience. Flexible delivery options include APIs, MT4/5, plug and play widgets and third party automation services. Follow Acuity Trading on social: Twitter: @acuitytrading LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/acuity-trading Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acuitytradingltd/ About Aron Groups Broker Aron Groups Broker is an experienced multi-asset broker with cutting-edge technology, offering over 2,000 trading instruments to 250,000 registered users and 23,000 active IBS. Our mission is to help clients succeed and become the preferred choice for investors of all sizes. We take pride in our ability to stay ahead of the curve in the financial industry. With advanced technology and years of experience under our belt, we are equipped to provide our clients with a level of service that is unmatched in the market. Our comprehensive range of trading instruments, which exceeds 2,000, enables our clients to access a wide range of global financial markets, including stocks, forex, commodities, and indices. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2034988/Acuity_Trading_1.jpg SOURCE Acuity Trading HOUSTON, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- AWC Frac Technology is delighted to announce the signing of a three-year contract with Equipt to offer software modules. Under the terms of the agreement, Equipt will supply AWC with their Asset Management: Rentals, Repair, and Maintenance modules. "The agreement represents a major milestone in our company's drive toward digitalization and ensuring customer success. Equipt met our deadline for software delivery, and its modules have exceeded our expectations. The user interface is intuitive and equipped with all the necessary functionality to streamline our business processes. Their team has offered outstanding support and is extremely customer focused. Joe DeGeare, CEO of AWC Frac Technology, adds, "We anticipate our teams embracing the Equipt product and generating business results." "The three-year agreement is a significant milestone for Equipt, as it ensures the continuity of our product portfolio and builds a solid cooperation with AWC. We are convinced that our software product will allow the AWC team to become more efficient and eliminate waste. "We remain committed to ensuring AWC's sustained success," said the Indrajit Datta President of Equipt. Testimonial Equipt delivered their software product within our timeline, and their modules have exceeded our expectations. The user-interface is intuitive and has all the features required to streamline our business operations. Their team has provided excellent support and very customer centric. We look forward to our teams adopting the Equipt product and driving business results. CONTACT: Indrajit Datta, [email protected] SOURCE Equipt, Inc. WALTHAM, Mass., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ballentine Partners, an independent wealth management firm headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, is pleased to announce Christopher Chandler and Peter Chiappinelli as Co-Chief Investment Officers. Together they will be responsible for all aspects of the Ballentine Partners investment strategy and the client investment experience. This is the result of a succession planning process that began in the fall of 2021 which involved the entire investment team and many others throughout the firm. BALLENTINE PARTNERS APPOINTS CHRISTOPHER CHANDLER AND PETER CHIAPPINELLI AS CO-CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICERS Tweet this Christopher C. Chandler, CFA, CAIA and Peter Chiappinelli, CFA, CAIA Chris has been with the firm since 2015 and is both a Partner and Senior Investment Advisor. Pete joined the firm in early 2022 as Deputy Chief Investment Officer. Together they bring decades of experience in both the wealth management and the asset management fields. Chris and Pete are succeeding Will Braman, Chief Investment Officer, and Bruce Simon, Director of Research. Both Will Braman and Bruce Simon will continue at Ballentine in Senior Investment Advisor roles while assisting in the transition. "I am pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Chandler and Pete Chiappinelli as Co-Chief Investment Officers," said Drew McMorrow, President and CEO of Ballentine Partners. "This leadership partnership is founded upon a thoughtful division of roles and responsibilities based on core competencies. I am confident that their leadership, strategic vision, and expertise will be invaluable to the investment team." "I am honored to be chosen to lead our team of outstanding investment professionals with Pete," said Mr. Chandler. "While we may live in uncertain economic times, I have the utmost confidence in our team's ability to advise and serve our clients' best interests and help navigate the challenges that may lie ahead. We are grateful to Will and Bruce for their leadership over the last few years and proud to continue our mission of objectively advising families and helping them to achieve outstanding investment results." "In this serious business of Family Office, wealth management and fiduciary oversight, this is a brief moment to reflect on the thrilling journey ahead," said Mr. Chiappinelli. "Chris and I cannot help but feel an overwhelming warmth, pride, and excitement as we are handed the torch from Will Braman. Ballentine is an organization that for nearly 40 years has put client interests first, clung fiercely and ferociously to its independence, and has stared down and seen through the dizzying array of conflicts of interest inherent in this industry. It is both an honor and a humbling moment to carry on this tradition." Chris Chandler joined Ballentine Partners in April of 2015 as Partner and Senior Investment Officer. Prior to joining Ballentine, Mr. Chandler was a member of the executive team of GenSpring Family Offices where he was the Head of Portfolio Implementation and Investment Experience, overseeing the quality of the clients' investment experience and implementation throughout GenSpring's network of family offices. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst designation. Mr. Chandler is a member of the CFA Institute and the CFA Society of South Florida. He was awarded a B.S.B.A. from Boston University School of Management and an MBA from Case Western Reserve University's Weatherhead School of Management. Pete Chiappinelli joined Ballentine Partners in February of 2022 as a Deputy Chief Investment Officer. Prior to joining Ballentine, Mr. Chiappinelli served as a Senior Portfolio Strategist on the Asset Allocation Team at GMO for over 12 years. Prior to that, he was an Institutional Portfolio Manager within a specialized unit of Fidelity Investments, and before that, Managing Director of Investment Strategy & Research at Putnam Investments. He is a graduate of Carleton College and holds his MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chiappinelli holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. Additionally, he holds the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst designation; he was the Founding President of the Boston Chapter of the CAIA Association. About Ballentine Partners Ballentine Partners is an investment and wealth management firm dedicated to serving its clients with integrity and independence. We manage over $9.2 billion of assets (as of 12/31/2022) for private clients who rely on us to be their advisor for all aspects of their complex financial lives. With clients ranging from entrepreneurs with $3.5 million of liquid assets to multi-generational families with over $1 billion, we customize our solutions to our clients' needs and design our strategies with our clients' interests in mind. Contact: Carly Augeri [email protected] SOURCE Ballentine Partners CHICAGO, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Barchart, a leading provider of data, tools, and software to the global commodity industry, has announced the expansion of its grain solutions team to further support, strategize, and drive the growth of Barchart's enterprise solutions for agriculture. As part of this expansion, Barchart has appointed Mark O'Riley as Director of Grain Solutions Product; Cody Gerlach as Director of Strategic Sales for Grain Solutions; and Darcie Gallagher as Sales Associate for Grain Solutions. O'Riley will oversee the strategy and product development of Barchart's grain merchandising solutions. O'Riley brings significant grain merchandising technology experience from previous product management roles at Bushel, GrainBridge and DTN. Gerlach will work hands-on with Barchart's clients utilizing offer management and hedging solutions. Gerlach spent nearly 10-years at CGB in grain merchandising roles, including most recently as General Manager for the southern region. Gallagher will work with country grain elevators to bring them successful solutions for managing producer relationships. Gallagher brings a strong background in production agriculture, including undergraduate and graduate degrees in agricultural fields of study. "I'm excited to have Darcie, Cody and Mark join Barchart at one of the most interesting times in our history. In the mid 90's Barchart was one of the first tech companies to bring commodity market data online. Now nearly 30 years later, we are helping agribusinesses leverage innovative technology to maximize operational efficiency for commodity procurement and connect with their growers through ever increasing mobile usage," said Barchart CEO Mark Haraburda. "Darcie, Cody and Mark fill key roles for delivering solutions to our clients that improve market intel, producer relationships and merchandising efficiency," added Haraburda. As the commercial grain industry continues to use new technology to streamline operations, Barchart has been at the forefront of providing workflow solutions to agribusinesses and other buyers of grain. Barchart's technology solutions for grain merchandising are designed to provide: Market Intelligence and Analysis Producer Communication and Access Customer Relationship Management Bid/Offer Management and Hedging Grain Accounting and Contracting/eSign To learn more about Barchart's technology solutions for agriculture and grain merchandising, please visit our website . About Barchart Barchart is a leading provider of market data and services to the global financial, media, and commodity industries. Our diversified client base trusts Barchart's innovative Solutions across data, software, and technology to power their operation from front to back office, while our Media brands enable financial and commodity professionals to make decisions through web content, news, and publications. For more information, please visit www.barchart.com/solutions . SOURCE Barchart MIAMI, March 21, 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 Alex Apelbaum, PhD, MBA, to Divisional President, Southern Europe & Africa. Dr. Apelbaum was formerly the President of Brand Institute's office in Basel, Switzerland. During his nine-year tenure with the company, he has overseen hundreds of branding and naming projects for an array of invaluable clients, including, but not limited to, Roche, Novartis, Takeda, General Electric, Nestle, and Ducati. Commenting on his promotion, Dr. Apelbaum said, "I'm honored to take on this new role within Brand Institute. Regional leadership is critical to fulfilling our promise to give each of our numerous clients local and individualized service. Every client in each of the countries I oversee has distinct and nuanced expectations, so providing customizable and specially tailored services is a task I take very seriously." Dr. Apelbaum's promotion comes just a few months after Brand Institute celebrated its 20-year anniversary of the company's expansion into Europe. Not only is the continent home to thousands of healthcare and consumer product companies needing the services Brand Institute provides, but it's also a critically important area of the world for pharmaceutical companies in their pursuit of a global brand name for their products. James L. Dettore, Chairman and CEO of Brand Institute, however, remains undaunted. "Alex has been an instrumental leader at Brand Institute for the past nine years, consistently exceeding his clients' expectations in both responsiveness and service," he said. "We're confident that he'll bring the same level of expertise, leadership, and dedication to his new role and continue to deliver those exceptional results to our clients." 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. By combining NVIDIA Picasso cloud service optimization capabilities with Bria's copyrighted generative AI technology, businesses can effortlessly and instantly produce high-quality, visual content at scale TEL AVIV, Israel, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bria , the leading enterprise-grade responsible generative AI visuals company, announced today that it is offering its advanced generative AI technology on NVIDIA Picasso, part of the new NVIDIA AI Foundations cloud service. Bria will leverage the NVIDIA Picasso service to optimize inference, leading to reduced latency and an enhanced user experience for its generative AI tools that utilize responsibly sourced datasets. This will enable businesses, marketers, and developers who use Bria's API or AI-powered content generator to achieve faster, more cost-effective results and significantly enhance their scalability. Bria's generative AI technology empowers enterprises to instantly create and modify high-quality visual content for social media posts, advertisements, and eCommerce images. Instead of scouring the web for images, Bria's models are trained on licensed data. This not only ensures that they are fully compliant with copyright law, but that the images used and produced adhere to the highest quality and safety standards. A member of the NVIDIA Inception program, Bria licenses images from a variety of partners and is committed to revenue sharing to ensure that artists, creators and media companies are fairly compensated for their work. "Hosting our solution on NVIDIA AI Foundations will provide an enhanced experience to our customers and support businesses' evolving visual and marketing needs," said Dr. Yair Adato, co-founder and CEO of Bria. "By combining NVIDIA's expertise with our unique generative AI platform, our integrated solution will equip marketing teams, agencies and product developers with the tools they need to rapidly scale their output." "Optimized inference is key to making generative AI practical for organizations to deploy and scale," said Richard Kerris, vice president, Developer Relations and Omniverse Platform, NVIDIA. "Running Bria's tools on the NVIDIA AI Foundations Picasso service will help users quickly develop and refine their ideas and create professional-quality visual content. By integrating either a simple API or application, users can start by typing a natural language description of the images or videos they require into Bria's generative search engine, BriEngine, turning an unused repository into a valuable asset. Leveraging advanced generative algorithms and a unique dataset informed by human psychology, BriEngine generates multiple variations of photorealistic visuals that are one-of-a-kind and high-quality at scale. Enterprises can use Bria's platform to create or modify any image from start to finish while ensuring the generated content meets brands' visual guidelines. They can even use it to generate A/B test images for localization needs and customized marketing materials, creating an unlimited number of variations until they arrive at the right one. Unlike some alternatives, Bria ensures that all content is safe and legal. About Bria: Bria is the leading enterprise-grade generative AI visual content solution that enables businesses to supercharge their marketing efforts. The company's pioneering approach equips marketing teams with the tools they need to seamlessly create, customize, personalize, and modify visuals at scale while following brand guidelines. Bria's full-stack marketing solution goes beyond AI-driven text-to-image functionalities to include everything from background replacement and brand generation to generative visual search and more. Bria's responsible AI practices are a unique aspect of the company. Bria is committed to ensuring that artists, photographers and media companies are adequately compensated for their work. Headquartered in Tel Aviv, Bria was co-founded in 2020 by Dr. Yair Adato and Gal Jacobi, with Assa Eldar joining as a co-founder in 2022. For more information, visit https://bria.ai/ . Media Contact Joseph Moses Campaign PR [email protected] SOURCE Bria NEW YORK, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Klein Law Firm announces that a class action complaint has been filed on behalf of shareholders of Dutch Bros Inc. (NYSE: BROS) alleging that the Company violated federal securities laws. Class Period: March 1, 2022 to May 11, 2022 Lead Plaintiff Deadline: May 1, 2023 No obligation or cost to you. Learn more about your recoverable losses in BROS: https://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/dutch-bros-class-action-submission-form?id=37446&from=4 Dutch Bros Inc. NEWS - BROS NEWS CLASS ACTION CASE DETAILS: The filed complaint alleges that Dutch Bros Inc. made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) the Company was experiencing increased costs and expenses, including on dairy; (2) as a result, the Company was experiencing increased margin pressure and decreased profitability in the first quarter of 2022; and (3) as a result of the foregoing, defendant's positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU AS A SHAREHOLDER: If you have suffered a loss in Dutch Bros you have until May 1, 2023 to petition the court for lead plaintiff status. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff. NO COST TO YOU: If you purchased Dutch Bros securities during the relevant period, you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out-of-pocket fees. HOW TO PROTECT YOUR FINANCIAL INTERESTS: For additional information about the BROS lawsuit, please contact J. Klein, Esq. by telephone at 212-616-4899 or click this link: https://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/dutch-bros-class-action-submission-form?id=37446&from=4. ABOUT KLEIN LAW FIRM J. Klein, Esq. represents investors and participates in securities litigations involving financial fraud throughout the nation. The Klein Law Firm is a boutique litigation firm with experience in a wide range of areas including securities law, corporate finance and commercial litigation. Since 2011, our experienced attorneys have achieved superior results for our clients with a personalized focus. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. CONTACT: J. Klein, Esq. 535 Fifth Avenue 4th Floor New York City, NY 10017 [email protected] Telephone: (212) 616-4899 www.kleinstocklaw.com SOURCE The Klein Law Firm NEW YORK, March 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The business English language training market size is estimated to grow by USD 7.20 billion from 2021 to 2026 at a CAGR of 9.76% according to Technavio. The growth of the market is driven by factors such as the high demand for vocational English training, the adoption of m-learning, and the demand for language proficiency assessment and certification. Various forms of English are spoken in different business segments such as aviation, hospitality, finance, law, medicine, and engineering. The growth of these segments has increased the demand for vocational English training. This has encouraged vendors to offer highly specialized forms of business English training courses for specific industries. All these factors are driving the growth of the market. To understand more about the business English training market, request a sample report Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Business English Language Training Market Business English Training Market Insights - Vendors : 15+, including Alison, Berlitz Corp., British Council, Coursera Inc., edX LLC., EF Education First Ltd., Hello-Hello LLC, inlingua International Ltd., Innovative Language Learning LLC, italki HK Ltd., Language Trainers Corp., Lingoda GmbH, Memrise Ltd., Pearson Plc, Rosetta Stone Ltd., Sanako Oy, Talaera LLC, The Linguist Institute Ltd., Udemy Inc., WordDive Ltd., among others : 15+, including Alison, Berlitz Corp., British Council, Coursera Inc., edX LLC., EF Education First Ltd., Hello-Hello LLC, inlingua International Ltd., Innovative Language Learning LLC, italki HK Ltd., Language Trainers Corp., Lingoda GmbH, Memrise Ltd., Pearson Plc, Rosetta Stone Ltd., Sanako Oy, Talaera LLC, The Linguist Institute Ltd., Udemy Inc., WordDive Ltd., among others Coverage: Parent market analysis; key drivers, major trends, and challenges; customer and vendor landscape; vendor product insights and recent developments; key vendors; and market positioning of vendors Parent market analysis; key drivers, major trends, and challenges; customer and vendor landscape; vendor product insights and recent developments; key vendors; and market positioning of vendors Segments: End-user (Institutional learners and Individual learners), Learning Method (Online learning and Blended learning) and Geography (APAC, Europe , North America , South America , and Middle East and Africa ) Business English Language Training Market - Major Challenges Advent of open-source materials and courses Setup and implementation cost Availability of substitutes The advent of open-source materials and courses is one of the major challenges hindering the growth of the market. The advent of massive open online courses (MOOCs) has increased the availability of free English courses to learners. There are several vendors that offer free sources including eBooks, video lectures, and other digital media. They also provide gamified mobile applications to enable users to learn English while experiencing the benefits of gamification. Vendors such as Duolingo, Memrise, Busuu, and others provide business English language training to learners free of cost. Their free offerings include content from the basic level to the intermediate level. All these factors are expected to reduce the growth potential in the market. Drivers, trends and challenges have an impact on market dynamics, which can impact businesses. Find more insights in a sample report! Business English Language Training Market Regional Analysis APAC will account for 46% of the market growth during the forecast period. The presence of a large learner base in countries such as China, Japan, and India is the key factor driving the growth of the market. In addition, factors such as globalization, the expansion of business activities by global players, and the increasing number of startups in China and India are driving the growth of the business English language training market in APAC. Global Business English language training market - Vendor Insights The global business English language training market is fragmented with the presence of several vendors. The vendors are launching campaigns globally to train individual learners in English languages, including business English language, to gain a competitive edge in the market. Technavio report analyzes the market's competitive landscape and offers information on several market vendors including Alison - The company offers business English language training though online courses such as Effective Business Communication, English for Business and Entrepreneurship and others. - The company offers business English language training though online courses such as Effective Business Communication, English for Business and Entrepreneurship and others. Berlitz Corp. - The company offers customized programs for business English language training through face to face and online session. - The company offers customized programs for business English language training through face to face and online session. Coursera Inc. - The company offers various online courses on business English language training such as business English for non-native speakers specialization, business English, and others. - The company offers various online courses on business English language training such as business English for non-native speakers specialization, business English, and others. edX LLC. - The company offers online course under the name of English for business networking. The business English language training market report provides critical information and factual data, with a qualitative and quantitative study of the market based on market drivers and limitations as well as future prospects. Why Buy? Add credibility to strategy Analyzes competitor's offerings Get a holistic view of the market Grow your profit margin with Technavio - Buy the Report What are the key data covered in this business English language training market report? CAGR of the market during the forecast period Detailed information on factors that will drive the growth of the business English language training market between 2022 and 2026 Precise estimation of the size of the business English language training market and its contribution to the parent market Accurate predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior Growth of the Business English language training market industry across APAC, Europe , North America , South America , and Middle East and Africa , , , and and A thorough analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information about vendors Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the growth of business English language training market vendors Gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Related Reports: The English language training (ETL) market in China will witness a CAGR of 19.75% and is expected to grow by USD 70.81 billion for the forecast period 2021 to 2026. The market is segmented by end-user (institutional learners and individual learners) and product (classroom-based, online, and blended). will witness a CAGR of 19.75% and is expected to grow by for the forecast period 2021 to 2026. The market is segmented by end-user (institutional learners and individual learners) and product (classroom-based, online, and blended). The digital English language learning market in APAC is expected to grow by USD 5.61 billion and record a CAGR of 17.42% during 2021-2025. The market is segmented by end-user (non-academic learners and academic learners), deployment (on-premise and cloud-based), and geography ( China , India , and the rest of APAC). Business English Language Training Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2021 Forecast period 2022-2026 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 9.76% Market growth 2022-2026 USD 7.20 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 8.6 Regional analysis APAC, Europe, North America, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution APAC at 46% Key countries US, China, India, Japan, and UK Competitive landscape Leading Vendors, Market Positioning of Vendors, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks Key companies profiled Alison, Berlitz Corp., British Council, Coursera Inc., edX LLC., EF Education First Ltd., Hello-Hello LLC, inlingua International Ltd., Innovative Language Learning LLC, italki HK Ltd., Language Trainers Corp., Lingoda GmbH, Memrise Ltd., Pearson Plc, Rosetta Stone Ltd., Sanako Oy, Talaera LLC, The Linguist Institute Ltd., Udemy Inc., and WordDive Ltd. Market dynamics Parent market analysis, market growth inducers and obstacles, fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, and market condition analysis for the forecast period. Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. Browse through Technavio's Consumer Discretionary Market Reports Table of contents: 1 Executive Summary 1.1 Market overview Exhibit 01: Executive Summary Chart on Market Overview Exhibit 02: Executive Summary Data Table on Market Overview Exhibit 03: Executive Summary Chart on Global Market Characteristics Exhibit 04: Executive Summary Chart on Market by Geography Exhibit 05: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by End-user Exhibit 06: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by Learning Method Exhibit 07: Executive Summary Chart on Incremental Growth Exhibit 08: Executive Summary Data Table on Incremental Growth Exhibit 09: Executive Summary Chart on Vendor Market Positioning 2 Market Landscape 2.1 Market ecosystem Exhibit 10: Parent market Exhibit 11: Market Characteristics 3 Market Sizing 3.1 Market definition Exhibit 12: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition 3.2 Market segment analysis Exhibit 13: Market segments 3.3 Market size 2021 3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2021-2026 Exhibit 14: Chart on Global - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 15: Data Table on Global - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 16: Chart on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 17: Data Table on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 4 Five Forces Analysis 4.1 Five forces summary Exhibit 18: Five forces analysis - Comparison between 2021 and 2026 4.2 Bargaining power of buyers Exhibit 19: Chart on Bargaining power of buyers Impact of key factors 2021 and 2026 4.3 Bargaining power of suppliers Exhibit 20: Bargaining power of suppliers Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.4 Threat of new entrants Exhibit 21: Threat of new entrants Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.5 Threat of substitutes Exhibit 22: Threat of substitutes Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.6 Threat of rivalry Exhibit 23: Threat of rivalry Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.7 Market condition Exhibit 24: Chart on Market condition - Five forces 2021 and 2026 5 Market Segmentation by End-user 5.1 Market segments Exhibit 25: Chart on End-user - Market share 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 26: Data Table on End-user - Market share 2021-2026 (%) 5.2 Comparison by End-user Exhibit 27: Chart on Comparison by End-user Exhibit 28: Data Table on Comparison by End-user 5.3 Institutional learners - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 29: Chart on Institutional learners - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 30: Data Table on Institutional learners - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 31: Chart on Institutional learners - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 32: Data Table on Institutional learners - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.4 Individual learners - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 33: Chart on Individual learners - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 34: Data Table on Individual learners - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 35: Chart on Individual learners - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 36: Data Table on Individual learners - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.5 Market opportunity by End-user Exhibit 37: Market opportunity by End-user ($ million) 6 Market Segmentation by Learning Method 6.1 Market segments Exhibit 38: Chart on Learning Method - Market share 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 39: Data Table on Learning Method - Market share 2021-2026 (%) 6.2 Comparison by Learning Method Exhibit 40: Chart on Comparison by Learning Method Exhibit 41: Data Table on Comparison by Learning Method 6.3 Online learning - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 42: Chart on Online learning - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 43: Data Table on Online learning - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 44: Chart on Online learning - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 45: Data Table on Online learning - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 6.4 Blended learning - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 46: Chart on Blended learning - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 47: Data Table on Blended learning - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 48: Chart on Blended learning - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 49: Data Table on Blended learning - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 6.5 Market opportunity by Learning Method Exhibit 50: Market opportunity by Learning Method ($ million) 7 Customer Landscape 7.1 Customer landscape overview Exhibit 51: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria 8 Geographic Landscape 8.1 Geographic segmentation Exhibit 52: Chart on Market share by geography 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 53: Data Table on Market share by geography 2021-2026 (%) 8.2 Geographic comparison Exhibit 54: Chart on Geographic comparison Exhibit 55: Data Table on Geographic comparison 8.3 APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 56: Chart on APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 57: Data Table on APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 58: Chart on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 59: Data Table on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.4 Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 60: Chart on Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 61: Data Table on Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 62: Chart on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 63: Data Table on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.5 North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 64: Chart on North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 65: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 66: Chart on North America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 67: Data Table on North America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.6 South America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 68: Chart on South America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 69: Data Table on South America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 70: Chart on South America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 71: Data Table on South America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.7 Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 and - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 72: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 73: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 74: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) and - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 75: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.8 China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 76: Chart on China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 77: Data Table on China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 78: Chart on China - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 79: Data Table on China - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.9 US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 80: Chart on US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 81: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 82: Chart on US - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 83: Data Table on US - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.10 India - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 84: Chart on India - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 85: Data Table on India - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 86: Chart on India - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 87: Data Table on India - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.11 UK - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 88: Chart on UK - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 89: Data Table on UK - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 90: Chart on UK - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 91: Data Table on UK - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.12 Japan - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 92: Chart on Japan - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 93: Data Table on Japan - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 94: Chart on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 95: Data Table on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.13 Market opportunity by geography Exhibit 96: Market opportunity by geography ($ million) 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 9.1 Market drivers 9.2 Market challenges 9.3 Impact of drivers and challenges Exhibit 97: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2021 and 2026 9.4 Market trends 10 Vendor Landscape 10.1 Overview 10.2 Vendor landscape Exhibit 98: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation 10.3 Landscape disruption Exhibit 99: Overview on factors of disruption 10.4 Industry risks Exhibit 100: Impact of key risks on business 11 Vendor Analysis 11.1 Vendors covered Exhibit 101: Vendors covered 11.2 Market positioning of vendors Exhibit 102: Matrix on vendor position and classification 11.3 Alison Exhibit 103: Alison - Overview Exhibit 104: Alison - Product / Service Exhibit 105: Alison - Key news Exhibit 106: Alison - Key offerings 11.4 Berlitz Corp. Exhibit 107: Berlitz Corp. - Overview Exhibit 108: Berlitz Corp. - Product / Service Exhibit 109: Berlitz Corp. - Key offerings 11.5 Coursera Inc. Exhibit 110: Coursera Inc. - Overview Exhibit 111: Coursera Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 112: Coursera Inc. - Key news Exhibit 113: Coursera Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 114: Coursera Inc. - Segment focus 11.6 edX LLC. Exhibit 115: edX LLC. - Overview Exhibit 116: edX LLC. - Product / Service Exhibit 117: edX LLC. - Key offerings 11.7 EF Education First Ltd. Exhibit 118: EF Education First Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 119: EF Education First Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 120: EF Education First Ltd. - Key offerings 11.8 inlingua International Ltd. Exhibit 121: inlingua International Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 122: inlingua International Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 123: inlingua International Ltd. - Key offerings 11.9 Language Trainers Corp. Exhibit 124: Language Trainers Corp. - Overview Exhibit 125: Language Trainers Corp. - Product / Service Exhibit 126: Language Trainers Corp. - Key offerings 11.10 Pearson Plc Exhibit 127: Pearson Plc - Overview Exhibit 128: Pearson Plc - Business segments Exhibit 129: Pearson Plc - Key offerings Exhibit 130: Pearson Plc - Segment focus 11.11 Rosetta Stone Ltd. Exhibit 131: Rosetta Stone Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 132: Rosetta Stone Ltd. - Business segments Exhibit 133: Rosetta Stone Ltd. - Key offerings Exhibit 134: Rosetta Stone Ltd. - Segment focus 11.12 The Linguist Institute Ltd. Exhibit 135: The Linguist Institute Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 136: The Linguist Institute Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 137: The Linguist Institute Ltd. - Key offerings 12 Appendix 12.1 Scope of the report 12.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist Exhibit 138: Inclusions checklist Exhibit 139: Exclusions checklist 12.3 Currency conversion rates for US$ Exhibit 140: Currency conversion rates for US$ 12.4 Research methodology Exhibit 141: Research methodology Exhibit 142: Validation techniques employed for market sizing Exhibit 143: Information sources 12.5 List of abbreviations Exhibit 144: List of abbreviations About Us Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contact Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio CHICAGO, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cannect Wellness, a premium craft cannabis cultivator and product manufacturer, has secured $7.5 million in equity funding to launch in Illinois. The funds will be used, in part, to complete construction of phase one of their 62,000 square foot, state-of-the-art cultivation and product manufacturing facility located just outside of Chicago. Cannect Wellness was awarded one of the first Craft Grower licenses issued by the State of Illinois. With construction underway and operations scheduled to commence in the coming months, the company is on track to be one of the first Craft Grower licensees to become operational in the state. "We are thrilled to introduce our unique blend of craft cannabis to the Illinois market," said Gabe Singal, CEO and Co-Founder of Cannect Wellness. "Our company was founded, born and raised in Illinois. This is a dynamic and thriving market, and we are 100% committed to creating a Craft Grower success story here." Cannect Wellness will provide customers with a diverse range of premium craft cannabis products. The company's focus on small-batch, craft cultivation and product manufacturing sets it apart from larger, more industrial producers in the market. "Our team is committed to producing the purest and highest quality products you can find," said Singal. "We utilize sustainable, organic cultivation practices that not only produce top-quality flower but are also environmentally friendly." In addition to building a successful brand and company, Cannect Wellness is committed to being a responsible corporate citizen. "We believe that the cannabis industry has the potential to be a force for good in communities across the country," said Singal. "We are dedicated to doing our part to make that happen in Illinois." The Illinois Department of Agriculture shares that sentiment and continues to support Craft Growers as they get up and running. "The Department is pleased to see the continued successes of investing in an equitable cannabis market in Illinois. Illinois leads the nation in supporting social equity and undoing some of the harms of the war on drugs, and that can be seen here in a Craft Grower licensee cohort that are 100% social equity applicants," said Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. "The Department will continue to partner with our licensees to ensure a successful and equitable Illinois cannabis market." The launch of Cannect Wellness is eagerly anticipated by many cannabis enthusiasts in Illinois. The company's focus on top-shelf flower and premium extracts and concentrates is sure to appeal to those seeking the highest-quality, artisanal cannabis products. Cannect Wellness plans to offer a wide range of premium craft cannabis products, including flower, pre-rolls, live resin cartridges, solventless extracts, and edibles. To learn more about Cannect Wellness and their premium craft cannabis products, please visit their website at www.cannectwellness.com. SOURCE Cannect Wellness MCLEAN, Va., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On Thursday, April 27, 2023, at approximately 4:05 p.m. Eastern Time, Capital One Financial Corporation (NYSE: COF) will release its first quarter 2023 earnings results. Additionally, the company will host a conference call at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time to review financial and operating performance for the quarter ending March 31, 2023. The call will be webcast live and the earnings release will be available on the company's homepage at www.capitalone.com . A replay of the webcast will be available 24 hours a day, beginning two hours after the conference call, until 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on May 11, 2023, through the company's homepage. About Capital One Capital One Financial Corporation (www.capitalone.com) is a financial holding company which, along with its subsidiaries, had $333.0 billion in deposits and $455.2 billion in total assets as of December 31, 2022. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, Capital One offers a broad spectrum of financial products and services to consumers, small businesses and commercial clients through a variety of channels. Capital One, N.A. has branches located primarily in New York, Louisiana, Texas, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey and the District of Columbia. A Fortune 500 company, Capital One trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "COF" and is included in the S&P 100 index. Visit Capital One About for more Capital One news. SOURCE Capital One Financial Corporation FRISCO, Texas, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Careington International Corporation proudly announces the expansion of telehealth programs offered through affiliate company DialCare to include virtual primary care and psychiatry, virtually connecting individuals to board-certified primary care physicians and psychiatrists nationally. The DialCare Physician Access program includes DialCare Urgent Care, a service offering 24/7/365 video and phone access to licensed physicians for non-emergency care. With the addition of Virtual Primary Care, members can establish a relationship with a dedicated primary care physician for their comprehensive, long-term virtual care of chronic health conditions. Physicians are available by appointment seven days a week between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. in every U.S. time zone and can help with diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, respiratory illnesses, arthritis, allergic conditions, anemia and more. DialCare Psychiatry broadens the Mental Wellness program, which includes DialCare Therapy, giving members of all ages access to virtual or telephonic counseling sessions with a licensed mental health professional, as well as a student-focused service, DialCare Dialogue, specifically designed to provide virtual mental health resources for middle and high school students. With the addition of DialCare Psychiatry, members get access to psychiatrists that can help with psychiatric evaluations, ongoing medication management and risk stratification. Psychiatrists can assist with ADHD/ADD, bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, sleeping disorders, eating disorders, substance abuse and more. DialCare mental health professionals are available by appointment for assistance with mental health conditions. "Careington is proud to expand the robust suite of virtual health programs available through our affiliate DialCare to include virtual primary care and telepsychiatry," Careington CEO Stewart Sweda said. "As access to care continues to be a challenge for many, these new services help to connect people with quality care who otherwise may not have access." Beyond the Physician Access and Mental Wellness programs, DialCare also offers several other telehealth solutions, including a Teledentistry and Virtual Veterinary program. DialCare's telehealth programs are available to organizations of any size or industry, employees of any status, brokers, benefits consultants and individual consumers nationwide. About Careington International Corporation Careington International Corporation is an established leader in the health and wellness benefits space. Founded in 1979, Careington is a nationally recognized product aggregator and full-service administrator and one of the largest privately held discount health care companies in the nation. Today, Careington serves more than 30 million members across all industry-best companies, brands, products and services, and has several affiliate companies, including Careington Benefit Solutions, DialCare and Munroe Sutton. Dedicated to improving individual health and well-being by providing affordable access to care, Careington's national PPO and dental discount networks, flagship dental savings plans and growing portfolio of more than 150 health, wellness and lifestyle products and services are designed to deliver cost savings and service excellence across a spectrum of life needs. For information on Careington's products, services, administration and marketing solutions, visit careington.com. Contact: Jamie Saunders Vice President of Marketing and Communications Careington International Corporation Email: [email protected] Phone: (800) 441-0380 ext. 2902 SOURCE Careington International Corporation CHICAGO, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (Cboe: CBOE), a leading provider of global market infrastructure and tradable products, will announce its financial results for the first quarter of 2023 before the market opens on Friday, May 5, 2023. A conference call with remarks by the company's senior management will begin at 7:30 a.m. CT (8:30 a.m. ET). Conference Call Information: A live audio webcast for the conference call and the presentation that will be referenced during the call will be available on the Investor Relations section of Cboe's website at ir.cboe.com under Events. The presentation will be archived on the company's website for replay. Participants also may listen to the live conference call via telephone by using the dial-in numbers listed below. Date: Friday, May 5, 2023 Time: 7:30 a.m. CT (8:30 a.m. ET) Live Dial-In Information U.S.: 1-877-255-4313 Canada: 1-866-450-4696 International: 1-412-317-5466 (Participants should dial in 10 minutes prior to the start of the presentation and ask to join the Cboe Global Markets call.) Replay Dial-In Information U.S.: 1-877-344-7529 Canada: 1-855-669-9658 International: 1-412-317-0088 A replay of the recording is expected to be available one hour after the conference call ends. The replay access code will be 8520876, which will be accessible through May 12, 2023. About Cboe Global Markets, Inc. Cboe Global Markets (Cboe: CBOE), a leading provider of market infrastructure and tradable products, delivers cutting-edge trading, clearing and investment solutions to market participants around the world. The company is committed to operating a trusted, inclusive global marketplace, providing leading products, technology and data solutions that enable participants to define a sustainable financial future. Cboe provides trading solutions and products in multiple asset classes, including equities, derivatives, FX and digital assets, across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. To learn more, visit www.cboe.com. CBOE-C CBOE-OE Cboe, Cboe Global Markets, Cboe Volatility Index, and VIX are registered trademarks of Cboe Exchange, Inc. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners. SOURCE Cboe Global Markets, Inc. MIAMI, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ClassWallet, a leading digital wallet purchasing and reimbursement platform for public funds, today announced it has received a significant minority growth investment from Guidepost Growth Equity. This partnership will further enhance the Company's ability to help state agencies and educational institutions address the growing fiduciary burden associated with the control and compliance of public fund distribution and management. Guidepost provides additional industry reach and supports go-to-market strategy, product roadmap, and hiring initiatives. "ClassWallet has fundamentally transformed the way state agencies and school districts disburse funds compliantly at scale," said Gene Nogi, Guidepost General Partner. "The Company embodies everything that we look for as an entrepreneur-led, capital efficient, rapidly growing, and highly differentiated business in a compelling market. We are thrilled to partner with ClassWallet as they expand upon their leading position in the education and state government digital spend management market." ClassWallet is the market leader in efficient and compliant disbursement of funds to a decentralized user base addressing $25 billion of state and federal government and K-12 education funding initiatives. Through its patented digital wallet technology, ClassWallet enables its customers to disburse funds quickly and compliantly at scale, while automating every step of the purchasing and reimbursement lifecycle. The desire to streamline workflows and the need to ensure compliance, mitigate potential fraud, and track spending are driving adoption of the solution. Prior to ClassWallet, state departments and school districts were relying on manual processes and legacy tools for fund disbursement and spend management, which were not purpose-built for compliant spending and efficient disbursement at scale. ClassWallet has rapidly expanded to over 27 states and hundreds of school districts (including four of the top 10 districts nationally), supporting numerous funding programs such as educational savings accounts (ESAs), early childcare, learning loss grants and teacher stipends. "For public funds to have the intended impact, it is critical to minimize compliance-related bureaucracy and get the funds into the hands of end-users in the most streamlined way possible," said Jamie Rosenberg, ClassWallet Founder and CEO. "In Guidepost, we found a true partner with deep industry and functional expertise who shares our strategic vision of helping unlock the full impact of public funds. This partnership will enable us to accelerate our go-to-market efforts, enhance our product offering, expand our addressable market, and continue to deliver exceptional customer value to state and district partners." ClassWallet was advised on the investment by William Blair and Goodwin Procter LLP. Guidepost Growth Equity was advised by Choate Hall & Stewart LLP. About ClassWallet Founded in 2014, ClassWallet (www.classwallet.com) is the leading digital wallet technology platform for federal, state and local education and government agencies. Saving valuable time and overhead costs to track, pay and facilitate rules-based purchases and reimbursements. ClassWallet is used in 27 states and by 20 state agencies across 6,200 schools serving 6.1 million students. ClassWallet's integrated marketplace of leading suppliers and learning curricula includes top retailers like Office Depot, Staples, Scholastic, School Specialty, Lakeshore Learning, and more. Headquartered in Miami, ClassWallet has been ranked number 779 on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. in 2022 and the 56th fastest growing financial services company. It also ranks as the 155th fastest growing company in North America according to the Deloitte Technology Fast 500. About Guidepost Guidepost Growth Equity is a leading core growth equity firm that partners with entrepreneur-led technology companies utilizing technology to transform industries including application and infrastructure software and tech-enabled and data services. Current and prior investments include Atlas, Lucid (acquired by Cint Group AB), Mineral, OutSystems, Traction on Demand (acquired by Salesforce), and Tractive. Guidepost Growth Equity provides the flexible capital, operational assistance, and strategic guidance necessary to support the continued success of high growth businesses and has over $1.6 billion of capital under management. For more information, please visit our website at guidepostgrowth.com. CONTACTS: Doug Wright / Henry Feintuch / Ashley Blas Feintuch Communications 646-753-5711 / 646-753-5710 / 646-753-5713 [email protected] SOURCE ClassWallet Financing led by RBC with participation from existing investor CRCM Ventures provides capital to help support the growth of ClearBlue Market's technology platform TORONTO, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - ClearBlue Markets Holding ("ClearBlue Markets"), a leading global carbon markets company, announced it has raised $8 million as part of its Series A financing led by Royal Bank of Canada ("RBC"). The investment will deepen ClearBlue Markets experience in financial markets and is aligned with RBC's climate strategy of supporting its clients in the transition to net zero. ClearBlue Markets provides carbon markets services to hundreds of clients worldwide, helping them optimize their strategies for compliance requirements and voluntary net zero ambitions through its deep advisory expertise and AI enabled technology. The company is headquartered in Canada with a European office in the Netherlands, and offers a range of services, including market analysis, capacity building, carbon strategy, and transaction facilitation. Today, it boasts an impressive 200+ client portfolio that spans local, multinational, and blue-chip companies, including CRH, Mercuria, JD Irving, Bain Capital Partnership Strategies, Mitsubishi, Energir and VARO Energy. "Purpose-driven investments, like the one by RBC, are central to ClearBlue Markets as we expand. They extend our reach and scale beyond what we could do alone and this helps our clients succeed in environmental markets," said Nicolas Girod, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer, ClearBlue Markets. "This strategic investment will unlock capital to double down on technology and see more clients confidently achieve their carbon reduction and net zero ambitions." RBC supports some of Canada's most innovative companies. Leveraging its platform to support businesses of all sizes and stages, it delivers experience, networks, and capital to help solve some of the biggest challenges our communities and economies face. "RBC recognizes that climate change is a global challenge, and companies like ClearBlue Markets can play an important role in addressing it effectively," says Barrie Laver, Managing Director, Head of Venture Capital & Private Equity, RBC. "Adding ClearBlue Markets and its technology platform to our portfolio is aligned with RBC's climate strategy and will in turn provide our clients with additional access to advisory services and technology needed to support their transition to a more sustainable future." Investment dollars are earmarked for enhanced usability of ClearBlue Market's existing technology platform and expanded functionality of carbon market enablement tools that build off ClearBlue Markets' supply-demand and price outlooks across the carbon and environmental markets, deep regulatory and policy insights, offset development work, and transaction facilitation expertise. The new funding, combined with its internal team of experts, has meant an accelerated roadmap for ClearBlue Markets to help more clients in more places. ClearBlue Markets also announced the appointment of Mr. Bill Morris to its Board of Directors. As the former CEO of Accenture Canada, Mr. Morris has an undeniable track record of scaling and transforming businesses. He currently serves as an Advisor to the Nature Conservancy of Canada and sits on the Board of Directors for Boreal Carbon Corporation. Additionally, Mr. Morris' experience in both environment and carbon markets will be instrumental as ClearBlue Markets continues to expand globally. "We believe that one tonne of carbon dioxide reduced, avoided, or sequestered contributes to the fight against climate change in meaningful and measurable ways," said Michael Berends, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, ClearBlue Markets. "Continued alignment and investments from key players, like RBC, will drive transparency and confidence in compliance and voluntary carbon markets worldwide for more effective emission pricing and reductions. The future is bright for ClearBlue Markets, its client base, and the global carbon market." ClearBlue Markets has received multiple awards for its advisory, market analysis, and offset development services including the coveted 2022 Environmental Finance Voluntary Carbon Markets Award for Best Advisor. To learn more about investment opportunities with ClearBlue Markets, please visit www.clearbluemarkets.com . ClearBlue Markets is a technology-enabled carbon markets company simplifying and creating confidence for companies when they access environmental financial markets to meet carbon compliance or net zero goals. Through ClearBlue's deep practical expertise and integrated set of products and solutions - including carbon compliance and offset strategy development, carbon market policy and risk assessments, demand and supply analysis and price forecasting for offsets, carbon credits and renewable energy credits, transaction facilitation, and offset development - our clients confidently achieve their carbon reduction and net zero ambitions. LinkedIn Twitter Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 95,000+ employees who leverage their imaginations and insights to bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada's biggest bank and one of the largest in the world, based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our 17 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 27 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com. We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/community-social-impact . SOURCE ClearBlue Markets TAMPA, Fla., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization (CEO) is proud to have partnered with Amazon to design new curriculum for Amazon Small Business Academy (ASBA). ASBA provides a suite of free, interactive resources and tools for small business owners and entrepreneurs to help start, build, launch, and scale their businesses online. The new ASBA experience features three self-service educational tracks "Start," "Build" and "Launch". The tracks address both the tactical fundamentals, as well as the skills, that small business owners need to build self-reliance, confidence and perseverance. The program is free, open to any small business owner or entrepreneur and can be accessed at smallbusiness.amazon. Nearly 60% of products sold in Amazon's store come from selling partnersmost of which are small and medium-sized businessesand Amazon will continue to invest in resources to give entrepreneurs and small business owners access to guidance and information to help them succeed. CEO's council of academic experts informed ASBA on topics along with curriculum outlines and learning objectives. CEO is also providing a bench of experts (professors and small business owners in residence) who are serving as guest specialists in live weekly "office hours" as a supplement to educational webinars and on demand learning. Giles Hertz, J.D., CEO president, said that CEO has a 40-year history of serving the needs of small business owners and entrepreneurs, through the scores of members who have launched businesses or partnerships much like this. However, "never has a curriculum been created that is so accessible and accommodating for any stage of startup to learn how to scale and grow their venture," Hertz said. "Small business owners who take advantage of this academy can use these tools to think more entrepreneurial, and that directly services the mission of CEO." Meet the CEO faculty experts: Derek Abrams , M.B.A. Abrams is the associate professor of practice, entrepreneurship and innovation, and associate director of the Center for Innovation and Commercialization, at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). Abrams specializes in entrepreneurial and international finance and serves on the board of directors of the Texas University Network for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Abrams is the associate professor of practice, entrepreneurship and innovation, and associate director of the Center for Innovation and Commercialization, at the Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). Abrams specializes in entrepreneurial and international finance and serves on the board of directors of the Network for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Kostas Alexiou , Ph.D. Alexiou is an assistant professor of entrepreneurship at The University of Tampa . Alexiou specializes in strategy, marketing and entrepreneurship and is an accomplished researcher. He has published in the Journal of Business Venturing and Organizational Dynamics , among others. Alexiou is an assistant professor of entrepreneurship at The . Alexiou specializes in strategy, marketing and entrepreneurship and is an accomplished researcher. He has published in the and , among others. Sara Cochran , Ph.D. Cochran is a clinical assistant professor of entrepreneurship at Indiana University . Cochran specializes in gender in entrepreneurship and women entrepreneurs and serves as a director-at-large on the board of directors for the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE). Cochran is a clinical assistant professor of entrepreneurship at . Cochran specializes in gender in entrepreneurship and women entrepreneurs and serves as a director-at-large on the board of directors for the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE). Eric Liguori , Ph.D. Ligouri is the founding head of the School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Rowan University (NJ). Liguori specializes in human resources management, leadership and entrepreneurship and served as the president of USASBE and the managing editor of the Journal of Small Business Management . Ligouri is the founding head of the School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at (NJ). Liguori specializes in human resources management, leadership and entrepreneurship and served as the president of USASBE and the managing editor of the . Bob Milner , M.B.A. Milner is the director for the Center of Entrepreneurship Engagement at Sam Houston State University (TX). Milner specializes in business mentoring, startup expense strategy and business modeling. He is a decorated veteran and successful family small business owner. Milner is the director for the Center of Entrepreneurship Engagement at (TX). Milner specializes in business mentoring, startup expense strategy and business modeling. He is a decorated veteran and successful family small business owner. David Rahn , M.B.A. Rahn is the director of the e-Incubator at California State University, Chico . Rahn specializes in strategy and digital entrepreneurship and is a serial entrepreneur, having launched and developed software companies to scale. Rahn is the director of the e-Incubator at . Rahn specializes in strategy and digital entrepreneurship and is a serial entrepreneur, having launched and developed software companies to scale. Sharon Simmons , Ph.D., J.D., C.P.A. Simmons is an associate professor and academic programs director at Jackson State University (MS). Simmons specializes in entrepreneurial accounting and finance and serves on the board of directors of CEO. Simmons is an associate professor and academic programs director at (MS). Simmons specializes in entrepreneurial accounting and finance and serves on the board of directors of CEO. Rebecca Wilson , M.B.A. Wilson is a professor of entrepreneurship at Harris-Stowe State University (MO). Wilson specializes in finance and entrepreneurship and has been recognized as a Small Business Administration (SBA) Emerging Leader. The Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization (CEO), is a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit corporation whose mission is to "inform, support and inspire college students to be entrepreneurial and to seek opportunity through enterprise creation." From its inception in 1984, the organization has grown to approximately 16,500 members, representing nearly 250 college- and university-based chapters. SOURCE Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization LAS VEGAS, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- XCMG Excavator, a subsidiary of Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group ("XCMG", SHE:000425), recently staged the grand launch of 17 new excavators that are specially designed and customized for the high-end North American market at the CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023, North America's largest construction trade show, which was held from March 14 to 18 in Las Vegas. CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023: XCMG Excavator Releases 17 Models Customized for the North American Market. The U Series excavators, covering all tonnage levels, drew significant attention at the trade show due to their impressive performance, maneuverability, and quality. In the XCMG excavators interactive exhibition zone, visitors were invited to try out the models for themselves, including the XE27U, XE35U, XE55U, XE75U models, through a series of fun games including ring throwing, basket shooting, and beer bottle opening. "I have had a very positive experience with these mini excavators. I also know that XCMG has a skilled service team, and I am very interested in learning about the other sizes of XCMG excavators too," said Jolene Miller, a customer visiting the CONEXPO-CON from Texas. The North American market has a high level of urbanization and mechanization, so there is a huge demand for mini excavators. The mini excavators, ideal for urban and landscape projects, are equipped with engines that meet the emission standards in North America as well as cabins with ergonomic designs such as air conditioning and stereo, guaranteeing not only robust power, and flexible operation, but also safety and comfort. XE35U, the flagship crawler excavator from the U Series, is equipped with a Yanmar engine that perfectly matches with the hydraulic system power to ensure it works in the best fuel consumption range. The auxiliary hydraulic pipelines allow a switch between one-way and two-way circuits, and the variable angle boom and compact slewing radius can guarantee smooth operations in confined construction sites. In addition, it features an ergonomically designed mechanical suspension seat and accessible maintenance spots through a tilt-forward canopy. Meanwhile, the medium-large tonnage excavators from the U Series highlighting advanced designs of dynamic, hydraulic, safety, and intelligent control systems are also popular in North America, with a proven track record of high work efficiency, low fuel consumption, and convenient maintenance, and they're deployed in projects including infrastructure construction, forestry development, and mining. The XE300UF is the only forestry machinery equipment that XCMG exhibited at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023 and is one of the best-selling special excavator products in North America. It's equipped with the T4F Cummins engine, intelligent control system, dynamic power management, and a full-size, heavy-load reinforced chassis structure and enhanced chassis clearance that improves its roadblock passing ability. "Solid to Succeed, XCMG is committed to not only providing customized and reliable construction equipment solutions to our customers in North America but also continuing to improve our local sales and service networks and thriving to break new grounds in technological innovation as a world-leading excavator manufacturer," said Li Jinwu, Vice-General Manager of XCMG Excavator. SOURCE XCMG Excavator New embedded AI Assistant allows teams to create brand-specific content in seconds, transforming content creation and publishing experiences News Summary: Contentstack announces OpenAI ChatGPT integration for its industry-leading headless CMS platform Limited availability today to customers through Contentstack's Early Access technology program Part of broader Composable DXP vision infusing AI and automation capabilities end-to-end to simplify digital experience creation everywhere AUSTIN, Texas, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Contentstack , the leading Composable Digital Experience provider (DXP), today announces an OpenAI ChatGPT integration for its industry-leading headless CMS. This marks a first for the headless CMS category, and an exponential gain in content creation velocity for Contentstack customers. Content teams can now create, test, and even translate short or long form content in seconds using the new AI assistant. The new integration brings the power of ChatGPT instantly to the point of content creation through in-line UI extensions, allowing teams to create brand and tone-specific content in seconds. Content editors and publishers can quickly and easily create summaries, outlines, metadata tags and descriptions, headlines, and even full-length keyword-optimized blogs all with just a few clicks. They can even have it all translated with just a single prompt to the assistant. ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence chatbot developed by OpenAI and launched in November 2022. It is built on top of OpenAI's GPT-3 family of large language models and has been fine-tuned using both supervised and reinforcement learning techniques. ChatGPT crossed the 100 million user mark in January 2023 , faster than any other online platform, and received a $10B USD investment from Microsoft. The new integrated AI assistant is part of Contentstack's broader Composable DXP vision bringing the power of AI and automation technologies to radically simplify the creation and delivery of digital experiences. The vision embraces Contentstack's core better together foundational elements - Headless CMS , Marketplace , Automation Hub , Launch - from the back-end to the front-end so teams can meet the demands of their business faster. The ChatGPT integration is expected to be generally available in Spring 2023 via a 1-click integration accessible through the Contentstack Marketplace. Existing customers can sign-up today to gain access through the company's Early Access technology program. "AI fits hand-in-glove with headless CMS and more broadly with a modern Composable DXP stack," said Conor Egan, VP of Product at Contentstack. "The ChatGPT integration is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of new AI-assisted functions and capabilities. Ultimately, we see AI and automation technologies touching virtually all facets of the digital experience stack, transforming content creation, code development, and asset creation forever." Follow Contentstack Web Blog Podcast Community LinkedIn Twitter About Contentstack Contentstack the leading Composable Digital Experience Platform (DXP) provider empowers marketers and developers to deliver digital experiences at the speed of their imagination. Companies such as ASICS, Chase, Express, Holiday Inn, Icelandair, Mattel, McDonald's, Mitsubishi, Riot Games and Shell trust Contentstack to power their most critical content experiences with uncompromising scale and dependability. Famous for its Care without Compromise, Contentstack has achieved the industry's highest customer satisfaction rating. Contentstack is also a founding member of the MACH Alliance, setting the industry agenda for open and composable technology that is Microservices-based, API-first, Cloud-native SaaS, and Headless. Learn more at http://www.contentstack.com . Media Contact Chelsea Horn, Carve Communications for Contentstack [email protected] SOURCE Contentstack TORONTO and GATINEAU, QC, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Converge Technology Solutions Corp. ("Converge" or "the Company") (TSX: CTS) (FSE: 0ZB) (OTCQX: CTSDF) a services-led, software-enabled, IT & Cloud Solutions provider, is pleased to announce the expansion of IP4G in Canada for their IBM Power for Google Cloud (IP4G) offering. The Montreal and Toronto regions join existing IP4G locations currently operating in Iowa and North Virginia, U.S. and Frankfurt, Germany and are connected via Google Cloud's high-performance network. These new territories launch exclusively with IBM's Power10-based servers which bring new capabilities and performance levels to AIX, IBM i, and Linux on Power workloads. IBM Power for Google Cloud, or IP4G, is a Google Cloud Marketplace offering that provides a self-service infrastructure-as-a-service solution for IBM Power Systems. IP4G supports workloads on any Power operating system, including AIX, IBM i, and Linux on Power, and brings expanded capabilities and new geographic options to enterprise customers migrating to Google Cloud. "Google Cloud is the path to digital transformation for enterprises in any industry of any size. The IP4G Google Cloud Marketplace solution enables customers with IBM Power workloads to migrate and transform with new levels of confidence, lower risk, and increased agility. Coupled with Converge's broad portfolio of professional and managed services, in areas which include Advanced Analytics, AI/ML, Application Modernization, Cybersecurity, and Operational Managed Services, our clients are experiencing shorter migrations and lowering their time-to-value for cloud migrations," stated Greg Berard, Global CEO and President of Converge. "We're thrilled to see Converge extend support for its IBM Power for Google Cloud to both of Google Cloud's Canadian Regions," said Sam Sebastian, VP and Canada Country Manager for Google Cloud. "As demand for Google Cloud continues to rise, partners like Converge play an important role helping customers more quickly shift critical workloads to our infrastructure and realize value from their cloud investments sooner." About Converge Converge Technology Solutions Corp. is a services-led, software-enabled, IT & Cloud Solutions provider focused on delivering industry-leading solutions. Converge's global approach delivers advanced analytics, application modernization, cloud platforms, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and digital workplace offerings to clients across various industries. The Company supports these solutions with advisory, implementation, and managed services expertise across all major IT vendors in the marketplace. This multi-faceted approach enables Converge to address the unique business and technology requirements for all clients in the public and private sectors. For more information, visit convergetp.com. SOURCE Converge Technology Solutions Corp. "The partnership harnesses Debut's vertically integrated biomanufacturing and DIC's global commercialization capabilities to produce and sell novel, sustainably produced, high-performing, natural ingredients for the beauty industry." SAN DIEGO, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Debut, a vertically integrated, synthetic biology company, together with longtime partner and a global leader in fine chemicals, DIC Corporation (TOKYO:4631), today announced an agreement to biomanufacture and sell a large number of sustainably produced, rare, and natural polyphenol ingredients. This strategic partnership brings novel, high-performing, and clinically backed polyphenols to consumers for the first time and opens new product possibilities and health benefits for brands and consumers globally. Tiny amounts of these bioactive compounds can be found in fruits, vegetables, and nature, but their rarity makes these compounds too expensive or environmentally unsustainable for use in consumer products, despite their enhanced clinically proven benefits. This multiyear agreement focuses on bringing such rare naturals made possible through Debut's Bio2Consumer platform. The agreement will deliver rare and natural cosmetic ingredients concurrent with the construction of a commercial biomanufacturing facility slated to come online in 2024. Martin Mayhew, VP of Commercialization & Tarita Fazio, Pilot Plant Manager operating Debut's pilot facility. Photo credit: Billy Economou, BE Studios. In recent years, the beauty industry has embraced synthetic biology's ability to create higher performing and natural ingredients. Such nature-derived molecules would otherwise be difficult, if not impossible, to access through traditional cultivation or chemical production. Debut's platform combines cell-free enzyme catalysis and precision fermentation to eliminate the bottlenecks currently associated with synthetic biology, while requiring far less land, water, and energy than traditional manufacturing. Although several of these ingredients have only been manufactured at small scales for research, they have shown exceptional performance in beauty applications. This partnership targets the personal care market valued at $416B, with 5% CAGR, and aims to win on both cost and performance relative to established cosmetic ingredients. Gone are the days of vitamin C, retinols, and other more traditional active ingredients; this agreement brings a new wave of ingredients for exciting and innovative consumer products. "DIC understands the complexities and demands of the beauty industry, so we're excited to move forward with them to grow and advance new sustainable and high-performance ingredients," said Dr. Britton. "Brands need access to new and rare natural ingredients that allow them to win in the marketplace based on their performance and not just a marketing story. Synthetic biology allows access to incredible products that are otherwise found only in trace quantities in nature. To date, consumers have been using traditional active ingredients when better performing ingredients are available in nature we just had to work out how to make them for consumers." As part of the agreement, Debut will build a commercial biomanufacturing site, with construction beginning in the coming months. The site will be owned and operated by Debut, alleviating global biomanufacturing constraints while proving the operational flexibility to produce a wide variety of ingredients. This biomanufacturing site will allow the company to realize its goals of delivering new cosmetic ingredients with revolutionary capabilities to the beauty industry. DIC, whose customers include brand owners that prioritize safety, efficacy and sustainability, will lead ingredient sales, marketing, and distribution of these ingredients globally. DIC shares Debut's commitment to sustainable manufacturing and is a fine chemical company with a top share of the global market for printing inks, organic pigments, and other compounds. In recent years, the company has affirmed a strong commitment to creating new businesses that respond to environmental, social and health (ESH)-related issues and social changes. "Debut's vertically integrated synthetic biology platform technology and commitment to transition from discovery to scaled-up biomanufacturing, combined with clinical testing and formulation is a huge leap for biomanufacturing and will allow us to start seeing synthetic biology derived products on shelves in the global marketplace. They are the only company that goes from novel ingredient discovery through to commercial manufacturing, clinical testing, and formulation that's the future." said DIC Managing Executive Officer Kiyofumi Takano. "This partnership is a big step forward." About Debut: Debut is the unconventional innovation lab spearheading the next generation of big business. Only Debut has a scalable, integrated, climate-positive creation model powered by biotechnology that puts human wellbeing at its center and setting a new standard for profitable business to face an ever-changing world. The company's hybrid fermentation and cell-free approaches unlock latent markets, providing access to sustainably produced, natural ingredients with health benefits that cannot be obtained through other methods. Through our nimble discovery and biomanufacturing platform, we invent sustainable ingredients and products for consumer markets. To learn more about Debut Biotech, visit www.debutbiotech.com About DIC: DIC Corporation is one of the world's leading fine chemicals companies and the core of the DIC Group, a multinational organization comprising over 190 companies around the globe, including Sun Chemical Corporation, in more than 60 countries and territories. The DIC Group is recognized as a global leader in the markets for a variety of products essential to modern lifestyles, including packaging materials, display materials such as those used in television and computer displays, and high-performance materials for smartphones and other digital devices, as well as for automobiles. Through such products, the Group endeavors to deliver safety and peace of mind, and color and comfort, to people everywhere. The DIC Group also seeks to contribute to a sustainable society by developing innovative products that respond to social change and which help address social imperatives. With annual consolidated net sales in excess of 800 billion and 22,000-plus employees worldwide, we pledge to continue working in close cooperation with our customers wherever they are. To learn more about DIC, visit https://www.dic-global.com/ SOURCE Debut Co-Business Unit Leader, Chris Hoffman to focus on preconstruction and operations to transform the construction industry with Co-Lead, Camilo Garcia COLUMBIA, Md., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- DPR Construction, one of the nation's top technical builders, announces it has appointed Chris Hoffman, PE as Co-Business Unit Leader supporting the organization's offices in Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. With more than 15 years of experience in both preconstruction and the field, Hoffman will now support DPR teams and project delivery focused on self-perform work, prefabrication, virtual design and construction, and data. Chris Hoffman, PE Hoffman became DPR's Northeast regional preconstruction leader in 2019. Under his leadership, the regional preconstruction team grew from a centralized team of 17 to a multi-market team of 70+ across five offices from Boston to Richmond. Hoffman began his career as an intern at DPR in 2008 while attending Brown University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a ScB in Civil Engineering and joined DPR full-time as an estimator. "In a mere 15 years, Chris has built a career leading groundbreaking work and developed a robust preconstruction team to support 10x growth in the Northeast," said Camilo Garcia, Co-Business Unit Leader serving as Hoffman's partner in DC/Baltimore. "From leading the construction of DPR's net-zero energy office in Reston to navigating the challenges of the supply chain, Chris uses his 'ever-forward' attitude and expertise to push teams to find success in the Mid-Atlantic and across the Northeast." As the organization celebrates its 20th anniversary in Maryland and nearly 25 years in the DC Metro area, the self-performing general contractor has delivered technical projects in the advanced technology, healthcare, life sciences, and commercial, and higher education markets. The rapid expansion across the Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic, under the leadership of Greg Haldeman, Northeast Regional Leader and Garcia, warranted additional support. Embodying DPR's core values and belief in shared leadership, Hoffman and Garcia will work together with their teams to build great things across the region. About DPR Construction DPR Construction is a forward-thinking, self-performing general contractor and construction manager specializing in technically complex and sustainable projects for the advanced technology, life sciences, healthcare, higher education and commercial markets. DPR's portfolio of work ranges from large-scale new construction to small tenant improvements and special projects. Founded in 1990, DPR is a great story of entrepreneurial success as a private, employee-owned company that has grown to a multi-billion-dollar organization with offices around the world. Strategically focused on delivering more predictable outcomes through applications of virtual design & construction, prefabrication, its team of self-perform craft, and leveraging data to learn and improve from DPR consistently ranks among the top building contractors and employs approximately 13,000 professionals across its family of companies. For more information, visit http://www.dpr.com. For more information, please contact: Megan Ryan DPR Construction Tel: 717.615.3003 Email: [email protected] SOURCE DPR CONSTRUCTION, INC Non-profit Leader Cindy Lewin Named New Interim CEO WASHINGTON, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Ryan Moran, Chief Executive Officer, Whitman-Walker Health System has been appointed by Maryland Secretary of Health Dr. Laura Herrera Scott as Deputy Secretary of Health, Healthcare Finance and Medicaid Director. Moran will join the Maryland Department of Health senior leadership team in this role, effective April 12, 2023. Moran joined Whitman-Walker Health System in 2021. Whitman-Walker Health System advances the mission of Whitman-Walker through expanding the capacities of some of the organization's most critical functions including research, policy and advocacy, thought-leadership, education and fundraising and addresses critical operational and real estate endeavors through oversight of the Whitman-Walker Foundation, the Whitman-Walker Institute, and Whitman-Walker Health System Real Property Holdings. Moran's leadership of Whitman-Walker, in partnership with Naseema Shafi, Chief Executive Officer of Whitman-Walker Health, has been instrumental in preparing the organization for its largest expansion, the opening of a new Max Robinson Center a 118,000 square foot health care and research facility on the Saint Elizabeths East Campus. "Whitman-Walker Health System is grateful for Ryan's visionary leadership, which has advantageously positioned us for our once in a generation expansion of research and health services with our move to the Saint Elizabeth campus this year. While the organization will miss Ryan, his enthusiasm and passion for the work and his commitment to the mission of Whitman-Walker, I am sure he will be a transformative leader in his new role," said Dr. Ann Bonham, Whitman-Walker Health System Board Chair. In his new role, Moran will be a key member of the Maryland Department of Health's leadership team. He will oversee the state's commitment to its Medicaid program, serving more than 1.5 million patients receiving critical acute, outpatient, and behavioral health services. "I am deeply grateful to Whitman-Walker for the opportunity to steward our mission-driven organization as a regional and national leader in LGBTQ+ care, advocacy, research, and education," said Moran. "I am honored to have contributed to this organization's rich history, and I am proud of the work Naseema Shafi and I have accomplished together and of the exceptional board, senior leadership team, and staff for their collaboration in building a strong foundation for Whitman-Walker's future success." Once fully operational, Whitman-Walker's new Max Robinson Center will provide vital services and programs to more than 15,000 persons each yeara 200% increase from Whitman-Walker's current capacity at the existing Max Robinson Center site. It will also expand the organization's community research program and be a resource for District residents with a first-floor pharmacy, retail and access to community space. Shafi will continue to lead Whitman-Walker Health a Federally Qualified Health Center which includes medical, dental and behavioral health services as well as various wellness and support services, including HIV care; STI testing; substance abuse treatment programs; peer support programs; legal services; public benefits; and pharmacy services. Whitman-Walker Health System welcomes interim Chief Executive Officer Cindy Lewin who has been approved by the Whitman-Walker Health System Board of Directors to serve during this time and she will start April 10, 2023. With over 25 years of experience in leading mission-driven nonprofit organizations, Lewin previously served as Executive Vice President and General Counsel of AARP and served as chair of the Nonprofit Practice Group at Venable, LLP. Lewin will champion key strategic partnerships and initiatives at Whitman-Walker to continue in the celebration of the organization's 50th year anniversary and its five decades of service. "Cindy's vast experience in nonprofit management, as well as passion for our mission make her an excellent choice to oversee our daily operations and strategic goals of the Health System," said Bonham. "I am excited about how we continue to build upon the 50th year celebration and all of the momentum and successes we have experienced to date." After Lewin assumes her role as Interim CEO, a nationwide executive search will immediately take place to secure a permanent CEO in the position. About Whitman-Walker For over fifty years, Whitman-Walker has been part of the fabric of the local DC and national community as first responder and care-provider for those living with HIV; a leader in LGBTQ care and advocacy; a research center working to discover breakthroughs in HIV treatment and prevention science; and one of the DC's most trusted partners during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Whitman-Walker envisions a society where all people are seen for who they are, treated with dignity and respect, and afforded equal opportunity to health and wellbeing. CONTACT: Abby Fenton, 202.797.3525, [email protected] SOURCE Whitman-Walker Health System NEW YORK, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The drone technology market in education sector is estimated to grow by USD 499.16 million from 2021 to 2026 at a CAGR of 17.53% according to Technavio. The market is driven by the increased emphasis on STEM education, the adoption of BYOD policy, and government initiatives and campaigns promoting drones in the education sector. The prominence of STEM education has increased significantly over the last decade. The high employment prospects associated with STEM education have increased student enrollment in STEM-based courses and degree programs. In addition, educational institutions are implementing changes in the education system to ensure that the workforce has better skill sets. Schools are procuring various teaching and learning aids and solutions along with other infrastructural changes. This has increased the demand for products and solutions for STEM, such as K-12 drone kits. All these factors are driving the growth of the market. To understand more about the drone technology market in education sector, request a sample report Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Drone Technology Market in Education Sector Drone Technology Market in Education Sector: Insights - Vendors : 15+, including Aerialtronics DV B.V., Drona Aviation Pvt. Ltd., EHang Holdings Ltd., GoPro Inc., Guangdong Syma Model Aircraft Industrial Co. Ltd., Makeblock Co. Ltd., Parrot Drones SAS, Robolink Inc., Shenzhen Fimi Robot Technology Co. Ltd., Shenzhen Hubsan Technology Co. Ltd., Shenzhen RYZE Tech Co. Ltd., Skydio Inc., SZ DJI Technology Co. Ltd., Traxxas, Yuneec International Co. Ltd., among others : 15+, including Aerialtronics DV B.V., Drona Aviation Pvt. Ltd., EHang Holdings Ltd., GoPro Inc., Guangdong Syma Model Aircraft Industrial Co. Ltd., Makeblock Co. Ltd., Parrot Drones SAS, Robolink Inc., Shenzhen Fimi Robot Technology Co. Ltd., Shenzhen Hubsan Technology Co. Ltd., Shenzhen RYZE Tech Co. Ltd., Skydio Inc., SZ DJI Technology Co. Ltd., Traxxas, Yuneec International Co. Ltd., among others Coverage: Parent market analysis; key drivers, major trends, and challenges; customer and vendor landscape; vendor product insights and recent developments; key vendors; and market positioning of vendors Parent market analysis; key drivers, major trends, and challenges; customer and vendor landscape; vendor product insights and recent developments; key vendors; and market positioning of vendors Segments: Application (Security surveillance and Learning), End-user (Higher education sector and K-12 sector), and Geography ( North America , APAC, Europe , South America , and Middle East and Africa ) Drone Technology Market in Education Sector Major Challenges Challenges related to safety aspects Short battery life and low payload-carrying capacity of drones Regulatory challenges Several steps need to be taken care of to prevent drones from causing harm to manned aircraft and infrastructure. They must be restricted from flying near airports and sensitive areas such as military installations. Also, drones must comply with various regulatory standards. For instance, embedding geo-fencing prevents drones from flying in restricted areas. Moreover, drones are very well-equipped with collision avoidance technologies, which could lead to accidents. Many such challenges are reducing the growth potential in the market. Drivers, trends, and challenges have an impact on market dynamics, which can impact businesses. Find more insights in a sample report! Drone Technology Market in Education Sector Regional Analysis The report analyzes the growth of the market across regions such as North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa. APAC will account for 39% of the market growth during the forecast period. The region has the highest school-going population globally, Thus, providing security and safety to students is a growing concern for educational institutions. Besides, the region is home to a large number of vendors such as SZ DJI Technology Co. Ltd., Shenzhen Ryze Technology Co. Ltd., Shenzhen Hubsan Technology Co. Ltd., and Yuneec international Co. Ltd. These vendors are promoting drone technology in the education sector through new product launches. All these factors are driving the growth of the regional market. Drone Technology Market in Education Sector - Vendor Insights The market is fragmented due to the presence of several vendors. The competition in the market is high among major vendors. They are adopting strategies such as launching innovative products, using multi-distribution sales channels, and collaborating with educational institutions to remain competitive in the market. The competition among vendors will increase further with an increase in product lines by pure play as well as global players. Hence, it is imperative for vendors to differentiate their product offerings from those of their competitors so that customers can distinguish between products and features. Also, vendors should focus on the demand for drones in emerging as well as mature markets. Some of the key vendors covered in the report include: Aerialtronics DV B.V. Drona Aviation Pvt. Ltd. EHang Holdings Ltd. GoPro inc. Guangdong Syma Model Aircraft Industrial Co. Ltd. Makeblock Co. Ltd. Parrot Drones SAS Robolink inc. Shenzhen Fimi Robot Technology Co. Ltd. Shenzhen Hubsan Technology Co. Ltd. Shenzhen RYZE Tech Co. Ltd. Skydio inc. SZ DJI Technology Co. Ltd. Traxxas Yuneec international Co. Ltd. The drone technology market in education sector report provides critical information and factual data, with a qualitative and quantitative study of the market based on market drivers and limitations as well as future prospects. Why Buy? Add credibility to strategy Analyzes competitor's offerings Get a holistic view of the market Grow your profit margin with Technavio - Buy the Report What are the key data covered in this drone technology market in education sector report? CAGR of the market during the forecast period Detailed information on factors that will drive the growth of the drone technology market in education sector between 2022 and 2026 Precise estimation of the size of the drone technology market in education sector and its contribution to the parent market Accurate predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior Growth of the drone technology market in education sector across North America , APAC, Europe , South America , and Middle East and Africa , APAC, , , and and A thorough analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information about vendors Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the growth of drone technology market vendors in education sector Gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Related Reports: The K-12 robotic toolkits market size is expected to increase by USD 410.17 million from 2021 to 2026, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 18.65%. The market is segmented by school level (high school, middle school, and PreK-elementary school) and geography ( North America , Europe , APAC, South America , and MEA). size is expected to increase by from 2021 to 2026, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 18.65%. The market is segmented by school level (high school, middle school, and PreK-elementary school) and geography ( , , APAC, , and MEA). The science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) toys market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 7.12% between 2022 and 2027. The size of the market is forecast to increase by USD 1,653.71 million . The market is segmented by distribution channel (offline and online), type (stem electromechanical systems, stem electronics, and stem robotics), and geography (APAC, North America , Europe , Middle East and Africa , and South America ). Drone Technology Market in Education Sector Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2021 Forecast period 2022-2026 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 17.53% Market growth 2022-2026 USD 499.16 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 16.74 Regional analysis North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution APAC at 39% Key countries US, Canada, Japan, China, and UK Competitive landscape Leading Vendors, Market Positioning of Vendors, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks Key companies profiled Aerialtronics DV B.V., Drona Aviation Pvt. Ltd., EHang Holdings Ltd., GoPro Inc., Guangdong Syma Model Aircraft Industrial Co. Ltd., Makeblock Co. Ltd., Parrot Drones SAS, Robolink Inc., Shenzhen Fimi Robot Technology Co. Ltd., Shenzhen Hubsan Technology Co. Ltd., Shenzhen RYZE Tech Co. Ltd., Skydio Inc., SZ DJI Technology Co. Ltd., Traxxas, and Yuneec International Co. Ltd. Market dynamics Parent market analysis, market growth inducers and obstacles, fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, and market condition analysis for the forecast period. Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. Browse through Technavio's Consumer Discretionary Market Reports Table of contents: 1 Executive Summary 1.1 Market overview Exhibit 01: Executive Summary Chart on Market Overview Exhibit 02: Executive Summary Data Table on Market Overview Exhibit 03: Executive Summary Chart on Global Market Characteristics Exhibit 04: Executive Summary Chart on Market by Geography Exhibit 05: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by Distribution Channel Exhibit 06: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by Type Exhibit 07: Executive Summary Chart on Incremental Growth Exhibit 08: Executive Summary Data Table on Incremental Growth Exhibit 09: Executive Summary Chart on Vendor Market Positioning 2 Market Landscape 2.1 Market ecosystem Exhibit 10: Parent market Exhibit 11: Market Characteristics 3 Market Sizing 3.1 Market definition Exhibit 12: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition 3.2 Market segment analysis Exhibit 13: Market segments 3.3 Market size 2022 3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2022-2027 Exhibit 14: Chart on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 15: Data Table on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 16: Chart on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 17: Data Table on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 4 Historic Market Size 4.1 Global science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) toys market 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 18: Historic Market Size Data Table on Global science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) toys market 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.2 Geography Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 19: Historic Market Size Geography Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.3 Distribution channel Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 20: Historic Market Size Distribution channel Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.4 Type Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 21: Historic Market Size Type Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.5 Country Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 22: Historic Market Size Country Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 5 Five Forces Analysis 5.1 Five forces summary Exhibit 23: Five forces analysis - Comparison between 2022 and 2027 5.2 Bargaining power of buyers Exhibit 24: Chart on Bargaining power of buyers Impact of key factors 2022 and 2027 5.3 Bargaining power of suppliers Exhibit 25: Bargaining power of suppliers Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.4 Threat of new entrants Exhibit 26: Threat of new entrants Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.5 Threat of substitutes Exhibit 27: Threat of substitutes Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.6 Threat of rivalry Exhibit 28: Threat of rivalry Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.7 Market condition Exhibit 29: Chart on Market condition - Five forces 2022 and 2027 6 Market Segmentation by Distribution Channel 6.1 Market segments Exhibit 30: Chart on Distribution Channel - Market share 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 31: Data Table on Distribution Channel - Market share 2022-2027 (%) 6.2 Comparison by Distribution Channel Exhibit 32: Chart on Comparison by Distribution Channel Exhibit 33: Data Table on Comparison by Distribution Channel 6.3 Offline - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 34: Chart on Offline - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 35: Data Table on Offline - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 36: Chart on Offline - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 37: Data Table on Offline - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.4 Online - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 38: Chart on Online - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 39: Data Table on Online - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 40: Chart on Online - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 41: Data Table on Online - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.5 Market opportunity by Distribution Channel Exhibit 42: Market opportunity by Distribution Channel ($ million) 7 Market Segmentation by Type 7.1 Market segments Exhibit 43: Chart on Type - Market share 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 44: Data Table on Type - Market share 2022-2027 (%) 7.2 Comparison by Type Exhibit 45: Chart on Comparison by Type Exhibit 46: Data Table on Comparison by Type 7.3 STEM electromechanical systems - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 47: Chart on STEM electromechanical systems - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 48: Data Table on STEM electromechanical systems - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 49: Chart on STEM electromechanical systems - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 50: Data Table on STEM electromechanical systems - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.4 STEM electronics - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 51: Chart on STEM electronics - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 52: Data Table on STEM electronics - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 53: Chart on STEM electronics - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 54: Data Table on STEM electronics - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.5 STEM robotics - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 55: Chart on STEM robotics - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 56: Data Table on STEM robotics - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 57: Chart on STEM robotics - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 58: Data Table on STEM robotics - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.6 Market opportunity by Type Exhibit 59: Market opportunity by Type ($ million) 8 Customer Landscape 8.1 Customer landscape overview Exhibit 60: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria 9 Geographic Landscape 9.1 Geographic segmentation Exhibit 61: Chart on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 62: Data Table on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%) 9.2 Geographic comparison Exhibit 63: Chart on Geographic comparison Exhibit 64: Data Table on Geographic comparison 9.3 APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 65: Chart on APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 66: Data Table on APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 67: Chart on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 68: Data Table on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.4 North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 69: Chart on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 70: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 71: Chart on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 72: Data Table on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.5 Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 73: Chart on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 74: Data Table on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 75: Chart on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 76: Data Table on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.6 Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 77: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 78: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 79: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) and - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 80: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.7 South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 81: Chart on South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 82: Data Table on South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 83: Chart on South America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 84: Data Table on South America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.8 US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 85: Chart on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 86: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 87: Chart on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 88: Data Table on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.9 Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 89: Chart on Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 90: Data Table on Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 91: Chart on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 92: Data Table on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.10 China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 93: Chart on China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 94: Data Table on China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 95: Chart on China - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 96: Data Table on China - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.11 France - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 97: Chart on France - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 98: Data Table on France - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 99: Chart on France - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 100: Data Table on France - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.12 Canada - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 101: Chart on Canada - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 102: Data Table on Canada - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 103: Chart on Canada - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 104: Data Table on Canada - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.13 Market opportunity by geography Exhibit 105: Market opportunity by geography ($ million) 10 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10.1 Market drivers 10.2 Market challenges 10.3 Impact of drivers and challenges Exhibit 106: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2022 and 2027 10.4 Market trends 11 Vendor Landscape 11.1 Overview 11.2 Vendor landscape Exhibit 107: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation 11.3 Landscape disruption Exhibit 108: Overview on factors of disruption 11.4 Industry risks Exhibit 109: Impact of key risks on business 12 Vendor Analysis 12.1 Vendors covered Exhibit 110: Vendors covered 12.2 Market positioning of vendors Exhibit 111: Matrix on vendor position and classification 12.3 All Star Learning Inc. Exhibit 112: All Star Learning Inc. - Overview Exhibit 113: All Star Learning Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 114: All Star Learning Inc. - Key offerings 12.4 Elenco Electronics Inc. Exhibit 115: Elenco Electronics Inc. - Overview Exhibit 116: Elenco Electronics Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 117: Elenco Electronics Inc. - Key offerings 12.5 Evertoys Exhibit 118: Evertoys - Overview Exhibit 119: Evertoys - Product / Service Exhibit 120: Evertoys - Key offerings 12.6 Evollve Inc. Exhibit 121: Evollve Inc. - Overview Exhibit 122: Evollve Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 123: Evollve Inc. - Key offerings 12.7 Fat Brain Toys LLC. Exhibit 124: Fat Brain Toys LLC. - Overview Exhibit 125: Fat Brain Toys LLC. - Product / Service Exhibit 126: Fat Brain Toys LLC. - Key offerings 12.8 Fun Express LLC Exhibit 127: Fun Express LLC - Overview Exhibit 128: Fun Express LLC - Product / Service Exhibit 129: Fun Express LLC - Key offerings 12.9 Funvention Learning Pvt. Ltd. Exhibit 130: Funvention Learning Pvt. Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 131: Funvention Learning Pvt. Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 132: Funvention Learning Pvt. Ltd. - Key offerings 12.10 Johnco Exhibit 133: Johnco - Overview Exhibit 134: Johnco - Product / Service Exhibit 135: Johnco - Key offerings 12.11 Learning Resources Ltd. Exhibit 136: Learning Resources Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 137: Learning Resources Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 138: Learning Resources Ltd. - Key offerings 12.12 LEGO System AS Exhibit 139: LEGO System AS - Overview Exhibit 140: LEGO System AS - Product / Service Exhibit 141: LEGO System AS - Key news Exhibit 142: LEGO System AS - Key offerings 12.13 Mattel Inc. Exhibit 143: Mattel Inc. - Overview Exhibit 144: Mattel Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 145: Mattel Inc. - Key offerings 12.14 Melissa and Doug Exhibit 146: Melissa and Doug - Overview Exhibit 147: Melissa and Doug - Product / Service Exhibit 148: Melissa and Doug - Key offerings 12.15 Mindware Inc. Exhibit 149: Mindware Inc. - Overview Exhibit 150: Mindware Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 151: Mindware Inc. - Key offerings 12.16 Pegasus Toykraft Pvt. Ltd. Exhibit 152: Pegasus Toykraft Pvt. Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 153: Pegasus Toykraft Pvt. Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 154: Pegasus Toykraft Pvt. Ltd. - Key offerings 12.17 Xinxiang Alpha Manufacturing Ltd. Exhibit 155: Xinxiang Alpha Manufacturing Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 156: Xinxiang Alpha Manufacturing Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 157: Xinxiang Alpha Manufacturing Ltd. - Key offerings 13 Appendix 13.1 Scope of the report 13.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist Exhibit 158: Inclusions checklist Exhibit 159: Exclusions checklist 13.3 Currency conversion rates for US$ Exhibit 160: Currency conversion rates for US$ 13.4 Research methodology Exhibit 161: Research methodology Exhibit 162: Validation techniques employed for market sizing Exhibit 163: Information sources 13.5 List of abbreviations Exhibit 164: List of abbreviations About Us Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contact Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio NEW YORK, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The e-book market size is estimated to grow by USD 8,316.2 million from 2022 to 2027 at a CAGR of 7.7%, according to Technavio. The market will be driven by the benefits and reader engagement of e-books, the rising adoption of online local language translation modules in e-books, and the proliferation of smart devices and applications. The use of mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, is increasing globally. Learners can access e-books using mobile devices, and the content can be customized according to their needs. Moreover, Internet penetration is rising worldwide, and there has been a major shift toward e-book modules. Several vendors offer e-book content that is compatible with smartphone devices. Many learners and educators prefer e-books over traditional textbooks owing to lower content procurement costs and ease of access. These factors will fuel the growth of the market during the forecast period. To learn more about the e-book market, request a sample report. Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global E-Book Market 2023-2027 E-book market Key challenges Growing number of privacy breaches Inefficient management of e-book content Increasing threat from open-source content Drivers and challenges have an impact on market dynamics, which can impact businesses. Find some insights from a sample report! E-book market Regional analysis North America is estimated to account for 40% of the growth of the global market during the forecast period. The US is a key country in the market. Several institutions in the country are adopting the bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policy. Vendors based in the region are also focusing on increasing the accessibility and delivery of course content. In addition, government initiatives promote the use of advanced technologies in schools and libraries. For instance, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), through the E-Rate program, enables schools and libraries in the US to avail of digital telecommunications and information services at low costs. These factors will drive the demand for e-books in North America during the forecast period. E-book market - Vendor insights The growing competition in the market is compelling vendors to adopt various growth strategies, such as increasing M&A in the market. Technavio report analyzes the market's competitive landscape and offers information on several market vendors, including Amazon.com Inc., Apple Inc., Barnes and Noble Inc., Beacon Press, Bertelsmann SE and Co. KGaA, Blurb Inc., Cengage Learning Holdings II Inc., Hachette Book Group Inc., Harper Collins Publishers, John Wiley and Sons Inc., Kensington Publishing Corp., Lulu Press Inc., Macmillan, Manning Publications Co., McGraw Hill Education Inc., Pearson Plc, Rakuten Kobo Inc., Simon and Schuster Inc., Smashwords Inc., and Springer Verlag GmbH. The key offerings of some of these vendors are listed below: Apple Inc. - The company offers e-books through its application. Users can browse the Book Store and set reading goals. The company offers e-books through its application. Users can browse the Book Store and set reading goals. Blurb Inc. - The company offers e-books, which include adult and children's fiction and nonfiction digital books in English, German, and Spanish languages. The company offers e-books, which include adult and children's fiction and nonfiction digital books in English, German, and Spanish languages. Lulu Press Inc. - The company offers e-books that can be accessed via a smartphone, e-reader, or tablet. For highlights on vendor analysis, download a sample! E-book market insights - Coverage: Parent market analysis; key drivers, major trends, and challenges; customer and vendor landscape; vendor product insights and recent developments; key vendors; and market positioning of vendors Parent market analysis; key drivers, major trends, and challenges; customer and vendor landscape; vendor product insights and recent developments; key vendors; and market positioning of vendors Segments: Platform (smartphones, tablets, and laptops), Product (Consumer e-book, Professional e-book, and Educational e-book) and Geography ( North America , Europe , APAC, South America , and Middle East and Africa ) The e-book market report provides critical information and factual data, with a qualitative and quantitative study of the market based on market drivers and limitations as well as future prospects. Why buy? Add credibility to strategy Analyzes competitor's offerings Get a holistic view of the market Grow your profit margin with Technavio - Buy the report What are the key data covered in this e-book market report? CAGR of the market during the forecast period Detailed information on factors that will drive the growth of the e-book market between 2023 and 2027 Precise estimation of the size of the e-book market and its contribution to the parent market Accurate predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior Growth of the e-book market across North America , Europe , APAC, South America , and Middle East and Africa , , APAC, , and and A thorough analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information about vendors Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the growth of e-book market vendors Gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Related Reports: The size of the e-books market in Europe is expected to increase by USD 958.24 million from 2021 to 2026. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.25%. The considerably high prices of printed books are notably driving the e-books market growth in Europe, although factors such as the increasing threat from printed books may impede the market growth. The e-textbook rental market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 21.01% between 2022 and 2027, and the size of the market is forecasted to increase by USD 534.56 million. The cost-effective pricing model is notably driving the market growth, although factors such as the increasing threat from open-source content may impede the market growth. E-Book Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2022 Historic period 2017-2021 Forecast period 2023-2027 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 7.7% Market growth 2023-2027 USD 8,316.2 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 7.6 Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution North America at 40% Key countries US, Canada, China, Germany, and UK Competitive landscape Leading vendors, market positioning of vendors, competitive strategies, and industry risks Key companies profiled Amazon.com Inc., Apple Inc., Barnes and Noble Inc., Beacon Press, Bertelsmann SE and Co. KGaA, Blurb Inc., Cengage Learning Holdings II Inc., Hachette Book Group Inc., Harper Collins Publishers, John Wiley and Sons Inc., Kensington publishing Corp., Lulu Press Inc., Macmillan, Manning Publications Co., McGraw Hill Education Inc., Pearson Plc, Rakuten Kobo Inc., Simon and Schuster Inc., Smashwords Inc., and Springer Verlag GmbH Market dynamics Parent market analysis, market growth inducers and obstacles, fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, and market condition analysis for the forecast period. Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. Browse for Technavio consumer discretionary market reports Table of contents 1 Executive Summary 1.1 Market overview Exhibit 01: Executive Summary Chart on Market Overview Exhibit 02: Executive Summary Data Table on Market Overview Exhibit 03: Executive Summary Chart on Global Market Characteristics Exhibit 04: Executive Summary Chart on Market by Geography Exhibit 05: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by Platform Exhibit 06: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by Product Exhibit 07: Executive Summary Chart on Incremental Growth Exhibit 08: Executive Summary Data Table on Incremental Growth Exhibit 09: Executive Summary Chart on Vendor Market Positioning 2 Market Landscape 2.1 Market ecosystem Exhibit 10: Parent market Exhibit 11: Market Characteristics 3 Market Sizing 3.1 Market definition Exhibit 12: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition 3.2 Market segment analysis Exhibit 13: Market segments 3.3 Market size 2022 3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2022-2027 Exhibit 14: Chart on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 15: Data Table on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 16: Chart on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 17: Data Table on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 4 Historic Market Size 4.1 Global e-book market 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 18: Historic Market Size Data Table on Global e-book market 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.2 Platform Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 19: Historic Market Size Platform Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.3 Product Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 20: Historic Market Size Product Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.4 Geography Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 21: Historic Market Size Geography Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.5 Country Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 22: Historic Market Size Country Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 5 Five Forces Analysis 5.1 Five forces summary Exhibit 23: Five forces analysis - Comparison between 2022 and 2027 5.2 Bargaining power of buyers Exhibit 24: Chart on Bargaining power of buyers Impact of key factors 2022 and 2027 5.3 Bargaining power of suppliers Exhibit 25: Bargaining power of suppliers Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.4 Threat of new entrants Exhibit 26: Threat of new entrants Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.5 Threat of substitutes Exhibit 27: Threat of substitutes Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.6 Threat of rivalry Exhibit 28: Threat of rivalry Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.7 Market condition Exhibit 29: Chart on Market condition - Five forces 2022 and 2027 6 Market Segmentation by Platform 6.1 Market segments Exhibit 30: Chart on Platform - Market share 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 31: Data Table on Platform - Market share 2022-2027 (%) 6.2 Comparison by Platform Exhibit 32: Chart on Comparison by Platform Exhibit 33: Data Table on Comparison by Platform 6.3 Smartphones - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 34: Chart on Smartphones - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 35: Data Table on Smartphones - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 36: Chart on Smartphones - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 37: Data Table on Smartphones - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.4 Tablet and laptops - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 38: Chart on Tablet and laptops - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 39: Data Table on Tablet and laptops - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 40: Chart on Tablet and laptops - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 41: Data Table on Tablet and laptops - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.5 Market opportunity by Platform Exhibit 42: Market opportunity by Platform ($ million) 7 Market Segmentation by Product 7.1 Market segments Exhibit 43: Chart on Product - Market share 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 44: Data Table on Product - Market share 2022-2027 (%) 7.2 Comparison by Product Exhibit 45: Chart on Comparison by Product Exhibit 46: Data Table on Comparison by Product 7.3 Consumer e-book - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 47: Chart on Consumer e-book - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 48: Data Table on Consumer e-book - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 49: Chart on Consumer e-book - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 50: Data Table on Consumer e-book - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.4 Professional e-book - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 51: Chart on Professional e-book - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 52: Data Table on Professional e-book - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 53: Chart on Professional e-book - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 54: Data Table on Professional e-book - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.5 Educational e-book - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 55: Chart on Educational e-book - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 56: Data Table on Educational e-book - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 57: Chart on Educational e-book - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 58: Data Table on Educational e-book - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.6 Market opportunity by Product Exhibit 59: Market opportunity by Product ($ million) 8 Customer Landscape 8.1 Customer landscape overview Exhibit 60: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria 9 Geographic Landscape 9.1 Geographic segmentation Exhibit 61: Chart on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 62: Data Table on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%) 9.2 Geographic comparison Exhibit 63: Chart on Geographic comparison Exhibit 64: Data Table on Geographic comparison 9.3 North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 65: Chart on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 66: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 67: Chart on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 68: Data Table on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.4 Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 69: Chart on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 70: Data Table on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 71: Chart on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 72: Data Table on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.5 APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 73: Chart on APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 74: Data Table on APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 75: Chart on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 76: Data Table on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.6 South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 77: Chart on South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 78: Data Table on South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 79: Chart on South America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 80: Data Table on South America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.7 Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 81: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 82: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 83: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) and - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 84: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.8 US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 85: Chart on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 86: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 87: Chart on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 88: Data Table on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.9 Canada - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 89: Chart on Canada - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 90: Data Table on Canada - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 91: Chart on Canada - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 92: Data Table on Canada - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.10 Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 93: Chart on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 94: Data Table on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 95: Chart on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 96: Data Table on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.11 UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 97: Chart on UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 98: Data Table on UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 99: Chart on UK - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 100: Data Table on UK - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.12 China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 101: Chart on China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 102: Data Table on China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 103: Chart on China - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 104: Data Table on China - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.13 Market opportunity by geography Exhibit 105: Market opportunity by geography ($ million) 10 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10.1 Market drivers 10.2 Market challenges 10.3 Impact of drivers and challenges Exhibit 106: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2022 and 2027 10.4 Market trends 11 Vendor Landscape 11.1 Overview 11.2 Vendor landscape Exhibit 107: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation 11.3 Landscape disruption Exhibit 108: Overview on factors of disruption 11.4 Industry risks Exhibit 109: Impact of key risks on business 12 Vendor Analysis 12.1 Vendors covered Exhibit 110: Vendors covered 12.2 Market positioning of vendors Exhibit 111: Matrix on vendor position and classification 12.3 Amazon.com Inc. Exhibit 112: Amazon.com Inc. - Overview Exhibit 113: Amazon.com Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 114: Amazon.com Inc. - Key news Exhibit 115: Amazon.com Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 116: Amazon.com Inc. - Segment focus 12.4 Apple Inc. Exhibit 117: Apple Inc. - Overview Exhibit 118: Apple Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 119: Apple Inc. - Key news Exhibit 120: Apple Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 121: Apple Inc. - Segment focus 12.5 Barnes and Noble Inc. Exhibit 122: Barnes and Noble Inc. - Overview Exhibit 123: Barnes and Noble Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 124: Barnes and Noble Inc. - Key offerings 12.6 Beacon Press Exhibit 125: Beacon Press - Overview Exhibit 126: Beacon Press - Product / Service Exhibit 127: Beacon Press - Key offerings 12.7 Bertelsmann SE and Co. KGaA Exhibit 128: Bertelsmann SE and Co. KGaA - Overview Exhibit 129: Bertelsmann SE and Co. KGaA - Business segments Exhibit 130: Bertelsmann SE and Co. KGaA - Key news Exhibit 131: Bertelsmann SE and Co. KGaA - Key offerings Exhibit 132: Bertelsmann SE and Co. KGaA - Segment focus 12.8 Blurb Inc. Exhibit 133: Blurb Inc. - Overview Exhibit 134: Blurb Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 135: Blurb Inc. - Key offerings 12.9 Cengage Learning Holdings II Inc. Exhibit 136: Cengage Learning Holdings II Inc. - Overview Exhibit 137: Cengage Learning Holdings II Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 138: Cengage Learning Holdings II Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 139: Cengage Learning Holdings II Inc. - Segment focus 12.10 Hachette Book Group Inc. Exhibit 140: Hachette Book Group Inc. - Overview Exhibit 141: Hachette Book Group Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 142: Hachette Book Group Inc. - Key offerings 12.11 Harper Collins Publishers Exhibit 143: Harper Collins Publishers - Overview Exhibit 144: Harper Collins Publishers - Product / Service Exhibit 145: Harper Collins Publishers - Key news Exhibit 146: Harper Collins Publishers - Key offerings 12.12 John Wiley and Sons Inc. Exhibit 147: John Wiley and Sons Inc. - Overview Exhibit 148: John Wiley and Sons Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 149: John Wiley and Sons Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 150: John Wiley and Sons Inc. - Segment focus 12.13 Kensington publishing Corp. Exhibit 151: Kensington publishing Corp. - Overview Exhibit 152: Kensington publishing Corp. - Product / Service Exhibit 153: Kensington publishing Corp. - Key offerings 12.14 Lulu Press Inc. Exhibit 154: Lulu Press Inc. - Overview Exhibit 155: Lulu Press Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 156: Lulu Press Inc. - Key offerings 12.15 Macmillan Exhibit 157: Macmillan - Overview Exhibit 158: Macmillan - Product / Service Exhibit 159: Macmillan - Key offerings 12.16 McGraw Hill Education Inc. Exhibit 160: McGraw Hill Education Inc. - Overview Exhibit 161: McGraw Hill Education Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 162: McGraw Hill Education Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 163: McGraw Hill Education Inc. - Segment focus 12.17 Pearson Plc Exhibit 164: Pearson Plc - Overview Exhibit 165: Pearson Plc - Business segments Exhibit 166: Pearson Plc - Key news Exhibit 167: Pearson Plc - Key offerings Exhibit 168: Pearson Plc - Segment focus 13 Appendix 13.1 Scope of the report 13.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist Exhibit 169: Inclusions checklist Exhibit 170: Exclusions checklist 13.3 Currency conversion rates for US$ Exhibit 171: Currency conversion rates for US$ 13.4 Research methodology Exhibit 172: Research methodology Exhibit 173: Validation techniques employed for market sizing Exhibit 174: Information sources 13.5 List of abbreviations Exhibit 175: List of abbreviations About Us Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contact Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio Board-certified anesthesiologist Marcus Schabacker to speak about perioperative patient safety at the New Jersey State Society of Anesthesiologists Annual Meeting, March 25; focus of his talk is on total systems safety PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Marcus Schabacker, MD, PhD, president and CEO of ECRI, the nation's largest patient safety organization, has been invited to present the 12th Annual Ervin Moss, MD, Patient Safety Lecture at the New Jersey State Society of Anesthesiologists annual meeting on Saturday, March 25, 2023. He will speak on Perioperative Patient Safety: A Human Factors and Total Systems Driven Approach. We need to take a different approach to patient safety. Tweet this Marcus Schabacker, MD, PhD, president and CEO of ECRI, the largest patient safety organization in the United States. "Preventable medical errors are the leading cause of death for more than 100,000 people each year in the United States. That number would be unacceptable in American aviation, and it is certainly unacceptable in healthcare," says Dr. Schabacker, a board-certified anesthesiologist and intensive care specialist. "We need to take a different approach to patient safety." In his lecture, Dr. Schabacker will discuss ways that the field of anesthesia can contribute to safe and effective care. He will review the four interdependent foundations that are essential to achieving total systems safety, how to incorporate human factors engineering into daily routines, and how unconscious biases can compromise patient safety. "At ECRI, we recognize that making improvements to patient safety based on our recommendations does not happen easily. Healthcare is complex, comprised of multiple systems and factors all working together," says Dr. Schabacker. "We believe it will take a total systems approach to make impactful and sustainable changes." Anesthesia risks have been among the health technology hazards that ECRI lists each year. In 2012, ECRI named anesthesia hazards due to incomplete pre-use inspection a top threat. In 2016, ECRI warned that failure to effectively monitor post-operative patients for opioid-induced respiratory depression can lead to brain injury or death. Dr. Schabacker has more than 35 years of healthcare experience in complex global environments, and more than 20 years of senior leadership responsibilities serving the medical device and pharmaceutical industries across the healthcare value chain. In 2018, he became ECRI's third president and CEO in the nonprofit organization's 55-year history. The New Jersey State Society of Anesthesiologists, Inc. (NJSSA) is an organization of physicians dedicated to upholding the highest standards of the profession of anesthesiology and committed to serving as an advocate for anesthesiologists and their patients. For more information, visit www.ecri.org or contact ECRI at [email protected]. About ECRI ECRI is an independent, nonprofit organization improving the safety, quality, and cost-effectiveness of care across all healthcare settings. With a focus on technology evaluation and safety, ECRI is respected and trusted by healthcare leaders and agencies worldwide. Over the past fifty-five years, ECRI has built its reputation on integrity and disciplined rigor, with an unwavering commitment to independence and strict conflict-of-interest rules. ECRI is the only organization worldwide to conduct independent medical device evaluations, with labs located in North America and Asia Pacific. ECRI is designated an Evidence-based Practice Center by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. ECRI and the Institute for Safe Medication Practices PSO is a federally certified Patient Safety Organization as designated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) formally became an ECRI Affiliate in 2020. Visit www.ecri.org. SOURCE ECRI SAN DIEGO, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Edgevana, the company revolutionizing frictionless protocol participation has declared it has moved into the Aptos ecosystem. This announcement will deliver unrivaled convenience for operators, developers, and ecosystem projects interested in joining the Aptos network. By leveraging Edgevana's one-click deployment marketplace, Aptos participants can effortlessly launch a Full Node, and Indexer Node, all completely decentralized, in a click of a button. Aptos X Edgevana Aptos Operators will enjoy a range of benefits, including zero to operator deployment in under 60 seconds, access to guaranteed node decentralization, a private community of Aptos operators, full node analytics, benchmarking, and software update notifications to ensure network synchronization. Ecosystem contributors will have access to these benefits as well as limitless API request queries for data indexing, exclusive access to a community of Aptos Developers, and unlimited RPC requests to their own dedicated Full Node. Current Edgevana Operators, developers, and institutions can launch an Aptos Public Full Node directly from Edgevana's marketplace. A spokesperson for the Aptos Foundation shared the following: "We are thrilled to welcome Edgevana to the Aptos ecosystem. Their one-click node deployment marketplace will make it even easier for node operators and developers alike to join the Aptos network and contribute to its growth. This reinforces our commitment to drive accessibility and decentralization in the blockchain industry, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the ecosystem." Ryan Fay, Co-Founder of Edgevana, added, "It's been exciting to collaborate with Aptos and its community to deliver an unparalleled solution that allows operators to go from zero to validating in under 60 seconds while ensuring and guaranteeing the decentralization of the Aptos network. By reducing time, complexity, and cost for operators, it will accelerate Aptos' mission to drive accessibility for the next billion users." This initiative aims to provide an easy-to-use, reliable way for participants to run a Full Node, and Indexer Node. For builders and operators looking to create the next generation of the internet, the program waitlist is now open and accessible by visiting the landing page linked here. This milestone is a significant step forward in advancing the Aptos ecosystem's growth and increasing accessibility for operators, developers, and ecosystem projects. About Edgevana Edgevana's platform powers the next generation of the internet for everyday users with simplicity in mind. Users can access and participate in multiple protocols with our one-click-to-deploy features, exclusive incentive programs, and our partnership marketplace which creates a one-stop-shop experience to drive both Web2 and Web3 ecosystem adoption. For more information, visit www.edgevana.com. About Aptos Network Aptos is a next-generation Layer 1 blockchain. Aptos' breakthrough technology and programming language, Move, are designed to evolve, improve performance and strengthen user safeguards. Please visit https://www.aptosfoundation.org for more information on the Aptos blockchain. SOURCE Edgevana SALT LAKE CITY, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- EKA Solutions Inc, the industry leading provider of cloud-based integrated freight management platform, EKA Omni-TMS, today announced it has begun to deliver online embedded transaction based insurtech solutions to both EKA Omni-TMS and non-EKA TMS carrier, broker, and shipper customers. "EKA in strategic collaboration with its risk management partner, Lockton, and its insurtech partner Redkik, has begun to deliver the vision of changing the process of purchasing and consuming insurance services by supply chain customers, and risk underwriting by insurance carriers." says JJ Singh, Founder and CEO for EKA Solutions, Inc. "During this first phase of disruption, the strategic partnership delivers embedded on-demand cargo risk coverage solutions to supply chain customers on a per shipment basis and elevates the customer experience to the next level." Adds, Singh. To learn more about these disruptive solutions, contact Steve Weiby at [email protected]. About EKA EKA Solutions, Inc., provides a transformational cloud-based SaaS digital freight ecosystem management platform, dFEMX, to manage customer's freight businesses and enable synchronous integration with key service providers to deliver services. Also, EKA provides the Smart, Unified Platform EKA Omni-TMS for - Virtually Everyone. It empowers small and medium size broker, carrier, and shipper businesses to operate from quote-to-cash with affordable and best-in-class digital tools, enabling the higher performance demanded in tomorrow's supply chain. For more information, visit: https://www.go-eka.com . For all other inquiries: Arune Singh [email protected] SOURCE EKA Solutions, Inc. DUBLIN, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Electric Grills Market Size, Market Share, Application Analysis, Regional Outlook, Growth Trends, Key Players, Competitive Strategies and Forecasts, 2022 to 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The electric grills market worldwide is expected to grow with a CAGR of 7.1% during the forecast period from 2022 to 2030, starting from US$ 634.1 Mn in 2021. Electric grills have some unique benefits such as indoor use, smoke-free, and others that are unmatched by any other cooking grill. Inclination towards healthy grilled food, changing lifestyles, and preference for homemade grilled food are the major growth drivers for the electric grills market. Rapid technological advancement is also gaining traction as now Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled electric grills are there in the market. In addition, the ongoing COVID-19 crisis has resulted in lockdown restrictions and people have been spending more time at home. Thereby, there has been a rising trend in home cooking since a lot of people have been avoiding visiting local restaurants and diners. As a result of these factors, we are expecting high growth in the electric grills market during the forecast period. Electric Smokers to Continue as the Market Leader The electric smoker's segment holds the highest market share in the electric grills industry with more than 60% of the market revenue, as of 2021. With the growing penetration of electric grills in restaurants, hotels, and residents electric smokers segment is the leader. Electric smokers are available in a smaller form or a refrigerator style to cook plenty of food at the same time. Nowadays, people are more concerned about their health and grilled food is often considered healthy, which in turn increasing the demand for electric smokers worldwide. As a result of these factors, we are expecting the electric smoker's segment to be the market leader during the forecast period. Asia Pacific to Emerge as the Market Leader In 2021, by revenue, North America is the leader in the electric grills market followed by Europe with more than 30% of market share. North America has the largest share owing to grilling became an integral part of consumers lifestyle. The Asia Pacific will be the fastest-growing region due to inclination towards healthy food and an increase in per capita income. Rising preference for homemade grilled food in countries such as Japan, China, and India are the major growth factors in the region. As a result of these factors, we are expecting a steady growth in the region throughout the forecast period. Market Segmentation Product Electric Smokers Electric Griddles Application Residential Commercial Key questions answered in this report What are the key micro and macro environmental factors that are impacting the growth of Electric Grills market? What are the key investment pockets with respect to product segments and geographies currently and during the forecast period? Estimated forecast and market projections up to 2030. Which segment accounts for the fastest CAGR during the forecast period? Which market segment holds a larger market share and why? Are low and middle-income economies investing in the Electric Grills market? Which is the largest regional market for Electric Grills market? What are the market trends and dynamics in emerging markets such as Asia Pacific , Latin America , and Middle East & Africa ? , , and & ? Which are the key trends driving Electric Grills market growth? Who are the key competitors and what are their key strategies to enhance their market presence in the Electric Grills market worldwide? Key Topics Covered: 1. Preface 2. Executive Summary 3. Electric Grills Market: Competitive Analysis 4. Electric Grills Market: Macro Analysis & Market Dynamics 5. Electric Grills Market: By Product, 2020-2030, USD (Million) 6. Electric Grills Market: By Application, 2020-2030, USD (Million) 7. North America Electric Grills Market, 2020-2030, USD (Million) 8. UK and European Union Electric Grills Market, 2020-2030, USD (Million) 9. Asia Pacific Electric Grills Market, 2020-2030, USD (Million) 10. Latin America Electric Grills Market, 2020-2030, USD (Million) 11. Middle East and Africa Electric Grills Market, 2020-2030, USD (Million) 12. Company Profile Companies Mentioned The Weber-Stephen Products LLC Middleby Corporation Taylor Company Inc. Roller Grill International SA Dimplex North America Limited DeLonghi SpA Coleman Company Inc. Midea Group Char-Broil Llc Zojirushi Koninklijke Philips N.V. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/gl5bdm About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Media Contact:Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg SOURCE Research and Markets Winning designer of the popular contest will receive an internship in the Ram Truck Design Studio and other prizes AUBURN HILLS, Mich., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- For the 11th consecutive year, Stellantis is empowering students to envision the automotive future with its Drive for Design contest. For this year's competition, high school students in grades 10-12 are challenged to sketch an innovative design for the next-generation Ram electric truck. The top prize is an incredible opportunity to work as an intern (if eligible) in the Ram Truck Exterior Design Studio this summer. As the demand for electric vehicles increases, fresh ideas about the future of electric trucks are more important than ever. 11th Annual Drive for Design contest challenges high school students to create electrified Ram truck of the future. For detailed contest rules, information on how to submit sketches and free resources for students of all ages, visit www.StellantisDriveForDesign.com. Drive for Design is powered by the passion of Mark Trostle, vice president, Ram Truck and Mopar design, who won one of the program's early iterations as a high schooler in 1987. The contest highlights the path to a career in automotive design and illustrates the many opportunities for creativity in the automotive industry. "Participating in this contest gave me the confidence to pursue the path to a career in automotive design. Now, I want to help students find the connection between their creativity and the automotive industry," said Trostle. "It is incredible to see our past winners come up through the design school ranks. I even get to see some of them as interns or coworkers in our design studio." All student-created entries must be submitted by April 21, 2023. One grand prize winner and two additional finalists will be selected from all valid entries received. In addition to the summer designer internship in the Ram Truck Exterior Design Studio, the grand prize winner will also receive a Wacom MobileStudio Pro 16 tablet and have their winning sketch featured on Stellantis' social media platforms. Prizes for the second- and third-place finishers include an Apple iPad Pro and Apple Pencil, Virtual Day of Design portfolio review with members of the Stellantis Design Team and a scholarship to College for Creative Studies' four-week summer program, VisCom 1. Students, teachers and parents can follow the Stellantis North America social media channels to learn about careers in automotive design. Weekly contest updates and content will be posted every Tuesday and Thursday with the hashtag #DriveForDesign. For detailed contest rules, information on how to submit sketches and free resources for students of all ages, visit www.StellantisDriveForDesign.com. Notable Drive for Design winners: 2020 winner: Job Skandera ( Santa Rosa, Calif. ), former intern ( ), former intern 2019 winner: Max Cooper ( Miami, Fla. ), current intern ( ), current intern 2016 winner: Ben Treinen ( Loveland, Ohio ), Ram Truck Interior Design Studio employee ( ), Ram Truck Interior Design Studio employee 2015 winner: Josh Blundo ( Moultonborough, NH ), former intern ( ), former intern 2015 winner: Dongwon Kim ( Cupertino, Calif. ), current intern ( ), current intern 2014 winner: Alex Fischer ( Rochester, Mich. ), former intern Stellantis North America Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) is one of the world's leading automakers and a mobility provider. In North America, it's best known for producing and selling vehicles in a portfolio of iconic and award-winning brands such as Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Alfa Romeo and Fiat. Powered by its diversity, Stellantis leads the way the region and the world move aspiring to become the greatest sustainable mobility tech company, not the biggest, while creating added value for all stakeholders as well as the communities in which it operates. For more information, visit www.stellantis.com. Follow company news and video on: Company blog: http://blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com Media website: http://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com Company website: www.stellantis.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StellantisNA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stellantisna Twitter: @StellantisNA YouTube: http://youtube.com/StellantisNA SOURCE Stellantis President Tenny will retire at the conclusion of the 202324 academic year, after seven years as the first woman president in the School's 157-year history CHICAGO, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- After seven years of transformative leadership, Elissa Tenny today announced that she will retire as president of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) at the end of the 202324 academic year. President Tenny will leave an enduring and far-reaching legacy as the first woman to lead the art and design college in its 157-year history. With a career in higher education of more than 45 years, she has been at SAIC since 2010, previously serving as the School's provost. "Since beginning as provost, and since 2016 as president, I have seen so many at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago contribute to making our School more responsive to today's challenges and exemplify an art and design college for tomorrow," said President Elissa Tenny. "I am so thankful for the collaboration with students, alums, staff, faculty, board members, and supporters who have embraced my contributions to the School, sharpened our work with constructive critique, and continually envisioned a college that will train the next generation of artists and designers for at least another century and a half." As a first-generation college student herself, President Tenny brought a wealth of lived experience to her position and had a keen understanding of the challenges students without a family history of college face. This experience helped her launch several important initiatives, including the First-Generation Fellows program, created to help first-generation students find their path at SAIC. As president, she also led several other initiatives to create a place of belonging at SAIC, including helping to create the School's College Arts Access Program (CAAP), a three-year college preparatory bridge for Chicago Public School students. Since the program's launch in 2014, it has had a 100 percent college acceptance rate, with 96 percent of CAAP alums attending college within one year of graduating high school. Programs such as the First-Generation Fellows and CAAP were made possible through President Tenny's fundraising stewardship. During her tenure, the School raised more than $102 million, and is currently fundraising for student scholarship, wellness, and paid internships through the Make Way: A Roadmap to Student Access, Equity, and Affordability initiative. "As Board chairs, we speak for many when we offer our sincere gratitude to Elissa for the tenacity with which she advanced the School's mission of providing a world-class art and design education while making SAIC a more diverse and accessible," said Chair of SAIC's Board of Governors Anita K. Sinha and Chair of the Art Institute of Chicago Board of Trustees Denise B. Gardner in a statement to the School community. President Tenny also helped to expand the scope and variety of health and disability services at SAIC through increased investment and fundraising. She improved the diversity of the School's student and faculty bodies over the past 12 years, including a 30 percent increase in hires of full-time faculty of color from 201619. In 2020, President Tenny established the Anti-Racism Committee to address issues of diversity and inclusion, including changes to the School's curriculum and improving access to financial support and inclusivity at the School's facilities. Over the past six years, President Tenny helped to strengthen the School's financial position through an increased endowment fund, debt reduction, and invested in initiatives to cut the School's environmental footprint. Her leadership during the pandemic should also be commended for how she navigated this significant challenge with empathy and grace. Board chairs Sinha and Gardner will bestow the title of president emerita on President Tenny upon her retirement. The School will begin a nationwide search for a new president and will employ a firm to conduct this national search. Media contact: Rowan Beaird Associate Director of Communications [email protected] Emerald-Jane Hunter myWHY Agency [email protected] About School of The Art Institute For more than 155 years, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) has been a leader in educating the world's most influential artists, designers, and scholars. Located in downtown Chicago with a fine arts graduate program ranked number two in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, SAIC provides an interdisciplinary approach to art and design as well as world-class resources, including the Art Institute of Chicago museum, on-campus galleries, and state-of-the-art facilities. SAIC's undergraduate, graduate, and post-baccalaureate students have the freedom to take risks and create the bold ideas that transform Chicago and the world, and adults, teens, and kids in our Continuing Studies classes have the opportunity to explore their creative sides, build portfolios, and advance their skills. Notable alumni and faculty include Georgia O'Keeffe, Nick Cave, David Sedaris, LaToya Ruby Frazier, Cynthia Rowley, Michelle Grabner, Richard Hunt, Apichatpong Weerasethakul, and Jeff Koons. SOURCE School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) StoryFinder Helps Publishers Catalog and Repurpose Content to Drive Traffic, Increase Revenue CHICAGO, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- eMagazines a leading provider of publishing technology services that help publishers produce and deliver premium digital magazine content has launched the latest version of its StoryFinder Issue Repository product. StoryFinder article and image asset management system helps publishers identify, catalog, and repurpose existing content to drive traffic, increase licensing revenue, and repackage previous content into special issues. StoryFinder also allows publishers and its licensing partners to search its article archive easily to view rights and usage rules. "StoryFinder is a natural product extension for eMagazines," said Andrew Degenholtz, eMagazines Founder and CEO. "Now, when eMagazines produces the mobile reflow digital magazine version for our publishing clients, all of that digital content can be searched by the publisher and articles can be republished and licensed to partners." With the updated version, users will benefit from new features, such as: WordPress integration to support exporting articles to WordPress websites Adding image content in line with text, just as it appears in print Enhanced support for recipe-specific articles for easier WordPress publishing "Clients tell us that StoryFinder drastically reduces their archival searching time giving them more time to focus on other publishing responsibilities," adds Degenholtz. In addition to StoryFinder, eMagazines continues to lead the industry in creating smart, digital publishing solutions, such as its Mobile Optimized Reader (a complete digital reproduction of print editions never sacrificing images, fonts, and styles), Article Audio (narration options for reproduced digital edition articles), Subscriber Back Issue Archive (custom publishing services to launch back issue archives and integration with existing e-commerce systems), and Content Distribution Opportunities (helping publishers deliver content across multiple news and content platforms from Apple News+, a publisher's own iOS/Android app, Hoopla Digital for library patrons, and more). About eMagazines: Launched in 2017, eMagazines is a leading software company assisting publishers of premium content to create beautiful, mobile-optimized digital editions. Our unique approach keeps users engaged longer than a typical website or magazine replica. eMagazines digitizes thousands of issues every year including hundreds of magazine and publishing titles as well as thousands of articles for such companies as Hearst, Bonnier, Bloomberg, and hundreds more publishers. Contact: Vanessa Walilko, (312) 702-1342, ext 5, [email protected] SOURCE eMagazines Former McCann Worldgroup and brand-side marketer will oversee unified client portfolios and strengthen the agency's position in California, Portland, and Seattle NEW YORK, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Wunderman Thompson North America CEO Audrey Melofchik has appointed Emily Chang to lead its West Coast offices, including LA, Seattle, and the Swift boutique agency in Portland. This move will maximize the creative, data, and technology agency's position as one of the few large agencies on the West Coast backed with end-to-end capabilities. "Emily is a powerhouse leader. She has tremendous vision, unparalleled energy, a pulse on culture, and a gigantic heart," said Audrey. She will bring our people together to deliver inspiring brand stories along with deep specialty expertise across the marketing ecosystem, so marketers have a partner to demonstrate real growth." Emily will oversee the regions growing client portfolio, which includes technology companies Microsoft, T-Mobile, Qualcomm, Venmo, and Snap, as well as major automotive brands and DTC companies. She will leverage Swifts creative and social media expertise, which has garnered industry accolades for its work for Doves As Early As Five and attracts category-disrupting brands. In addition, Emily will enhance Wunderman Thompsons Creative Bravery and In it together culture as part of her plan for West Coast agency operations. Prior to returning home to Los Angeles, Emily spent nearly a decade in APAC, most recently as CEO of McCann Worldgroup, China, across four agencies located in three offices. In the last three years, she restructured the leadership team and developed new strategic and digital capabilities to grow revenue +40% within the first 18 months and deliver record high margins. During this period, her focus on creating a sense of belonging also dramatically improved employee satisfaction while reducing turnover by over 10%. Wunderman Thompson has creative as the heart, data as the brain and technology as the hands that make them the gold standard of integration, said Emily. As a competitor, Ive watched Wunderman Thompson build its reputation as the authority on inspiration and look forward to tapping into this insight and adding inspiration of my own when it comes to our clients and culture. About Wunderman Thompson For more information , please visit us at www.wundermanthompson.com , subscribe to our newsletter , and follow Wunderman Thompson on our social channels via Twitter , Facebook , LinkedIn , and Instagram . SOURCE Wunderman Thompson Electric vehicles expected to reach 55% of total global vehicle sales by 2030, but lack of collaboration could impact adoption and decarbonization goals An accessible and equitable charging infrastructure is critical for electric vehicles to take off in the mass market Utilities play a pivotal role in enabling a smooth transition to eMobility LONDON, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Electric vehicle (EV) adoption has accelerated faster than predicted. Globally, EV sales doubled in 2021 and jumped 55% in 2022 to account for 13% of all vehicles sold. If this trend is to continue, however, the eMobility ecosystem must collaborate around 'Six essentials for mainstream EV adoption', according to a new study from EY and Eurelectric. The study is informed by Eurelectric and its members and includes insights drawn from industry leaders across the ecosystem, including automotive, utilities, fleet management, city planning and charging infrastructure. The study highlights that in 2022, EV sales in China reached 27% of total vehicles sold; in Europe, they made up just over 20%; and in the US, EV sales increased to more than 7% of all vehicles sold. But are conditions right for EVs to take off in the mass market? The study underscores the need for a collaborative and coordinated response from eMobility ecosystem players in pursuit of decarbonization goals, with utilities, in particular, playing a pivotal role. Serge Colle, EY Global Energy & Resources Industry Market Leader, says: "Despite economic headwinds and rising energy costs, EV sales are resilient and are continuing to accelerate. Globally we have reached 13% adoption, but if EVs are to enter the mainstream, significant collaboration across the entire value chain is critical. The EY/Eurelectric study identifies six essentials that will make or break the future of eMobility. Failure to get these right could result in missed net-zero targets, unresolved air quality issues, wasted investments, and an extended eMobility transition period." Future of eMobility hinges on six essentials To avoid a modern-day cart-before-horse scenario, the study highlights that collectively, the ecosystem must unite around six essentials across the eMobility value chain: resilient supply chains and vital raw materials; clean and green power production; accessible charging infrastructure; the integration of EVs with smart grid technology; digital platforms and mobile applications to optimize EV charging; and finding and training the next-generation workforce. Accessible charging infrastructure for all As the EV-buying demographic shifts from early adopters to a larger group of consumers with more mainstream values and expectations, accessible charging infrastructure for all is critical. The study calculates that by 2040, the total number of residential, private and public chargers needed in Europe will top 140 million (88% will be destined for home charging) to service an estimated 239 million EVs. In the US, a total of 91 million chargers (85% for home charging) will be required to serve 152 million vehicles in the same timeframe. To quickly and equitably roll out charging infrastructure, the study recommends incentivizing, via regulation, installation in the spaces and places where people live and work. Cooperation between network operators and public authorities in preparing for network development, understanding the EV uptake, and assessing infrastructure needs and investments is also key. Utilities play a pivotal role Utilities come to the transition with electric-engineering acumen and deep knowledge of load on distribution and transmission lines. The study cites that in the transition to eMobility, they must take on a much more customer-facing and technology-dependent role. To be successful, utilities must engage proactively with city planners and continue building out networks that allow renewables, and other forms of distributed assets, to connect to the grid. Furthermore, they must manage new load at the point of charging and pursue new technologies that enable the two-way flow of energy across the system. Kristian Ruby, Eurelectric Secretary General, says: "eMobility is speeding up. Europe's utilities are ready to take on that challenge. Getting the green light from regulators for the necessary investments is paramount to success". View this post on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:ugcPost:7043879187832573952/ Aparna Sankaran EY Global Media Relations +44 (0)207 480 245082 [email protected] SOURCE EY Third Annual Report Demonstrates Company's Leadership in Cybersecurity and Commitment to Ongoing Industry Innovation ATLANTA, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Equifax (NYSE: EFX) today released its 2022 Security Annual Report, highlighting the year's accomplishments and future challenges for the industry in cybersecurity. The third annual report reflects Equifax's enhanced security transparency measures, expansion of the company's public-private security partnerships, and joint innovation with vendors to augment its security toolset and bring new capabilities to the broader market. "In 2022, we shifted from an era of building the Equifax Cloud to securely leveraging the Cloud for innovation and growth," said Mark W. Begor, CEO of Equifax. "As we have grown and innovated to meet the evolving needs of global consumers and customers, we have also committed to partnering with them in new ways. Cybersecurity is critical to that partnership. We believe that more communication, more collaboration, and more transparency, equals stronger security and are committed to helping customers, partners and consumers strengthen their own cybersecurity postures for the benefit of the industry at large." Over the past year, Equifax achieved multi-cloud environment security parity; established tiered control priority and risk-based reporting for its acquisition processes; expanded its personalized Security Scorecards to include Equifax contractors; earned U.S. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance for two key environments; and obtained Secret Facility Security Clearance from the Government of Canada. "The 2022 threat landscape presented challenges none of us can solve alone," said Jamil Farshchi, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer of Equifax. "Our answer to this is partnership. Equifax has established a bold vision to address some of security's most intractable challenges and worked cooperatively over the last year to shape security behaviors, technologies and practices alongside the security vendor community, government agencies, nonprofits, peers and leaders in board of directors governance." For a third-consecutive year, a leading global research and advisory firm found that the maturity of Equifax's cybersecurity program exceeded every major industry benchmark. Additionally, a leading cybersecurity reporting service found that Equifax's security posture ranked in the top 1 percent of Technology companies and top 3 percent of Financial Services companies analyzed. The Report also highlights Equifax's emphasis on security collaboration and transparency in 2022: Co-innovating with vendors to bring training, supply chain security, governance and authentication solutions to market that drive the entire industry forward. Advancing public-private cooperation by engaging with legislators, government agencies, NGOs and regulators including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bipartisan Policy Center, the Costa Rica Cyber Security Cluster and Chilean Cybersecurity Alliance. Sharing Equifax's board partnership blueprint with members of organizations such as the National Association of Corporate Directors, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) Board Advisory Council and the EY Audit Committee Network. To view the full 2022 Security Annual Report, please visit Equifax.com . ABOUT EQUIFAX INC. At Equifax (NYSE: EFX), we believe knowledge drives progress. As a global data, analytics, and technology company, we play an essential role in the global economy by helping financial institutions, companies, employers, and government agencies make critical decisions with greater confidence. Our unique blend of differentiated data, analytics, and cloud technology drives insights to power decisions to move people forward. Headquartered in Atlanta and supported by nearly 14,000 employees worldwide, Equifax operates or has investments in 24 countries in North America, Central and South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region. For more information, visit Equifax.com . FOR MORE INFORMATION Ben Lord for Equifax [email protected] SOURCE Equifax Inc. The fast-growing, doctor-led integrated dental organization (IDO) expands its footprint to 26 practices in the western U.S. DENVER, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Espire Dental, a fast-growing, elite, cosmetic and multi-specialty group practice, founded and operated by dentists with a vision to create something extraordinary, is pleased to announce the recent acquisition of Fox Creek Family Dental, a five-location group with practices located in Longmont, Loveland, Thornton, Westminster and Broomfield, CO. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Denver, Espire Dental is both turning heads and turning the dental industry upside down, with its mission to radically elevate the dental experience among its growing footprint of 26 practices located throughout Colorado, California, Oklahoma, and Wyoming. The company actively seeks practices with a clinical philosophy focused on the patient experience, while placing significant emphasis on elevated, quality clinical care and true provider and employee fulfillment. The addition of these five new dental practices strengthens Espire's position in the state of Colorado, expanding quality dental care and cosmetic dentistry throughout the state. Tim Hill, Espire Dental CEO, is excited about the cultural synergy between Espire, Fox Creek Family Dental, its owner Dr. Ryan Koenig, D.D.S, and his amazing team. "Espire is the solution for elevated private-practice dentists who would not typically join a DSO. We're proud to partner with Dr. Ryan Koenig, his providers and practice teams who have a rich history of providing exceptional dental care within their communities. These five locations are an ideal fit with our existing Colorado footprint, and we look forward to working together to advance quality dental care to patients in Colorado." Fox Creek Family Dental has been providing exceptional patient care in the Longmont, Loveland, Thornton, Westminster and Broomfield communities. "When I first met the leadership team at Espire, I knew that they were creating something unique and were the perfect fit for our practice teams and patients. We searched for a partner with a proven track record to grow and support our team members, but we didn't want to lose our personalized patient experience. We found that partner and are proud to join Espire in elevating the entire dental industry," Dr. Koenig said. Espire Dental provides its practices with best-in-class business support services including practice operations, clinical training, human resources, marketing and accounting. Offering business support to practices while creating hospitality-like dental experiences not only sets Espire apart from other group dental partners, but it allows its dentists to create healthy, beautiful smiles while building relationships with their patients and continue to lead their valued clinical and support team. About Espire Dental Espire Dental is a group of practices founded by doctors with a vision to create something extraordinary: a dental setting where excellence in dentistry meets inspired hospitality. Espire is pioneering a new practice category, operating as an Integrated Dental Organization (IDO) instead of a DSO to create a large, top quality and unique group practice operating under a single, trusted brand. With a focus on cosmetic dentistry and elevated quality, multi-specialty care, and creating exceptional experiences for patients and employees, Espire believes that we bring out the best in people. Espire is a fast-growing group of 26 practices, looking to build its presence in the Western United States. Learn more at www.espiredental.com. Contact Espire Dental Dentists interested in joining Espire Dental may complete an inquiry form: EspireDental.com/practice-transition Media Contact: Sophie Kelner, [email protected] SOURCE Espire Dental DUBLIN, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Europe Green Hydrogen Market Size, Segments, Outlook and Revenue Forecast 2022-2030 by Technology, Application, Generation and Delivery Mode and Major Countries" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Europe Green Hydrogen Market is expected to record a positive CAGR of ~40% during the forecast period (2022-2030), due to the rising demand for renewable energy sources, notably in electricity generation. Rising demand for cleaner energy from all major industry sectors and escalating environmental issues arising from carbon emissions are major growth drivers for Europe's Green Hydrogen market. For instance, according to Eurostat, a statistical office of the European Union located in Luxembourg, renewable energy sources accounted for 37% of total EU electricity consumption in 2020, up from 34% in 2019. In addition, wind and hydropower accounted for more than two-thirds of total renewable electricity generation (36% and 33%, respectively), while solar power increased from 1% in 2008 to 8% in 2020. Emergence of advanced electrolysis technologies is likely to create opportunities for a wide range of industries/sectors in the forthcoming years to reliably produce green hydrogen at a low cost from outages and evolving renewable energy sources. For instance, the EU hydrogen strategy proposed by the European Commission, plans for increasing renewable hydrogen production via electrolysis to 10 million tonnes of hydrogen by 2030, with an installed capacity of 40 gigatonnes (GW) electrolyzers. The high cost of producing hydrogen in comparison to fossil fuel equivalents is the most significant barrier to widespread green hydrogen adoption. Scope of the Report Green Hydrogen, also known as Clean Hydrogen is mainly generated with electrolysis, a highly energy-intensive process that uses electricity to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen molecules. In addition, it is primarily used in refining petroleum products, including fuel oil, diesel fuel, gasoline, kerosene, liquefied petroleum gas, and in the chemical industry for producing fertilizers. Also, it can be transformed into electricity or synthetic gas and used for commercial, industrial or mobility purposes. Furthermore, the Green Hydrogen Market is segmented by Technology, Application, and Generation and Delivery Mode. In addition, the report also covers market size and forecasts for the region's six major countries' green hydrogen markets. The revenue used to size and forecast the market for each segment is USD billion. By Technology Alkaline Electrolyzer Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Electrolyzer Solid Oxide Electrolyzer By Application Industrial Processes Domestic Energy Systems (Residential Premises, and Commercial Premises) Power Grids Mobility By Generation and Delivery Mode Captive Merchant (Pipeline/Tube Trailers, Liquid Tankers, Trucks, and Ships) By Geography Germany The Netherlands Poland Italy France Spain Rest of Europe ( Belgium , The UK, Denmark , Norway , Sweden , Finland , Portugal , Austria , Romania , and Others Key Trends by Market Segment By Technology: Alkaline Electrolysis Technology holds the largest share of Europe's Green Hydrogen market. Alkaline Electrolysis Technique is a commonly used method for generating large amounts of hydrogen. The primary advantage of alkaline technology is that it uses a liquid electro catalyst instead of expensive metal materials. Alkaline electrolysis cells, which are well-known for their long-term stability and lifetime, can also be stacked in large quantities. For instance, in October 2021, the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water, an Indian non-profit research organization, asserted that alkaline electrolysis is the most commonly used technique or process to generate green hydrogen, with ~ 65% global market share, followed by PEM electrolyzers with ~35% market share. As per the International Energy Agency (IEA) statistics about global installed electrolysis capacity by technology from 2015 to 2020, alkaline electrolysis technology accounted for two-thirds of capacity in 2020, however PEM electrolyzers technology share increased from just 12% to 34% during this period. By Application: Industrial Processes and Domestic Energy Systems together account for the majority share of the Europe Green Hydrogen Market. Rising industrialization across European countries, as well as the large and centralized demand for hydrogen in refineries, chemical industries, and steelmaking, is fueling the demand for green hydrogen in Industrial processes, and Domestic Energy Systems. For instance, according to Eurostat, Germany recorded the highest value of sold industrial production in 2021, representing 27 % of the EU total, followed by Italy with 16%. According to European Construction Industry Federation (FIEC EU), in 2021, the volume of residential construction output in the Netherlands increased by 3.6%. The green hydrogen market in the mobility industry is expected to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period (2022-2030), as green hydrogen provides three times more energy per unit than fossil fuels. In addition, the mobility industry had no other viable options for fossil fuels before the commercialization of fuel-cell-based engines. Furthermore, green hydrogen-powered vehicles are ideal for mining vehicles, trains, planes, lorries, buses, and even marine transport. It is the best way to meet advanced countries' zero-carbon footprint targets. For instance, in April 2022, Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB), a Spanish transit company, announced in April 2022 its intention to incorporate 508 low-carbon buses by 2025, of which 233 will be electric and 46 hydrogen-powered. Additionally, in April 2022, The German Federal Ministry of Transport announced the investment of USD 644.72 Mn (600 Mn euros) for 1,600 low- and zero-emission buses. By Generation and Delivery Mode: The captive segment holds the largest market share in the Europe Green Hydrogen Market as captive production meets the majority of Europe's hydrogen demand. According to the 2020 EU Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Observatory (FCHO) report, nearly 88% of total capacity is captive, while the remaining 12% is often supplied by merchant facilities. The merchant segment is expected to grow at a faster rate during the forecast period, owing to increased demand from small-scale industries, such as steel manufacturing and pharmaceuticals, as well as the limited capacity of medium-scale industries to afford high capital costs. In addition, increased investment in green hydrogen projects, combined with the company's ability to supply hydrogen at competitive prices, will drive its market growth. By Geography: Germany accounts for largest share among all countries within the total Europe Green Hydrogen market, accounting for about 20% of total market revenue. France is expected to witness fastest growth during the forecast period, followed closely by Spain, owing primarily to solar and wind generation capacity growth. For instance, in December 2021, French government announced investment of nearly 2 bn euros (USD 2.14 bn) in green hydrogen technologies as part of its 2030 investment plan. In addition, the Spanish government created a 'hydrogen roadmap' to help the country achieve climate neutrality and a 100% renewable electricity system by 2050, with goals for 2030 and a vision for 2050 to ensure that green hydrogen adds to the country's climate neutrality by 2050. The green hydrogen market in Poland and Italy is also expected to grow significantly in the coming years, as the Italian government has prioritized hydrogen in its plans for an ecological transition, and has made strong goals for the advancement and adaptation of this energy vector by 2030. Additionally, the growing adoption of hydrogen strategies for the adoption of e-fuel vehicles in Poland is increasing green hydrogen demand. Conclusion The Europe Green Hydrogen Market is forecasted to continue an exponential growth that is witnessed since 2019, during the forecast period also, primarily driven by rising demand for cleaner energy from all major industry sectors and escalating environmental issues arising from carbon emissions. Though the market is highly competitive with over 150 participants, few global players control dominant share and regional players also hold significant share. Key Segments Covered in Europe Green Hydrogen Market: Europe Green Hydrogen Market By Technology Alkaline Electrolyzer Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Electrolyzer Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Europe Green Hydrogen Market By Application Industrial Processes Domestic Energy Systems (Residential Premises, and Commercial Premises) Power Grids Mobility Europe Green Hydrogen Market By Generation and Delivery Mode Captive Merchant (Pipeline/Tube Trailers, Liquid Tanker Trucks, and Ships) Europe Green Hydrogen Market By Geography Germany The Netherlands Poland Italy France Spain Rest of Europe ( Belgium , The UK, Denmark , Norway , Sweden , Finland , Portugal , Austria , Romania , and Others Companies Mentioned in the Report: Key Competitors in Europe Green Hydrogen Market Linde Plc Shell Plc Air Products and Chemicals Inc Air Liquide Thyssenkrupp AG Nel ASA Siemens Energy AG Schaeffler Group Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation Ballard Power Systems Plug Power Inc Bloom Energy Notable Emerging Companies Mentioned in the Report Quantron AG STEAG GmbH SunFire GmbH Nedstack Fuel Cell Technology BV Hymove Gasunie PGNiG SA PKN ORLEN Ampere Life Industrie De Nora S.p.A Ansaldo Energia Snam McPhy Energy S.A Lhyfe H2V Iberdrola, S.A Engages S.A Respol S.A Frequently Asked Questions What is the Study Period of this Market Report? The Europe Green Hydrogen Market is covered from 2019 - 2030 in this report, which includes a forecast for the period 2022-2030 What is the Future Growth Rate of Europe Green Hydrogen Market? The Europe Green Hydrogen Market is expected to witness a CAGR of about 40% over the next 8 years What are the Key Factors Driving the Europe Green Hydrogen Market? Rising demand for cleaner energy from all major industry sectors and escalating environmental issues arising from carbon emissions. are expected to be the primary drivers of this market Which is the Largest Technology Segment within the Europe Green Hydrogen Market? Alkaline Electrolysis Technology holds the largest share of Europe's Green Hydrogen Market For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/xjr4xa About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg SOURCE Research and Markets CAIRO, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Intellect Global Consumer Banking (iGCB) , the consumer banking arm of Intellect Design Arena Limited, announced that Faisal Islamic Bank of Egypt has chosen its CBX Retail (CBX-R) platform to power its Digital Banking. The bank which is on a high growth trajectory will be offering contextual experience to more than a million Retail and Business customers across Egypt. Faisal Islamic Bank Logo Summit Technology Logo An increased focus on digital financial inclusion by the government, rising internet penetration and fintech players have contributed to an increase in Digital Banking in Egypt*. To make the most of the trend, banks must aim to uncomplicate digital user journeys and make them inherently intuitive. CBX-R is a cloud-native, API & Microservices based, Composable digital banking solution from iGCB. The platform analyses the end customer's behavioural, psychographic and social media interactions through AI and ML models to deliver hyper-personalised experiences. With CBX, banks can also connect with 3rd Parties like Fintech & eCommerce to offer curated experiences to their customers. By leveraging the CBX Platform, Faisal Islamic Bank of Egypt would be able to: Acquire customers digitally, thereby reducing the cost of acquisition Onboard retail customers in under 3 minutes Perform real-time eKYC, Video KYC, and Credit check during the account opening process Offer contextual products and offers in real-time on the mobile app and net banking channel Reduce branch dependence by offering all banking products and services on the move Offer innovative credit solutions like Microcredits, Buy-now-pay-later, Virtual credit card Create a marketplace by connecting to any third party of choice in retail, food, travel, and eCommerce. * All Features applied are fully compliant with the CBE regulations Intellect has won this project with their long-term partner in Egypt, Summit Technology Solutions, who will be jointly working on the implementation. Abdelhamid Aboumoussa, Governor of Faisal Islamic Bank of Egypt, says, "With this, our goal is to provide a truly intuitive and contextual digital banking experience to our customers. We wanted to invest in a solution that is easy to deploy, manage, and evolves with changing market dynamics. Intellect Global Consumer Banking was the best choice, given their deep domain expertise, understanding of our market, and enthusiasm to be our long-term partner. We are very excited to begin this journey." Rajesh Saxena, CEO, Global Consumer Banking (iGCB), Intellect Design Arena, says, "We are excited to partner with Faisal Islamic Bank to offer a best-in-class digital banking experience to Egypt's citizens. With this implementation, the bank would not only be able to offer a banking experience unlike what Egypt has ever seen, but also leverage microservices and composable architecture to continue its innovation journey." About Faisal Islamic Bank of Egypt Faisal Islamic Bank of Egypt is the first Egyptian Islamic commercial bank. The Bank officially started its operations on 5th July 1979. The Bank was incorporated under Law no. 48 of 1977 which was then endorsed by the Egyptian Parliament and the Bank was licensed as an economic and social institution taking the form of an Egyptian Joint-Stock Company operating in compliance with Islamic Sharia principles. The Bank's authorized capital is $ one billion. The number of accounts reached more than 1.965 million accounts. Total assets of the Bank is EGP 151.6 billion as at 31/12/2022. Nowadays, His Royal Highness Prince Amr Mohammed Al-Faisal Al-Saud is the Chairman of the Board of Directors as a successor to the late His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed Al-Faisal Al-Saud. The bank provides all retail and corporate banking services and investment activities in the Arab Republic of Egypt and abroad, through 41 branches and its head office located at 3, 26th July st., Cairo. www.faisalbank.com.eg About Intellect Global Consumer Banking (iGCB) iGCB, the Retail and Central Banking Solutions arm of Intellect, offers an end-to-end Contextual Banking suite for retail and corporate banking across Core Banking, Lending, Cards, Digital Banking, and Central Banking. Its unique blend of integrated functionality and agility is made possible by its Microservices-based, API-first, cloud-native architecture with powerful integration capabilities. iGCB brings to the table a deep knowledge of the developed and developing financial market space and seeks to be the Innovation Partner for those who are passionate about transforming the future of fintech! www.igcb.com About Intellect Design Arena Intellect Design Arena Ltd. is the world's largest cloud-native, API-led microservices-based multi-product FinTech platform for global leaders in Banking, Insurance and Capital Markets. It offers a full spectrum of banking and insurance technology products and platforms across Retail, Transaction Banking, Risk, Treasury & Markets, and Insurance. Intellect serves over 270 customers through offices in 57 countries and with a diverse workforce of technology experts in major global financial hubs around the world. For more information, visit www.intellectdesign.com . About Summit Technology Solutions Summit is a leading System Integrator with more than 35 years of success in helping organizations in their digital transformation journey. With Egypt as its hub, and a network of offices in Algeria, Pakistan, and Dubai , Summit serves a broad spectrum of industries including banking and financial services, telecommunications, government and public safety, real estate and hospitality, oil and gas and general business. Capitalizing on their strong local and regional presence, their industry knowledge, their team of highly qualified and certified professionals, their rich portfolio of products and services and their partnership with global leading technology vendors, they design and deploy end-to-end solutions and manage successfully turnkey ICT projects. They help their customers streamlining & monitoring their operations, managing their resources, taking better decisions through the efficient use of technology. They align their growth objectives with their customers, their employees and the community at large. www.summit-mea.com *Source: https://www.theasianbanker.com/updates-and-articles/egypts-initiatives-to-boost-digital-payments-aiming-to-achieve-financial For Media related info, please contact: Nachu Nagappan Intellect Design Arena Ltd Mob: +91 89396 19676 Email: [email protected] For Investor related info, please contact: Praveen Malik Intellect Design Arena Limited Mob: +91 89397 82837 Email: [email protected] Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2016460/Faisal_Islamic_Bank_Logo.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2016461/iGCB_Intellect_Logo.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2017367/sts_Logo.jpg SOURCE Intellect Design Arena Ltd. NOIDA, India, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new report published by UnivDatos Markets Insights, the Fill Finish Cartridge Market was valued at more than USD 1.82 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 9.7% from 2022-2028. The analysis has been segmented into Cartridge Size (Less than 1ml, 1ml-3ml, and More Than 3ml); Drug Type (Biologics, and Others); Injection Devices (Pens, and Autoinjectors); and Region. Click here to view the Report Description & TOC https://univdatos.com/report/fill-finish-cartridge-market/ The fill finish cartridge market report has been aggregated by collecting informative data on various dynamics such as market drivers, restraints, and opportunities. This innovative report makes use of several analyses to get a closer outlook on the fill finish cartridge market. The fill finish cartridge market report offers a detailed analysis of the latest industry developments and trending factors in the market that are influencing the market growth. Furthermore, this statistical market research repository examines and estimates the fill finish cartridge market at the global and regional levels. Request for Sample Pages https://univdatos.com/get-a-free-sample-form-php/?product_id=35793 Market Overview Fill Finish cartridge is the process of filling the pharmaceutical solution into the cartridge for distribution. The market is growing at a tremendous rate owing to the increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases, and the surge in the investments by pharmaceutical companies in the research and development sector. Furthermore, companies are also expanding their production facilities, which is also having a positive impact on the market's growth during the forecast period. For instance, in September 2021, Lonza announced its investment to expand its drug product manufacturing network in Switzerland. The new line will support liquid and lyophilized vial filling and processing, cartridges and pre-filled syringes. Some of the major players operating in the market include Berkshire Sterile Manufacturing, Syntegon Technology, Novocol Pharma, Recipharm AB, SCHOTT Pharma, Vetter, Sever Pharma Solutions, Cytiva, Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing, and Lonza. COVID-19 Impact The recent covid-19 pandemic has disrupted the world and has brought a state of shock to the global economy. The global pandemic has impacted the healthcare industry and has transformed the way healthcare is delivered. However, pharmaceutical research and development has seen an upsurge, which has presented huge opportunities for manufacturers of COVID-19 management drugs. The global fill finish cartridge market report is studied thoroughly with several aspects that would help stakeholders in making their decisions more curated. Based on cartridge size, the market is segmented into less than 1 ml, 1ml-3ml, and more than 3ml. The more than 3ml category is expected to grow with high CAGR during the forecast period. This is attributed to their rising usage in diagnostic applications for various chronic diseases. Moreover, technological advancements by pharmaceutical companies are also propelling segmental growth during the forecast period. For instance, in June 2021 , SGD Pharma announced the adoption of nest & tub for processing a variety of primary packaging containers including vials, syringes, and cartridges for optimal manufacturing flexibility. The Nest & Tub solution avoids glass-to-glass contact, protecting the sterility and integrity of each vial. , SGD Pharma announced the adoption of nest & tub for processing a variety of primary packaging containers including vials, syringes, and cartridges for optimal manufacturing flexibility. The Nest & Tub solution avoids glass-to-glass contact, protecting the sterility and integrity of each vial. On the basis of drug type, the market is bifurcated into biologics and others. Biologics held a dominant share in the market in 2021. Several factors, including the increasing investment by pharmaceutical companies, surge in the prevalence of chronic diseases, loss of patent exclusivity of leading biologic drugs, the growing demand and higher acceptability of innovative therapies, and rapid launch of novel products. For instance, in November 2022 , U.S. FDA approved the second interchangeable insulin glargine biosimilar, Rezvoglar, to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients with diabetes, according to a drug information update from the agency. Have a Look at the Chapters https://univdatos.com/report/fill-finish-cartridge-market/ Fill Finish Cartridge Market Geographical Segmentation Includes: North America (U.S., Canada , and Rest of North America ) (U.S., , and Rest of ) Europe ( Germany , United Kingdom , Spain , Italy , France , and the Rest of Europe ) ( , , , , , and the Rest of ) Asia-Pacific ( China , Japan , India , and the Rest of Asia-Pacific ) ( , , , and the Rest of ) Rest of the World In 2021, North America held a significant share of the global fill finish cartridge market, which is due to several factors, including the presence of major key players in the region, the surge in the geriatric population and the subsequent increase in the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, highly developed healthcare system, the higher adoption of technically advanced products, and favorable government policies for the launch of advanced products. Moreover, rising company investment is also having a positive impact on the market's growth of the market. For instance, in January 2023, Argonaut Manufacturing Service announced a capital investment led by majority shareholder Telegraph Hill Partners that will be focused on expansion at their Carlsbad, CA, manufacturing facilities. In addition to increased capacity and scale, the new capabilities include complex formulation of parenteral drug products and a new state of the art isolator-based filling line capable of filling vials, syringes, and cartridges for clinical and commercial drug products. The major players targeting the market include Berkshire Sterile Manufacturing Syntegon Technology Novocol Pharma Recipharm AB SCHOTT Pharma Vetter Sever Pharma Solutions Cytiva Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing Lonza Competitive Landscape The degree of competition among prominent global companies has been elaborated by analyzing several leading key players operating worldwide. The specialist team of research analysts sheds light on various traits such as global market competition, market share, most recent industry advancements, innovative product launches, partnerships, mergers, or acquisitions by leading companies in the fill finish cartridge market. The major players have been analyzed by using research methodologies for getting insight views on global competition. Key questions resolved through this analytical market research report include: What are the latest trends, new patterns, and technological advancements in the fill finish cartridge market? Which factors are influencing the fill finish cartridge market over the forecast period? What are the global challenges, threats, and risks in the fill finish cartridge market? Which factors are propelling and restraining the fill finish cartridge market? What are the demanding global regions of the fill finish cartridge market? What will be the global market size in the upcoming years? What are the crucial market acquisition strategies and policies applied by global companies? We understand the requirement of different businesses, regions, and countries, we offer customized reports as per your requirements of business nature and geography. Please let us know If you have any custom needs. About UnivDatos Market Insights (UMI) Browse Other Related Research Reports from UnivDatos Market Insights Fill Finish Cartridge Market Report Coverage Report Attribute Details Base year 2021 Forecast period 2022-2028 Growth momentum Accelerate at a CAGR of over 12.2% Market size 2021 USD 1.82 billion Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, Rest of World Major contributing region North America to Dominate the Global Fill Finish Cartridge Market Key countries covered United States, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, France, China, Japan, and India Companies profiled Berkshire Sterile Manufacturing, Syntegon Technology, Novocol Pharma, Recipharm AB, SCHOTT Pharma, Vetter, Sever Pharma Solutions, Cytiva, Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing, and Lonza Report Scope Market Trends, Drivers, and Restraints; Revenue Estimation and Forecast; Segmentation Analysis; Impact of COVID-19; Demand and Supply Side Analysis; Competitive Landscape; Company Profiling Segments Covered By Cartridge Size; By Drug Type; By Injection Devices; By Region/Country About UnivDatos Market Insights UnivDatos Market Insights (UMI) is a passionate market research firm and a subsidiary of Universal Data Solutions. We believe in delivering insights through Market Intelligence Reports, Customized Business Research, and Primary Research. Our research studies are spread across topics across the world, we cover markets in over 100 countries using smart research techniques and agile methodologies. We offer in-depth studies, detailed analysis, and customized reports that help shape winning business strategies for our clients. Contact UnivDatos Market Insights Ankita Gupta Director Operations Ph: +91-7838604911 Email: [email protected] Website: https://univdatos.com/ Logo : https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1225049/UnivDatos_Logo.jpg SOURCE UnivDatos Market Insights Pvt. Ltd. Addition further positions the company for long-term success FORT WAYNE, Ind., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Payment Network, Inc. (Allied), the industry's most progressive provider of online and mobile money movement solutions to banks and credit unions, announced today the addition of David French as Senior Vice President (SVP) of Finance. In his role, French is responsible for leading all financial, forecasting and financial reporting activities, as well as generating meaningful insights to drive the Company's decision-making processes. "With the addition of David, Allied's team is now stacked with some of the industry's most seasoned and accomplished professionals," said Allied CEO Geoff Knapp. "I could not be more enthusiastic about the future of our company thanks to the talent we have attracted," he said. French brings to Allied more than 30 years of financial, operational, and administrative experience focusing on the Software Technology and Biotechnology arenas. During his career, he has held a variety of executive level financial positions with leading companies, including Payrailz, Open Solutions, Konica Minolta and Digital Equipment. At his most recent position, French served for six years at Payrailz as VP of Finance, where he oversaw all financial aspects, including the creation of Payrailz's successful CUSO, CU Railz, as well as overseeing the acquisition of Payrailz by Jack Henry. French attended Creighton University and earned a Bachelor of Science Business Administration (BSBA) in Finance and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Western New England University in Springfield, Mass. "As a financial analyst, there is nothing more exhilarating than helping a company succeed in the marketplace and for the benefit of its employees," said French. "I look forward to working with the Team to drive Allied's success and growth." About Allied Payment Network Allied is an industry-leading provider of digital money movement technologies to the financial services industries. Allied's suite of emerging online and mobile payment solutions includes Internet bill pay, small business payments, P2P, A2A, online loan payments and the ability to buy, sell and hold Bitcoin. More information: www.AlliedPayment.com. SOURCE Allied Payment Network It's the company's third acquisition in the medical communications space in 2 years NEW YORK, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Fingerpaint Group, an integrated collective of healthcare companies that offer commercialization solutions spanning the full product life cycle, is growing its robust medical communications expertise with the acquisition of PharmaHEALTHLabs, a highly scientific healthcare communications agency that specializes in the oncology and biologics space. Details of the transaction were not disclosed. In 2020, Fingerpaint Group partnered with the San Franciscobased private equity firm Knox Lane to accelerate its trajectory through organic growth and strategic partnerships. Since then, Fingerpaint Group has experienced exponential growth in its roster of capabilities, customers, and talent. PharmaHEALTHLabs will be rebranded as Fingerpaint Medical Communications and join Fingerpaint Group's Specialty Services offerings, which include medical and scientific communications, market access, and naming and branding capabilities. "As therapies in the oncology and biologics space become more complex, Fingerpaint Medical Communications' ability to distill the necessary elements of effective communication and optimize strategic execution has never been more critical," said Bill McEllen, Global President, Fingerpaint Group. "This is our third acquisition in the medical communications space in 2 years and the second with a hyperfocused specialty. It supports our mission to continue deepening our expertise in the areas we know are of growing importance to the biopharma industry." "Jennifer and her team's meticulous approach mixes education, collaboration, and innovation to deliver results that drive measurable value for biopharma companies," said Brannon Cashion, President, Specialty Services, Fingerpaint Group. "Our deep scientific knowledge ensures each project is not only compelling and engaging, but also simple to understand and communicate," said Jennifer Harmon, Co-Founder and Managing Director of PharmaHEALTHLabs. "Joining Fingerpaint Group will provide our employees with opportunities for growth and give our customers access to the extensive solutions that Fingerpaint Group offers at every phase of the commercialization process." Excel Partners acted as exclusive financial advisor to PharmaHEALTHLabs in this transaction. About Fingerpaint Group Results Measured in Humanity. We are an integrated collective of healthcare companies that offer commercialization solutions spanning the full product life cycle. Our creative solutions are fueled by the deep human and scientific insights that drive change. Informed by data and driven by innate curiosity and creativity, Fingerpaint Group solves the business and human challenges that hinder positive health experiences. We believe everything we do can help paint a healthy future. Fingerpaint Group is composed of marketing services including Fingerpaint, Fingerpaint Multicultural, and Engage; and specialty services including Fingerpaint Market Access, Leaderboard Branding, MedThink Communications, MedThink SciCom, Parsons Medical Communications, and Fingerpaint Medical Communications. Collectively, its companies have been named Agency of the Year 5 times; honored by the Lisbon International Health Festival, DTC National, D&AD, the Clio Awards, and the Webby, Telly, and Global Awards; acknowledged as a DE&I Champion; named Best Places to Work twice by Ad Age; and included on Inc. Magazine's list of the 5,000 Fastest-Growing Companies for 10 consecutive years. Visit Fingerpaint Group at www.fingerpaint.com. About Knox Lane Based in San Francisco, Knox Lane is a growth-oriented investment firm composed of a team of accomplished investors and operators with a shared work history and a strong track record of partnering with leading companies to accelerate transformational growth. Knox Lane employs an investor-operator mind-set and seeks to provide support across a number of business components, including human capital, brand management, end-to-end digital transformation, sourcing, supply chain and logistics, strategic acquisitions, and business development. For more information, please visit www.knoxlane.com. Contact: Colleen Carter [email protected] SOURCE Fingerpaint Group Ranking reflects company's reputation among magazine's readers AKRON, Ohio, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time in company history, FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) has been designated as a Top 50 Diversity Employer by Minority Engineer magazine. The rankings are determined based on a survey of randomly selected Minority Engineer readers who were asked to name the employers where they would most like to work or that they believe provide a positive working environment for members of minority groups. "Our commitment to developing a diverse workforce, reflective of the communities we serve, is a core value at FirstEnergy," said Christine L. Walker, FirstEnergy's senior vice president, chief human resources officer and Corporate Services. "Much like the Black engineers who changed the way we live with novel inventions including the three-light traffic signal, refrigerated truck and automatic elevator door, FirstEnergy has many people of color leading engineering innovations in the electric industry. We applaud their work and thank them for their important contributions." As part of Black History Month, FirstEnergy recently highlighted the work of several minority engineers within the company's external design and transmission engineering teams, including Amanda Turner, who was also featured and photographed for Minority Engineer 's Fall 2022 cover story. Learn more about FirstEnergy's diverse engineers at www.firstenergycorp.com/newsroom/featured_stories/EWeek-2023-BlackHistoryMonth. The Minority Engineer honor marks the latest recognition of FirstEnergy's diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. In the past three years alone, the company has been named as a leading diversity employer by G.I. Jobs magazine, Forbes, DiversityInc and the National Organization on Disability, with additional awards from the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey (CIANJ), Crain's Cleveland Business magazine and U.S. Veterans Magazine. For more on FirstEnergy's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, visit https://www.firstenergycorp.com/careers/diversity_inclusion.html. About Minority Engineer Launched in 1979, Minority Engineer is a career guidance and recruitment magazine that presents career strategies and professional guidance for readers to assimilate into a diversified job marketplace. Seasonal publications are offered at no charge to qualified engineering or computer science students and professionals who are African American, Hispanic, Native American and Asian American. The magazine is made available at colleges and universities, chapters of student and professional organizations and through free at-home subscriptions. About FirstEnergy FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy on Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp or online at www.firstenergycorp.com. SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp. NEW YORK, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Klein Law Firm announces that a class action complaint has been filed on behalf of shareholders of Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (NYSE: FIS) alleging that the Company violated federal securities laws. This lawsuit is on behalf of all persons or entities who purchased Fidelity National common stock between February 9, 2021 and February 10, 2023, inclusive. Lead Plaintiff Deadline: May 5, 2023 No obligation or cost to you. Learn more about your recoverable losses in FIS: https://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/fidelity-national-information-services-inc-loss-submission-form?id=37449&from=4 Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. NEWS - FIS NEWS CLASS ACTION CASE DETAILS: The filed complaint alleges that Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) the integration of the Company's acquisition, Worldpay, Inc. ("Worldpay"), was not ahead of schedule; (2) the integration of Worldpay was not successfully completed during the class period; (3) the increases in revenue synergies were not driven by the Worldpay integration; and (4) as a result, defendants' positive statements about the Company's financial guidance, business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU AS A SHAREHOLDER: If you have suffered a loss in Fidelity National you have until May 5, 2023 to petition the court for lead plaintiff status. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff. NO COST TO YOU: If you purchased Fidelity National securities during the relevant period, you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out-of-pocket fees. HOW TO PROTECT YOUR FINANCIAL INTERESTS: For additional information about the FIS lawsuit, please contact J. Klein, Esq. by telephone at 212-616-4899 or click this link: https://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/fidelity-national-information-services-inc-loss-submission-form?id=37449&from=4. ABOUT KLEIN LAW FIRM J. Klein, Esq. represents investors and participates in securities litigations involving financial fraud throughout the nation. The Klein Law Firm is a boutique litigation firm with experience in a wide range of areas including securities law, corporate finance and commercial litigation. Since 2011, our experienced attorneys have achieved superior results for our clients with a personalized focus. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. CONTACT: J. Klein, Esq. 535 Fifth Avenue 4th Floor New York City, NY 10017 [email protected] Telephone: (212) 616-4899 www.kleinstocklaw.com SOURCE The Klein Law Firm COLLEGE PARK, Md., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- An in-depth study conducted by the Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland finds that five-in-six Americans favor a constitutional amendment to impose term limits on Members of Congress. While there has not been a vote on term limits in Congress since 1995, the issue was given new life during this year's speakership negotiations when Speaker McCarthy guaranteed a vote on congressional term limits. The public consultation survey of 2700 registered voters was conducted by the Program for Public Consultation (PPC) at the University of Maryland's School of Public Policy. Passing a constitutional amendment to establish term limits in Congress was favored by 83% of registered voters nationally, with little difference between partisans: 86% of Republicans, 80% of Democrats and 84% of independents. Bipartisan support for this proposal has remained steady since PPC's first public consultation survey on term limits in 2017, which found 80% in support. To ensure that respondents understood the issue, they were first given a short briefing on the proposal and asked to evaluate arguments for and against. The content was reviewed by Congressional proponents and opponents of the legislation to ensure that the briefing was accurate and balanced and that the arguments presented were the strongest ones being made. Respondents who favored the constitutional amendment were given the opportunity to specify the number of terms they prefer. Bipartisan majorities said four terms for House Members (60%, Republicans 64%, Democrats 54%) and two terms for Senators (63%, Republicans 69%, Democrats 56%). Another 17% said House Members should be limited to five or six terms, and another 16% said Senators should be limited to three or four terms. "Bipartisan majorities of Americans continue to favor proposals to limit the terms of Members of Congress," commented Steven Kull, director of PPC. "The overwhelming support for congressional term limits is also mirrored in the support for ballot measures to term limit state legislators in 16 states." The most popular argument in favor of term limits stated that incumbents have too much security in their seats, which reduces their need to be responsive to their constitutions (87% convincing, Republicans 90%, Democrats 84%). The con argument that did the best contended that term limits reduce the amount of experience in Congress, and cited research showing that they don't increase responsiveness (50% convincing, Republicans 45%, Democrats 58%). The sample was large enough to enable analysis of attitudes in very Republican and very Democratic districts based on Cook PVI ratings. In all cases, very large majorities in very red (86%) and very blue districts (78%) favored a constitutional amendment to establish term limits. The survey was fielded Feb 1-14, 2023 online with a probability-based national sample of 2700 registered voters provided by Nielsen Scarborough from its larger sample, which is recruited by telephone and mail from a random sample of households. There is a margin of error of +/- 1.9%. Full Report (PDF) : https://publicconsultation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Term-Limits-2023-Report-V2.pdf (PDF) https://publicconsultation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Term-Limits-2023-Report-V2.pdf Questionnaire with Frequencies: https://publicconsultation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/TermLimits_Quaire_0123.pdf https://publicconsultation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/TermLimits_Quaire_0123.pdf Try the Policymaking Simulation: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7266932/Term-Limits-for-Members-of-Congress-2023 What are Public Consultation Surveys? Public consultations seek to improve democratic governance by consulting citizens on key public policy issues. Conducted online with representative samples, citizens are taken through a policymaking simulation that puts them in the shoes of a policymaker. They are presented a briefing, evaluate pro and con arguments and then are asked to make their policy recommendations. Policymaking simulations are reviewed for accuracy and balance by experts on different sides of the issue. SOURCE Program for Public Consultation Rescued cat and car accident survivor, Crash takes home the coveted Cadbury Bunny ears HERSHEY, Pa., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- After receiving an impressive number of votes from animal lovers across the country, Crash the Cat from Boise, Idaho, has been crowned the winner of the fifth-annual Cadbury Bunny Tryouts, 'Rescue Pets Edition.' Crash will bring his pawsome personality to the Cadbury Hall of Fame and star in the 2023 Cadbury Clucking Bunny commercial this spring, which fans can get a first look at, here. Plus, Crash will receive a cash prize of $5,000 for himself, $5,000 to the shelter of his choice, and of course, plenty of bragging rights. Crash the Cat is the winner of the 5th Annual Cadbury Bunny Tryouts, 'Rescue Pets Edition Now eight-years-old, Crash was rescued after a devastating car accident where he was severely injured and left with one eye. As he began to heal at a local shelter, his quirky, outgoing personality made everyone quickly fall head over heels for him, leading Crash to become their resident shelter cat. Crash charms and impresses people as they visit the shelter, performing tricks like high five the purfect preparation for his starring role in the upcoming Cadbury Clucking Bunny commercial. "We are jumping with joy to hear Crash is the next Cadbury Bunny but not surprised as he is always the center of attention in any room. He's been through so much over the past few years and we appreciate the love his friends, family and cat enthusiasts across the country have shown," said Maddie Corey, Crash's owner. "We can't wait to see Crash take center stage for this year's Cadbury Clucking Bunny Commercial and share his story with the world." America's newest sweetheart, Crash, is excited to join past winners in the Cadbury Bunny Tryouts Hall of Fame; Henri the English Bulldog (2019), Lieutenant Dan the Treeing Walker Coonhound (2020), Betty the Frog (2021), and Annie Rose the Therapy Dog (2022). "We've been on the edge of our seats waiting to see who America would choose as the 2023 Cadbury Bunny and after an impressive number of votes, we couldn't be more excited to see Crash take home the coveted Bunny ears," said Cam Bogie, Sr. Associate Brand Manager, Cadbury brand team. "Big thank you to all the pets that entered this year's special rescue Tryouts, and big congratulations to our winner Crash!" In celebration of year five of the Tryouts, the Cadbury brand continued their longstanding partnership with the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) with a donation of $20,000. Together, Cadbury and the ASPCA are committed to raising awareness for pets in need and supporting the ASPCA's mission of providing effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals. Keep an eye out starting March 25 for the new Cadbury Clucking Bunny commercial featuring Crash! Fans can follow along for the latest information on Cadbury USA at: https://www.facebook.com/CadburyUSA/ https://www.instagram.com/cadburyusa/ https://twitter.com/CadburyUSA https://www.tiktok.com/@cadburyus About The Hershey Company The Hershey Company is headquartered in Hershey, Pa., and is an industry-leading snacks company known for bringing goodness to the world through its iconic brands, remarkable people and enduring commitment to help children succeed. Hershey has approximately 19,000 employees around the world who work every day to deliver delicious, quality products. The company has more than 100 brand names in approximately 80 countries around the world that drive more than $8.9 billion in annual revenues, including such iconic brand names as Hershey's, Reese's, Kit Kat, Jolly Rancher and Ice Breakers, and fast-growing salty snacks including SkinnyPop, Pirate's Booty and Dot's Pretzels. The Hershey Company sells Cadbury products under license from Cadbury UK Ltd. For more than 125 years, Hershey has been committed to operating fairly, ethically and sustainably. Hershey founder, Milton Hershey, created the Milton Hershey School in 1909 and since then the company has focused on helping children succeed. To learn more visit www.thehersheycompany.com Follow: http://www.twitter.com/hersheycompany SOURCE The Hershey Company The print publication offers a fresh take on drinks media, covering wine, beer, spirits, infused and non-alcoholic drinks, and beyond. BROOKFIELD, Conn., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Infused Media, LLC announces the launch of Full Pour, an independent print magazine devoted to all facets of drinks culture. With the premiere Spring 2023 issue, Full Pour celebrates the diverse world of social sips and beverage culture, reporting across category lines for a uniquely comprehensive view of the modern landscape. Published quarterly, Full Pour is made by and for beverage enthusiasts. Wine and beer, spirits and cocktails, cannabis infusions, zero-proof creations, coffee, tea and more inspire its pages. Full Pour is written for adventurous, open-minded consumers eager to drink life in to the fullest, regardless of what brims your cup. "Full Pour is ready to engage with fellow drinks lovers and act as a trusted source of information to help navigate the deliciously complex and rapidly evolving social-beverage landscape," says Editor and Publisher Lauren Buzzeo, a decades-long drinks- and publishing-industry veteran. "The magazine aims to encourage conscious consumption and consumer confidence. We want to celebrate and embrace all the drinks that bring us together, no matter the liquid or occasion, and empower people to make the best choices for their palates, lifestyles and desires." Every issue will feature multiple stories within the magazine's five main coverage areas: vinified, brewed, distilled, infused, and zero-proof or non-alcoholic drinks. Authenticity and passion for sharing beverage information and the array of cultures that surround drinks history, production and consumption drives every story published, with the aim to encourage new conversations across all drink categories, for all people. Shipped in 100% compostable and biodegradable mailers, Full Pour is printed on Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, 100% post-consumer-waste (PCW) recycled paper, which is also certified Carbon Balanced Paper by the World Land Trust and labeled PCF (processed chlorine free) by the Chlorine Free Products Association. The magazine is also committed to using natural soy- and vegetable-based inks and non-toxic toners as opposed to petroleum-based products, and eschews chemical laminates and plastic coatings that can affect future recyclability. Issue number 1, published in Spring 2023, features articles from notable drinks journalists including Brandon Hernandez, Anna Lee C. Iijima, Anne Krebiehl MW, Kerin O'Keefe, Emily Saladino, Layla Schlack, Sean Sullivan, Kathleen Willcox and Janice Williams, in addition to pieces from Buzzeo and Contributing Editor Alexander Peartree. Original art for the issue was contributed by illustrators Yoko Baum, Joyce Cho, Van Chung, Amy Poburka, Em Sauter and Steve Martinez, who created the inaugural issue's eye-catching cover art. Full Pour also features an innovative approach to advertising partnerships, reconsidering the traditional media-advertiser model to drive change and positive impact. The magazine's Pour It Forward Program aligns with advertising partners to mutually support nonprofit organizations and improve the food and beverage community at large in sustainable and equitable ways through promotion, visibility and monetary support. Read more about the Pour It Forward Program here, and visit the Pour It Forward giving-circle Grapevine here. For the inaugural issue, the magazine was honored to work with the following Pour It Forward partners: Broadbent Selections, Happi, Hudson Table, Proxies, and Samuel Adams. To celebrate the release of the first issue, Full Pour is hosting a launch party in New York City on April 4, 2023, with supporting participation from the Spring 2023 issue Pour It Forward partners. To learn more about the event, email [email protected] The magazine is currently available for purchase as single-issue copies ($20) or annual subscriptions (4 issues, $76) on www.full-pour.com. Issues will also begin to be distributed in the months ahead to select beverage, magazine and specialty retailers throughout the U.S. For more information or to subscribe for the latest news, please visit www.full-pour.com About Full Pour: Full Pour, an independent print magazine with a fresh take on drinks media, is a celebration of the diverse world of social sips and beverage culture. Launched in March 2023 by Editor and Publisher Lauren Buzzeo, a decades-long drinks- and publishing-industry vet, the magazine reports across beverage category lines for a uniquely comprehensive view of the modern social-drinks landscape. Authenticity and passion for sharing beverage information and the diverse cultures that surround drinks history, production and consumption drives every story published, with the aim to inspire new consideration, awareness, acceptance and conversation across all drink categories, for all people. With a progressive advertising model aimed to foster visibility and support for nonprofit organizations as well as environmentally friendly production measures from sourcing to printing and shipping, Full Pour aims to have everyone drink in life to the fullest, regardless of what brims your cup. Contact Information: Full Pour Lauren Buzzeo; [email protected] SOURCE Full Pour DUBLIN, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "ESG Trends in the Healthcare Industry" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The aim of this study is to evaluate the ESG trends in the healthcare industry and assess the ESG implementation involving current and upcoming potential The report scope includes healthcare equipment and services providers, biotechnology companies, and life sciences tools and services companies. ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) compliance is required for organizations to analyze and address the environmental, social and governance risks associated with their businesses. ESG reporting helps organizations to create ESG goals, implement them and create more sustainable business environments in line with the interests of stakeholders. In the current business scenario, investors and the public are not only interested in a company's profit returns and steady growth rates, but also give significant importance to those companies that are following ESG compliance. The overall healthcare industry has been slow in adoption of ESG goals in contrast to automobile and chemical industries. However, in recent years, healthcare leaders have understood the importance of adopting ESG framework and principles, which has led to rapid transition among healthcare companies. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, consumer pressure, peer industry pressure and federal government policies are major factors that have prompted healthcare organizations to adopt and invest in socially and environmentally responsible principles and values. ESG compliance helps companies to understand mandatory ESG guidelines imposed by regulatory bodies, and country policies and act to implement them in their business practices. Organizations are being ranked in terms of numerical values on the basis of measures taken to save the environment, compliance associated with safety and health requirements of employees, and governance factors related to ethical practices and policies for helping society. The report excludes the pharmaceutical industry. The report will have a detailed analysis of key opportunities that would help companies analyze effective practices in the industry. It also analyzes the major challenges faced by the healthcare ecosystem and its components. The report will also provide ESG-related case studies and a general industry overview. ESG trends and implementation strategies at regional level will also be provided. The impact of COVID-19 will be considered for ESG implementation across the healthcare industry. Report Includes An overview of the recent trends and advancements with respect to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors in the healthcare industry Assessment of market growth opportunities, emerging trends, implementation strategies, and issues and challenges pertaining to the ESG implementation in healthcare sector both at regional and global level Up-to-date information pertaining to the ESG-related developments in global healthcare industry and analyses of factors affecting ESG implementation applications in healthcare business Review of ESG-related case studies and a general industry overview A look at the steps taken towards the ESG sustainability and recommendations for the future of the healthcare ecosystem Data corresponding to the ESG adoption level across all the industries in 2021 and 2022 Discussion of the rising focus of healthcare industry market players' ESG goals and activities Key Topics Covered: Chapter 1 Introduction 1.1 What is ESG Compliance? 1.2 Study Goals and Objectives 1.3 Reasons for Doing this Study 1.4 Scope of Report Chapter 2 Healthcare Industry Overview 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Healthcare Industry Supply Chain 2.3 Fda Acts to Face Medical Device Supply Chain Challenges 2.3.1 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (Cares Act) 2.3.2 Resilient Supply Chain and Shortages Prevention Program (Rscspp) 2.3.3 Technological Advances in Healthcare Supply Chain 2.4 Healthcare Industry: ESG Trends 2.4.1 Impact of Covid-19 and Ukraine Crisis on ESG Trends in Healthcare 2.4.2 Increasing Adoption of ESG Across Various Industries 2.4.3 Advantages of the Implementation of ESG Chapter 3 Healthcare Industry and Environmental Impact 3.1 Environmental Footprint of the Healthcare Industry 3.2 Climate Change 3.2.1 Impact of Climate Change on Human Health 3.2.2 Sources of Healthcare Climate Footprint 3.3 Greenhouse Gas Emissions 3.3.1 Greenhouse Gas Protocol Scopes 1, 2, and 3 3.3.2 Growing Focus on Scope 3 Emissions 3.3.3 Nhs to Deliver Net Zero Health Service by 2040 3.4 Potential Impact of Health Sector Actions in Reducing Emissions 3.5 Government Support for Healthcare Sector to Achieve ESG Goals 3.6 Resources to Support Measurement and Action Toward Decarbonization 3.7 Biomedical Waste 3.8 Recommendations Chapter 4 Healthcare Industry and Social Impact 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Impact of Covid-19 on Healthcare Workforce 4.3 Social Factors in Healthcare Industry 4.3.1 Inclusion, Diversity and Equity 4.3.2 Supporting Global Workforce 4.3.3 Patient Safety and Product Quality 4.3.4 Data Privacy and Security 4.3.5 Supply Chain Responsibility 4.4 Recommendations Chapter 5 Healthcare Industry and Governance Impact 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Existing Issues Pertaining to Healthcare Governance 5.3 Components of Healthcare Governance 5.3.1 Factors in Assessing Governance Disclosure in Hospitals 5.4 Recommendations Chapter 6 Market Dynamics of ESG in Healthcare 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Market Drivers 6.2.1 Growing Investments in ESG Strategies 6.2.2 Increasing Awareness Regarding ESG in Public 6.3 Market Challenges 6.3.1 Lack of Standard Framework 6.3.2 Lack of Consistency in Implementation 6.4 Market Opportunities 6.4.1 Climate Change 6.4.2 Launch of Favorable Initiatives and Measures Chapter 7 ESG Activities Among Players in the Healthcare Market For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/kx8163 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg SOURCE Research and Markets NEW YORK, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As per Zion Market Research study, The global pearl jewelry market size was worth around USD 10.5 Billion in 2022 and is predicted to grow to around USD 25 Billion by 2030 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 13% between 2023 and 2030. Report Link with All Related Graphs & Charts: https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/pearl-jewelry-market Pearl Jewelry Market: Overview The pearl jewelry industry is the sub-segment of the larger jewelry market that revolves around the designing, production, sourcing, selling, and buying of jewelry pieces made of pearls. They are unique and precious gemstones that originate within the soft tissue of mussels and oysters, also known as mollusks. Pearls are known to be the oldest type of gemstone available on earth and are highly valued since they have been adorned by men and women as jewelry for centuries. The global industry includes different types of pearls including original and synthetically prepared pearls. Get a Free Sample Report with All Related Graphs & Charts (with COVID 19 Impact Analysis): https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/sample/pearl-jewelry-market Our Free Sample Report Includes: 2023 Updated Report Introduction, Overview, and In-depth industry analysis COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak Impact Analysis Included 210+ Pages Research Report (Inclusion of Updated Research) Provide Chapter-wise guidance on Request 2023 Updated Regional Analysis with Graphical Representation of Size, Share & Trends Includes an Updated List of tables & figures Updated Report Includes Top Market Players with their Business Strategy, Sales Volume, and Revenue Analysis Zion Market Research methodology Key Industry Insights & Findings of the Pearl Jewelry Market Reports: As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global pearl jewelry market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 13% over the forecast period (2022-2030) In terms of revenue, the global pearl jewelry market size was valued at around USD 10.5 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 25 billion , by 2030. in 2022 and is projected to reach , by 2030. The market is projected to grow at a significant rate due to the growing popularity of pearls Based on material segmentation, gold was predicted to show maximum market share in the year 2022 Based on type segmentation, the necklace segment was the leading type in 2022 On the basis of region, Asia-Pacific was the leading revenue generator in 2022 Zion Market Research published the latest report titled "Pearl Jewelry Market By Type (Earring, Necklace, Rings, and Others), By Pearl Type (Saltwater and Freshwater), By Material (Silver, Gold, and Others), and By Region - Global and Regional Industry Overview, Market Intelligence, Comprehensive Analysis, Historical Data, and Forecasts 2022 2030" into their research database. Industry Dynamics: Pearl Jewelry Market: Growth Drivers Growing popularity of pearls to propel market demand. The global pearl jewelry market is projected to grow owing to the increasing popularity of pearls amongst all genders. Even though pearl has been long used as a jewelry item, the gemstone has recently gained more attention from the younger generation owing to the physical apparel and the richness that pearl imparts to the overall appearance of the person wearing it. The international fashion industry is responsible for bringing pearls back into fashion since designers have initiated jewelry designs incorporating pearls in various formats. Factors like social media campaigns, excellent marketing and advertising techniques adopted by jewelry makers and sellers, along with growing awareness amongst consumers have resulted in a rise in demand for pearl jewelry. Pearl Jewelry Market: Restraints High dependence on natural means of pearl production to restrict the market growth Most of the commercial grade pearls are produced naturally with the aid of mollusks like oysters that are present in the wild environment. This means that there is a high dependence on nature for the production of the pearl and there is relatively less human intervention in terms of improving the pearl's quality at its origin stage. Since natural means of pearl production are vulnerable to climate and ecosystem changes, the supply chain of pearl jewelry cannot be predicted for the long run. This can severely disbalance the global industry since production changes influence price sensitivity depending on product availability. Directly Purchase a Copy of the Report @ https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/buynow/su/pearl-jewelry-market Pearl Jewelry Market: Opportunities Growing fashion industry to provide excellent growth opportunities Pearl jewelry has become popular in the modern-age fashion industry which is highly influenced by centuries-old jewelry designs. Designers are investing heavily in bringing back old traditions and this can be witnessed in the ways pearls are getting incorporated along with other gemstones and jewelry metals to create a new era of contemporary jewelry. The growing population that is fashion-oriented and prioritizes fashion could help in creating a larger consumer database during the projection period. Additionally, pearls have always been a popular jewelry choice for the older generation due to the high aesthetics-value of the gemstone. Pearl Jewelry Market: Challenges Environmental concerns are important challenges to be overcome by players Harvesting pearls from the ocean can have irreparable consequences on marine life. Over-harvesting of pearls can severely impact the aqua system, affecting the environment in the long run. The supply quantity and quality could be severely damaged if the marine ecosystem undergoes any sort of disbalance. Hence, it is an important challenge for the pearl jewelry industry players to ensure that harvesting pearls do not impact the water environment otherwise the industry may soon become unsustainable. Report On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/pearl-jewelry-market-estimated-grow-usd-25-billion-2030-ronald-morton/ Global Pearl Jewelry Market: Segmentation The global pearl jewelry market is segmented based on type, pearl type, material, and region. Based on type, the global market divisions are earrings, necklaces, rings, and others Although the type of jewelry chosen is dependent on several factors like personal preference, availability, price, and cultural norms, the most popular type of pearl jewelry are necklace They are available in different length sizes along with pearl quality and are mostly adorned by the women population owing to the high status associated with good-quality pearl necklaces Pearl earrings are another popular form of pearl jewelry. Some earrings have single pearl studs for each year while some designs are more detailing For instance, drop earrings are becoming increasingly popular amongst the younger consumers In 2011, the world witnessed a large melo pearl being sold for USD 30,500 Based on pearl type, the pearl jewelry industry segments are saltwater and freshwater. Based on material, the global market is divided into silver, gold, and others. In 2022, gold dominated the global market as it is one of the most popular precious metals to be used with pearls for jewelry designs Gold offers long-lasting luster. It is also highly durable and one of the best metals to compliments the look of pearls going as far as enhancing their appearance Furthermore, gold, in general, has a high consumer database and most people prefer to invest in jewelry as assets. Gold is also available in different colors like white, yellow, and rose to give the consumers more options to choose from For instance, a survey conducted by National Jeweler claimed that almost 35% of the respondents preferred white gold Get More Insight before [email protected]: https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/inquiry/pearl-jewelry-market List of Key Players in Pearl Jewelry Market: Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Company Limited American Pearl Company Inc Misaki Tiffany and Co. (LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton ) ) Mikimoto Chandrani Pearls Majorica Pearl Tanishq Titan Company Ltd. Tasaki & Co. Ltd Dogeared Inc The Pearl Source Shop TJC Limited Atelier Mon. Key questions answered in this report: What are the growth rate forecast and market size for Pearl Jewelry Market? What are the key driving factors propelling the Pearl Jewelry Market forward? What are the most important companies in the Pearl Jewelry Market Industry? What segments does the Pearl Jewelry Market cover? How can I receive a free copy of the Pearl Jewelry Market sample report and company profiles? Report Scope: Report Attribute Details Market size value in 2021 USD 10.5 Billion Revenue forecast in 2030 USD 25 Billion Growth Rate CAGR of almost 13% 2023-2030 Base Year 2020 Historic Years 2016 2022 Forecast Years 2023 2030 Segments Covered By Type, By Pearl Type, By Material, And By Region Forecast Units Value (USD Billion), and Volume (Units) Quantitative Units Revenue in USD million/billion and CAGR from 2023 to 2030 Regions Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa, and Rest of World Countries Covered U.S., Canada, Mexico, U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Spain, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Argentina, GCC Countries, and South Africa, among others Companies Covered Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Company Limited, American Pearl Company Inc, Misaki, Tiffany and Co. (LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton), Mikimoto, Chandrani Pearls, Majorica Pearl, Tanishq Titan Company Ltd., Tasaki & Co. Ltd, Dogeared Inc, The Pearl Source, Shop TJC Limited, and Atelier Mon. Report Coverage Market growth drivers, restraints, opportunities, Porter's five forces analysis, PEST analysis, value chain analysis, regulatory landscape, market attractiveness analysis by segments and region, company market share analysis, and COVID-19 impact analysis. Customization Scope Avail of customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs. https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/custom/7124 Free Brochure: https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/requestbrochure/pearl-jewelry-market Recent Developments In December 2022 , JAXXON, a leading provider of men's jewelry, announced the launch of its much-anticipated range of high-quality pearl collections for men. The company intends to fill the gap in the fashion industry that exists between women's and men's jewelry. The new launch is the company's first pearl collection for men. JAXXON, a leading provider of men's jewelry, announced the launch of its much-anticipated range of high-quality pearl collections for men. The company intends to fill the gap in the fashion industry that exists between women's and men's jewelry. The new launch is the company's first pearl collection for men. In August 2022 , Wilfredo Rosado , a high-end jewelry artist, announced the launch of a new line of jewelry brands. The first collection in the launch is called Pearl ID and is curated with fine craftsmanship, artistic flair, and fashion sense. Pearl ID intends to revolutionize the way pearls are viewed. , a high-end jewelry artist, announced the launch of a new line of jewelry brands. The first collection in the launch is called Pearl ID and is curated with fine craftsmanship, artistic flair, and fashion sense. Pearl ID intends to revolutionize the way pearls are viewed. In June 2022 , a rare 3-row natural pearl necklace was sold for INR6,24,91,000 at an auction held in India by AstaGuru. The necklace consists of natural salt-water pearls along with some forms of gold and diamond. Regional Dominance: Asia-Pacific to witness the highest growth. The global pearl jewelry market is projected to witness the highest growth in Asia-Pacific due to the high consumer database of pearls in the countries of India, China, Indonesia, and Japan. Along with being home to the largest consumer groups, Indonesia is also the largest producer of pearls. This growth is due to the gemstone having a long cultural association with Asian territories. For instance, Japan considers pearls as a sign of beauty, purity, and elegance. China associates pearls with longevity, and good luck and most of the women population prefers to have some natural pearls in their jewelry collection. It is often presented as a gifting item in Chinese culture. Furthermore, pearl jewelry has been an integral part of Asian history making it one of the most valued gemstones that are also readily available in the region hence the pricing is much more affordable as compared to other forms of the gemstone. The growing number of pearl harvesters, and jewelry designers, and affordability could be the reasons for regional market growth in the coming years. Global Pearl Jewelry Market is segmented as follows: Pearl Jewelry Market: By Type Outlook (2023-2030) Earring Necklace Rings Others Pearl Jewelry Market: By Pearl Type Outlook (2023-2030) Saltwater Freshwater Pearl Jewelry Market: By Material Outlook (2023-2030) Silver Gold Others Pearl Jewelry Market: By Region Outlook (2023-2030) North America The U.S. Canada Europe France The UK Spain Germany Italy Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan India South Korea Southeast Asia Rest of Asia Pacific Latin America Brazil Mexico Rest of Latin America Middle East & Africa GCC South Africa Rest of Middle East & Africa Browse Other Related Research Reports from Zion Market Research Hair Spray Market : The global hair spray market size was worth around USD 10.1 Billion in 2022 and is predicted to grow to around USD 20.5 Billion by 2030 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 7.89% between 2023 and 2030. The global hair spray market size was worth around in 2022 and is predicted to grow to around by 2030 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 7.89% between 2023 and 2030. Biomimetic Plastic Materials Market : The global biomimetic plastic materials market size was evaluated at $7.3 Billion in 2022 and is slated to hit $15.3 Billion by the end of 2030 with a CAGR of nearly 6.1% between 2023 and 2030. The global biomimetic plastic materials market size was evaluated at in 2022 and is slated to hit by the end of 2030 with a CAGR of nearly 6.1% between 2023 and 2030. Corporate Travel Market : The global corporate travel market size was evaluated at $711.1 Billion in 2021 and is slated to hit $2,997.2 Billion by the end of 2030 with a CAGR of nearly 13.3% between 2022 and 2030. The global corporate travel market size was evaluated at in 2021 and is slated to hit by the end of 2030 with a CAGR of nearly 13.3% between 2022 and 2030. Brain Health Supplements Market : The global brain health supplements market was evaluated at $7.69 billion in 2021 and is slated to hit $15.75 billion by the end of 2030. The global brain health supplements market was evaluated at in 2021 and is slated to hit by the end of 2030. Geotextile Fabric Market: The global geotextile fabric market size was worth around USD 6.55 Billion in 2021 and is predicted to grow to about 12.04 billion by 2030 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 6.3% between 2022 and 2030. Browse through Zion Market Research's coverage of the Global Consumer Goods Industry Follow Us on: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube About Us Zion Market Research is an obligated company. We create futuristic, cutting-edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, and company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from cardinal industries. Our database is been updated constantly to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the client's needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not the least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to usafter allif you do well, a little of the light shines on us. Contact Us: Zion Market Research 244 Fifth Avenue, Suite N202 New York, 10001, United States Tel: +1 (844) 845-5245 USA/Canada Toll-Free No. +1 (855) 465-4651 Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1605489/Zion_Market_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE Zion Market Research DERBY, Conn., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Griffin Hospital in Derby was recently recognized by Newsweek as one of the World's Best Hospitals for the fifth consecutive year, highlighting its commitment to providing standard-setting, high-quality, patient-centered care, and to improving the health and well-being of those that it serves Griffin Hospital in Derby was recently recognized by Newsweek as one of the Worlds Best Hospitals for the fifth consecutive year. The World's Best Hospitals recognition is based on responses to an online survey sent to more than 80,000 medical experts in 28 countries, as well as recommendations from medical experts, hospital performance data and patient satisfaction scores. Griffin was one of just five Connecticut hospitals to receive the 2023 World's Best recognition. "Being named a World's Best Hospital for the fifth consecutive year is a tribute to Griffin's dedication to delivering on our Planetree person-centered care promise and exceeding patient expectations for service, quality, and safety," said Griffin Health President and CEO Patrick Charmel. "Our extraordinary caregivers have shown an inspiring commitment to putting compassion into action with an extraordinary level of skill, professionalism, enthusiasm and kindness. Griffin is a perennial World's Best Hospital because of each of them." Griffin has a history of distinguishing itself among healthcare organizations by relying on its core philosophy of kindness, caring and respect as defined by the internationally recognized Planetree patient-centered model. Griffin's commitment to this care philosophy enables it to care for patients' medical needs, while continuing to meet their wide-ranging human needs for understanding, compassion, human interaction, and emotional support and companionship. Griffin is the flagship hospital of Planetree International, a consumer healthcare organization that assists hospitals and medical institutions around the world to improve healthcare outcomes through a person-centered approach to care. In addition to Griffin, 41 Planetree hospitals in nine countries were among those named to the 2023 Newsweek World's Best Hospitals List. Each of these top hospitals has implemented the Planetree model which prioritizes the active participation of patients and families with an emphasis on compassion, transparency, equity and community partnerships. For more information: Christian Meagher Communications Specialist [email protected] P: 203.732.7431 C: 203.520.1480 SOURCE Griffin Health CALGARY, AB, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - (TSXV: GRD) (OTCQB: GRDAF) - Grounded Lithium Corp. ("GLC" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the selection of a second well-respected and industry known entity (the "Industry Expert") to conduct lithium extraction testing on brine sourced from our Kindersley Lithium Project ("KLP"). Selection of a second Industry Expert is consistent with our strategy to a best in class fit of extraction technology to resource. The Industry Expert maintains their anonymity at this time. However, they are an established technology provider in the extraction process field, having successfully completed brine characterization and testing for other companies with lithium resources. Extraction testing with the Industry Expert is expected to be completed by late April or early May. GLC will transport sufficient quantities of KLP brine to the Industry Expert's chosen facility where the Industry Expert will evaluate its extraction technology in parallel with the previously announced technology candidate, Koch Technology Solutions. GLC anticipates selection of a preferred alternative during Q2 2023, which will then be encompassed in the Company's preliminary economic assessment together with all future field development initiatives, leading ultimately to commercial production. About Grounded Lithium Corp. GLC is a publicly traded lithium brine exploration and development company that controls approximately 4.2 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 Industry Expert's lithium from brine extraction technology, the expected timing of completing phase 1 testing on the Industry Expert's technology, the selection of a lithium from brine technology by the Company and timing thereof, 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 Partners awarded contract to support Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) installation and related infrastructure improvements at federal locations throughout the Western U.S. HERNDON, Va., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Akima Intra-Data and its partner CBRE announced today the award of a design/build and construction Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract by the GSA to support Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) installation and related infrastructure improvements. The innovative, flexible, and easy to use contract will streamline EVSE ordering procedures at federal agency locations throughout the Western United States. A recent executive action set a goal of 100 percent zero-emission vehicle acquisitions by 2035, which includes a zero-emission vehicle refueling infrastructure for the federal fleet. The Akima partnership with CBRE provides federal agencies a turn-key capability to plan, design, deliver, and operate a secure electric vehicle charging solution across the entirety of their portfolios providing a single point of contact, best-in-market pricing, and diverse purchasing classification. "The Akima portfolio of companies has long provided facility and logistics capabilities to support the priorities of the United States government," said Scott Rauer, President of Akima's Facilities Solutions Group. "We are proud to partner with CBRE and offer our expertise in support of the requirement for a Federal zero-emission initiative through this award." Akima and CBRE have partnered to provide federal agencies with best-in-class solutions to support EVSE installation and related infrastructure efforts. The partnership combines Akima's strong government experience supporting distributed federal facilities and logistics systems with CBRE's complete national coverage and 116+ year experience providing real estate asset planning, procurement, delivery and management services across 90% of the Fortune 100. "CBRE has long sought to bring forth our company's deep global talents, leading buying power, and differentiated service platforms to measurably improve communities by aligning our impactful capabilities behind the bold public missions of sustainability, efficiency, and inclusion. This award marks a proud milestone in those efforts." said John Dunstan, CEO of CBRE GWS | Enterprise. About CBRE Group, Inc. CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, is the world's largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2022 revenue). The company has approximately 115,000 employees (excluding Turner & Townsend employees) serving clients in more than 100 countries. CBRE serves a diverse range of clients with an integrated suite of services, including facilities, transaction and project management; property management; investment management; appraisal and valuation; property leasing; strategic consulting; property sales; mortgage services and development services. Please visit our website at www.cbre.com. About Akima Akima is a global enterprise with over 9,000 employees, delivering agile solutions to the federal government in the core areas of facilities & ground logistics; information technology; aerospace solutions; protective services; systems engineering; mission support; furniture, fixtures & equipment (FF&E); and construction. As a subsidiary of NANA, an Alaska Native Corporation owned by more than 15,000 Inupiat shareholders, Akima's core mission is to enable superior outcomes for our customers' missions while simultaneously creating a long-lived asset for NANA consistent with our Inupiat values. In 2022, Akima ranked #29 on Washington Technology's Top 100 List and #56 on Bloomberg Government's BGOV200 List of top federal contractors. To learn more about Akima, visit www.akima.com. SOURCE Akima The Washington DC-based incubator gathered early-stage founders in Abu Dhabi this week for a week of entrepreneurial training, industry networking, and cross-cultural collaboration ABU DHABI, UAE, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Washington, D.C.-based incubator, Halcyon concluded a week-long program in Abu Dhabi this week with a cohort of 28 founders representing the region's most promising impact-driven businesses. This year's cohort marks the second year of Halcyon's Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Fellowship, which brings together founders from across the region for skills building and networking. This two-year program has been conducted in partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS), with the support of the U.S. Department of State and Leana and Marc Katz. The delegation's visit to the UAE was in collaboration with Access Abu Dhabi, a program supported by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), which is open to all US businesses and includes various support to accelerate expansion and growth in the UAE capital. Halcyon Hosts Mission-Driven Start-ups in Abu Dhabi in Collaboration with the U.S. State Department and Access Abu Dhabi, Supported by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (PRNewsfoto/Access Abu Dhabi) Halcyon's 2023 MENA Fellows, from seven countries across the region, are bringing innovative solutions to market for a wide range of issues, from clean water and affordable medical devices to sustainable food systems, and access to education for disabled students. Highlights of the residency in Abu Dhabi included a mentorship session hosted at ADIO, where the Halcyon's 2023 MENA Fellows were introduced to the opportunities available to tech startups in Abu Dhabi's innovation ecosystem. Eng. Abdulla Abdul Aziz AlShamsi, Acting Director General of ADIO said: "Abu Dhabi is focused on using technology to achieve economic and social progress, which is the underlying theme for many of Halcyon's 2023 MENA Fellows. ADIO is here to help ambitious startups realize the potential of their ideas and leverage the power of partnerships across the Abu Dhabi ecosystem, where other organizations are both collaborators and value generators." Over the course of the visit, the delegation held a series of meetings with Abu Dhabi-based entrepreneurs and investors to explore opportunities for potential collaboration. The delegation also shared insights on the emirate's thriving startup ecosystem and work to support the growth and development of innovative companies at Hub71, a leading global ecosystem for tech companies, start-ups and investors looking to capitalize on growth opportunities which was founded in Abu Dhabi. Special Representative Dorothy McAuliffe said that the U.S. Department of State's Office of Global Partnerships is "proud to continue its support of Halcyon's MENA Fellowship which strengthens the resilience of social impact-driven small and medium sized businesses that focus on putting their communities on a path toward a more prosperous, sustainable, and inclusive future." "Halcyon Fellows across the globe are innovating to solve our most pressing challenges related to climate, health, equity, and economic inclusion, and these 17 ventures are powerful additions to that network," said Daniel Barker, managing director for the Halcyon Incubator. "Abu Dhabi is making strides to develop a robust ecosystem for start-ups, and together with our partners and collaborators at the U.S. State Department, we are proud to be supporting that work." About Access Abu Dhabi Access Abu Dhabi is designed to engage, enable and empower companies, particularly women and minority entities, to fast track their global reach with expansion to Abu Dhabi. The program, created by Maven Global Access and supported by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, will serve as a conduit for companies entering the capital of UAE's burgeoning business and innovation ecosystem. Kim Seelochan PR & Partnerships Manager, Maven Global Access [email protected] Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2037548/Access_Abu_Dhabi.jpg SOURCE Access Abu Dhabi NAPLES, Fla., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- HealthLynked Corp., a global healthcare network focused on care management of its members and a provider of healthcare technologies that connect patients, physicians, and medical data, proudly announces that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has granted the company Patent No. 11,600,395 for its innovative "Secure Patient Access via Healthcare Service Provider Specific Wireless Access Point" technology. The patented technology encompasses systems and methods for providing a healthcare service provider-specific wireless access point, or "HUB", that facilitates secure communication between patients, providers, and third-party services. When in range of the HUB (e.g., in a doctor's office waiting room), patient devices can connect to the healthcare service provider's (HSP) wireless access point. The access point can be configured to detect the presence of a patient device, obtain identifying information, and send the information to a server. The server uses the obtained information to create or update a profile for the patient associated with their device. This profile can be updated with additional information derived from the patient's interaction with the network, provider input, or the patient updating their profile or inputting additional information. This innovative approach allows for streamlined communication and enhanced data security within the healthcare setting. "We are thrilled to receive this patent, which represents a significant milestone for HealthLynked as we continue to develop cutting-edge solutions for the healthcare industry," said Dr. Michael Dent, HealthLynked's CEO. "Our team is dedicated to improving patient outcomes and creating a more patient-centric healthcare system, and this patent is a testament to our commitment to innovation." The issuance of Patent No. 11,600,395 provides HealthLynked with a competitive advantage in the growing digital healthcare market, protecting its intellectual property and enabling the company to further refine and expand its offerings. As a result, HealthLynked is poised to make a lasting impact on the healthcare industry by offering patients and providers a more efficient, user-friendly experience and creating a more accessible and efficient healthcare system for all. For more information about HealthLynked and its innovative healthcare solutions, please visit www.healthlynked.com. About HealthLynked HealthLynked Corp. provides a solution for both patient members and providers to improve healthcare through the efficient exchange of medical information. The HealthLynked Network is a cloud-based platform that allows members to connect with their healthcare providers and take more control of their healthcare. Members enter their medical information, including medications, allergies, past surgeries, and personal health records, in one convenient online and secure location, free of charge. Participating healthcare providers can connect with their current and future patients through the system. Benefits to in-network providers include the ability to utilize the HealthLynked patent-pending patient access hub "PAH" for patient analytics. Other benefits for preferred providers include HLYK marketing tools to connect with their active and inactive patients to improve patient retention, access more accurate and current patient information, provide more efficient online scheduling, and to fill last-minute cancelations using the Company's "real-time appointment scheduling" all within its mobile application. Preferred providers pay a monthly fee to access these HealthLynked services. For additional information about HealthLynked Corp., please visit www.healthlynked.com and connect with HealthLynked on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Forward-Looking Statements & Risk Factors Forward-Looking Statements in this press release, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Our actual results, including as a result of any acquisitions, performance, or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "may," "could," "expect," "intend," "plan," "seek," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "continue," "likely," "will," "would" and variations of these terms and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by our management, and us are inherently uncertain. We caution you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which are made as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any of these forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, new information or future events, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable laws. If we update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements. Certain risks and uncertainties applicable to our operations and us are described in the "Risk Factors" section of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in other filings we have made with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These reports are publicly available at www.sec.gov. HLYK Contact: George O'Leary Chief Financial Officer [email protected] +1 (800)-928-7144, ext. 103 SOURCE HealthLynked Corp Cochlear and Australian Hearing Hub Members, National Acoustic Laboratories (NAL), Macquarie University, The Shepherd Centre, and NextSense, announce research collaboration with Google combining expertise in hearing, speech, artificial intelligence, machine learning and neurosciences, to generate new solutions to tackle hearing loss. Medical experts release first-ever international guidelines outlining when adults with hearing loss should be screened and referred for a cochlear implant. LONE TREE, Colo., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of people living with hearing loss is set to reach 2.5 billion by 2050.1 Now, leading technology companies, researchers, and people living with hearing loss are coming together to tackle its rising impact. Google-Australian Hearing Hub Collaboration Partners World-first hearing collaboration announced with Google Cochlear, together with the Australian Hearing Hub members, National Acoustic Laboratories (NAL), Macquarie University, The Shepherd Centre, and NextSense, have agreed to a world-first collaboration with Google to uncover new solutions to help people with hearing loss. The collaboration brings together expertise and resources from hearing, research, technology, academia, government, healthcare and information sciences sectors. The agreement is a multi-year collaboration. Research teams will evaluate new methods, such as machine learning, big data, speech enhancement, cloud computing and neuroscience to improve and develop hearing technologies and strategies. The first project seeks to personalize hearing models in listening devices. This technology could be particularly beneficial for people using hearing devices in complex listening environments, such as busy restaurants, group conversations or live music performances. The overlapping sounds in these kinds of settings can be challenging for people using hearing devices to process and decipher various types and ranges of sound. Simon Carlile, Google Australia's research lead on the project said, "Hearing technology helps people around the world connect with people and their surroundings, but there are many more people who could benefit. As part of Google's Digital Future Initiative, this exciting collaboration will help us explore new ways to design and improve machine learning models that better fit the needs of the individual listener and help develop a more precise and accessible approach to hearing care." NAL Director, Dr Brent Edwards said, "For over 75 years, NAL has been a pioneer in hearing technologies that are used around the world. This is an opportunity to combine NAL's unique innovation program with Google's capabilities to introduce new hearing products to enhance health and wellbeing." Experts publish first-ever guidelines on who should be tested and referred for a cochlear implant A cross-section of experts has published the first-ever international guidelines outlining who should be tested and referred for a cochlear implant.2 Estimates suggest that out of every 100 adults in the U.S. who could benefit from a cochlear implant, only three will go on to receive one.3 This is in part due to inconsistent practices that mean people with hearing loss don't know when to seek help, and many who do, don't get the advice they need.4 Meredith Holcomb AuD. Director, Hearing Implant Program, University of Miami Ear Institute and Co-Chair of the CI Taskforce said, "Millions of adults live with untreated significant hearing loss and often times an over-the-counter or prescription hearing aid simply cannot help them communicate effectively. Their ears reach a point where increasing the volume of sounds causes distortion instead of clarity. This is when a cochlear implant is necessary as it can bypass the damaged parts of the ear to allow for improved speech understanding." "People sometimes delay seeking treatment for hearing loss until they are struggling in their everyday life. Even when they do receive help, they may see multiple hearing healthcare providers in the same city and get different advice about their treatment options. Unfortunately, many are never told about the option and benefit of cochlear implants until their hearing is horribly bad." "With these guidelines, adults living with hearing loss and clinicians treating hearing loss will have consistent evidence-based advice about who should be tested and referred for a cochlear implant, and what standards of care they should go on to receive if they qualify." Lou Ferrigno, actor, fitness expert and retired bodybuilder, received a cochlear implant to address his hearing loss after struggling in hearing aids for the majority of his life. "I heard a lot of misinformation about cochlear implants over the years, but a friend of mine received the device and went from 15 percent word understanding before the implant to 95 percent with the implant," said Ferrigno. "I'm someone that has had profound hearing loss almost all my life, so if this cochlear implant is working for me already, it can give other people hope too. I wish I would have entertained a cochlear implant sooner. There is no shame in hearing loss and getting it treated." For more information visit adulthearing.com/living-guidelines. About Cochlear Limited (ASX: COH) People have always been Cochlear's inspiration, and since 1981, Cochlear has provided more than 700,000 devices in more than 180 countries, helping people of all ages around the world to hear. As the global leader in implantable hearing solutions, Cochlear connects people with life's opportunities. Cochlear continually innovates to anticipate future needs, investing more than AUD$2 billion to date in research and development to push the boundaries of technology and help more people hear. www.cochlear.com References World report on hearing. Geneva : World Health Organization; 2021. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.S Living Guidelines for Cochlear Implantation in Adults. Available at https://app.magicapp.org/#/guideline/j2bBrj/section/noR8W1. [Last Accessed February 2023 ] Nassiri AM, Sorkin DL, Carlson ML. Current Estimates of Cochlear Implant Utilization in the United States . Otol Neurotol. 2022 Jun 1 ;43(5):e558-e562. doi: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000003513. Epub 2022 Mar 8 . Nassiri AM, Marinelli JP, Sorkin DL, Carlson ML. Barriers to Adult Cochlear Implant Care in the United States : An Analysis of Health Care Delivery. Semin Hear. 2021 Nov; 42(4): 311320. Please seek advice from your health professional about treatments for hearing loss. Outcomes may vary, and your health professional will advise you about the factors which could affect your outcome. Always follow the directions for use. Not all products are available in all countries. Please contact your local Cochlear representative for product information. Views expressed are those of the individual. Consult your health professional to determine if you are a candidate for Cochlear technology. Cochlear, Hear now. And always, Nucleus, and the elliptical logo are either trademarks or registered trademarks of the Cochlear group of companies. Cochlear Limited 2023. All rights reserved. D2053649 V1 2022-12 SOURCE Cochlear Limited NEW YORK, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Klein Law Firm announces that a class action complaint has been filed on behalf of shareholders of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (NYSE: HMC) alleging that the Company violated federal securities laws. This lawsuit is on behalf of a class consisting of persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired Honda American Depository Shares between June 20, 2018 and September 28, 2022, both dates inclusive. Lead Plaintiff Deadline: April 3, 2023 No obligation or cost to you. Learn more about your recoverable losses in HMC: https://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/honda-loss-submission-form?id=37439&from=4 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. NEWS - HMC NEWS CLASS ACTION CASE DETAILS: The filed complaint alleges that Honda Motor Co., Ltd. made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Honda had overstated the safety and effectiveness of the Idle Stop engine feature; (ii) Honda maintained deficient disclosure controls and procedures with respect to product quality and safety; (iii) as a result of the foregoing deficiencies, Honda failed to prevent American Honda from marketing and selling thousands of vehicles that contained a defective Idle Stop feature; (iv) the foregoing conduct subjected the Company and/or its subsidiaries to a heightened risk of litigation, as well as financial and/or reputational harm; and (v) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU AS A SHAREHOLDER: If you have suffered a loss in Honda you have until April 3, 2023 to petition the court for lead plaintiff status. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff. NO COST TO YOU: If you purchased Honda securities during the relevant period, you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out-of-pocket fees. HOW TO PROTECT YOUR FINANCIAL INTERESTS: For additional information about the HMC lawsuit, please contact J. Klein, Esq. by telephone at 212-616-4899 or click this link: https://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/honda-loss-submission-form?id=37439&from=4. ABOUT KLEIN LAW FIRM J. Klein, Esq. represents investors and participates in securities litigations involving financial fraud throughout the nation. The Klein Law Firm is a boutique litigation firm with experience in a wide range of areas including securities law, corporate finance and commercial litigation. Since 2011, our experienced attorneys have achieved superior results for our clients with a personalized focus. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. CONTACT: J. Klein, Esq. 535 Fifth Avenue 4th Floor New York City, NY 10017 [email protected] Telephone: (212) 616-4899 www.kleinstocklaw.com SOURCE The Klein Law Firm DUBAI, UAE, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Themed "Unleash Digital with Everything as a Service", Huawei Cloud Summit Middle East & Africa 2023 kicks off in Dubai on March 21. This event brings together over 300 government officers, cloud native industry experts, and customer representatives from the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa, with the aim of exploring how to make the best out of cloud and the vital role of cloud in boosting digital economy. Zhang Yiming delivers his speech Jacqueline Shi delivers her opening speech Frank Dai delivers his speech At the event, H.E.Zhang Yiming, the Chinese Ambassador to UAE, gave a keynote speech on the significance of cloud computing on digital economy. "China is poised to partner with the UAE and countries in the Middle East and Africa in their digital cloud journey. Together, we will invigorate the industry with innovation, expand pilot projects with partnerships, and promote technical advances with young minds. Together, we will achieve technology and industry development centered on cloud computing, and pave the way for digital transformation and digital enablement," said Mr. Zhang. Jacqueline Shi, President of Huawei Cloud Global Marketing and Sales Service, delivered an opening speech. She shared the latest progress of Huawei Cloud in the Middle East, and stated Huawei Cloud's stance on paving the way to bigger success for local customers and partners, as well as the companies that want to run businesses there. "We keep developing. We keep going digital. And we want to share our latest technologies and proven digitalization experience to you. We are always ready to serve you best." said Ms. Shi. Also at this Summit, Frank Dai, President of Huawei Cloud Middle East, delivered a keynote speech "Unleash Digital with Everything as a Service". In his speech, Mr Dai shared the digital transformation trends in the Middle East, and how Huawei Cloud can pave the way to digital success by providing technical innovations, proven expertise, and ecosystem support. He said that, "It has become a consensus that the cloud is the best way to accelerate digitalization. Our responsibility is to help enterprises go cloud, use cloud, and manage cloud better, so we can better deal with challenges such as data security, ROI optimization, and new technology application." To cultivate local talent and support startups with high potentials, Huawei Cloud launched the Huawei Cloud Startup Program 2023 for Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa. Joining in the launch ceremony were representatives from the UAE Ministry of Economy, Dinarak (a licensed payment services provider from Jordan), Ignite (a VC firm from Pakistan), and Eyon TV (startup representative from Kuwait). Through three key initiatives innovative cloud platform, entrepreneurship enablement, and business resources Huawei Cloud will provide lifecycle support for startups in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa. Huawei Cloud is committed to building a global startup ecosystem to empower 1,000 local startups to innovate and grow on Huawei Cloud in the next three years. Huawei Cloud is poised to become part of the growth engine for the local economy. Huawei Cloud launched the UAE Region in 2021, providing seamless cloud experience to local users. An investment commitment of $400 million USD was announced for the next 5 years to build a cloud Region in Saudi Arabia, extending quality, secure cloud services to local customers for them to stay competitive. In recent years, Middle East has been a major destination of business opportunities for many Chinese enterprises. Huawei Cloud's "Go Cloud, Go Global" program helps Chinese enterprises expand into the Middle East. In this Summit, Huawei Cloud invited more than 50 decision-makers from over 40 Chinese enterprises for business exchanges with local organizations in Saudi Arabia and UAE. These visits are the channels for Chinese enterprises to understand better the local policy support as well as the local business environment and development. Huawei Cloud aims to build a cloud foundation for an intelligent world with Everything as a Service. Looking ahead, Huawei Cloud will continue to expand its global cloud infrastructure and provide customers, partners, and developers with stable, secure, and sustainable cloud services. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2037262/Zhang_Yiming_delivers_speech.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2037263/Jacqueline_Shi_delivers_opening_speech.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2037264/1.jpg SOURCE HUAWEI CLOUD Addressing the current state of the Student Housing Market DALLAS, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Prominent Dallas architecture firm, Humphreys & Partners Architects (HPA), will host a student housing webinar on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. CST. A panel of seasoned experts will take a deep dive into key issues impacting the student housing market including construction costs, design shifts, projected rental pricing, conventional student lending, demographic changes, and the latest trends in the student housing sector. 2023 A to Z Student Housing Webinar HPA President, Greg Faulkner, will moderate the online event that will feature a dynamic lineup of guest speakers including HPA Vice President and Director of Student & Senior Housing, Yaohua Yu, Walker & Dunlop's Senior Managing Director of Real Estate Finance, Will Baker, and Gilbane Development Company's Senior Development Director, Jeff Resectco. "Year-over-year the demand for student housing continues to increase on campuses across the country," stated Greg Faulkner. "We pride ourselves on being on the forefront of the market and provide cutting-end designs and one-of-a-kind amenities to meet the needs of this growing demographic," noted Faulkner. To register for the student housing webinar, visit register.gotowebinar.com/hpa-student-housing. To learn more about Humphreys & Partners and their award-winning student housing designs, visit humphreys.com. ABOUT HUMPHREYS & PARTNERS ARCHITECTS Established in 1991, Humphreys & Partners Architects continues to drive the multifamily design industry. With a national portfolio of projects, an award-winning design team, and exclusive trademarked concepts, more clients rely on HPA's expertise to bring multifamily developments from concept to completion than ever before. To learn more, visit humphreys.com and follow along on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Media Contact: Shalott Cecchini, Director of Marketing [email protected] 5339 Alpha Road, Suite 300 Dallas, TX 75240 281-857-2116 SOURCE Humphreys & Partners Architects LOS ANGELES, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- From March 14th to 19th, 7,000 people in the fields of politics, legal profession and religion, education, media, women and youth joined Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) for its 7th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) under the theme "Institutional Peace: Strengthening Communication to Build Trust." HWPL Chairman Lee Man-hee gives his speech at the 3/14 event. A peace exhibition was one just one event highlight that encouraged continued peace building amongst the diverse body of attending leaders. "This declaration, comprised of 10 articles and 38 clauses, aims to restore the spirit that served as the basis for the establishment of the United Nations and to achieve sustainable peace by promoting the universal values [such as] peace between nations and societies, friendly relations, prosperity, happiness, this is a simple message and everyone can relate to this message," said Prof. Dr. Md Nazrul Islam, Chairman of International Law, University of Dhaka who drafted the DPCW, in the event on March 14th. In his progress report presentation, Pravin Parekh, President of the Confederation of Indian Bar, presented major activities of overcoming disconnection and distrust and the progress for realizing the introduction of the DPCW to the United Nations. "HWPL has been strengthening trust and communication with youth, women, and civil society around the world in solidarity through activities such as Legislate Peace Project, WARP Office, and Peace Education," Parekh said. In the event, participants from over 100 countries wrote "Peace Letters" to denounce Russian invasion of Ukraine as a violation of international law and demand Russian President Putin a total withdrawal from the Ukraine territory. These letters will be collected and sent to Ukraine, where a peace monument will be erected. "Peace cannot be achieved alone. If everyone can live together as one, there will be no wars or conflicts. As the saying goes, love your neighbor as yourself, war will disappear only when there is love for each other. Current international law cannot prevent war. Russia, a permanent member of the United Nations, waged a war. The DPCW was introduced to renew the inoperative international law to eliminate war. Now is the time to achieve peace. Just as people learn when they have to create (something), peace must be taught at home and at school to create peace. If people's hearts change, a better world will be created. Let everyone in the global village become messengers of peace," Chairman Lee Man-hee of HWPL said. Media Contact: Shane Sanchez 909-979-1354 [email protected] SOURCE HWPL RENO, Nev., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - i-80 GOLD CORP. (TSX: IAU) (NYSE: IAUX) ("i-80", or the "Company") is pleased to announce the publication of its inaugural environmental, social, and governance ("ESG") report, Driving the Future, which highlights the company's ESG strategies, policies, and commitments to deliver leading industry practices in Nevada. i-80 Gold is committed to sustainable development and environmental stewardship during exploration and extraction of mineral resources. As the Company continues to grow its team and operations, it prioritizes safety, and improving the social, economic, and environmental wellbeing of its partner communities. Matt Gili, President and COO of i-80 Gold commented, "The 2022 Sustainability Report provides a comprehensive summary of our ESG footprint, our drive to responsibly invest and grow in Nevada, and our dedication to transparency and accountability. For us, sustainability isn't just a commitment or a responsibility, but a challenge that excites and inspires our whole team." 2022 Sustainability Report In 2022, i-80 Gold Corp advanced its management of ESG matters with notable achievements across all areas. The inaugural ESG report, Driving the Future, is a reflection of the company's commitment to better communicate the performance and approach to ESG. The following are select highlights of i-80 Gold's commitment to growing sustainably: Increased workforce to 109 employees; i-80 is proud to announce that women comprise 34% of the Company workforce; Formed a strategic partnership with regional underground mining companies to create an underground mine rescue team: Nevada Mine Rescue Alliance , that serves the mining operations within i-80 Gold's footprint; , that serves the mining operations within i-80 Gold's footprint; Engaged with local communities and stakeholders with continuous outreach and communication by hosting town hall meetings, open houses, and community mine tours/family days; Created the "3 Ships" Internship Program to engage the next generation of miners and provide college students with invaluable work experience; Maintained commitment to the long-term health and care of legacy mine sites at Lone Tree, McCoy Cove , Granite Creek, and Ruby Hill; , Granite Creek, and Ruby Hill; Completed a gap assessment on the Lone Tree tailings impoundment benchmarked to the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM). The 2022 Sustainability Report, Driving the Future, can be found on i-80 Gold Corp's website at www.i80gold.com. About i-80 Gold Corp. i-80 Gold Corp. is a well-financed, Nevada-focused, mining company with a goal of achieving mid-tier gold producer status through the development of multiple deposits within the Company's advanced-stage property portfolio with processing at i-80's centralized milling facilities that include an autoclave. Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward looking statements" or "forward looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including but not limited to, the Company's objectives relating to ESG strategies, policies, commitments to deliver leading industry practices in Nevada, safety, and improving the social, economic, and environmental wellbeing of its partner communities, the completion of refurbishment and development activities at the Lone Tree project, commencement of mining operations at the Lone Tree project (including Buffalo Mountain), Granite Creek project, the Ruby Hill mine and the McCoy-Cove project, mineral resource and reserve estimates and exploration and development potential, refractory processing capabilities and production targets. Such statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company, its projects, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward looking statements or information Such statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "expect", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "estimate", "scheduled", "forecast", "and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events or results " may", "could", " would", "or " be taken, occur or be achieved These statements reflect the Company's current expectations regarding future events, performance and results and speak only as of the date of this presentation. 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 applicable law. Forward looking statements and information involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indicators of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward looking statements or information, including, but not limited to failure to satisfy of the relevant conditions to the completion of the transactions described herein, failure to obtain the relevant regulatory approvals, material adverse changes, exercise of termination rights by any relevant party, unexpected changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities the failure of parties to contracts with the Company to perform as agreed social or labour unrest changes in commodity prices and the failure of exploration, refurbishment, development or mining programs or studies to deliver anticipated results or results that would justify and support continued exploration, studies, development or operations. Readers of this presentation are encouraged to read the "Risk Factors" as more fully described in the Company's filings with the Canadian Securities Administrators and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Information Form available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. SOURCE i-80 Gold Corp The Nonprofit Calls on Donors to Close the Water Funding Gap to Help Tackle Rising Hunger NEW YORK, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new report from Action Against Hunger, fewer than 30% of appeals for humanitarian support for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) related programs were met in 2022, leaving an average funding gap of 70.3%. Released one day before World Water Day (March 22), the analysis looked at available data for 41 countries that used the UN humanitarian system to request humanitarian assistance for WASH programs in 2022, and highlights the connection between decreased water funding and growing hunger. Photo by Daniel Burgui for Action Against Hunger The World's Water Funding Crisis: How Donors Are Missing the Mark found that in 2022, no WASH appeals were fully funded for 13 countries experiencing "crisis" levels of hunger, even though dirty water contributes to more than 1.5 million deaths each year, many from malnutrition linked to water-borne disease. To fully fund WASH-related appeals through the UN humanitarian system, it would take an additional $2.6 billion. For context, Americans will bet twice that much on March Madness this year. "When people think about hunger, water is not always part of that conversation," said Jean Lapegue, Senior WASH Advisor, Action Against Hunger. "But a lot of our work is focused on managing and improving access to clean water. Not only is it essential to grow and prepare food, but it also prevents the spread of disease. Twenty-seven percent of deaths of children younger than five are directly related to preventable water-borne diseases." "We know how to overcome the water challenges that we face every day, but we need adequate funding to do it," said Bizuneh Assefa, Action Against Hunger's WASH Specialist for the Horn and Eastern Africa. "I have seen firsthand the transformative impact that water, sanitation, and hygieneor WASHprograms can have in the fight against hunger. By investing in WASH, we can reduce hunger, promote health and gender equity, and mitigate the impacts of climate change." When looking at funding for countries dealing with crisis levels of hunger (or worse), Action Against Hunger found a 53% gap in funding for hunger programs, a 62% gap in WASH funding, and a 55% gap in health funding. The analysis considered both the overall funding levels of WASH programs in 2022 as well as funding for countries that experienced "crisis" levels of hunger in 2021. This approach focused on the need in 2021 and the response in 2022 across the following countries: Afghanistan, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Somalia, and Sudan. "Two billion people around the world lack access to safely managed drinking water and 4.2 billion lack adequate sanitation. These are fundamental human rights that are critical to reducing hunger and promoting health, which are the cornerstones of individual development and economic growth," said Dr. Charles Owubah, CEO, of Action Against Hunger. The report is the result of Action Against Hunger's analysis of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Humanitarian Response Plan funding data, as well as the Integrated Food Security Classification (IPC) Population Tracking Tool. About Action Against Hunger Action Against Hunger is leading a global movement to end hunger in our lifetimes. It innovates solutions, advocates for change, and reaches more than 24 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across 50 countries, its 8,300 dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, and chronic inequality. It strives to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good. SOURCE Action Against Hunger USA BURNSVILLE, Minn., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Inspired Spine, a leader in minimally invasive spine surgery, is once again transcending medical borders. Just one month after returning from Muscat, Oman, where Dr. Hamid Abbasi performed multiple successful surgeries, Inspired Spine is heading to Quito, Ecuador. During this trip, Dr. Abbasi is scheduled to perform six Trans-Kambin OLLIF surgeries while training Ecuadorian native Dr. Hazem Nicola in the life-altering procedure. Dr. Hazem Nikola trains with Dr. Hamid Abbasi at the Inspired Spine Headquarters in Minnesota in October 2022 Inspired Spine International Cadaver Lab held at the Inspired Spine Global Headquarters in MN in October 2022 Trans-Kambin OLLIF is a minimally invasive spinal fusion procedure that accesses the vertebrae through a small area of the spine called "Kambin's Triangle," resulting in a safer procedure. Studies have shown that the procedure decreases infection rates and blood loss, as well as muscle and tissue damage. Currently, the procedure is being performed in only two continents, with just over 30 surgeons trained in the technique globally. Dr. Hazem Nicola is an Ecuadorian Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in Spine Care with over 20 years of experience. In October 2022, Dr. Nicola traveled to Inspired Spine Headquarters in Burnsville, Minnesota, USA, to learn the Trans-Kambin OLLIF procedure. During his initial visit, Dr. Nicola observed a live OLLIF L4-S1 in the operating room (OR). In an interview after the lab and OLLIF observation, Dr. Nicola states, "It is pretty amazing. It is a simplified way to see the technique and to perform a spinal fusion... this will benefit my patients in all aspects: less time in the OR, less time staying in the hospital and less pain, of course." Dr. Abbasi, an expert in minimally invasive spine surgery, is excited to bring this cutting-edge technology to Ecuador. He said, "I am thrilled to be partnering with Dr. Nicola to perform these surgeries and train him in this revolutionary procedure. It's amazing to see the positive impact this technique has on our patients, and I am honored to be a part of its introduction to South America." Inspired Spine is committed to advancing minimally invasive spine surgery techniques and providing patients with the best possible outcomes. With this partnership, they hope to continue their mission and bring their cutting-edge technology to patients across the globe. For more information about Inspired Spine and their OLLIF technology, please visit inspiredspine.com . SOURCE Inspired Spine AI PLATFORM POISED TO BE A GAME CHANGER FOR SENIOR CARE INDUSTRY BY HELPING CAREGIVERS IDENTIFY POTENTIAL FALLS BEFORE THEY HAPPEN NEW YORK, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Maplewood Senior Living today announces the results of a 6-month pilot program designed to reduce falls among their resident population recently implemented at its New York City property, Inspir Carnegie Hill. Thanks to a revolutionary platform co-developed by Maplewood and Inspiren, Inc., called AUGi (for Augmented Intelligence), the senior living community reported 400 AI-driven fall "saves" in its most vulnerable population of memory care residents. These preliminary findings offer tremendous hope for the entire senior care industry, as falls in older adults (65+) result in over 32,000 deaths each year, according to the CDC. "Over the past 6 months, the technology has proven itself to be a critical tool used by our team," says Gregory D. Smith, President and CEO of Maplewood Senior Living and Inspir. "We are excited by these results and happy to say that AUGi has had a significantly positive impact on the safety of our most vulnerable residents and has given their families added peace of mind." AUGi the world's first cognitive resident care assistant provides unparalleled visibility and insights into the care environment and acts like an extra set of eyes in at-risk resident apartments so caregivers can quickly respond to potential or actual safety events, like falls. "What's extraordinary about AUGi is that the system is often able to notify staff before a fall occurs, giving them time to intervene and prevent it from happening in the first place," says Brian Geyser, Maplewood's Chief Clinical Officer. The platform consists of a sleek wall-mounted automated sensor system that uses computer vision, artificial intelligence, and advanced room environmental sensors to passively and continually observe resident and staff behavior while maintaining privacy. It can uncover sleep patterns, resident mobility issues, and general room activity through computer vision technology which gives the care team unprecedented privacy protected, HIPAA-compliant, real-time visibility into the place where at-risk residents are most vulnerable their apartments. The system proactively notifies staff when a fall may be imminent, such as when an at-risk resident is getting up out of bed or out of their chair. Smart, contextual notifications provide staff with insight into what is taking place with the resident in their apartment in real-time, which gives staff the ability to prioritize responses. At Inspir, AUGi prompted 400 timely staff interventions since implementing the program in September with 33 of its memory care residents. That's 400 times when residents were attempting to get out of bed or out of their chairs and could have very easily fallen. Instead, staff were able to rapidly attend to the residents and ensure they were safe. The residents were selected based on a wide range of factors, including fall risk, nighttime behavior and level of mobility. "The number one goal of the pilot was to see if we could reduce the number of falls in our most vulnerable population, and we are extremely pleased with the results. We only had 2 falls in the cohort of residents enrolled in the pilot over a 6 month period, which is astounding. And we know we prevented so many more falls based on analysis of the data that AUGi provides to us," said Brian Geyser. Maplewood will be adding an additional 30 AUGi units at Inspir and partnering with Hunter College School of Nursing to study the positive impact of AUGi on resident safety. Maplewood has additional plans to expand the AUGi technology to other properties in the near future. Additionally, Maplewood is piloting a similar product with SafelyYou in the coming months, available in select communities to compare fall prevention outcomes. "Inspir is devoted to keeping their residents safe and happy in their later years of life. Their focus on safety and innovation makes them an ideal partner for the AUGi platform. Many of us have aging family members who are at serious risk of falling. This is a problem that results in critical injuries and even death, which no one wants their loved one to experience," said Vincent Cocito, COO and Co-Founder of Inspiren, Inc. "We are excited to continue to give Maplewood's communities the tools and technologies needed to keep residents safer." For more information, please call 646-978-9040 or visit https://inspirseniorliving.com. About Inspir Carnegie Hill Inspir is a new, luxury senior living brand offering a different approach to living for discerning seniors in urban markets. Inspir is the convergence of luxury accommodations, exceptional hospitality, cutting-edge technology, whole-person wellness and world-class care. The brand's flagship senior living residence, Inspir Carnegie Hill, is located at 1802 Second Avenue at 93rd Street, in the heart of New York City's Upper East Side. Inspir Carnegie Hill boasts a masterfully designed building with state-of-the-art technology and 215 private residences customized to fit the needs of an aging population. The community offers assisted living, memory care and enhanced care options. Inspir is developed by Maplewood Senior Living, in partnership with Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. (NYSE: OHI). For more information, please call 646-978-9040 or visit inspirseniorliving.com . About Maplewood Senior Living Maplewood Senior Living is known for its upscale senior living residences, offering a broad range of premier services, amenities and care to its residents. Based in Westport, CT, Maplewood Senior Living operates 16 senior living communities in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Ohio. There is an Upper East Side location in Manhattan, NY, within the company's newest brand, Inspir. This new, senior living offering was launched to provide a luxurious option for seniors looking to join a residential community in major metropolitan areas. For more information, please call 203-557-4777 or visit http://www.maplewoodseniorliving.com . About Inspiren Inspiren is a nurse-led, nurse-founded technology company amplifying the care capacity of healthcare enterprises through a singular, AI-driven, interoperable platform called AUGi. AUGi (Augmented Intelligence) is a wall-mounted device that automatically analyzes clinically significant events within a patient's care environment. Using its advanced sensors, AI and intuitive mobile and web applications, AUGi provides unparalleled real-time insight into patient safety and clinical efficiency. Designed as a powerful IoT (Internet of Things) and interoperable platform, AUGi also serves as a data integration hub for all patient care technology. Inspiren's HQ is located in New Lab, the 84,000-sq.-ft. technology innovation center in Brooklyn, NY. To learn more about Inspiren, please visit us at inspiren.com . SOURCE Maplewood Senior Living Company's growth globally includes new partnership agreements with Renesas in Japan and the NDS Association in Germany as well as new facilities in Europe CHICAGO , March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Intellias, a major provider of consulting and software engineering services to the auto industry, is expanding in the Americas with a new development center in Bogota, Colombia. The Intellias facilities in Bogota will house more than 60 engineers and product specialists to support projects involving artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud services and a variety of other software-based technologies for customers in North and South America. The center will contribute to further growth of the company's U.S. client roster. Intellias currently has offices in Chicago and in Boca Raton, Florida. The company also has finalized partnership agreements with Japan-based Renesas to develop connected-car technology and with the NDS Association, headquartered in Germany, to work on global navigation standards. The Renesas agreement, centers on the development of connected-car and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Renesas is the world's leading manufacturer of semiconductors. "Our partnership with Renesas underlines our expertise in software-defined vehicles, extended connectivity and digital interfaces," said Oleksandr Odukha, vice president of Delivery and head of Mobility at Intellias. "As an NDS member, we also will be able to help shape a new digital generation of mapping technology." With the Navigation Data Standard (NDS) organization based in Germany, Intellias will work to develop map-data standards essential to advanced navigation, autonomous-vehicle, connectivity and related online-map technologies. "Intellias plans to take a significant role in the development of worldwide standards for mapping data that enable dynamic and sharable data across a wide range of automotive and mobility solution," Odukha said. The company's global footprint grew significantly in 2022. Intellias opened new offices in Croatia, Bulgaria, Poland, Portugal and Spain and acquired Digitally Inspired, a fast-growing UK-based development company focused on retail and e-commerce business sectors. Intellias also recently was recognized by the Information Services Group (ISG) for its automotive expertise in the group's ISG Provider Lens Quadrant reports. "ISG's evaluation of Intellias highlights our ability to deliver embedded systems, software engineering and research-and-development services on a global basis," Odukha pointed out. He added that together with Renesas, Intellias already has built an Automotive Portable Kit based on the automotive grade R-Car H3e system on chip (SoC), which provides high-end computing power for processing large volumes of vehicle data in real time, making it ideal for a broad range of applications. For the Automotive Portable Kit, Intellias used SoC functionality for in-vehicle infotainment systems and an integrated digital cockpit. Currently, both the Renesas and Intellias teams are working closely on the Portable Automotive Kit demo, with the aim to showcase capabilities of the real-time Arm Cortex-R7 (CR7) processor incorporated into the Renesas R-Car H3e. About Intellias Intellias is a global technology partner with 20 years of experience delivering product engineering and consulting services to Fortune 500 companies. Leading automotive OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, transportation and mobility service providers, including HERE Technologies, Elmos, NNG, DKV, TomTom and Rand McNally, rely on Intellias to co-create custom solutions and digitally transform their businesses. Intellias helps partners and clients navigate in the ever-changing mobility landscape with its deep expertise in connectivity, autonomous driving, infotainment systems, eMobility, transport operations and intelligent fleet analytics. The company delivers automotive and transportation solutions compliant with NDS, ASPICE and TISAX and contributes to establishing the highest industry standards by partnering with COVESA, Renesas and AUTOSAR. Intellias automotive services cover design, engineering, prototype implementation, and end-to-end development of software-defined mobility solutions, including the design of digital cockpits, in-vehicle software, V2X solutions, cloud platforms, and mobile applications for drivers, passengers and commercial fleets. More information is available at www.intellias.com. SOURCE Intellias CHICAGO, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global IoT in Healthcare Market size is projected to grow from USD 127.7 billion in 2023 to USD 289.2 billion by 2028, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 17.8% during the forecast period, according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. The rising penetration of smartphones, growing prevalence of chronic and lifestyle disorders, increasing healthcare costs, and rising self-health management leading to the increasing demand for better healthcare services will drive the market. Browse in-depth TOC on "IoT in Healthcare Market" 331 - Tables 40 - Figures 252 - Pages Download PDF Brochure @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=160082804 Medical Devices segment to hold the highest market share during the forecast period The large-scale adoption of medical devices can be attributed to the growing need for cost-effective and efficient solutions for delivering healthcare services. With an increasing prevalence of chronic, age-related health conditions, fast-paced growth in the medical device industry has been observed globally. Some newly emerging technologies, including cloud computing, the internet of things (IoT), and artificial intelligence, have contributed significantly to the advancement in the medical device industry. Wearable External Medical Devices segment to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period Wearable external medical devices are becoming increasingly popular for monitoring and managing various health conditions. Factors such as increasing health awareness, preference for preventive care, rising need for the extended home health monitoring of patients owing to the growing geriatric population, and subsequent prevalence of chronic diseases are making wearable devices common in-home care settings. Request Sample Pages @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=160082804 Asia Pacific (APAC) region to record the highest growth rate in the IoT in Healthcare Market in 2023 Asia Pacific is an emerging region in the IoT in Healthcare Market. High-growth markets in Asia Pacific are China, India, and other countries, such as South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. These countries are expected to provide significant opportunities for players in this market. This can be attributed to the increasing patient burden in highly populated Asia Pacific countries, growing geriatric population and disease burden, as well as the high penetration of smartphones, tablets, and high-speed networks, and continuous initiatives by national governments to digitalize their healthcare sectors. Key and innovative vendors in Key and innovative vendors in the IoT in Healthcare Market include Cisco (US), IBM (US), GE Healthcare (US), Microsoft (US), SAP (Germany), Medtronic (Ireland), Royal Philips (Netherlands), Resideo Technologies (US), Securitas (Sweden), Bosch (Germany), Armis (US), Oracle (US), PTC (US), Huawei (China), Seimens ( Germany), R-Style Lab (US), HQSoftware (Estonia), Oxagile (US), Softweb Solutions (US), OSP Labs (US), Comarch SA (Poland), Telit (UK), Kore Wireless (US), ScienceSoft (US), Intel (US), AgaMatrix (US), Welch Allyn (US), AliveCor (US), Sensely (US), Clover Health (US). These vendors have adopted many organic as well as inorganic growth strategies, such as new product launches, and partnerships and collaborations, to expand their offerings and market shares in the IoT in Healthcare Market. Browse Adjacent Market: Software and Services Market Research Reports & Consulting Browse Other Reports: Emotion Detection and Recognition (EDR) Market - Global Forecast to 2027 Social Media Management Market - Global Forecast to 2027 Product Engineering Services Market - Global Forecast to 2027 Learning Management System Market - Global Forecast to 2027 Automation Testing Market - Global Forecast to 2027 About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are moulded 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 MarketsandMarkets 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: [email protected] Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com Research Insights: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/iot-healthcare-market.asp Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/iot-healthcare.asp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg SOURCE MarketsandMarkets NEW YORK, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- iQSTEL Inc. (OTC-QX: IQST) today announced entering into a Joint Venture (JV) with GOTMY to accelerate the launch of a turnkey, white label metaverse solution for iQSTEL's telecommunication customers. The metaverse market size by revenue is estimated to currently be worth $61.8 billion and expected to grow to $426.9 billion by 2027. iQSTEL currently delivers over $90 million in annual base revenue from its telecommunications offerings while expanding upon its base to include a comprehensive suite of new services designed to satisfy basic human needs in a modern world: ubiquitous communications; financial freedom, and clean, affordable mobility. iQSTEL's telecommunications division is already profitable and management expects the EV and Fintech divisions to generate new profit streams this year. GOTMY has expanded its personalized live video marketplace and platform offered through an app available for iPhone, Android and PC enabling content creators and internet influencers to host and monetize online events. GOTMY now offers a white label metaverse solution empowering brands, large and small, to host 3D events where participants can interact with the brand and even buy from the brand in an online store without downloading any app or using a wallet. Learn more about GOTMY here. Through the JV with GOTMY, iQSTEL will offer its telecommunication carrier clients a white label solution enabling telecommunication carriers to interact with their customers (end users, and enterprises) through a metaverse platform. The iQSTEL white label metaverse solution developed in partnership with GOTMY will be tailored to provide telecom carriers with a distinctive and immersive customer experience. In line with GOTMY's mission to offer universally accessible experiential spaces, the iQSTEL solution for telecom carriers is intended to accommodate all mobile phone users, not just those with high-end VR headsets. Jose E. Puente, CEO of GOTMY, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration: "We are eager to initiate this joint venture with iQSTEL, introducing our technology to the telecommunications market. We firmly believe that our white label metaverse will enable telecom carriers to provide exceptional and engaging experiences for their customers, while ensuring that these experiences are accessible to a broader audience." IQSTEL management believes the metaverse will become as ubiquitous as the Internet serving as a standardized gateway for all content, products, services, and customer support services. In conjunction with the GOTMY JV, iQSTEL also announces the new iQSTEL Metaverse business division, with Jose Enrique Puente as CEO. The first business objective of the new Metaverse division is to complete a graphic design upgrade and launch the iQSTEL metaverse solution next quarter. Leandro Iglesias commented "We are very excited to launch our own metaverse platform. I have personally known Jose Enrique Puente for more than 15 years. He is a highly qualified entrepreneur and visionary with an impressive track record. iQSTEL is fortunate to have him on board. Under Jose's leadership I expect our metaverse platform to first differentiate iQSTEL within the telecommunications carrier market and then to subsequently grow and expand into becoming the tie that unifies iQSTEL's telecommunications, financial and mobility solutions into a seamless single offering satisfying basic human needs in a modern world: ubiquitous communications, financial freedom and clean, affordable mobility . Look for iQSTEL to launch the Joint Venture Metaverse Brand and Product next quarter adding to our telecommunications income and potentially compelling an increase to our current $105 million annual revenue forecast." The iQSTEL and GOTMY partnership is set to revolutionize the telecommunications industry by presenting carriers with a leading, innovative approach to connecting with their customers. By merging the expertise of two industry-leading companies, this trailblazing solution promises to make a substantial impact within the telecommunications sector. About iQSTEL Inc.: iQSTEL Inc. (OTC-QX: IQST) (www.iQSTEL.com) is a US-based publicly listed company holding an Independent Board of Directors and Audit Committee with a presence in 19 countries and 70 employees offering leading-edge services through its four business lines. The Telecom Division (www.iqstelecom.com), which represents the majority of current operations, offers VoIP, SMS, proprietary Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, and international fiber-optic connectivity through its subsidiaries: Etelix, SwissLink, Smartbiz, Whisl, IoT Labs, and QGlobal SMS. The Fintech business line (www.globalmoneyone.com) (www.maxmo.vip) offers a complete Fintech ecosystem MasterCard Debit Card, US Bank Account (No SSN Needed), Mobile App/Wallet (Remittances, Mobile Top Up). Our Fintech subsidiary, Global Money One, is to provide immigrants access to reliable financial services that make it easier to manage their money and stay connected with their families back home. The BlockChain Platform Business Line (www.itsbchain.com) offers our proprietary Mobile Number Portability Application (MNPA) to serve the in-country portability needs through its subsidiary, itsBchain. The Electric Vehicle (EV) Business Line (www.evoss.net) offers electric motorcycles to work and have fun in the USA, Spain, Portugal, Panama, Colombia, and Venezuela. EVOSS is also working on the development of an EV Mid Speed Car to serve the niche of the 2nd car in the family. Safe Harbor Statement: Statements in this news release may be "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements that express our intentions, beliefs, expectations, strategies, predictions, or any other information relating to our future activities or other future events or conditions. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, and projections about our business based partly on assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may and are likely to differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release, and iQSTEL Inc. undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news release. This press release does not constitute a public offer of any securities for sale. Any securities offered privately will not be or have not been registered under the Act and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. iQSTEL Inc. IR US Phone: 646-740-0907 IR Email: [email protected] Contact Details iQSTEL Inc. +1 646-740-0907 [email protected] Company Website https://www.iqstel.com/ SOURCE iQSTEL Inc. CHICAGO, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Janus, a leading provider of healthcare revenue cycle management (RCM) technology, announced it has received a strategic growth investment from Enhanced Healthcare Partners (EHP), a leading private equity firm specializing in transformative, middle-market healthcare businesses. The new capital will fuel the company's rapid market expansion, product development, and go-to-market initiatives. "We are grateful to have the support and guidance from an experienced healthcare investor in EHP as we continue our missionto significantly drive down health systems' administrative and operational costs, while rapidly increasing and accelerating cash collections," said Brendan Downing, founder and CEO of Janus. "This investment allows us to accelerate the development of our innovative revenue cycle platform, enabling revenue cycle teams to operate more efficiently and effectively." Janus, a leading provider of healthcare revenue cycle management (RCM) technology, receives a new strategic investment. Tweet this Janus helps health systems and revenue cycle service companies better understand, optimize, and automate RCM workflow processes. This has resulted in a significant increase and acceleration of cash collections while lowering administrative costs. Over the past 12 months, Janus has completed over 500 million process events and automated over 40 million transactions, resulting in significant ROI and cost savings for its customers. The company has also been featured in an Emerging Technology Spotlight by KLAS Research, Black Book's Top 50 Emerging Healthcare Companies, and CB Insights' Top 150 Digital Health Companies. Janus is transforming the way health systems are dealing with revenue cycle management, said Won Park, partner at Enhanced Healthcare Partners, who will join Janus Board of Directors. With Janus best-in-class technology and strong value proposition for its clients, Janus is well-positioned to continue being a highly differentiated, innovative leader in this market, continued Park. To learn more about Janus, visit janus-ai.com. About Janus Founded in 2020, Janus is a revenue cycle management technology company on a mission to help health systems get paid, at a lower cost to collect. Its end-to-end software platform begins by understanding the current state of a revenue cycle operation, then identifies areas for efficiency, and where automation can help revenue cycle teams do more, with less. By harnessing the power of Janus' technology, revenue cycle teams can work smarter, generating as high as 2% increased net revenue while reducing cost to collect as much as 35%. To learn more about Janus, visit janus-ai.com. About Enhanced Healthcare Partners Enhanced Healthcare Partners (EHP) is a leading private equity firm that specializes in partnering with transformative, middle-market healthcare businesses. EHP provides the flexible capital, operational support, and strategic guidance necessary to support the continued success of growth-oriented businesses. Representative investments include Hallmark Health Care Solutions, Vytalize Health, PAI, SCA Pharma, and West Dermatology. For more information, visit: www.enhancedhealthcare.com . Press Contact Rachel Peden Head of Marketing [email protected] SOURCE Janus SMITHFIELD, Va., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A North Carolina administrative law judge has rejected a challenge to a general permit issued by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) authorizing the construction and operation of methane digesters for animal waste management. The judge held that the permit was lawfully issued in accordance with specific directives from the North Carolina General Assembly. The Environmental Justice Community Action Network and Cape Fear River Watch brought the legal action, which sought to require DEQ to consider "alternative technologies" in issuing the permit for anaerobic digesters. Smithfield's digesters produce clean, low-carbon, renewable natural gas (RNG) by capturing methane emissions from hog lagoons. These projects reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), reduce flooding and provide diversified income streams for family farmers. The North Carolina General Assembly and Governor Roy Cooper called for such biogas projects in the state's Clean Energy Plan. "This is a huge victory for hog farmers who are adopting innovative technologies to protect the environment," said Stewart Leeth, chief sustainability officer for Smithfield Foods. "Our biogas projects produce low-carbon RNG and represent a substantial financial commitment to transform the future of clean energy and sustainable agriculture and improve the quality of life in surrounding communities. "It defies logic that these environmental groups, which initially supported and encouraged digesters and covered lagoons, would attack Smithfield's voluntary efforts to produce clean, renewable energy and enhance water and air quality in North Carolina." Smithfield, which also annually contributes $2 million to the State of North Carolina for environmental enhancements, has invested tens of millions of dollars in clean energy technology, including RNG projects, as part of its goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% and become carbon negative in its company-owned operations by 2030. The judge's final decision is available here. About Smithfield Foods, Inc. Headquartered in Smithfield, Virginia, since 1936, Smithfield Foods, Inc. is a U.S. food company that employs nearly 60,000 people in seven countries and partners with thousands of American farmers. As one of the world's leading vertically integrated protein companies, we are dedicated to producing "Good food. Responsibly." to feed a growing world population. We have pioneered sustainability standards for more than two decades, including our industry-leading commitments to become carbon negative in our U.S. company-owned operations and reduce GHG emissions 30% across our entire U.S. value chain by 2030. We believe in the power of protein to end food insecurity and have donated hundreds of millions of food servings to food banks, disaster relief efforts and community outreach programs in all 50 U.S. states. Smithfield boasts a portfolio of high-quality iconic brands, such as Smithfield, Eckrich, Gwaltney and Nathan's Famous, among many others. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. SOURCE Smithfield Foods, Inc. HOUSTON, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- KBR (NYSE: KBR) has been awarded NASA's Large Business Prime Contractor of the Year for 2022 at two agency centers: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) and NASA Ames Research Center (ARC). Announced yearly, these accolades are a part of NASA's Small Business Industry Awards, which honors its contractors' small business partnerships. KBR earned the Large Business Prime Contractor of the Year awards for its overall contract performance, participation in NASA-related outreach events, sound small business practices and use of small business contractors. Nominated by its customers, KBR's dual win is indicative of its operations and procurement teams' strategic efforts to support diversity and small business growth around the country. "As we grow, so do our small business partnerships," said Byron Bright, President of KBR Government Solutions U.S. "This honor recognizes not only KBR's leadership, but how we support and value our small business partnerships, and collectively work together to ensure the success of NASA missions around the globe." This is not the first time NASA's Office of Small Business Programs has recognized KBR for this achievement. KBR received the agency-level Mentor-Protege Agreement of the Year Award for three consecutive years from 2018 through 2020, distinguishing KBR as NASA's best overall mentor during this time. Specifically, KBR was praised for its mentorship of MORI Associates in 2018, as well as for its mentorship of JES Tech, a woman-owned small business, in 2019 and 2020. NASA also honored KBR as its Large Business Prime Contractor of the Year for ARC in 2019 and Johnson Space Center (JSC) in 2020. KBR won the same award in 2018 for JSC and GSFC, which continue to be its most heavily supported centers. KBR has provided mission-critical space support services to civil, military and commercial customers for more than 60 years. It currently operates at 11 NASA centers and facilities and is one of the world's largest human spaceflight support organizations. About KBR We deliver science, technology and engineering solutions to governments and companies around the world. KBR employs approximately 30,000 people performing diverse, complex and mission-critical roles in 34 countries. KBR is proud to work with its customers across the globe to provide technology, value-added services, and long-term operations and maintenance services to ensure consistent delivery with predictable results. At KBR, We Deliver. Visit www.kbr.com Forward Looking Statements The statements in this press release that are not historical statements, including statements regarding future financial performance, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and assumptions, many of which are beyond the company's control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the statements. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, but are not limited to, those set forth in the company's most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, any subsequent Form 10-Qs and 8-Ks and other U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings, which discuss some of the important risks, uncertainties and assumptions that the company has identified that may affect its business, results of operations and financial condition. Due to such risks, uncertainties and assumptions, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Except as required by law, the company undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason. SOURCE KBR, Inc. SUZHOU, China, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2023 Annual Meeting of American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD 2023) was held from 17 to 21 March 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. As one of the largest, most influential and representative of all dermatologic associations, dermatologists from around the world shared the latest research advances in the field of dermatology. Kintor Pharmaceutical Limited ("Kintor Pharma", HKEX: 9939)'s self-developed and potential first-in-class topical drug candidates pyrilutamide (KX-826) and GT20029 have attracted a lot of attention at the meeting, demonstrating the company's innovative capabilities and the therapeutic potential of its androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and acne pipelines. At AAD 2023, Ken Washenik, M.D., Ph.D., FISHRS, FAAD, President and Chief Medical Officer of Bosley Medical Group and Clinical Assistant Professor of Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology at New York University Grossman School of Medicine, shared the MoA and data of KX-826 and GT20029 for treatment of AGA in a presentation entitled "The Emerging Potential of Topical Androgen Modulators in Androgenetic Alopecia". Dr. Ken Washenik highlighted the emerging potential of topical androgen receptor (AR) modulators in AGA. He said that the potential of an effective topical AR blocker without systemic side-effects has long been promising. In addition, Adelaide Hebert, M.D., Director of Pediatric Dermatology at McGovern School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, shared the MoA and clinical trial design of KX-826 for treatment of acne in a presentation entitled "The Role of Topical Therapies Involving Androgen Hormones in Acne: Available and Future Therapies". Dr. Adelaide Hebert said that androgens and androgen receptors would play a key role in acne pathogenesis and represent important treatment targets. KX-826 is a topical AR antagonist under development by Kintor Pharma. The MoA of KX-826 for treatment of AGA is to locally block the androgen mediated signaling by competing with Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), limit the miniaturization of hair follicles and promote the growth of terminal hairs. KX-826 is quickly metabolized to the deactivated metabolite when arriving at the circulation system, contributing to least impact on systemic AR signaling pathway and a favorable safety profile. The Phase II clinical trial of KX-826 for male AGA adults in China showed that, after 24 weeks of treatment, the non-vellus target area hair count (TAHC) in the 5mg (0.5% concentration) twice daily (BID) KX-826 group increased by 15.34/cm2 compared with the placebo group from baseline, with a statistical difference (P=0.024). At present, Kintor Pharma is conducting the Phase III clinical trial in China and the Phase II clinical trial in the US of KX-826 for male AGA, and planning to conduct the Phase III clinical trial in China of KX-826 for female AGA and the global multi-center Phase III clinical trials of KX-826 for male and female AGA. The MoA of KX-826 for treatment of acne is to compete with DHT for binding to ARs, inhibiting gene expression that reduces sebum production and inflammation. The Phase II clinical trial of KX-826 for acne in China is ongoing, and the enrollment of all subjects has been completed in October 2022. GT20029 is a topical AR-Proteolysis Targeting Chimera (PROTAC) owned by Kintor Pharma. In preclinical studies, by degrading AR protein, GT20029 could block the shrinkage and miniaturization of hair follicles which was caused by the activation of AR signaling pathway. As the result, it prevented the hair from thinning, softening and falling out. GT20029 could also effectively inhibit sebaceous gland development and sebum secretion. GT20029 could avoid high systemic exposure and achieve a better safety profile. GT20029's Phase I clinical trials for treatment of AGA and acne in China and the US have been completed. About Kintor Pharmaceutical Limited Kintor Pharmaceutical Limited is developing and commercializing a robust pipeline of innovative small molecule and biological therapeutics for oncology and androgen-receptor-related disease areas with unmet medical needs, including COVID-19, prostate cancer, alopecia, acne, liver and breast cancers. For more information, visit www.kintor.com.cn. SOURCE Kintor Pharma Grocer serves more customers in Colorado, welcomes 200+ new associates DENVER, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), America's grocer, today announced its Customer Fulfillment Center (CFC) in Aurora, CO is open. This facility expands access to fresh, affordable food and provides more than 200 new associates with opportunities to grow their careers. Customers across the region can order Kroger's fresh produce and trend-setting Our Brands products to be delivered directly to their doors by a friendly associate. Kroger Delivery driver (PRNewsfoto/The Kroger Co.) "Kroger Delivery, proudly serving King Soopers and City Market, will connect more Coloradans to a convenient shopping experience," said Rebekah Manis, Senior Director, Kroger Delivery Fulfillment Centers. "Delivery customers can save with personalized digital coupons and fuel points on the products their families need, want and love. Kroger Delivery means more customers can enjoy high-quality, affordable groceries ordered through an easy-to-use online experience." The approximately 300,000 square-foot facility, located at 6125 N. Jackson Gap Way in Aurora, will delivery groceries and home essentials to customers up to 90 minutes away. Kroger Delivery uses cutting-edge technology, temperature-controlled vans and efficiently optimized delivery routes to ensure only the freshest products are delivered to customers' homes. "Aurora wholeheartedly welcomes Kroger to the burgeoning Porteos development, an Xcel Energy Certified Site," said Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman. "Conveniently situated near Denver International Airport, Interstate 70 and E-470, Kroger's facility will serve as a critical food distribution hub and may attract more fresh food options such as urban farms and greenhouses that work with Kroger. This new facility comes as other large, national organizations seek similar sites in Aurora." "As one of the strongest economies in the country, we're thrilled the Kroger-Ocado partnership recognized the quality business parks, infrastructure improvements, and diverse workforce here," said Wendy Mitchell, President and CEO of Aurora Economic Development Council. "This is a fast-growing industry sector that will be a catalyst for additional development in the area." Customers looking to save even more can register for Boost by King Soopers annual membership, the most-affordable retail membership program. For $59 or $99 per year, Boost customers enjoy unlimited free delivery on orders of $35 or more and 2X Fuel Points for every $1 spent. Kroger estimates the membership can save customers more than $1,000 on fuel and groceries annually. "We are excited to welcome Kroger's new Customer Fulfillment Center to our community, and the addition of over 200 new jobs for local residents," said Steve O'Dorisio, Chair, Adams County Board of Commissioners. "This facility is not only an incredible investment to our local economy but also a great convenience, providing a delivery option to those in our community who may have mobility issues, or simply lack the time to go into a physical location. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Kroger and supporting their efforts to bring affordable, high-quality groceries to our community." The Aurora customer fulfillment center employs more than 200 associates, with plans to expand to more than 400 total associates in the future. Learn more about pursuing a career at Kroger here. "We're proud to bring Ocado's technology to Aurora, and to help launch a service that will power world-class customer experiences for Kroger Delivery shoppers in the Denver Metro Area," said Mark Bentley, President, Americas for Ocado Solutions. "We are now live with 8 CFCs around the U.S. supporting Kroger Delivery to reach customers across 14 states. As we continue to expand this network nationwide, we're introducing a step change in online grocery experience for Kroger shoppers, powered by some of the most sophisticated technology applied to any sector of the global economy." Kroger Delivery Explained Kroger Delivery CFCs, powered by Ocado Group have achieved a significant step up in geographical penetration and in customer satisfaction. Kroger is bringing these benefits to the Denver Metro area with the Aurora CFC, and to more U.S. markets. The expansion to the Denver area represents an extension of a collaboration between Kroger and Ocado Group, a world leader in technology for grocery e-commerce. In 2018, the companies announced a collaboration to establish a delivery network that combines artificial intelligence, advanced robotics and automation in a bold new way, bringing first-of-its-kind technology to America. The delivery network relies on highly automated fulfillment centers. At the hub sites, more than 1,000 bots move around giant 3D grids, orchestrated by proprietary control systems. The grid, known as The Hive, contains totes filled with products and ready-to-deliver customer orders. Kroger Delivery offers the highest in-stock levels, best on-time delivery, and one-of-a-kind, white-glove experience with industry-leading customer loyalty and satisfaction scores - driving value, convenience and more choices directly to customers, saving them time and money. Kroger's end-to-end cold solutions keep groceries fresh once loaded into a customized refrigerated delivery van, which can store up to 20 orders. Powerful machine learning algorithms optimize delivery routes, considering factors such as road conditions and optimal fuel efficiency. Vans may travel up to 90 minutes with orders from the hub and spoke facilities to make deliveries. Associates at the spoke facility will deliver orders within their service area, adding ZIP codes as demand grows. Kroger currently operates customer fulfillment centers in Monroe, OH, Groveland, FL, Forest Park, GA (Atlanta), Pleasant Prairie, WI, Dallas, TX, Romulus, MI (Detroit) and Aurora, CO and Frederick, MD, with additional customer fulfillment centers slated for California, Phoenix, AZ, Cleveland, OH, Charlotte, NC, as well as South Florida and the Northeast. Media Assets To download Kroger Delivery photography and video, visit here . About Kroger At The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), we are Fresh for Everyone and dedicated to our Purpose: To Feed the Human Spirit. We are, across our family of companies, nearly half a million associates who serve over 11 million customers daily through a seamless shopping experience under a variety of banner names . We are committed to creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities by 2025. To learn more about us, visit our newsroom and investor relations site . About Ocado Group Ocado Group is a UK based technology company admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange (Ticker OCDO). It provides end-to-end online grocery fulfillment solutions to some of the world's largest grocery retailers and holds a 50% share of Ocado Retail Ltd in the UK in a Joint Venture with Marks & Spencer. Ocado has spent two decades innovating for grocery online, investing in a wide technology estate that includes robotics, AI & machine learning, simulation, forecasting, and edge intelligence. SOURCE The Kroger Co. Kyndi's Natural Language Processing Platform recognized for delivering high-value AI-powered and human-driven solutions across a wide range of business processes SAN MATEO, Calif., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Kyndi , the leading natural language processing (NLP) company, today announced that the Kyndi Natural Language Platform has been named a 2023 CUTOMER magazine Product of the Year Award winner by global integrated media company TMC . This award follows Kyndi's previous recognition as the Customer Experience Innovation winner by the same publication, which further validates Kyndi's commitment to helping organizations deliver an exceptional customer experience with its AI-powered solutions. The 2023 CUSTOMER Product of the Year Award recognizes vendors that are advancing the call center, CRM, and teleservices industries and highlights products which enable their clients to meet and exceed their expectations. To see the full list, click here . "Improving customer satisfaction and retention, reducing case escalation, and ensuring positive customer experiences are highly dependent on an organization's ability to address customers' questions effectively and efficiently," said Rich Tehrani, CEO, TMC. "On behalf of both TMC and CUSTOMER Magazine, it is my pleasure to honor Kyndi with a prestigious 2023 Product of the Year Award for their Kyndi Natural Language Platform. Their innovative solution helps organizations derive greater results from their information assets, share knowledge more effectively, and drive better customer and employee engagement with AI." The Kyndi Natural Language Platform and the solutions built on top of it, including the recently announced natural language-enabled self-service solution Kyndi Clarity , provide unmatched accuracy and speed of finding answers in unstructured data. Kyndi enables customers and employees to locate precise, complete, and trustworthy information on their own without having to wait on the helpline or rely on their colleagues for answers. By providing end users with the right answers immediately, companies can improve first contact resolution (FCR) rate, drive employee productivity, and boost both customer and employee experiences. Kyndi provides several unique capabilities to help customers and employees accelerate time to accurate and comprehensive insights: Delivers accurate and trustworthy answers in one click. Connects customers with the right answers to their product and service-related questions in one click, through any self-serve channels such as search, chatbot, or IVA, for both customers and support agents. Connects customers with the right answers to their product and service-related questions in one click, through any self-serve channels such as search, chatbot, or IVA, for both customers and support agents. Enables analytic-driven dynamic content curation. Kyndi provides content and digital marketing teams clear visibility into the customers' behaviors and preferences, enabling more tailored and efficient content creation for improved user engagement. Kyndi provides content and digital marketing teams clear visibility into the customers' behaviors and preferences, enabling more tailored and efficient content creation for improved user engagement. Boosts user confidence with AI explainability and transparency. Unlike general-purpose ChatGPT and other black box AI tools which offer no explanation about where the answers came from or the reason behind the results, Kyndi returns answers from trusted enterprise content and links to the source of the answers. This gives users greater confidence in the results and helps them evaluate the credibility of the content based on where it comes from, allowing them to make informed decisions on how they can best leverage the information. Unlike general-purpose ChatGPT and other black box AI tools which offer no explanation about where the answers came from or the reason behind the results, Kyndi returns answers from trusted enterprise content and links to the source of the answers. This gives users greater confidence in the results and helps them evaluate the credibility of the content based on where it comes from, allowing them to make informed decisions on how they can best leverage the information. Offers fast and flexible deployment and management. While most AI solutions require months or years of data labeling and model training before making it into production, Kyndi can be deployed in as little as two weeks. Using RESTful APIs, organizations can easily integrate the Kyndi Natural Language Platform into any self-service channel to boost the efficacy of those tools. Knowledge management teams can take advantage of several out-of-the-box starter kits (pharmaceutical, ESG, HR, etc.) to accelerate the implementation while easily tuning the system in a no-code environment. "The 2023 CUSTOMER Product of the Year award further validates our innovative approach and, more importantly, the value our solutions have in enabling organizations to help individuals find answers to their questions using everyday language and queries," said Ryan Welsh, CEO and Founder of Kyndi. "Leveraging the power of AI, and unlike solutions like ChatGPT, Kyndi's Natural Language Processing Platform understands a person's question intuitively using information that has already been proven accurate by the organization. This helps them find the right answers immediately and, as a result, satisfies the customer quickly." For more than 20 years, TMC has been honoring technology companies with awards in various categories. These awards are regarded as some of the most prestigious and respected honors in the communications and technology sector worldwide. Winners represent prominent players in the market who consistently demonstrate the advancement of technologies. Each recipient is a verifiable leader in the marketplace. In addition to this latest recognition, Kyndi was also named a Top Trend-Setting Product of 2022 and a KMWorld AI 50 by KMWorld; a 2022 Customer Experience Innovation Award winner by TMC's CUSTOMER Magazine; the 2022 North America Entrepreneurial Company of the Year for Excellence in Natural Language Processing by research and consulting firm Frost & Sullivan, and was a recipient of the Technology Pioneer Award 2021 by the World Economic Forum (WEF) for innovation in the field of Neuro-Symbolic Artificial Intelligence (AI), and for how its Natural Language Technology platform is transforming enterprise productivity. About Kyndi Kyndi is a global provider of the Kyndi Platform for the Natural-Language-Enabled Enterprise, an AI-powered platform designed to help individuals find the right answers in unstructured, text-based data effectively. Trusted by the world's most innovative organizations, Kyndi's solutions deliver highly relevant and context-driven information at unprecedented speed, keeping humans at the heart of critical problem-solving. Backed by prominent venture investors, including Intel Capital and PivotNorth, Kyndi was recently awarded a Competitive Strategy Leader in Natural Language Processing by leading research and consulting firm Frost & Sullivan and was named a Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum. Customers include government agencies and enterprises across financial services, life science, manufacturing, media, and high-tech industries. Learn more at: https://kyndi.com/ and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter . Media Contacts Chris McCoin or Richard Smith McCoin & Smith Communications Inc. 508-429-5988 (Chris) or 978-618-4492 (Rick) [email protected] or [email protected] SOURCE Kyndi Clinic offers Skin Laundry's suite of high-tech complexion care treatments, including the newest long-pulse Nd:YAG laser device and most advanced non-laser skin resurfacing technology HOUSTON, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Skin Laundry, the trailblazing Los Angeles-based company founded on the belief that the technology and science reshaping skincare today should be available and accessible to all, has officially opened the doors to its first Texas clinic, at Montrose Collective in Houston. Skin Laundry plans to open many more locations in Texas within the next year, including clinics in Dallas, San Antonio, and additional ones in Houston. Inside a Skin Laundry clinic Client getting a Skin Laundry laser facial Known for "making laser facials a thing," called "revolutionary" by Forbes, and named one of Fast Company's "Beauty Startups to Watch," Skin Laundry is now the world's leading provider of laser facials. It has bridged the gap between expensive medical procedures once only available in doctors' offices and affordable, no-downtime treatments delivered in a welcoming California beach bungalow-inspired clinic. Celebrating its 10th year of business since opening its first doors in Santa Monica in 2013, the company is on track to nearly double its footprint to 60 clinics across the globe by the end of 2023. Gregg Throgmartin, CEO at Skin Laundry says: "We've been wanting to open Skin Laundry in Texas for years now, and I'm thrilled that it's finally happening -- in a big way -- beginning with Houston. Building on the incredible success we've seen with recent openings in Boston, the San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego and Denver, I am confident Texans will love our super-fast, results-driven medical-grade facials." To offer immediate and long-term results, Skin Laundry employs the most advanced medical-grade skincare technology and then develops proprietary protocols accordingly. Its newest device is a long-pulse Nd:YAG laser that targets multiple skin concerns with one treatment, and the Thermo Mechanical Action device that uniquely combines heat and motion to transfer thermal energy directly to the top layer of skin. Safe for all skin types, Skin Laundry facials are designed to treat a variety of skin concerns, including acne, acne scars, melasma, hyperpigmentation, rosacea, fine lines & wrinkles, texture and dullness. All treatments are performed by a medical team of Registered Nurses who are trained and guided by board certified dermatologists and medical professionals. Skin Laundry believes consistency is key and its membership model supports that belief with plans that include discounts across all treatments, products, and add-ons to incentivize regular visits. A-la-cart treatments are also available. Each location offers plans customized to best suit one's personal skincare needs. Skin Laundry treatments are safe for all skin types and tones. All Skin Laundry locations, products and treatment options can be found by visiting skinlaundry.com. First-time treatments are only $65 (normally $250), which includes a free consultation. Location Details Montrose Collective 888 Westheimer Rd. Houston, TX 77006 Now Open Mon-Sat: 8:30am-7pm Sun: Closed Opening this Summer Dallas: Lakewood Shopping Center Dallas: The Hill Shopping Center About Skin Laundry Skin Laundry is a pioneering medical-based company founded on the belief that the technology and science reshaping skincare today should be available and accessible to all. To do this, they reimagined the high-downtime, often painful treatments once only available at the dermatologist's office and, using the most advanced energy-based technology including medical-grade lasers and Thermo Mechanical Action resurfacing devices, developed proprietary protocols to perform transformative treatments that are safe for all skin types, virtually painless, and have little to no downtime. Skin Laundry launched its first location in Santa Monica in 2013, and now, with over half a million facials performed to date, it's the world's leading provider of laser facials. Connect with Skin Laundry: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Pinterest SOURCE Skin Laundry ATLANTA, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Atlanta Neuroscience Foundation (ANF) is excited to announce and host "ATL on STAIRoids" on Sunday, July 16 at Mercedes Benz Stadium. The exciting, interactive charity fundraising event is open to everyone eight years and older. This "climb-with-a-purpose" event welcomes individuals, corporate, and friends and family teams to raise both awareness and funds to support the continued work of the Atlanta Neuroscience Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit organization. This climb event is dedicated to everyone touched by chronic neurological diseases like Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's, Epilepsy, and Alzheimer's. Local Non-profit Announces The Ultimate Charity Climb, ATL on STAIRoids ATL on STAIRoids is family-friendly, where participants can enjoy music, food and beverages, rock climbing for children, and an overall positive atmosphere to enhance corporate culture, teamwork, and camaraderie. But on a serious note, it is designed to fuel awareness; maximize the advancement of disease treatment and diagnosis; and create meaningful pathways to access comprehensive healthcare services, focused on producing the best outcomes at affordable costs. Roy Rangel, Executive Director says, "Our goal is two-fold. Raise funds and inspire everyone anywhere in the world touched by neurological diseases like MS, Parkinson's, Epilepsy, and Alzheimer's to highlight brain health." He added, "We also believe that everyone, regardless of disparities; be it geographic location, socio-economic status, race/ethnicity, should have access to and receive high quality care." Dr. Jeffrey English, Medical Director at Atlanta Neuroscience Institute (ANI), says, "There are added benefits to an event like this. Studies show that climbing stairs can be an effective exercise for strengthening muscles, improving balance, and boosting cardiovascular health." The fundraising minimum is $250 per participant, and several prize tiers and incentives are available, including game tickets to the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC. The Top Fundraiser prize is a trip to Peru to climb Machu Picchu. This event's goal is to raise $250,000 for maximizing the advancement of neurological disease treatment and diagnosis. Up to one billion people are living with a neurological disorder 100 million of which live in the United States. The ANF understands how much of the country's workforce is affected by these diseases, which cost employees and employers billions of dollars in healthcare. "With funds raised at our events with a purpose, we can help families alleviate life's complexities and lead the way to compelling health and wellness work at ANI. We encourage the community to inspire people who are affected by MS, Parkinson's, Epilepsy, and Alzheimer's and to emphasize the importance of brain health," says Dr. Joash Lazarus, a board-certified neurologist who provides advanced care to those diagnosed with Parkinson's and Movement Disorders. First responders are welcome to register at a special rate. Participants must be eight years old or older on or before the event date to participate. Participants under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by a parent. Corporate sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are available. For more information or to register as an individual or team, visit ATL on STAIRoids . About Atlanta Neuroscience Foundation The Atlanta Neuroscience Foundation is the nonprofit and fundraising arm of the Atlanta Neuroscience Institute (aka the MS Center of Atlanta). ANF's strategic vision includes high quality healthcare and programming excellence in the field of neuroscience, with specialties in MS, Epilepsy, Parkinson's and Movement Disorders, and Alzheimer's. The doctors and staff affiliated with Atlanta Neuroscience Institute help patients receive life-changing neurological care through financial assistance, cutting edge medicine, and comprehensive treatment. The funds raised and advocacy led by ANF will help achieve breakthroughs in access to healthcare through affordability, innovations in research, and empower people affected by neurological diseases to live their best lives. More at atlantaneurosciencefoundation.org . Contact Information Name: Roy Rangel Email: [email protected] Phone 404-351-0205 SOURCE Atlanta Neuroscience Foundation Cementing its Place as a Leading Innovator in Mobile App Protection SEOUL, South Korea, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockin Company, a member company of the Born2Global Centre, announced that they won three gold winner badge at the 2023 Cybersecurity Excellence Awards, held on March 7th. The awards recognize outstanding products and innovative companies and individuals in the field of information security. Lockin Company's LIAPP security solution achieves triple gold victory at 2023 Cybersecurity Excellence Awards The LIAPP security solution from Lockin Company was awarded gold in three categories, including application security, mobile application security, and runtime application self-protection. LIAPP is a Runtime Application Self-Protection (RASP) that provides various cybersecurity services, such as threat detection and prevention, rooting and jailbreak detection, debugging and tampering prevention, and memory and native library protection. The solution also offers remote control and screen capture prevention, providing effective protection against hacking attacks on mobile applications. Lockin Company is a cybersecurity service provider founded in 2013, and its LIAPP solution is widely used in Korea, Japan, the United States, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Austria, Brazil, and other countries. The company has been recognized as a 'Representative Application Shielding Vendor' by Gartner and designated as an "Outstanding Information Security Technology product" by the Korean Ministry of Science and ICT. Mr. Myung Kyu Choi, the CEO of Lockin Company, said, "As the use of mobile applications and services increases, hacking attacks targeting mobile apps are becoming more frequent and complex. LIAPP provides security services to various industries and scales, from small developers who want to enhance basic security functions to large enterprises such as fintech, banks, insurance companies, and airline reservation platforms." The Cybersecurity Excellence Awards is an international event that annually recognizes outstanding products and innovative companies and individuals in the field of information security. Winning three gold awards at the event demonstrates the excellence and innovation of Lockin Company's LIAPP solution in providing comprehensive and effective cybersecurity services for mobile applications. SOURCE Born2Global Centre GERMANTOWN, Tenn., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc., ("MAA") (NYSE: MAA) today announced the appointment of Deborah H. Caplan to the Board of Directors effective March 21, 2023. She will serve as an independent director until the 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The appointment fills the vacant seat following a previous director's departure to pursue other opportunities on December 31, 2022, and maintains the size of the Board of Directors at twelve. Ms. Caplan was also appointed to the Compensation Committee. Claude B. Nielsen, Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee stated that "As part of our ongoing succession planning, we initiated conversations with Deb in October 2022 regarding potential service on the MAA board. She was then formally appointed to the board in March 2023. She brings a myriad of valuable expertise to strengthen and broaden our board's oversight responsibilities, particularly related to all areas of human capital and workforce initiatives, real estate transactions, strategy and crisis management. We are pleased to be presenting her as a director nominee for shareholder approval at our annual shareholder meeting." Ms. Caplan has served as Executive Vice President of Human Resources and Corporate Services, (which includes corporate real estate), for NextEra Energy, Inc., a leading clean energy company, since 2013. Ms. Caplan initially joined NextEra Energy, Inc. as Vice President of Integrated Supply Chain through Florida Power & Light Company, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy, Inc., and then served as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Florida Power & Light Company from 2011 to 2013. Prior to joining NextEra Energy, Inc., Ms. Caplan served as the Senior Vice President of Global Operations for Vendor Financial Services for GE Capital at General Electric Company, previously serving in various leadership roles for GE Aircraft Engines in Manufacturing and New Product Development. Ms. Caplan holds a Bachelors of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan, a Masters of Science in Manufacturing Engineering from Boston University and is a certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt. Commenting on the appointment, H. Eric Bolton, Jr., Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, said "Deb's extensive operational and customer service background, acumen in overseeing geographically-dispersed operations, and service in a highly regulated industry provides her with great insight and ability to manage the challenges and opportunities in the multifamily industry. Further, her leadership at a leading clean energy company, in addition to her culture and human capital expertise adds valuable guidance to our ESG strategy. We are excited to add her breadth of knowledge and diverse perspective to our board as we navigate our evolving industry, execute on our strategy and drive higher value for all of our stakeholders at MAA." Ms. Caplan's public board experience includes her past service on the board of Terminix Global Holdings, where she served as the Chairman of the Compensation Committee. She serves as a member of the National Petroleum Council, an oil and natural gas advisory committee to the U.S. Secretary of Energy, and also serves on numerous other boards and councils including the HR Policy Association and the International Women's Forum. About MAA MAA, an S&P 500 company, is a real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on delivering full-cycle and superior investment performance for shareholders through the ownership, management, acquisition, development and redevelopment of quality apartment communities primarily in the Southeast, Southwest and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. As of December 31, 2022, MAA had ownership interest in 101,986 apartment units, including communities currently in development, across 16 states and the District of Columbia. For further details, please visit the MAA website at www.maac.com or contact Investor Relations at [email protected], or via mail at MAA, 6815 Poplar Ave., Suite 500, Germantown, TN 38138, Attn: Investor Relations. SOURCE MAA Challenge to reduce food waste keeps more than 19,000 plates of food out of landfills that's equal to 18 times the weight of a grand piano! MISSISSAUGA, ON, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Maple Leaf Foods Inc . (TSX: MFI), the world's first major carbon neutral food company, in partnership with kids' conservation organization Earth Rangers, has harnessed the collective power of Canada's youngest generation to help combat the 2.2 million tonnes of food wasted in Canada annually that's like throwing away the weight of two million bricks every day. All Taste No Waste - The Earth Rangers Cookbook (CNW Group/Maple Leaf Foods Inc.) Launched in fall 2022, kids across the country took part in the Earth Rangers' app-based 'All Taste, No Waste' Challenge for six months. Children learned how to form and log environmentally friendly 'habits' such as selecting misshapen produce, composting, reusing leftovers and more. The challenge reinforced how small changes can have a big impact on the environment when we step up for environmental sustainability. More than 9,300 Earth Rangers across Canada used fun resources to learn about and log over 119,000 new sustainable food habits, such as 'Being a Clean Plate Champion' where kids only dished up as much as they could eat, saving 19,192 plates of food from landfill enough to provide lunch for a person for 53 years! The 'upcooking' habit prompted kids to log 14,834 meals made from leftovers that's the weight of almost 1,000 bowling balls! As a reward for being climate champions and logging 100,000 habits collectively, Earth Rangers across the country unlocked an 'All Taste, No Waste' leftovers-focused cookbook** as a 'thank you' for protecting our planet. The cookbook was curated by Maple Leaf Foods' Queen of Cuisine, Chef Sam Lazuric. Maple Leaf Foods sponsored the cookbook reward in response to 76 per cent of Canadians surveyed who expressed a desire for information about little changes they could make to help the environment1. The free, downloadable resource available to families across the country will be welcomed given that Maple Leaf's research also revealed that 69 per cent of Canadians want examples of recipes that help reduce food waste2. Little Changes, Big Impact The 'All Taste, No Waste' Challenge is part of Earth Rangers' 'Project 2050', a program funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada. Collective action through Project 2050 has resulted in rewards that have supported over 10,000 bees in the Northern Territories, a reforestation initiative in Kamloops BC and a species reintroduction initiative in Toronto which released Blanding's Turtles into rehabilitated wetlands. "The fight against climate change starts at home with every member of the family, and to help preserve the planet, we need to empower every generation to learn how each of us can step up for sustainability and join this fight," says Randy Huffman, Chief Food Safety and Sustainability Officer at Maple Leaf Foods. "This family-focused challenge powerfully symbolizes that giving easy-to-incorporate habits to eliminate food waste will instill behaviours in children to last each mealtime, and a lifetime." Stepping Up for Sustainability, One Habit at a Time The challenge included habits that encouraged kids to get creative while combatting food waste, logging habits that have a measurable difference. CHALLENGE MEASURABLE RESULT Upcook Leftovers (make a new, tasty meal using leftovers) Over 14,000 dinner plates of food were saved, that's more than seven times the height of the CN Tower! Be a Clean Plate Champion Kids chose to only dish up as much as they could eat on 19,192 occasions, a significant feat given that 60 per cent of food households discard is fresh enough to be eaten at the dinner table. Make Black Gold Kids converted food waste into future food options 15,136 times by composting. This is a much-needed habit as only 6 per cent of food thrown out gets composted and the rest ends up as garbage. Stop the Fuzz Children froze food items before they spoiled 15,776 times meaning the nation has freezers full of fresh produce ready for soups, smoothies or even sliced banana to top oatmeal. Be a Produce Picking Pro (Go Wacky) Kids picked imperfect, and often wasted, produce from their family's grocery shop, showing their support 12,730 times. It's an important habit to adopt as 'imperfect' produce is often turned away by grocery stores for not meeting strict cosmetic standards. Imperfect produce makes up approximately 40 per cent of total food waste. Be a Food Label Wizard Kids were encouraged to work with an adult to look at and understand best before dates. 13,714 habits were logged as kids learned the importance of labels since often food past its best before date (different to a 'use by' date) ends up in the garbage when it could have been eaten. Master the Secrets of the Fridge Kids logged 13,815 instances of preserving food in the fridge for freshness before it has a chance to spoil. This is key to limiting food waste and better for your pockets as Canadians spend an average of $1,766 every year on uneaten groceries. That's like buying a $5 coffee every single day and never drinking it! Think Before You Toss Earth Rangers across the country logged 14,715 instances of prolonging the life of produce at home by turning them into delicious smoothies or soup, inspiring creativity. Maple Leaf Foods has been carbon neutral since 2019 and is on a journey to become the most sustainable protein company on earth. It is committed to empowering Canadians to fight against climate change, and the 'All Taste, No Waste' Challenge is just one example in a variety of campaigns. For example, the Maple Leaf Foods Green Glossary explains eco terminology in a family-friendly way and the Little Changes Home Challenge inspires little changes you can make in each room of the home to help the environment. The company stresses the importance of building on these efforts as new research by Maple Leaf Foods revealed that 76 per cent of Canadians recognize climate change is a critical issue and want to have an impact, but many feel overwhelmed by where to start. "The success of the 'All Taste, No Waste' challenge proves that kids have a real 'appetite' to protect the planet and fight climate change and that with the right knowledge and tools, they can be a real force," says Tovah Barocas, President of Earth Rangers. "We encourage all families to follow their lead and see every mealtime as an opportunity to take a positive step towards sustainability." To learn more about the 'All Taste, No Waste' challenge, click here. About Maple Leaf Foods Inc. Maple Leaf Foods is a carbon neutral company with a vision to be the most sustainable protein company on earth, responsibly producing food products under leading brands including Maple Leaf, Maple Leaf Prime, Maple Leaf Natural Selections, Schneiders, Schneiders Country Naturals, Mina, Greenfield Natural Meat Co., Lightlife and Field Roast. The Company employs approximately 14,000 people and does business primarily in Canada, the U.S. and Asia. The Company is headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario and its shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (MFI). About Earth Rangers Earth Rangers is the largest youth conservation organization in the world, committed to empowering a new generation of environmental leaders. Earth Rangers instills environmental knowledge, positivity, and the confidence to take action in children. The free Earth Rangers app offers thousands of hours of education and activities that children can participate in at home and in their communities. Since 2020, members have completed over 724,000 environmental missions and raised over $500,000 for conservation. To learn more visit www.earthrangers.com. 1 About this Study: These are the findings of a study commissioned by Maple Leaf Foods among a nationally representative sample of 1,532 Canadians who are members of the online Angus Reid Forum, balanced and weighted on age, gender, region and education. For comparison purposes only, a sample of this size would yield a margin of error of +/- 2.4 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. The study was conducted in English and French from March 17-21, 2022. 2 About this Study: These are the findings of a survey conducted by Strategic Objectives, on behalf of Maple Leaf Foods, from January 27-31, 2023 among a nationally representative sample of n=1,508 Canadians, balanced and weighted on age, gender, region and education. For comparison purposes only, a sample of this size would yield a margin of error of +/- 2.5 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. The survey was offered in both English and French. ** Accessible version of cookbook: https://www.mapleleaffoods.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/03/MLF-ATNWCookbook-c.pdf SOURCE Maple Leaf Foods Inc. DUBLIN, March 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Maritime Information Market Forecast to 2028 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis By Platform, Application, and End-User" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The maritime information market size was valued at US$ 2,808.87 million by 2028 from US$ 1,882.01 million in 2021. it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% during 2021-2028. Digital technologies are being used increasingly in maritime operations, processes, and business models to boost efficiency and security and reduce costs. Digital transformation has become essential for the long-term profitability and competitive advantage of any company. Businesses worldwide are embracing digitization to enhance their internal operations and boost productivity and revenues. The marine industry is also going through a paradigm shift due to changing business models, technology adoption, cost structures, and increased competition. The creation of new business models, digitalization of fundamental processes, and application of analytics for improved decision-making are among the significant aspects of the digital transformation of the maritime sector. Businesses employ maritime information to improve daily activities such as freight routing, cargo handling, port operations, vessel deployment, and empty repositioning. Process improvement, high operational effectiveness, cost cutting, and human error minimization are driving the demand for digital solutions in the global maritime sector. As a result, the demand for digital solutions, such as marine information, is likely to surge in the global maritime information market size in the coming years. North American countries such as the US and Canada are expected to provide several growth opportunities for maritime information solution providers during the forecast period. Further, the emerging trend of Industry 4.0 is encouraging the use of new technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and big data in the maritime industry. As a result, increasing automation trends in the region and the rising integration of new technologies in the marine industry are boosting the demand for maritime information solutions. The Europe maritime information market growth is driven by the growing digitalization trend in the shipping industry. Due to the competitiveness of the industry and the growing needs of customers, digital transformation has become a necessity for European businesses to gain a competitive advantage and long-term success. Players operating in the maritime industry across the region are using maritime information to improve their routine operations, such as port operations, cargo handling, vacancy repositioning, vessel deployment, and cargo routing. Owing to the growth of the maritime industry and technological advancements, Asia Pacific suppliers are attracting new customers and expanding their footprints in emerging markets. The integration of digital technologies into marine processes, operations, and business models to improve productivity, enhance safety, and reduce operational costs has increased. Therefore, various benefits of digital solutions such as cost reduction, high operational efficiency, and prevention of human error. The growing Chinese investment in domestic and overseas shipping has been a major driver of China's maritime information growth. With the growing cluster of shipping ports, China is a leading producer of marine equipment that produced 96% of the world's shipping containers, 80% of the world's ship-to-shore cranes, and 48% of the world's shipbuilding orders in 2020. Based on the report by Naval Intelligence, China has now surpassed the US as the world's largest navy in terms of the total number of warships. Hence the rising maritime industry and the growing number of naval fleets are anticipated to propel the maritime information market growth over the forecast period. The ongoing developments in maritime information technology are strengthening the maritime information market share. For instance, in August 2021, Lockheed Martin entered into agreements with key Greek industrial partners, supporting the Hellenic Navy Modernization program. They will allow the Greek-US industry team led by Lockheed Martin to begin work on the program quickly. At the same time, the agreements will extend Greek employment possibilities in several maritime industry specialties and support efforts to re-capitalize Greek shipyards. This work will include testing, maintenance, integration of combat systems, and shipboard modernization. Market Dynamics Market Drivers Need for Efficient Management of Complex Supply Chain Operations Surge in Sea Trade and Increasing Maritime Budgets Growing Adoption of Automatic Identification Systems Market Restraints Interoperability Issues and Cyber Threats Market Opportunities Development of Integrated Solutions to Lower Maritime Terrorism and Piracy Rising Digitalization in Shipping Industry Future Trends Emergence of Big Data Analytics and IoT Adoption of Cloud-Based Marine Information Solutions Key Topics Covered: 1. Introduction 2. Key Takeaways 3. Research Methodology 4. Maritime Information Market Landscape 5. Maritime Information Market - Key Industry Dynamics 6. Maritime Information Market - Global Market Analysis 7. Maritime Information Market Analysis - By Platform 7.1 Overview 7.3 On-Shore 7.4 Vessel 8. Maritime Information Market Revenue and Forecast to 2028 - By Application 8.1 Overview 8.2 Maritime Information Market, By Application (2021 And 2028) 8.3 Fleet Management 8.4 Vessel Tracking 8.5 Maritime Security 9. Maritime Information Market Revenue and Forecast to 2028 - End-User 9.1 Overview 9.2 Maritime Information Market, By End-User (2021 And 2028) 9.3 Commercial 9.4 Government 10. Maritime Information Market - Geographic Analysis 11. Maritime Information Market- COVID-19 Impact Analysis 12. Industry Landscape 13. Company Profiles 14. Appendix A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes BAE Systems Plc Spire Global Iridium Communications Inc. L3Harris Technologies Inc Lockheed Martin Corp ORBCOMM Inc Saab AB Thales Group Windward Ltd Northrop Grumman Corp Polestar ONEOCEAN Fujitsu Limited For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/d1ozoc About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg SOURCE Research and Markets "Fruity, citrusy beers have always been popular in the summer months, providing a refreshing break from the heat and sun. However, what we found is that our consumers are looking for those beers year-round. That's why we're so excited to provide two new beers all year long that offer the juicy taste of summer," said Dan Kenary, CEO and co-founder of Mass. Bay Brewing Company. "The Harpoon Juicer Hazy IPA and UFO Florida Citrus allowed us to really tap into our brewing expertise while providing what our consumers want. The Juicer Hazy IPA is brewed with a unique hopping process and the Florida Citrus includes real Florida oranges." Harpoon Juicer Hazy IPA has fruity undertones and intense citrus aromas coming in at a 7.2% ABV. It is brewed with a unique brewing technique called "dip hopping," which is when the hops are steeped prior to fermentation to amplify the aroma without adding harsh bitterness. The beer is sold in 12oz can 6- and 12-packs, 19.2oz can 12-packs, on draft and in Harpoon's Summer Vacation Mix Pack To find Harpoon's Juicer Hazy IPA, visit the beer finder at https://www.harpoonbrewery.com/beer-finder/. UFO Florida Citrus is crisp and refreshing, bursting with fresh and juicy orange flavor and a clean finish that is sure to keep you coming back for more. Florida Citrus is made with real Florida oranges, best enjoyed with a Sunshine State of mind. It has an ABV of 5.3% and is sold in 12oz can 6- and 12-packs and on draft. To find UFO's Florida Citrus, visit the beer finder at https://www.ufobeer.com/ufo-locator/. To help fight off the winter blues, UFO is giving away a trip to Miami as a part of their UFO Florida Citrus Spring Break Giveaway. One lucky winner will be able to bring a friend. Anyone who is a United States resident and 21+ can enter from now through May 1st at 11:59 p.m EST. The winner will be selected on May 3rd. To learn more about the contest and enter today, visit https://www.ufobeer.com/welcometofloridacitrus/. You can find the full rules & regulations here. About Mass. Bay Brewing Company Mass. Bay Brewing Company is a New England brewing pioneer, co-founded by Dan Kenary in 1986, and holder of brewing license 001 from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Mass. Bay expanded to a second brewery in Windsor, VT in 2000 and became employee-owned in 2014. SOURCE Mass. Bay Brewing Company, Inc. NEW YORK, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The microbrewery equipment market size is estimated to grow by USD 14,923.15 million between 2022 and 2027, accelerating at a CAGR of 15.85% during the forecast period. North America will account for 35% of the market growth during the forecast period. In North America, craft beer consumption is rising as people are interested in consuming different types of alcohol for different occasions. Their buying and drinking decisions are influenced by limited edition or seasonal craft beers, prices, localities, and happy hours. Therefore, increasing consumption of craft beer is supporting the growth of the global market. Such factors will drive the growth of the market in this region during the forecast period. For more insights on the historic data (2017 to 2021) and forecast market size (2023 to 2027) Request a report sample Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Microbrewery Equipment Market 2023-2027 Microbrewery equipment market 2023-2027: Market Dynamics Key Driver The shift in consumers' tastes and preferences is notably driving the market growth. Consumers prefer locally produced beer as they feel a sense of pride in associating themselves with a beer produced in a particular region. Locally brewed beer is also available in unique styles and flavors, which attracts consumers to buy such beer. As a result of the popularity of locally brewed beer, many craft brewers are trying to brand their beer by associating it with a state or region. Even brewpubs and local restaurants are emphasizing local products and flavors. Hence, these factors are expected to drive the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Consumers prefer locally produced beer as they feel a sense of pride in associating themselves with a beer produced in a particular region. Locally brewed beer is also available in unique styles and flavors, which attracts consumers to buy such beer. As a result of the popularity of locally brewed beer, many craft brewers are trying to brand their beer by associating it with a state or region. Even brewpubs and local restaurants are emphasizing local products and flavors. Hence, these factors are expected to drive the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Major Trend The increasing on-premises craft beer consumption is an emerging trend in the market. Owing to the growing popularity of pubbing and nightlife among millennials, there has been a significant increase in on-premise consumption of alcoholic beverages, such as craft beer. Also, microbreweries offer varied types of craft beer with respect to flavors and ingredients to attract consumers. Various microbreweries are expanding their presence by developing new venues for craft beer production, which substantially increases the demand for microbrewery equipment. Therefore, these factors are likely to fuel the growth of the market during the forecast period. Owing to the growing popularity of pubbing and nightlife among millennials, there has been a significant increase in on-premise consumption of alcoholic beverages, such as craft beer. Also, microbreweries offer varied types of craft beer with respect to flavors and ingredients to attract consumers. Various microbreweries are expanding their presence by developing new venues for craft beer production, which substantially increases the demand for microbrewery equipment. Therefore, these factors are likely to fuel the growth of the market during the forecast period. Market Challenge The presence of substitutes is a major challenge impeding the market growth. The craft beer market and the beer market are facing intense competition from other types of alcoholic beverages such as wine and spirits. Wine has many health benefits, such as it prevents cancer and helps overcome obesity. This encourages a large number of health-conscious individuals to switch from other alcoholic beverages to wine. To sustain in the growing competitive market, craft beer manufacturers and equipment providers need to experiment and introduce new varieties of beer and rebuild consumers' trust and interest in craft beer. Thus, such factors are expected to hinder the growth of the market during the forecast period. Microbrewery equipment market 2023-2027: Segmentation The Microbrewery equipment market is segmented as below: Product Type Outlook (USD Million, 2017 - 2027) Fermentation systems Mashing systems Cooling systems Filtering systems Others Type Outlook (USD Million, 2017 - 2027) Automatic Manual Semi-automatic Region Outlook (USD Million, 2017 - 2027) North America The U.S. Canada Europe The U.K. Germany France Rest of Europe APAC China India Middle East & Africa & Saudi Arabia South Africa Rest of the Middle East & Africa & South America Chile Brazil Argentina Based on the product type, the market will witness significant growth in the fermentation systems segment. The fermentation systems segment is expected to register the highest growth in revenue share during the forecast period. Water, malt, hops, and yeast are used for fermentation. The unprocessed and boiled beer is first brought to normal temperature. After that, yeast is added to start the fermentation process. The fermentation process takes the longest time compared with the other processes involved in the production of craft beer. Hence, microbreweries require many fermentation systems to store large volumes of unprocessed craft beer, which increases their adoption. Such factors will increase segment growth during the forecast period. Get a glance of the market contribution of various segments, historic data (2017 to 2021), and forecast market size (2023 to 2027) - Download a Sample Report Microbrewery equipment market 2023-2027: Scope Technavio presents a detailed picture of the market by the way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources. Our Microbrewery equipment market report covers the following areas: Microbrewery equipment market 2023-2027: Vendor Analysis We provide a detailed analysis of around 15 vendors operating in the market, including ALFA LAVAL, ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc., Criveller Group, Della Toffola Spa, GEA Group AG, Hypro Engineers Pvt. Ltd., KASPAR SCHULZ GmbH, KRONES AG, LEHUI, Malt Handling LLC, MEURA SA, Norland International, Paul Mueller Co. Inc., Portland Kettle Works, Pro Refrigeration Inc., Rite Engineering and Manufacturing Corp., Shanghai Equipment Co. Ltd., Specific Mechanical Systems Ltd., SpectraA Technology Solutions Pvt. Ltd., and BrauKon GmbH Why Buy? Add credibility to strategy Analyzes competitor's offerings Get a holistic view of the market Grow your profit margin with Technavio Buy the Report! Microbrewery equipment market 2023-2027: Key Highlights CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2023-2027 Detailed information on factors that will assist microbrewery equipment market growth during the next five years Estimation of the microbrewery equipment market size and its contribution to the parent market Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior The growth of the microbrewery equipment market Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of microbrewery equipment market vendors Related Reports: The dark beer market is expected to increase by USD 25,898.47 million from 2022 to 2027, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 10.67%. The market is segmented by distribution channel (Off-trade and On-trade), packaging (cans and bottles) and geography ( North America , Europe , APAC, and Middle east and Africa ). is expected to increase by from 2022 to 2027, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 10.67%. The market is segmented by distribution channel (Off-trade and On-trade), packaging (cans and bottles) and geography ( , , APAC, and Middle east and ). The craft beer market is forecast to increase by USD 79.02 billion from 2021 to 2026, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 12.22%. The market is segmented by product ( India pale ale, seasonal craft beer, pale ale, amber ale, and other craft beer) and geography ( North America , Europe , APAC, South America , and the Middle East and Africa ). Gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Microbrewery Equipment Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2022 Historic period 2017-2021 Forecast period 2023-2027 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 15.85% Market growth 2023-2027 USD 14,923.15 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 9.25 Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution North America at 35% Key countries US, China, Japan, UK, and Germany Competitive landscape Leading Vendors, Market Positioning of Vendors, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks Key companies profiled ALFA LAVAL, ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc., Criveller Group, Della Toffola Spa, GEA Group AG, Hypro Engineers Pvt. Ltd., KASPAR SCHULZ GmbH, KRONES AG, LEHUI, Malt Handling LLC, MEURA SA, Norland International, Paul Mueller Co. Inc., Portland Kettle Works, Pro Refrigeration Inc., Rite Engineering and Manufacturing Corp., Shanghai Equipment Co. Ltd., Specific Mechanical Systems Ltd., SpectraA Technology Solutions Pvt. Ltd., and BrauKon GmbH Market dynamics Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, Market condition analysis for forecast period. Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. Browse through Technavio's Industrials Market Reports Table Of Contents : 1 Executive Summary 1.1 Market overview Exhibit 01: Executive Summary Chart on Market Overview Exhibit 02: Executive Summary Data Table on Market Overview Exhibit 03: Executive Summary Chart on Global Market Characteristics Exhibit 04: Executive Summary Chart on Market by Geography Exhibit 05: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by Product Type Exhibit 06: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by Type Exhibit 07: Executive Summary Chart on Incremental Growth Exhibit 08: Executive Summary Data Table on Incremental Growth Exhibit 09: Executive Summary Chart on Vendor Market Positioning 2 Market Landscape 2.1 Market ecosystem Exhibit 10: Parent market Exhibit 11: Market Characteristics 3 Market Sizing 3.1 Market definition Exhibit 12: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition 3.2 Market segment analysis Exhibit 13: Market segments 3.3 Market size 2022 3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2022-2027 Exhibit 14: Chart on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 15: Data Table on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 16: Chart on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 17: Data Table on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 4 Historic Market Size 4.1 Global microbrewery equipment market 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 18: Historic Market Size Data Table on Global microbrewery equipment market 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.2 Product type Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 19: Historic Market Size Product type Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.3 Type Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 20: Historic Market Size Type Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.4 Geography Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 21: Historic Market Size Geography Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.5 Country Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 22: Historic Market Size Country Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 5 Five Forces Analysis 5.1 Five forces summary Exhibit 23: Five forces analysis - Comparison between 2022 and 2027 5.2 Bargaining power of buyers Exhibit 24: Chart on Bargaining power of buyers Impact of key factors 2022 and 2027 5.3 Bargaining power of suppliers Exhibit 25: Bargaining power of suppliers Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.4 Threat of new entrants Exhibit 26: Threat of new entrants Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.5 Threat of substitutes Exhibit 27: Threat of substitutes Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.6 Threat of rivalry Exhibit 28: Threat of rivalry Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.7 Market condition Exhibit 29: Chart on Market condition - Five forces 2022 and 2027 6 Market Segmentation by Product Type 6.1 Market segments Exhibit 30: Chart on Product Type - Market share 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 31: Data Table on Product Type - Market share 2022-2027 (%) 6.2 Comparison by Product Type Exhibit 32: Chart on Comparison by Product Type Exhibit 33: Data Table on Comparison by Product Type 6.3 Fermentation systems - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 34: Chart on Fermentation systems - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 35: Data Table on Fermentation systems - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 36: Chart on Fermentation systems - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 37: Data Table on Fermentation systems - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.4 Mashing systems - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 38: Chart on Mashing systems - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 39: Data Table on Mashing systems - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 40: Chart on Mashing systems - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 41: Data Table on Mashing systems - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.5 Cooling systems - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 42: Chart on Cooling systems - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 43: Data Table on Cooling systems - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 44: Chart on Cooling systems - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 45: Data Table on Cooling systems - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.6 Filtering systems - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 46: Chart on Filtering systems - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 47: Data Table on Filtering systems - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 48: Chart on Filtering systems - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 49: Data Table on Filtering systems - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.7 Others - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 50: Chart on Others - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 51: Data Table on Others - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 52: Chart on Others - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 53: Data Table on Others - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.8 Market opportunity by Product Type Exhibit 54: Market opportunity by Product Type ($ million) 7 Market Segmentation by Type 7.1 Market segments Exhibit 55: Chart on Type - Market share 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 56: Data Table on Type - Market share 2022-2027 (%) 7.2 Comparison by Type Exhibit 57: Chart on Comparison by Type Exhibit 58: Data Table on Comparison by Type 7.3 Automatic - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 59: Chart on Automatic - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 60: Data Table on Automatic - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 61: Chart on Automatic - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 62: Data Table on Automatic - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.4 Manual - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 63: Chart on Manual - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 64: Data Table on Manual - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 65: Chart on Manual - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 66: Data Table on Manual - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.5 Semi-automatic - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 67: Chart on Semi-automatic - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 68: Data Table on Semi-automatic - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 69: Chart on Semi-automatic - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 70: Data Table on Semi-automatic - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.6 Market opportunity by Type Exhibit 71: Market opportunity by Type ($ million) 8 Customer Landscape 8.1 Customer landscape overview Exhibit 72: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria 9 Geographic Landscape 9.1 Geographic segmentation Exhibit 73: Chart on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 74: Data Table on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%) 9.2 Geographic comparison Exhibit 75: Chart on Geographic comparison Exhibit 76: Data Table on Geographic comparison 9.3 North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 77: Chart on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 78: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 79: Chart on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 80: Data Table on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.4 Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 81: Chart on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 82: Data Table on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 83: Chart on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 84: Data Table on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.5 APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 85: Chart on APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 86: Data Table on APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 87: Chart on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 88: Data Table on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.6 South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 89: Chart on South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 90: Data Table on South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 91: Chart on South America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 92: Data Table on South America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.7 Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 93: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 94: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 95: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) and - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 96: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.8 US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 97: Chart on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 98: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 99: Chart on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 100: Data Table on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.9 China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 101: Chart on China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 102: Data Table on China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 103: Chart on China - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 104: Data Table on China - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.10 UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 105: Chart on UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 106: Data Table on UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 107: Chart on UK - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 108: Data Table on UK - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.11 Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 109: Chart on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 110: Data Table on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 111: Chart on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 112: Data Table on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.12 Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 113: Chart on Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 114: Data Table on Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 115: Chart on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 116: Data Table on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.13 Market opportunity by geography Exhibit 117: Market opportunity by geography ($ million) 10 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10.1 Market drivers 10.2 Market challenges 10.3 Impact of drivers and challenges Exhibit 118: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2022 and 2027 10.4 Market trends 11 Vendor Landscape 11.1 Overview 11.2 Vendor landscape Exhibit 119: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation 11.3 Landscape disruption Exhibit 120: Overview on factors of disruption 11.4 Industry risks Exhibit 121: Impact of key risks on business 12 Vendor Analysis 12.1 Vendors covered Exhibit 122: Vendors covered 12.2 Market positioning of vendors Exhibit 123: Matrix on vendor position and classification 12.3 ALFA LAVAL Exhibit 124: ALFA LAVAL - Overview Exhibit 125: ALFA LAVAL - Business segments Exhibit 126: ALFA LAVAL - Key offerings Exhibit 127: ALFA LAVAL - Segment focus 12.4 ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc. Exhibit 128: ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc. - Overview Exhibit 129: ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 130: ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc. - Key offerings 12.5 BrauKon GmbH Exhibit 131: BrauKon GmbH - Overview Exhibit 132: BrauKon GmbH - Product / Service Exhibit 133: BrauKon GmbH - Key offerings 12.6 Criveller Group Exhibit 134: Criveller Group - Overview Exhibit 135: Criveller Group - Product / Service Exhibit 136: Criveller Group - Key offerings 12.7 Della Toffola Spa Exhibit 137: Della Toffola Spa - Overview Exhibit 138: Della Toffola Spa - Product / Service Exhibit 139: Della Toffola Spa - Key offerings 12.8 GEA Group AG Exhibit 140: GEA Group AG - Overview Exhibit 141: GEA Group AG - Business segments Exhibit 142: GEA Group AG - Key offerings Exhibit 143: GEA Group AG - Segment focus 12.9 Hypro Engineers Pvt. Ltd. Exhibit 144: Hypro Engineers Pvt. Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 145: Hypro Engineers Pvt. Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 146: Hypro Engineers Pvt. Ltd. - Key offerings 12.10 KASPAR SCHULZ GmbH Exhibit 147: KASPAR SCHULZ GmbH - Overview Exhibit 148: KASPAR SCHULZ GmbH - Product / Service Exhibit 149: KASPAR SCHULZ GmbH - Key offerings 12.11 KRONES AG Exhibit 150: KRONES AG - Overview Exhibit 151: KRONES AG - Business segments Exhibit 152: KRONES AG - Key offerings Exhibit 153: KRONES AG - Segment focus 12.12 LEHUI Exhibit 154: LEHUI - Overview Exhibit 155: LEHUI - Product / Service Exhibit 156: LEHUI - Key offerings 12.13 Norland International Exhibit 157: Norland International - Overview Exhibit 158: Norland International - Product / Service Exhibit 159: Norland International - Key offerings 12.14 Paul Mueller Co. Inc. Exhibit 160: Paul Mueller Co. Inc. - Overview Exhibit 161: Paul Mueller Co. Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 162: Paul Mueller Co. Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 163: Paul Mueller Co. Inc. - Segment focus 12.15 Portland Kettle Works Exhibit 164: Portland Kettle Works - Overview Exhibit 165: Portland Kettle Works - Product / Service Exhibit 166: Portland Kettle Works - Key offerings 12.16 Specific Mechanical Systems Ltd. Exhibit 167: Specific Mechanical Systems Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 168: Specific Mechanical Systems Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 169: Specific Mechanical Systems Ltd. - Key offerings 12.17 SpectraA Technology Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Exhibit 170: SpectraA Technology Solutions Pvt. Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 171: SpectraA Technology Solutions Pvt. Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 172: SpectraA Technology Solutions Pvt. Ltd. - Key offerings 13 Appendix 13.1 Scope of the report 13.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist Exhibit 173: Inclusions checklist Exhibit 174: Exclusions checklist 13.3 Currency conversion rates for US$ Exhibit 175: Currency conversion rates for US$ 13.4 Research methodology Exhibit 176: Research methodology Exhibit 177: Validation techniques employed for market sizing Exhibit 178: Information sources 13.5 List of abbreviations Exhibit 179: List of abbreviations About Us Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contact Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio LOS ANGELES, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Mindshare, the media services company that is part of WPP, announced today the elevation of Patricia Marange to Executive Director, LA Office Lead and Head of Affiliate Marketing. In this role, Marange will drive forward the LA office's client work, operations, and teams, with a focus on Good GrowthMindshare's vision for growth that is diversified, sustainable, and enduring for the long-term. Mindshare's LA office serves a diverse base of clients and categories, including brands such as Qualcomm, Dollar Shave Club, Zespri, ampm, and others. Mindshare's Patricia Marange, Executive Director, LA Office Lead. Marange brings 18 years of industry experience across media, marketing, and sales to this role. Currently, she leads the Affiliate Marketing & Partnerships practice for Mindshare and across GroupM for the Americas; a practice she had led at Neo Media World before the performance agency's integration with Mindshare. She partners closely with GroupM Nexus, the industry's leading team of media performance experts in digital channels and platforms. In 2022, Marange was honored for her affiliate and performance marketing leadership as one of the Adweek 50, and as one of PerformanceIN's Top 30 Changemakers in Partnership Marketing. With a number of her affiliate clients led out of the west coast, Marange will continue this work in coordination with her new role as LA Office Lead. "Patricia is a talented, dynamic leader, with a genuine passion for helping brands uncover new growth opportunities," says Allegra Kadet, Chief Operation Officer, North America, Mindshare. "Over past few years, I've been inspired by the work she's done, first at Neo and then across Mindshare and GroupM. I'm excited to see her bring that energy and forward-thinking into this new role as well." "Our LA office has an incredible culture, spirit, and client base," says Patricia Marange, Executive Director, LA Office Lead and Head of Affiliate Marketing. "I'm excited to work even more closely with these teams as we continue to drive Good Growth for our clients and the industry at large." This appointment comes on the heels of a number of accolades and moves for Mindshare and GroupM. Recently, Mindshare was honored as MediaPost's Media Agency of the Year for the third time in four years, and GroupM honored as Holding Company of the Year for the second consecutive year. Mindshare was also recently shortlisted as Campaign's Media Agency of the Year as well. About Mindshare Mindshare is a media services company that accelerates Good Growth for its clients in the age of transformation. Good Growth is business growth that is enduring and sustainable whilst also helping to shape society and the world for the better. We accelerate it for our clients by using media as a multiplier to drive sales and maximize marketing investments. We use Precisely Human Intelligence that combines data science and behavioral science to understand consumers and their motivations better and we act on that intelligence by planning media with intention to connect brands with consumers around their shared values. We were the first purpose-built company created by WPP and today our 10,000 people operate in 116 offices in 86 countries, helping to drive Good Growth for our clients, our people, the industry and the world. www.mindshareworld.com Instagram and Twitter: @mindshare_usa Facebook: facebook.com/mindshareusa LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/company/mindshare SOURCE Mindshare 8 Trust Indicators help public identify honest journalism; encourage accountability and integrity OAKLAND,Calif., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In a strong stance against the flood of disinformation causing division and doubt, MindSite News, a national news site focused on mental health reporting, has implemented the Trust Project's 8 Trust Indicators to help readers and viewers easily recognize trustworthy news. It joins hundreds of news outlets committed to socially responsible, transparent journalism. "At a time when disinformation and misinformation has become rampant, we are excited to be able to offer readers a way to gauge the trustworthiness and integrity of our site and to offer new ways to engage with us," said Rob Waters, founding editor. "For us, joining the Trust Project is a way to join with our colleagues and take a stand, and we are honored to be part of it." MindSite News, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news outfit that launched in September 2021, took part in an extensive, six-month process to implement the 8 Trust Indicators strengthening policies, training staff, and restructuring the site to increase transparency. MindSite News is also pleased to announce a series of recent grant awards that help to support our reporting. They come from the California Health Care Foundation, the National Institute for Health Care Management, the Ittleson Foundation, the van Ameringen Foundation, the Commonwealth Fund and the 4am Fund. We are also pleased that the Sozosei Foundation renewed its support for MindSite News for two more years. The 8 Trust Indicators are a widely accepted integrity and accountability standard developed by The Trust Project in collaboration with the public and news organizations worldwide. The Indicators help people know who and what is behind a given news story through disclosures about: Best practices (standards and policies) Journalist expertise Type of work labels (identifying whether an article is news or opinion, for example) References behind claims Methods of reporting Local expertise and sourcing Diverse voices and perspectives Actionable feedback (public engagement) "We proudly welcome MindSite News into the global Trust Project. Their commitment to accuracy, inclusion, impartiality and accountability underscores journalism's vital role in every community - and throughout democracy," said Sally Lehrman, founder and chief executive of the Trust Project. "Together, the Trust Project Network amplifies integrity-based journalism and slows the spread of false and misleading claims around the world." To learn more about The Trust Project and the 8 Trust Indicators, visit thetrustproject.org. About the Trust Project: The Trust Project is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit working with a global network of news organizations to affirm and amplify journalism's commitment to transparency, accuracy and inclusion. The Trust Indicators are a collaborative, journalism-generated standard for news that helps both people and algorithms easily assess the authority and integrity of news. For more, visit https://thetrustproject.org/faq/ . About MindSite News: MindSite News is the only national news site in the country devoted to reporting on mental health. It was created by veteran journalists and mental health experts to address a huge unmet need for deep, independent reporting on mental health issues. It is a nonprofit, nonpartisan digital journalism organization that seeks to sustain a sense of national urgency about the workings and failings of the U.S. mental health system and to transform that system by making it more equitable, effective, transparent and humane in its care for individuals and families struggling with mental illness. For more, visit https://www.mindsitenews.org. SOURCE MindSite News BEIJING, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The following article was published today by China Daily.By committing to a people-centered approach, China has made remarkable achievements in water resources management in the past 10 years, managing to support consistent economic growth with stable water consumption, the minister of water resources said. Li Guoying made the remarks in an exclusive interview with China Daily ahead of the UN 2023 Water Conference, a three-day gathering that will start on Wednesday, which is World Water Day. With its annual total water consumption controlled within 610 billion cubic meters, China has managed to support an average annual economic growth rate of about 6 percent, he said. The minister also highlighted achievements China has made in optimizing the allocation of water resources and improving rural water supply. Supported by a batch of water diversion projects, China's annual water supply capacity has exceeded 890 billion cubic meters, he said. About 87 percent of its rural population had access to tap water by the end of 2022, up 11 percentage points from 2015. The Chinese government has always regarded people's aspirations to live a better life as its goal, Li stressed. By comprehensively implementing the new development philosophy, he said, China has striven to properly balance the relationship between development and protection and promote the harmonious coexistence between humanity and water. Li also underscored China's efforts to ramp up cooperation with other nations on international water resources. The efforts have helped improve people's livelihoods in countries affiliated with the Belt and Road Initiative, he said. For example, the Lancang-Mekong Sweet Spring Project, a program China rolled out in 2020, has addressed the problems that around 7,000 residents in Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar had obtaining safe drinking water. Water resources management projects supported by China have injected new impetus into local economic development, Li said. Thanks to the China-built Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric project that began operating in 2016, for instance, Ecuador no longer needs to depend on imported energy. China has offered many training opportunities to BRI countries, he said. To date, online and on-site trainings have been provided for nearly 4,000 water resource management technicians and officials from 112 countries. Li said China has established five overseas technology transfer and capacity building centers. The ministry has conducted extensive cooperation with more than 10 UN bodies, including UNICEF and United Nations Development Programme, in many areas, he said. The International Network on Small Hydro Power, established in 1994 following an initiative of China, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and UNDP, consists of over 480 members from 80 countries and regions, he said. With three regional centers in Asia, Africa and South America, the network has rolled out a series of international cooperation on rural energy supply, environmental protection and poverty relief. By HOU LIQIANG SOURCE China Daily Transaction provides greater scope and scale for advertisers and increased revenue opportunities for brands AUSTIN, Texas, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Mood Media , the world's premiere on-premise experiential technology and media company, has acquired Vibenomics , the leading in-store digital advertising solution provider. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Mood provides on-premise media software solutions to more than 500,000 business locations in more than 140 countries through a cloud-delivered content platform, including curated music, messaging, digital signage, content management, and scent marketing. Combining Mood Media's breadth and scale as the leading in-store experience provider with Vibenomics' differentiated technology position in on-premise media solutions enables deeper insights for advertisers, increased revenue opportunities for brands, and greater consumer engagement and analytics at the point of sale. The announcement comes at a time when retail media networks are booming, with U.S. retail media spend increasing from $31B in 2021 to a projected ad spend of $61B in 2024 . This spend represents 17.2% of total U.S. digital ad spending indicating the important role of retail media in the next generation of on-premise advertising and consumer engagement. Malcolm McRoberts, CEO of Mood Media, said,"Mood Media is committed to delivering the next generation of in-store technology solutions. Vibenomics extends these efforts by strengthening our ability to deliver highly effective programmatic advertising that enhances consumer engagement, provides critical analytical insights, and helps our customers and partners super charge their business results. Put simply, our goal is to be the leading, end-to-end cloud-enabled provider of fully-integrated on-premise media experiences and the combination with Vibenomics and their outstanding management team allows us to accelerate that journey." With Mood Media's advanced on-premise digital solutions for display and audio, this new-to-market turnkey solution creates a simplified ad-buying experience for advertisers while enhancing the management of the customer experience and the associated return-on-investment for retail owners. It's a single point of integration for retail media platforms to access, deliver, measure and evaluate on-premise digital impressions. Retailers will be equipped to maximize and measure the impact of on-premise digital messaging via multi-touch models and omnichannel strategies, as anticipated to be outlined in the 2023 IAB's retail media categories, definitions and buyers guide. "As champions of innovation, we believe that retail media networks represent the future of on-premise digital experiences for brands, retailers, and consumers, and they are an important component of any marketer's digital ad campaign," said Brent Oakley, CEO at Vibenomics. "Joining forces with Mood is an important step toward innovating retail media. It allows Vibenomics to massively expand our reach and that of our advertising partners and media networks, while delivering a greater level of sophistication to the retail marketplace." About Mood Media Mood Media is the world's leading experiential media company that maximizes the Customer Experience and provides value for businesses and brands worldwide. Our fully integrated solutions leverage advanced digital technology, curated and original creative content, and design expertise to make every shopping and guest experience more personal and more engaging. Serving more than 500,000 customer locations in more than 140 countries, we reach over 150 million consumers each day. For more information, please visit https://www.us.moodmedia.com . About Vibenomics Vibenomics, a Mood Media Company, is the leading in-store digital advertising provider. Our platform provides a single, all-in-one retail media network, empowering retailers to digitize their on-premise experience and advertisers to connect with customers via display, audio and experiential channels. Through a first-of-its-kind turnkey solution, this model delivers the ubiquity and revenue-generating capabilities needed to drive the next iteration of retail media. Acquired by Mood Media in 2023, Vibenomics works with hundreds of CPGs and more than 50 endemic and non-endemic categories today. The company plans to expand its retail locations to more than 500,000 worldwide. To learn more about Vibenomics, visit https://www.vibenomics.com . Contacts: For Mood Media: Warren Pickett / WIT Strategy [email protected] 970.481.0165 For Vibenomics: Abby Lewis / BLASTmedia [email protected] 317.806.1900 x 136 SOURCE Vibenomics Company offering new relief measures to help low-income customers PLAINFIELD, Ind., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- More than $300,000 in financial assistance is available to Duke Energy Indiana customers who may be struggling to pay their energy bills. The funding is made possible through Duke Energy's Share the Light Fund, which brings together customers and communities to help individuals and families in need. Qualifying Duke Energy customers can receive up to a $300 credit annually on their account. Over the last five years, Duke Energy has supported more than 12,000 Indiana households with more than $3 million in energy bill assistance. The company works in partnership with the Indiana Community Action Association to distribute assistance funds. Customers should contact their local community action agency to see if they are eligible. Click here to find a listing of service providers by county. Customers interested in helping their neighbors in need will soon be able to easily make a donation to the Share the Light Fund by rounding up their monthly bill amount to the nearest dollar. In an effort to expand support for low-income customers, Duke Energy Indiana will also begin reducing the security deposit amount for customers eligible for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). In addition, when Indiana's winter disconnection moratorium ends on March 15, LIHEAP-qualified customers carrying a past-due balance will be auto-enrolled in a special, extended installment plan. These new measures are the latest steps in a companywide effort to pair long-standing programs with creative, new approaches to assist customers and communities in need. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Duke Energy stood up a dedicated team to work in collaboration with government agencies at the state and federal levels to increase customer assistance and expand participation in energy efficiency programs and services. This work includes proactive engagement to educate customers of their eligibility for LIHEAP dollars to help offset energy bills. Duke Energy offers a number of other tools and resources to help customers take control of their energy use and save money. To learn more about these programs, visit duke-energy.com/HereToHelp. Duke Energy Indiana Duke Energy Indiana, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, provides about 6,300 megawatts of owned electric capacity to approximately 890,000 customers in a 23,000-square-mile service area, making it Indiana's largest electric supplier. Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. Its electric utilities serve 8.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 50,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The company employs 27,600 people. Duke Energy is executing an aggressive clean energy transition to achieve its goals of net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company has interim carbon emission targets of at least 50% reduction from electric generation by 2030, 50% for Scope 2 and certain Scope 3 upstream and downstream emissions by 2035, and 80% from electric generation by 2040. In addition, the company is investing in major electric grid enhancements and energy storage, and exploring zero-emission power generation technologies such as hydrogen and advanced nuclear. Duke Energy was named to Fortune's 2023 "World's Most Admired Companies" list and Forbes' "World's Best Employers" list. More information is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos and videos. Duke Energy's illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. Contact: McKenzie Barbknecht 24-Hour: 800.559.3853 SOURCE Duke Energy FBI Whistleblower & Military Veteran Stands for America First Principles & the People of West Virginia HEDGESVILLE, W. Va., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Nate Cain, a Republican, U.S. Army Veteran, cybersecurity entrepreneur, and FBI whistleblower announces his candidacy for West Virginia's 2nd Congressional District. With a track record of integrity, selfless service, personal courage, and loyalty to his country, Cain is focused on restoring our Constitutional freedoms, strengthening our national security, and opening the doors to prosperity for all Americans. Nate Cain for United States Congress, West Virginia's 2nd Congressional District. Nate Cain is a military veteran who stands for America First principles & the people of West Virginia. He is a family man whose foundation is upon God, Family and Country. Cain is an entrepreneur and small business owner in Berkley County, West Virginia, https://www.cain.associates For more information about Nate Cain's campaign for Congress in 2024 or to donate, please visit https://natecain4wv.com Cain seeks to represent everyday West Virginians who work hard in pursuit of the American dream for their families. He is a man of the people. He is not a part of a political dynasty, nor beholden to special interest groups, and has never sought to be a career politician. He is running because he feels called to serve the country that he loves once again. "I am excited to announce my candidacy for the West Virginia's 2nd Congressional District," Cain said. "I believe West Virginia needs a strong and trustworthy leader representing them, with a track record of integrity and personal courage when it matters. I firmly support the U.S. Constitution and intend to boldly fight to restore our God-given rights to guns, free speech, religion, medical freedom, and privacy. I also pledge to strengthen our national security and sovereignty with strong borders, balanced budgets, accountable foreign aid, a strong military, and a replenished national strategic stockpile and oil reserve. By restoring American freedom and national security we will ensure an enduring prosperity that will last for generations." "I have traveled around the district and have spoken to many. I am hearing the issues that are at important to them. I have a plan that harnesses our vast natural resources to build an industrial base on energy independence and business development that can lead to high paying sustainable jobs. West Virginia needs its own strategic energy reserve to protect us against market manipulation and national energy emergencies. I recognize the importance of individual mineral rights that can change people's lives through generational wealth. The mountain state needs modernizing of infrastructure, including availability of broadband internet, a necessity for competing in this modern age, and funding to fix our roads, bridges, and railways. We need to remember our farmers and cattlemen who put food on our tables. It is important to protect our agricultural industry against encroachment of federal regulations. I will be diligent to listen to the needs of all West Virginians and work toward solutions," declares Cain. "I'm running for office because I love this country and I love West Virginia. I am asking folks to put their trust in me to represent them," says Cain. Nate Cain is the fighter we need in Congress and he is ready to serve, while earning the trust of the 2nd District, as he leads West Virginia into a future of greater freedom, security, and prosperity for all of its citizens. For more information about Nate Cain's campaign for Congress in 2024 or to donate, please visit https://natecain4wv.com Nate Cain is a family man whose foundation is upon God, Family and Country. He is an "America First" candidate who brings a wealth of experience to West Virginia's 2nd Congressional District. As a veteran, he has a great appreciation for the state he chose to settle in, where he has deep family roots in the coal mines of Appalachia. Cain is an entrepreneur and small business owner in Berkley County, West Virginia. Contact: Jeanette McLaughlin Communications Director Nate Cain for Congress Contact: 844-750-0364 Contact: [email protected] https://natecain4wv.com *Paid for and approved by the committee to elect Nate Cain SOURCE Nate Cain American Lung Association venture to fund lifesaving research and convene the best scientific minds to address critical lung health challenges CHICAGO, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 34 million Americans live with lung disease. When combined with lung cancer and respiratory diseases like COVID-19 and influenza, lung disease is a leading cause of death in America. To address urgent and critical lung health challenges in our country, the American Lung Association today announced the launch of the American Lung Association Research Institute. Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/9150651-american-lung-association-launches-american-lung-association-research-institute/ New American Lung Association Research Institute to Accelerate High Impact, Lifesaving Lung Health Science New American Lung Association Research Institute to Accelerate High Impact, Lifesaving Lung Health Science "Lung disease is a critical health challenge in America, and we must take action to address it. The American Lung Association Research Institute is our answer to this challenge, and we are committed to investing in research, collaborating with experts and empowering scientists to accelerate discovery and innovation," said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. "The Lung Association has long been the trusted champion of lung health research, and the new Research Institute will take our work to end lung disease to the next level." The new American Lung Association Research Institute will: Increase Research Investment through the organization's Awards and Grants program to $25 million per year by 2030. through the organization's Awards and Grants program to per year by 2030. Expand Clinical Research in asthma and COPD throughout its nationwide Airways Clinical Research Centers, while working with an impressive bandwidth of experts to produce results directly impacting patient care. in asthma and COPD throughout its nationwide Airways Clinical Research Centers, while working with an impressive bandwidth of experts to produce results directly impacting patient care. Convene Scientists and Funded Researchers for whitepapers, roundtables and collaboration. The Research Institute will also host conferences for the research team, principal investigators and lung health associates to address the most pressing issues in lung health. for whitepapers, roundtables and collaboration. The Research Institute will also host conferences for the research team, principal investigators and lung health associates to address the most pressing issues in lung health. Collaborate with government and non-profits and co-invest with private industry to dramatically accelerate lung health discovery and innovation. The Research Institute is governed by the Scientific Advisory Committee, a committee of the National Board of Directors, which includes the top experts in research and lung health from across the country. A new subcommittee of the Scientific Advisory Committee will explore partnership programs and collaboration opportunities for the American Lung Association Research Institute. For more information about the American Lung Association Research Institute, visit Lung.org/Research. About the American Lung Association The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. CONTACT: Jill Dale | American Lung Association P: 312-940-7001E: [email protected] SOURCE American Lung Association SEATTLE, March 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Girl Friday Books is thrilled to announce the release of the new book by leading real estate broker Vivian Risi: 24 Hours Is All It Takes: Daily Habits Guaranteed to Change Your Life. The book has already generated buzz due to its practical, habit-based approach to living a healthier and more productive life. 24 Hours Is All It Takes includes fifteen habits that are designed to be incorporated into existing routines to make small, yet significant changes toward a happier, healthier life. Risi draws from her own lived experience as a single mom of three who built a successful career while juggling family responsibilities and shares her personal insights and actionable advice to help readers make long-term, positive changes. Risi's key message is that small changes can have a significant impact on daily living, and in the book she provides clear, practical guidance for implementing those changes. With reminders, tips, and actionable items, 24 Hours Is All It Takes can help readers overcome the common struggles of burnout and stress in their work and personal lives, one day at a time. Vivian Risi is the president and broker of Your Community Realty, one of Canada's top real estate franchise companies, a recognized philanthropist, and a noted speaker. Journeying from humble beginnings as an immigrant to Canada, Risi endured many challenges but has always led with the core message: it's never too late to change the trajectory of your life. She is based in Toronto, ON. For more information on the book and author, visit girlfridaybooks.com/titles/24-hours-is-all-it-takes. 24 Hours Is All It Takes is available for presale online and will be distributed in stores by Two Rivers Distribution. The title releases April 25, 2023. ABOUT GIRL FRIDAY BOOKS Girl Friday Books, headquartered in Seattle, Washington, publishes nonfiction and fiction in a variety of categories, each book united by our belief in the power of an author's voice. Our team has decades of publishing and digital agency experience and is the magic behind luminous bestsellers from licenses including CNN, Lucasfilm, National Geographic, and Sesame Street. Learn more at GirlFridayBooks.com CONTACT Georgie Hockett 206.659.1837 [email protected] SOURCE Girl Friday Books SAN DIEGO, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Sky Network today announced that its highly-anticipated SkyLink Citadel, a resilient anti-piracy solution for maritime, is now available for purchase. Leveraging the power of the Iridium Certus 100 satellite network, the SkyLink Citadel offers two High-Definition (HD) voice lines and the ability to send and receive messages, files, and emails via onboard computers. Easy to install and operate, the SkyLink Citadel provides voice and data connectivity to the outside world when needed most. "We are pleased to announce that our SkyLink Citadel is now available for purchase. This solution represents a massive shift in maritime connectivity and establishes a new standard for anti-piracy solutions," said Tucker Morrison, CEO of Blue Sky Network. "The high-quality, low latency, voice capability makes for far superior clarity, and provides a communications experience users have come to expect from a cellular phone call. The increased data speeds off the ship, SOS button, plus battery back-up, are essential for emergency situations." The ruggedized outdoor unit contains a SkyLink device and an antenna that connects to a single-purpose-built cable and runs to a discreet lockable cabinet in the safe room. The cabinet houses a dedicated handset, SOS switch, and Ethernet connection point. The SkyLink Citadel is the latest addition to Blue Sky Network's SkyLink suite of solutions. The 3x award-winning SkyLink device delivers enterprise-grade voice, remote monitoring, and data connection via global high-speed satellite connectivity. To order the SkyLink Citadel or learn more about this new maritime solution, please contact us at [email protected] . About SkyLink SkyLink by Blue Sky Network is the inaugural Iridium Certus 100 mid-band solution for land-mobile, aviation, IoT, and maritime markets. This small-form, multi-stack hardware is designed for any fixed-mount, portable, or mobile application and offers a range of service configurations. Designed for you as Infrastructure as a Service, SkyLink Cloud Services is a comprehensive analytics solution engineered for remote terminal management, diagnostics, and health monitoring. The SkyLink Data Gateway works seamlessly with this performance-driven, cloud-based platform to create a powerful, dual-mode-managed solution unlike any other. About Blue Sky Network Blue Sky Network is an industry-leading provider of mission-critical fleet management, business continuity, and operational analytics solutions, serving commercial and government customers worldwide. Founded in 2001, Blue Sky Network is the partner of choice to track, manage, and optimize high-value assets in real time anywhere in the world for improved safety, reliability, and operational efficiency. Headquartered in San Diego, California, with dealers in over 50 countries, the company holds Anatel certification and maintains offices in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Scottsdale, Arizona. Learn more at www.blueskynetwork.com. Blue Sky Network is an Iridium service partner and value-added manufacturer. Media Contact: Kelly Rusk [email protected] +1 613 558 7897 SOURCE Blue Sky Network, LLC NEW HAVEN, Conn., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Yale School of Medicine announces the initiation of a novel, randomized trial that will test whether receiving PAXLOVID (nirmatrelvir tablets; ritonavir tablets) for 15 days can improve the health of highly symptomatic adults with Long COVID. The trial, led by Yale School of Medicine Professors Harlan Krumholz and Akiko Iwasaki, has a decentralized design, meaning that participants do not have to travel to study sites. It also uses a novel, participant-centric, digital approach to data collection. Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), is estimated to affect millions of people worldwide. For some people, Long COVID has severely impaired their quality of life and even caused death. To date, there are no approved treatments for Long COVID. The new trial will enroll 100 research participants and investigate the overall effect of PAXLOVID, while also seeking clues for which people might respond best to the drug and why. Importantly, the study will assess changes in how people feel and how their immune system functions in response to the drug. The study will enroll previously healthy people with fair to poor health as a result of Long COVID. Participants will not have any contraindications to PAXLOVID or recent treatment with the drug. The decentralized design seeks to make participation easier and avoid the need for travel to a study site. The study uses mobile devices for study surveys, the Hugo Health digital health platform to engage participants and connect clinical data, and a strategy to collect biospecimens at a convenient place for participants. The study will be initially open to people in Connecticut, New York, and Florida. The Yale Center for Infection and Immunity and the Yale Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation at Yale School of Medicine are collaborating on the study. Pfizer is funding the study and has provided scientific support in the clinical trial design and protocol development. For more information, see the listing on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05668091). The research study is enrolling through the Hugo Health Kindred Long COVID community, which is an open and growing community for people interested in research into Long COVID. The community is oriented toward a partnership model of research and data sharing. Dr. Krumholz is a co-founder of Hugo Health. For any questions about the study, contact [email protected]. SOURCE Yale School of Medicine Amendment Adds Board Members Lawrence S. Jones, James Kenney, Philip K. Marshall, J. Heath Malone, and Steven J. Finkle as Defendants DALLAS, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- NexPoint Advisors, L.P., (together with its affiliates "NexPoint"), a Dallas-based alternative investment firm, today announced that it has filed a first amended petition against the external investment adviser of United Development Funding IV ("UDF IV"), a real estate investment trust in which NexPoint is a significant shareholder, and the principal owners, officers, and employees of such adviser. The lawsuit arises out of years of fraud and deception by the adviser and its principals that have caused UDF IV shareholders to lose hundreds of millions of dollars. The amendment to the petition adds the following individuals as defendants: Lawrence S. Jones, James Kenney, Philip K. Marshall, J. Heath Malone, and Steven J. Finkle (the "Trustee Defendants"), all currently members of the UDF IV Board of Trustees. The defendants named in the original petition, which was filed in September 2022, include the UMTH General Services, L.P. (the "Advisor"), UMTH Land Development L.P. ("UMTH Land"), UMT Holdings, L.P. ("UMTH Holdings" and, collectively with the Advisor and UMTH Land, the "Entity Defendants"), Hollis M. Greenlaw, Todd F. Etter, Ben L. Wissink, Cara D. Obert (the "Insider Defendants"). This lawsuit seeks to hold accountable those individuals and entities that have perpetuated the massive multi-year deception and fraud that is the United Development Funding "investment" program ("UDF"). Several of the Insider Defendants are serving prison sentences for such actions. NexPoint believes the Trustee Defendants have encouraged, supported, authorized, aided, and abetted the Insider Defendants and Entity Defendants in unlawfully using UDF IV shareholder money to deceptively fund and pay a $7.2 million disgorgement obligation. A Federal judge ordered the Insider Defendants to pay the disgorgement obligation as part of a settlement of an SEC enforcement action against them in July 2018. Additionally, NexPoint believes the Trustee Defendants have encouraged, supported, authorized, aided, and abetted the Insider Defendants and Entity Defendants in unlawfully using shareholder money to pay legal fees incurred by Messrs. Greenlaw and Wissink and Ms. Obert in defense of the criminal charges for which they were ultimately convicted. The full first amended petition can be found here. About NexPoint Advisors, L.P. NexPoint Advisors, L.P. is an SEC-registered adviser on the NexPoint alternative investment platform. It serves as the adviser to a suite of funds and investment vehicles, including a closed-end fund, interval fund, business development company, and various real estate vehicles. For more information visit www.nexpoint.com Media Contact Cristina Martinez Prosek Partners for NexPoint [email protected] SOURCE NexPoint Advisors, L.P. Hires represent firm's continued high growth trajectory including further expansion in EMEA region ATLANTA, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- North Highland, the leading change and transformation consultancy, has welcomed three new executives to the firm. Now full-time North Highland employees, the individuals previously served as co-founders and partners of the U.S.-based global consulting firm, Profectus, and will now support North Highland's new Public Sector EMEA team. These hires, along with the clients and network they bring, represent opportunities for North Highland to make meaningful change happen in new geographic regions and diverse cultures across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Mohammed Imran Khan joins North Highland as vice president leading the firm's new Public Sector EMEA team. Khan has more than 16 years' experience developing strategic direction and partnerships for global organizations, sovereign wealth funds, ministries and authorities within emerging markets such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia , United Arab Emirates , Jordan and India . Most recently, he served as partner, managing director and business development leader for the Strategic Advisory Practice at Profectus. Khan holds a degree in Finance from Suffield University. joins North Highland as vice president leading the firm's new Public Sector EMEA team. Khan has more than 16 years' experience developing strategic direction and partnerships for global organizations, sovereign wealth funds, ministries and authorities within emerging markets such as the , , and . Most recently, he served as partner, managing director and business development leader for the Strategic Advisory Practice at Profectus. Khan holds a degree in Finance from Suffield University. Vincent Legg joins the firm as vice president, bringing more than 20 years of executive experience in both Marketing and Finance, including serving as COO at global advertising/marketing firms. Most recently, he served as a partner and managing director for the Strategic Growth Advisory Practice at Profectus. Legg's international experience spans four continents, including work in Saudi Arabia , UAE, Canada , Japan , France , China , Argentina , Germany , Brazil , Mexico and the UK. He holds a degree in Illustration/Advertising Design from Syracuse University . joins the firm as vice president, bringing more than 20 years of executive experience in both Marketing and Finance, including serving as COO at global advertising/marketing firms. Most recently, he served as a partner and managing director for the Strategic Growth Advisory Practice at Profectus. Legg's international experience spans four continents, including work in , UAE, , , , , , , , and the UK. He holds a degree in Illustration/Advertising Design from . Chapin Mower joins North Highland as associate vice president. Mower also joins North Highland from Profectus, where he served as partner, managing director and client services lead for its Strategic Growth Advisory Practice. Mower's more than 20 years of experience in client development and service includes building global client-service teams and growing multi-national manufacturing teams through his extensive knowledge of logistics planning, distribution as well as his networking capabilities. He holds a degree in History from St. Lawrence University . "I'm honored to welcome these three leaders who have pursued transformational change throughout their careers and across many different geographies," said North Highland CEO Alex Bombeck. "The addition of this team signals not only the expansion of our footprint into a high-growth market and region, but more importantly it represents an opportunity to diversify our client base while implementing real and tangible change consisting of quality-of-life improvements for the people impacted by this work." About North Highland North Highland makes change happen, helping businesses transform by placing people at the heart of every decision. It's how lasting progress is made. With our blend of workforce, customer, and operational expertise, we're recognized as the world's leading transformation consultancy. We break new ground today, so tomorrow is easier to navigate. Founded in 1992, North Highland is regularly named one of the best places to work. We are a proud member of Cordence Worldwide, a global network of truly connected consultancy firms with the ability to think and deliver together. This means North Highland has more than 3,500 experts in 50+ offices around the globe on hand to partner with you. For more information, visit www.northhighland.com or connect with us on LinkedIn , Twitter , Instagram , and Facebook . Media contact: Courtney James, PR Director (+1) 404-850-2806 [email protected] Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1426264/NH_Logo__Primary_Horizontal_Large_Logo.jpg SOURCE North Highland CHICAGO, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Access---all deserve it, yet too many barriers still prevent equitable access in the workforce. The Business in Enterprise Program (BEP), created by the state of Illinois in 1994 to promote the economic development of underrepresented businesses owned by minorities, women, and persons with disabilities, bridges this gap by ensuring fair access and equitable opportunities. As a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), Northeastern Illinois University believes in a diverse student body and the importance of diversity among the vendors they utilize to provide goods and services to the institution. " The university supports breaking down barriers and increasing opportunities for underrepresented vendors," said Vicky Santiago, whose responsibility as the Director of Procurement Services and the University's BEP Liaison is to ensure that the procurement processes and procedures are followed in order to maximize BEP participation in NEIU contracting. Under the purview of the Commission on Equity and Inclusion, BEP requires state agencies and public universities to conduct a certain percentage of business with BEP vendors. NEIU's commitment to the program surpassed goals. In the fiscal year 2022, Northeastern Illinois University exceeded their BEP goal by almost 16%. The University was able to surpass their goals because of the Procurement Office's continued efforts to reach out to registered BEP firms to provide contracting opportunities through Invitations for Bids, Requests for Proposals and Qualifications Based Selection solicitations that include a 30% BEP goal, where feasible. Manish Kumar, Vice President for Finance and Administration at NEIU, supported the procurement office in initiating and implementing an eProcurement process to increase efficiency and compliance in business transactions which increased NEIU's capacity to participate in the Business Enterprise Program. "I am a firm believer that all higher educational institutions, particularly universities, should strive to build a community of individuals with diverse backgrounds and life experiences, free of discrimination based on racial and ethnic origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, social economic status or religious belief," said Kumar. "Our University's BEP goals reflect that." NEIU also reaches out to current vendors to encourage registration in the BEP program and provides in-house training to NEIU personnel on how to search for vendors in the BEP database. In their commitment to exploring additional opportunities where they can engage BEP vendors for future projects, the Purchasing Office often helps new and existing vendors register for the Business Enterprise Program by providing information about the program, sharing the registration link and explaining the benefits of being registered in the Program. "Diverse vendors provide goods and services through a different lens that benefits the university and ultimately benefits the students," said Santiago. "Northeastern's board of trustees and administration take the commitment to award contracts to diverse vendors very seriously." ABOUT NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY Northeastern Illinois University offers more than 40 undergraduate degree and certificate programs and more than 50 graduate degree, certificate, licensure and endorsement programs. The Main Campus is located on 67 acres in an attractive residential area on the Northwest Side of Chicago. The University has additional locations in the metropolitan area, including the Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies, El Centro and the University Center of Lake County. SOURCE Northeastern Illinois University One of the First UK Licenses for Commercial Manufacturing of Cell Therapy Products; Allows Global Delivery of the Products BETHESDA, Md., March 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Northwest Biotherapeutics (OTCQB: NWBO) ("NW Bio"), a biotechnology company developing DCVax personalized immune therapies for solid tumor cancers, and Advent BioServices, a leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) based in the UK, jointly announce that a MIA license has been approved and issued by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for commercial manufacturing of cell therapy products at the GMP facility in Sawston, U.K. This MIA is one of the first licenses for commercial manufacturing of cell therapy products in the U.K. To the companies' knowledge, there are only two other such licenses, one of which was just granted as well. This license is the culmination of more than 3 years' work, including development of the facility, the teams of specialized personnel, the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and systems, well over 1,650 regulatory documents, and a successful operating history under the initial manufacturing licenses previously obtained to produce cell therapies in the Sawston facility for clinical trials and compassionate use. All of this work was carried out by Advent BioServices under contract with NW Bio. Under this commercial manufacturing license, cell therapy products manufactured in the Sawston facility may be exported globally. Products (e.g., immune cells) may also be imported into the U.K. for production or release of cell therapy products under the facility's licenses. Linda Powers, CEO of NW Bio, commented, "We are very excited to reach this major milestone, as it is an essential step towards submission of our application for regulatory approval of our lead product, DCVax-L. It is especially exciting to be able to operate globally from this base in the U.K." Dr. Mike Scott, President of Advent BioServices, commented, "It is always challenging to be one of the trailblazers. The field of personalised cell-based immunotherapy is rapidly evolving and we are collectively navigating our way through the regulatory landscape. We are therefore thrilled that the extensive preparatory work undertaken by our skilled and dedicated team has met the extremely high standards set for this commercial level of manufacturing license." About Northwest Biotherapeutics Northwest Biotherapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing personalized immunotherapy products designed to treat cancers more effectively than current treatments, without toxicities of the kind associated with chemotherapies, and on a cost-effective basis, in both North America and Europe. The Company has a broad platform technology for DCVax dendritic cell-based vaccines. The Company's lead program is a 331-patient Phase III trial of DCVax-L for newly diagnosed Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). GBM is the most aggressive and lethal form of brain cancer, and is an "orphan disease." This Phase III trial has been completed, and the results have been presented in scientific meetings and published in JAMA Oncology. The Company has also developed DCVax-Direct for inoperable solid tumor cancers. It has completed a 40-patient Phase I trial and, as resources permit, plans to pursue Phase II trials. The Company previously conducted a Phase I/II trial with DCVax-L for advanced ovarian cancer together with the University of Pennsylvania. About Advent BioServices Advent BioServices is a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) based in Sawston, U.K. The Company operates the 88,000 square foot GMP facility in Sawston, which includes a large, HTA licensed, cryostorage facility capable of storing several million vials of tissues and cells, and includes capabilities for all stages of cell therapy development and production. During the past three-plus years, the Company has recruited staff members with a wide spectrum of specialist skills in the cell therapy space. The Process Development and QC teams provide significant expertise in complex assay development, GMP manufacturing, product release and GMP-related monitoring which has underpinned the work leading to MHRA licensing for commercial manufacturing, as well as the prior licenses for manufacturing for clinical trials and compassionate use (Specials). Disclaimer Statements made in this news release that are not historical facts, including statements concerning future treatment of patients using DCVax and future clinical trials, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "expect," "believe," "intend," "design," "plan," "continue," "may," "will," "anticipate," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statement. Readers should not rely upon forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, including, without limitation, risks related to the Company's ability to achieve timely performance of third parties, risks related to whether the Company's products will be viewed as demonstrating safety and efficacy, risks related to the Company's ongoing ability to raise additional capital, and other risks included in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") filings. Additional information on the foregoing risk factors and other factors, including Risk Factors, which could affect the Company's results, is included in its SEC filings. Finally, there may be other factors not mentioned above or included in the Company's SEC filings that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statement. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or developments, except as required by securities laws. SOURCE Northwest Biotherapeutics Omni Logistics has been recognized for excellence in expedited freight services in 2022 by Coca-Cola DALLAS, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Omni Logistics , a technology-driven provider of global multimodal logistics solutions and specialized supply chain services, has been recognized as Coca-Cola Carrier of the Year. Omni Logistics' Coca-Cola Freight Forwarder of the Year trophy. Omni Logistics manages expedited freight solutions to Coca-Cola's Parts and Equipment Divisions to support the timely delivery, maintenance, and repair of the company's cutting-edge Coca-Cola Freestyle touch screen soda dispensing machines across the entire United States including Alaska and Hawaii. Omni Logistics was recognized for its outstanding communication, creative problem-solving, and cost-effective delivery methods during a time of extensive supply chain disruption. "The recognition from Coca-Cola is a testament to Omni Logistics' focused commitment to providing customer-centric services that delivers a first-class customer experience with a solutions-based platform," said Keith Renteria, Vice President of Global Accounts at Omni Logistics. "Ensuring that Coca-Cola's Freestyle machines are delivered timely and are up and running is critical to supporting the success of Coca-Cola's foodservice partners and their customers. The Omni Logistics team is proud to provide expedite freight services and unique solutions that make this possible, 7 days a week 24 hours a day." The Coca-Cola Carrier of the Year award is bestowed annually to logistics partners helping ensure seamless delivery of assets. For more information about Omni Logistics and its services, visit www.OmniLogistics.com . About Omni Logistics Omni Logistics is a privately-owned, multibillion-dollar global logistics solutions provider with over 5,000 employees in more than 100 locations serving the complex supply chain needs of nearly 7,000 customers. In addition to providing traditional freight services, Omni Logistics goes beyond global freight transport to provide customized, end-to-end supply chain solutions based on specific customer challenges and the unique characteristics of a customer's freight. Leveraging technology, proprietary data, analytics and automation, Omni Logistics removes supply chain inefficiencies and provides cost-effective solutions for customers. As a signatory of The Climate Pledge, Omni Logistics is committed to creating supply chain visibility and eliminating waste in order to provide more sustainable transportation solutions. Media Contact FINN Partners for Omni Logistics [email protected] SOURCE Omni Logistics A portion of the sales from the collaboration will benefit Save the Children through Once Upon a Farm's 'A Million Meals' Initiative aimed at providing nutritious meals to kids in food insecure communities in America. BERKELEY, Calif., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Once Upon a Farm , the next generation children's nutrition company and makers of organic, crave-worthy snacks and meals for kids of all ages, has partnered with Little Sleepies a mama-founded sleepwear & lifestyle brand known for its buttery soft Lunaluxe bamboo PJs to celebrate National Sleep Awareness and Nutrition month this March. The collaboration will feature a fresh collection of nutritious snack bundles and Little Sleepies signature cozy pajamas and accessories designed in Once Upon a Farm's vibrant fruit and veggie illustrations to inspire a lifetime of healthy eating and sleeping. Once Upon a Farm x Little Sleepies Collaboration The full Little Sleepies x Once Upon a Farm collection will feature limited-edition pieces available in size preemie-16 and adult women's size XS - 3XL. The collection also features Once Upon a Farm snack bundles and a matching pouch cooler. "At Once Upon a Farm, we know nutrition and sleep go together like fruits and veggies," said Once Upon a Farm Cofounder and Chief Brand Officer Jennifer Garner. "Research suggests that the importance of sleep is right up there with nutrition and exercise to optimize your child's healthand any parent knows that sleep, exercise, and nutrition go hand in hand. We believe healthy habits and cozy night times can be fun and exciting which is why we partnered with Little Sleepies and their signature jammies (the softest ever)decorated with Once Upon a Farm's celebrated farm fresh goodness. Little Sleepies shares our goal of giving kids the best and sharing the goodness with others in the process. We are so excited to launch this collection with them!" The full collection will include limited-edition pieces available in size preemie - 16 and adult women sizes XS - 3XL. Prices for the Little Sleepies x Once Upon a Farm collection range from $12-$68. The new collection launches on Tuesday, March 21st at 12pm EST. Shop it here . In addition, the partnership gives back. A portion of the collection proceeds will be donated to Save the Children through Once Upon a Farm's A Million Meals program which aims to provide 1,000,0000 nutritious meals to kids in food insecure communities in America by 2024. For every variety pack purchased, Once Upon a Farm will donate 5 nutritious meals to Save the Children and for every sleepwear item purchased, Little Sleepies will donate $1.00* to Save the Children (*Max donation: $10,000). The collection arrives on the heels of Once Upon a Farm's collaboration with Calm - the #1 app for sleep, meditation, and relaxation - to bring families a soothing bedtime story narrated by Garner. Through both partnerships, Once Upon a Farm aims to highlight the importance of both good nutrition and healthy sleep habits for kids and parents. About Once Upon a Farm At Once Upon a Farm, a better story starts here. We're on a greater mission in providing organic, crave-worthy, snacks and meals for children of all ages. Our recipes are crafted with only the best organic ingredients whole fruits and veggies picked, then cold-pressed (our pouches) or freshly frozen (our meals) to perfection to support your growing kids at every stage. Each of our organic, non-GMO, non-dairy recipes contain no added sugar, and are free from artificial flavors, colors and preservatives just simple, real, nutritious snacks your entire family will love. About Little Sleepies: At Little Sleepies, we make buttery soft sleepwear that your whole family will love. Created by a Mom, our PJs are thoughtfully designed for long lasting comfort and maximum cuteness! Our Signature and Limited-Edition prints are made from Lunaluxe bamboo viscose fabric, custom-milled to make the most comfortable PJs you'll ever experience. Fresh prints drop weekly for sweet matching moments, year-round. Media Contact: Once Upon a Farm Jane Ablaza | [email protected] Download Images Here SOURCE Once Upon a Farm, PBC Enhanced Client Billing and Portal Bundled for Rollout at ProMat 2023 RALEIGH, N.C, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Open Sky Group, global specialists in Blue Yonder solutions, will debut its new Kaleidoscope Suite of supply chain management solutions for 3PLs during the ProMat 2023 material handling and logistics industry event this March 20-23 in Chicago. Kaleidoscope is a suite of next generation, cloud-first, 3PL applications built on a shared microservice platform. Tweet this Open Sky Group announces Kaleidoscope, a suite of supply chain management tools for 3PLs. Kaleidoscope combines Open Sky Groups Enhanced Client Billing and self-service 3PL Client Portal both offering real-time visibility, access, and workflow efficiency for a more responsive supply chain operation. "From our perspective, big value will make big news at one of the biggest industry events we attend all year," said Open Sky Group's SVP of Sales & Marketing, Shannon Caflisch. "More than 50,000 industry executives are expected to be there, and we are thrilled to be on the floor showcasing our new Kaleidoscope offering." Kaleidoscope combines Open Sky Group's innovative Enhanced Client Billing (ECB) and self-service 3PL Client Portal both offering real-time visibility, access, and workflow efficiency for a more responsive supply chain operation. "This offering is a dynamic, enhanced data platform that provides improved insights for making informed decisions," said Open Sky Group's Director of Software Services, Jonathan Mitchell. "By bundling our existing ECB and Portal solutions, Kaleidoscope will represent two product introductions in one, with future enhancements to be added to our proprietary 3PL product suite." ECB, introduced in 2018 captures defined, billable transactions within a warehouse management system, assigning client-specific charges and creating invoices for more streamlined billing. Open Sky Group's 3PL Portal allows 3PL operators to provide timely information to clients through a secure Internet portal based on client ID and client group; introduced in 2020. "Altogether, these solutions serve to enhance and improve outcomes for 3PL customers, providing a superior customer and user experience," said Open Sky Group's SVP of Technology, Michael Noble. "Best yet, because Kaleidoscope has been intentionally designed for simple integration using open APIs, the full suite can operate in virtually any supply chain environment with minimal configuration a long-standing Open Sky Group operating tenet." ProMat 2023 will feature more than 1,000 of the world's leading manufacturing and supply chain solution providers under one roof, including hands-on demonstrations, more than 150 educational seminars, and four exciting keynote speakers across a three-day event. Visit Open Sky Group for more information about its Kaleidoscope Suite of supply chain solutions. For more information about Promat 2023, visit ProMatShow.com. ABOUT OPEN SKY GROUP Open Sky Group, global specialists in Blue Yonder warehouse management, labor management and transportation management solutions, help clients lower costs and risks with its proprietary methodology and no-modifications approach to upgrades and implementations. As the largest, dedicated Blue Yonder WMS Implementation partner and one of the first accredited for WMS, Open Sky Group is committed to client success and strives every day to be the best consulting partner on the planet for supply chain solutions. SOURCE The Open Sky Group, LLC New release delivers seven JDK Enhancement Proposals to increase developer productivity, improve the Java language, and enhance the platform's performance, stability, and security AUSTIN, Texas, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Oracle today announced the availability of Java 20, the latest version of the world's number one programming language and development platform. Java 20 (Oracle JDK 20) delivers thousands of performance, stability, and security improvements, including platform enhancements that will help developers improve productivity and drive innovation and growth across their organizations. Oracle is showcasing the latest capabilities in Java 20 during the Java Developer Day that takes place today at the Oracle DevLive Level Up event, which runs March 20-23 at Redwood Shores, CA and online. "For more than 25 years, Java has empowered developers to design and build the next generation of robust, scalable, and secure applications," said Georges Saab, senior vice president of development, Java Platform and chair, OpenJDK Governing Board, Oracle. "The innovative new enhancements in Java 20 reflect the vision and invaluable efforts the global Java community has contributed throughout Java's existence. With the support provided by Oracle's ongoing Java technology leadership and community stewardship, Java has never been more relevant as a contemporary language and platform that helps developers improve productivity." The latest Java Development Kit (JDK) provides updates and improvements with seven JDK Enhancement Proposals (JEPs). The majority of the updates are follow-up features improving on functionality introduced in earlier releases. JDK 20 delivers language improvements from OpenJDK project Amber (Record Patterns and Pattern Matching for Switch); enhancements from OpenJDK Project Panama to interconnect Java Virtual Machine (JVM) and native code (Foreign Function & Memory API and Vector API); and features related to Project Loom (Scoped Values, Virtual Threads, and Structured Concurrency), which will dramatically streamline the process of writing, maintaining, and observing high-throughput, concurrent applications. "Organizations today face increasing pressure to use their resources as wisely and efficiently as possible, which requires developers to seek tools that streamline application development while helping ensure their organizations achieve their IT security and compliance goals," said Jay Lyman, senior research analyst, S&P Global Market Intelligence. "Digital transformation leaders say they're more focused on improving time to market and the agility[1] that can be gained with better tools that can accelerate their organization's application development initiatives." Oracle delivers new Java feature releases every six months via a predictable release schedule. This cadence provides a steady stream of innovations, while delivering continuous improvements to the platform's performance, stability, and security that help increase Java's pervasiveness across organizations and industries of all sizes. The most significant updates delivered in Java 20 are: Language Updates and Improvements JEP 432 : Record Patterns (Second Preview): Enhances the Java language by allowing users to nest record patterns and type patterns to create a powerful, declarative, and composable form of data navigation and processing. This helps increase developer productivity by enabling them to extend pattern matching to allow for more sophisticated and composable data queries. Enhances the Java language by allowing users to nest record patterns and type patterns to create a powerful, declarative, and composable form of data navigation and processing. This helps increase developer productivity by enabling them to extend pattern matching to allow for more sophisticated and composable data queries. JEP 433: Pattern Matching for Switch (Fourth Preview): By extending pattern matching to switch, an expression can be tested against a number of patterns each with a specific action so that complex data-oriented queries can be expressed concisely and safely. Expanding the expressiveness and applicability of switch expressions and statements helps increase developer productivity. Project Loom Preview/Incubator Features JEP 429 : Scoped Values (Incubator): Enables the sharing of immutable data within and across threads, which are preferred to thread-local variables especially when using large numbers of virtual threads. This increases ease-of-use, comprehensibility, robustness, and performance. Enables the sharing of immutable data within and across threads, which are preferred to thread-local variables especially when using large numbers of virtual threads. This increases ease-of-use, comprehensibility, robustness, and performance. JEP 436 : Virtual Threads (Second Preview) : Significantly streamline the process of writing, maintaining, and observing high-throughput, concurrent applications by introducing lightweight virtual threads to the Java Platform. By enabling developers to easily troubleshoot, debug, and profile concurrent applications with existing JDK tools and techniques, virtual threads helps accelerate application development. : Significantly streamline the process of writing, maintaining, and observing high-throughput, concurrent applications by introducing lightweight virtual threads to the Java Platform. By enabling developers to easily troubleshoot, debug, and profile concurrent applications with existing JDK tools and techniques, virtual threads helps accelerate application development. JEP 437: Structured Concurrency (Second Incubator): Simplifies multithreaded programming by treating multiple tasks running in different threads as a single unit of work. This helps development teams streamline error handling and cancellation, improve reliability, and enhance observability. Project Panama Preview Features JEP 434 : Foreign Function & Memory API (Second Preview): Enables Java programs to interoperate with code and data outside of the Java runtime. By efficiently invoking foreign functions (i.e., code outside the Java Virtual Machine [JVM]), and by safely accessing foreign memory (i.e., memory not managed by the JVM), this feature enables Java programs to call native libraries and process native data without requiring the Java Native Interface. This increases ease-of-use, performance, and safety. Enables Java programs to interoperate with code and data outside of the Java runtime. By efficiently invoking foreign functions (i.e., code outside the Java Virtual Machine [JVM]), and by safely accessing foreign memory (i.e., memory not managed by the JVM), this feature enables Java programs to call native libraries and process native data without requiring the Java Native Interface. This increases ease-of-use, performance, and safety. JEP 438: Vector API (Fifth Incubator): Expresses vector computations that reliably compile at runtime to vector instructions on supported CPU architectures. This increases performance compared to equivalent scalar computations. The Java 20 release is the result of extensive collaboration between Oracle engineers and other members of the worldwide Java developer community via OpenJDK and the Java Community Process (JCP). In addition to the new enhancements, Java 20 is supported by Java Management Service an Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) native service which provides a single pane of glass to help organizations manage Java runtimes and applications on-premises or on any cloud. Supporting Java Customers and the Global Ecosystem The Oracle Java Universal SE Subscription is a pay-as-you-go offering that provides customers with best-in-class support, including triage support for your entire Java portfolio, entitlement to GraalVM Enterprise, the Java SE Subscription Enterprise Performance Pack, access to the advanced features of the Java Management Service, and the flexibility to upgrade at the pace of their businesses. This helps IT organizations manage complexity, contain costs, and mitigate security risks. In addition, Oracle Java SE, GraalVM Enterprise, and the Java SE Subscription Enterprise Performance Pack are available free of charge on OCI, enabling developers to build and deploy applications that run faster, better, and with unbeatable cost-performance on Oracle Cloud. To learn more about Java and its global ecosystem, please visit: Dev.java: The official portal for learning Java Inside.java: News and views from the members of the Java Team at Oracle Java YouTube: The official Java YouTube portal for Java learning videos Additional Resources About Oracle Oracle offers integrated suites of applications plus secure, autonomous infrastructure in the Oracle Cloud. For more information about Oracle (NYSE: ORCL), please visit us at www.oracle.com. Trademarks Oracle, Java, MySQL and NetSuite are registered trademarks of Oracle Corporation. NetSuite was the first cloud companyushering in the new era of cloud computing. 1 Source: S&P Global Market Intelligence, Voice of the Enterprise: DevOps, Workloads & Key Projects study 2022, "Q. Which of the following outcomes is your organization attempting to achieve by adopting DevOps and its continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) tools and practices?" Base: All respondents (n=498) SOURCE Oracle WASHINGTON, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Paladin Capital Group Managing Director Ciaran Martin, Paladin Strategic Advisor Congressman James Langevin, and former Paladin Managing Director and National Cyber Director Chris Inglis were named to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's (CISA) Cybersecurity Advisory Committee. Founder and Managing Partner of Paladin Capital Group Michael Steed released the following statement on their appointment: "I'm thrilled to see Congressman Langevin, Ciaran Martin, and Chris Inglis join the Cybersecurity Advisory Committee to help guide CISA on its mission to improve our nation's cyber defenses. Their knowledge and understanding of what is needed to advance cybersecurity policy and preparedness, ranging from public-private partnerships to investing in critical infrastructure, will be key to shoring up the cybersecurity of the United States now and into the future. "All three of these individuals are world-renowned experts in cybersecurity and will provide the agency with a vital perspective. Chris Inglis has successfully advised the Biden administration for two years, playing a key role in the recent release of the National Cyber Strategy. Former Congressman James Langevin was the leading voice on cybersecurity, helping to set up CISA during his time in Congress. Ciaran Martin is the founding Chief Executive of the United Kingdom's National Cyber Security Centre and overhauled the country's approach to cyber. "These brilliant individuals have provided excellent counsel to Paladin on the cybersecurity landscape, and I am confident they will exemplify Paladin's values on the Cybersecurity Advisory Committee, helping to create tangible change and lead to a more safe and secure world." You can find the announcement from CISA here. About Paladin Capital Group Paladin Capital Group was founded in 2001 and has offices in Washington DC, New York, London, Luxembourg, and Silicon Valley. As a multi-stage investor, Paladin's core strength is identifying, supporting and investing in innovative companies that develop promising, early-stage technologies to address the critical cyber and advanced technological needs of both commercial and government customers. Combining proven investment experience with deep expertise in global security, cyber technology and cutting-edge research, Paladin has invested in more than 60 companies since 2008 and has been a trusted partner to investors, entrepreneurs and governments for over two decades. For more on Paladin Capital Group, follow us on Twitter at @Paladincap and on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/paladin-capital-group or visit us at www.PaladinCapGroup.com. SOURCE Paladin Capital Group SINGAPORE, March 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Stamford American International School's Early Learning Village (ELV) was voted best international preschool by parents. A school for children ages 2 months to 6 years, infants and toddlers ages 2 to 18 months enjoy very special care in the ELV Infant Care Program. Parents Top Choice: Stamford Americans ELV recognized as best International Preschool Their unique curriculum is aligned with the USA Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Program (PYP), with STEAMInn - Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, and Innovation - integrated into the curriculum. Stamford American teachers use the Teaching Strategies GOLD Assessment System, an authentic, ongoing observation system for monitoring children's growth and development, to carefully monitor children's learning. Stamford American's daily teaching and learning approach incorporates elements of Reggio Emilia in a campus built for safe, experiential learning. The campus is a treasure trove of state-of-the-art school facilities, including six outdoor playgrounds with plenty of room to run and play, an indoor swimming pool, an air-conditioned gymnasium, a well-stocked library, and light-filled classrooms with a free-flow large balcony adjacent to each classroom. Another central tenet of Reggio is the '100 Languages of Children," which states that children have different ways of expressing their thoughts, and Stamford American strives to provide diverse opportunities for learning and expression (e.g., speaking, writing, drawing, painting, wire sculpture, clay modeling, music, dance, drama, etc.). We also do this through our world-class specialist programs, including Mandarin or Spanish, English as an Additional Language (EAL) support, and an innovative and unique English/Mandarin bilingual program. Stamford American is also the only school in Singapore to offer the world-famous Suzuki Violin Program from age 3, with the option to move to cello from KG2. In addition, physical education is offered from 18 months of age through the introduction of the acclaimed SMART Steps and Perceptual Motor Program, and the school is proud to offer the opportunity to take individual or group music lessons from age 3 through its Instrumental Music Program (IMP). Stamford American values collaboration and cooperation with parents - the school provides information in the form of weekly teacher blogs, a weekly newsletter, four quarterly reports, and two parent-teacher conferences. As an inclusive and innovative school, the school welcomes students from diverse backgrounds. Each student at Stamford American is treated as a unique individual and receives guidance, counseling, and support to discover their own potential. The school strives to foster a lifelong love of learning and provide its students with the skills they need to navigate the ups and downs on their path to becoming outstanding global citizens. SOURCE Stamford American International School HOUSTON, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Thanks to the support and contributions from art aficionados, including Houston philanthropist Franci Neely, Houston-area art lovers can enjoy The Menil Collection's brand-new exhibition , Art of the Cameroon Grassfields: A Living Heritage in Houston. The exhibit, which is now on display at the museum through July 9, 2023, debuted with a Q&A with Cameroonian artist Herve Youmbi in the main gallery of the building. Attendees were welcome to peruse Youmbi's colorful art displays like headdresses, masks, hats, royal stools, and sculptures, and cultivate a greater understanding of this unique cultural heritage. Franci Neely and the artist, Herve Youmbi The exhibition comprises an array of holdings from private collections, The Menil Collection, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Focused on portraying the artistic traditions of Cameroon, the exhibit also demonstrates the impact of the culture's global diaspora. The displays include representative artifacts from several Grassfields kingdoms in Cameroon, as well as modern works documenting the legacy of African art as impacted by colonialism and the region's rich heritage. As one of the enthusiastic financial contributors to the exhibition, Franci Neely continues to be a strong supporter of the arts in her local Houston community. Neely is also the co-chair for the Art of the Islamic Worlds subcommittees for the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and sits on the board of trustees for The Menil Foundation. Her other philanthropic efforts often focus on supporting artistic endeavors, as established by her co-founding of the Houston Cinema Arts Society. Neely also sits on the board for the Moody Center for the Arts at Rice University. Extending beyond the arts, she recently donated $250,000 to the Hermann Park Conservancy in the name of her grandchildren to fund an interactive water-play feature. About Franci Neely Franci Neely is a Houston-based philanthropist dedicated to creating awareness around community programs in the arts. Having retired from active practice as an attorney, Neely now focuses her efforts on volunteerism and patronage to make a direct impact in and around Houston. She sits on the board of several art committees, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston , and strives to bring diversity and inclusion to arts programming in meaningful ways throughout the city. She formed the Franci Neely Foundation in 1999 to ensure the regular gifting of funds for higher education and the arts. To learn more, visit francineely.com . Contact Jonathan Loeck 518-886-4186 [email protected] SOURCE Franci Neely MONACO, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health presents a never-before-seen analysis realized with world-leading researchers from the fields of healthcare, the ocean and the environment to quantify plastic's considerable risks to all life on earth: The Plastic Life Cycle Plastic causes disease, impairment, and premature mortality at every stage of its life cycle, with the health repercussions disproportionately affecting vulnerable, low-income, minority communities, children. Toxic chemicals that are added to plastic and routinely detected in people are known to increase the risk of miscarriage, obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancers. Plastic waste is ubiquitous in the ocean, on which we depend for oxygen, food and livelihoods, contaminating the water, the sea floor, entering the marine food chain. To view the Multimedia News Release, please click: https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/9150051-plastic-threatens-human-and-planetary-health/ The Commission concludes that current plastic production, use, and disposal patterns are not sustainable and are responsible for significant harm to human health, the environment, and the economy. It recommends establishing health-protective standards for plastic chemicals under the Global Plastics Treaty, requiring testing all polymers and plastics chemicals for toxicity before entering markets, as well as post-market surveillance. Professor Sarah Dunlop, Head of Plastics and Human Health at Minderoo Foundation explains: "These findings put us on an unequivocal path to demand the banning or severely restricting of unnecessary, avoidable, problematic plastic items, many of which contain hazardous chemicals with links to horrific harm to people and the planet. Dr Philip Landrigan, Director of the Global Observatory on Planetary Health at Boston College is particularly concerned about the lack of progress made by regulators. "Very few details about the identity, chemical makeup, potential toxicity of plastic chemicals are disclosed by plastic producers. In most countries, they are under no legal obligation to do so." Regarding marine biology, the Commission's findings reveal a greater need for measurement of the effects of plastic on marine species, especially concerning the ingestion of micro and nano particles. Dr Herve Raps, Physician at Centre Scientifique de Monaco, explains "Plastic waste endangers the ocean ecosystems upon which all humanity depends. Besides their intrinsic effects, plastics can also be a vector for potentially pathogenic microorganisms." The positive news is that the Commission reports that many of plastics' harms can be avoided via better production practices, alternative design, less toxic chemicals, decreased consumption. Full report Centre Scientifique de Monaco Thierry Apparu Email: [email protected] Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2034711/Plastic_Life_Cycle.jpg SOURCE Minderoo Foundation; Boston College; Centre Scientifique de Monaco Capsulomics, announces official rebrand as Previse and launches their first product to enable accurate prognosis and detection data for those prone to Esophageal Cancer. BALTIMORE, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Previse, formerly known as Capsulomics, Inc., announced that the company has closed a $3M seed round and launched its first laboratory-developed test, Esopredict. Esophageal cancer is one of the most lethal cancers in the world, with a 20% five-year survival rate after diagnosis. According to the American Cancer Society, in 2023, about 21,560 new US cases of esophageal cancer will be diagnosed, and 16,120 people will die from the disease. To improve survival, it is critical to know which patients with the precursor to esophageal cancer, Barrett's esophagus, will progress to having high-grade dysplasia or esophageal cancer in the future. Capsulomics, announces official rebrand as Previse and launches their first esophageal cancer assay Tweet this In order to meet this important unmet medical need, Previse is offering Esopredict, a precision medicine solution that allows gastroenterologists to provide a tailored approach to Barrett's esophagus treatment. "Our pioneering effort to introduce a first-of-its-kind test to market is a testament to our unwavering commitment to offer advanced solutions to gastroenterologists in their pursuit of providing a proactive and personalized approach to the treatment of Barrett's esophagus and the prevention of esophageal cancer. We look forward to empowering individuals who are predisposed to this disease, along with their physicians, with the ability to make informed and rapid treatment decisions, leading to lives saved." - Daniel Lunz, Co-Founder and CEO of Previse. Barrett's esophagus is a condition in which the tissue lining the esophagus changes and becomes similar to the tissue that lines the intestines. This condition is often caused by long-term acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Barrett's esophagus is the only known precursor and is a significant risk factor for developing esophageal cancer, and patients with this condition require ongoing monitoring and management. With Esopredict, gastroenterologists can provide a more tailored approach to treatment based on each patient's individual characteristics and needs. "After dedicating decades of my career to cancer research, I am proud to launch Esopredict with the Previse team. With the specific data provided by Esopredict, GI specialists can now provide critical information to patients and health care providers, effectively managing risk of a future cancer diagnosis which could ultimately lead to lives." Dr. Stephen Meltzer, Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Previse. Esopredict delivers timely and accurate risk predictions over a 5-year horizon and identifies changes in the DNA methylation levels of four genes, using a sample of a patient's Barrett's esophagus cells to provide a result report called the Esoscore. The Esoscore helps determine a patient's future risk of getting esophageal cancer and will help gastroenterologists determine the appropriate treatment, steps, and surveillance needs for their patients with Barrett's esophagus. In addition to launching Esopredict, Previse also raised a $3M seed round, with participation from TEDCO, Wexford Science and Technology, Riptide Ventures, Gaingels, and numerous angel investors. "The Wexford ScitTech Venture Fund is proud to support innovative life science companies like Previse that are translating discoveries from the university laboratory to making a difference in the lives of people around the world," said Thomas Osha, president of the fund and Executive Vice President, Wexford Science & Technology. "We believe in the Previse team, their innovative technology, and are pleased to make them the inaugural investment from our newly established fund," Osha continued. Previse will use the seed funding to rapidly expand commercial operations and to build prospective clinical utility research that is the cornerstone for creating broad insurance coverage and reimbursement for Esopredict. About Previse: Previse is on a mission to save lives through the earlier detection and prevention of cancer, starting with esophageal cancer. They are actively working to get patients and healthcare providers the answers they need sooner by understanding and unlocking the power of biomarkers on cancer development and severity. Previse's technology was made possible by grants from the National Institutes of Health ("NIH") and developed after decades of research by the GI Early Detection Biomarker Lab at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. SOURCE Previse The instability of the zinc oxide polar surface is key to understanding this phenomenon, finds a new study BUSAN, South Korea, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The high rate of anisotropic evaporation of the zinc oxide (ZnO) (0001) polar surface has been long known but remained unexplained. Now, a group of researchers from Korea, Germany, and France has explained this phenomenon using atomic-scale observations and computational simulations. The results show that a polarity-driven surface disorder is responsible for driving the fast evaporation and growth of ZnO along the [0001] direction. The finding could open doors to more efficient and durable catalysts. Pusan National University Researchers Explain the Mechanism Behind High Anisotropic Evaporation Rate of Zinc Oxide Polar Surface Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a popular metal-oxide semiconductor owing to its applicability in electronic devices, photovoltaics, sensors, and catalysis of chemical reactions. However, a curious phenomenon has made ZnO particularly interesting to scientists: the rate of evaporation of the ZnO (0001) polar surface at high temperatures is observed to be much higher than that predicted by thermodynamic calculations. So far, no satisfactory explanation of the observed high evaporation rate exists. But, scientists believe that it could be related to the intrinsic instability of the ZnO polar surface. Fortunately, a team of scientists led by Associate Professor Jaekwang Lee from Pusan National University, Korea have now offered insights into this phenomenon by looking at what goes on during the evaporation at the atomic scale. Their research was made available online on September 24, 2022 and published in Volume 13 of the journal Nature Communications. "The high evaporation rate of ZnO polar surfaces, especially along the [0001] direction, has long remained a mystery. An understanding of the underlying mechanism, while important in its own right, could also help us design novel catalytic materials that are more efficient and durable," says Dr. Lee, explaining the team's motivation behind the study. To observe the dynamic processes at the atomic level, the team used high-resolution transmission electron microscopy to image the (0001) polar surface. They observed that the evaporation rate of the (0001) surface went up significantly at 300 C following a spontaneous formation of a catalytic quasi-liquid layer. Additionally, they found that ZnO dissociated from the surface at this temperature. To make sense of their findings, the team then performed density functional theory calculations along with molecular dynamics simulations of the ZnO slab with the quasi-liquid layer. They found that the formation of the structurally disordered and Zn-deficit quasi-liquid layer was due to the inward diffusion of Zn vacancies on the (0001) polar surface. Further, the dissociation of ZnO at 300 C was controlled by this quasi-liquid layer, which established steady-state reactions with Zn and oxygen vapors in the ZnO crystal and the atmosphere. The quasi-liquid layer catalyzed the dissociation of the ZnO lattice by injecting Zn vacancies and facilitating the desorption of oxygen molecules. "Our theoretical predictions combined with atomic-scale observations reveal that the polarity-driven surface disorder is the key structural feature responsible for the fast evaporation and growth along the c-axis of ZnO, in particular the [0001] direction," highlights Dr. Lee. "This insight provides a better understanding of the fundamental principles governing surface phenomena, and a basis for the design and development of precise thin-film deposition techniques that could have potential implications for electronics, photovoltaics, and sensor technologies," he concludes. It certainly is a win-win for both science and technology! Reference Title of original paper: Vacancy driven surface disorder catalyzes anisotropic evaporation of ZnO (0001) polar surface Journal: Nature Communications DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-33353-2 *Corresponding authors' emails: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] Your Press Release Source Pusan National University Website: https://www.pusan.ac.kr/eng/Main.do Contact: Jae-Eun Lee 82 51 510 7928 [email protected] SOURCE Pusan National University The Numismatic Cabinet of James Allaire Millholland is Worth in Excess of $1 Million COSTA MESA, Calif., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Stack's Bowers Galleries is very proud to present for the first time the collection of James Allaire Millholland, a coin collection valued at over $1 Million that has been locked away for more than 120 years. Millholland Collection Millholland Collection The Millholland Collection brings us back in time for a rare glimpse at old-school collecting, beautifully laid out in custom-built wood trays and cabinets. Stack's Bowers Galleries expects great excitement when the approximately 550 coins in the collection cross the auction block in their Official Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Spring Expo, March 21st and 22nd in Baltimore. After having been tucked away for well over a century, Stack's Bowers Galleries is honored to bring Millholland's collection to the numismatic market. Nowadays, it is unheard of to come across a private collection that has remained untouched and intact for over a century, as most collections dating to the 19th century have long since been dispersed or are in museum collections. The collection includes all denominations from the half cent through the silver dollar and begins with the 1790s-era coins struck for general circulation, with Proofs predominating with coins of the 1860s and later. About one third of the collection is composed of Proofs and some of these were very possibly purchased directly from the Mint. Stack's Bowers Galleries team has highlighted several pieces from the Millholland Collection, especially the 1865 Proof Liberty Seated dollar, which is third-party graded by PCGS as Proof-66+ (on a scale of 1 to 70), putting this lovely specimen in the upper echelon of its date and type with few finer pieces extant. About Stack's Bowers Galleries Stack's Bowers Galleries conducts live, Internet and specialized auctions of rare U.S. and world coins and currency and ancient coins, as well as direct sales through retail and wholesale channels. The company's 80-year legacy includes the cataloging and sale of many of the most valuable United States coin and currency collections to ever cross an auction block. Topping off its amazing numismatic history is the inclusion of the world record for the highest price ever realized at auction for a rare coin, the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar graded Specimen-66 (PCGS) that realized over $10 million, part of their sale of the famed Cardinal Collection. The company is headquartered in Santa Ana, California, with offices in New York, Tulsa, Wolfeboro, Hong Kong, and Paris. Stack's Bowers Galleries is an Official Auctioneer for several important numismatic conventions, including American Numismatic Association events, the New York International Numismatic Convention, the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Spring, Summer and Winter Expos, and its April and August Hong Kong Auctions. Contact: Jarrod Holland 9104313322 [email protected] SOURCE Stack's Bowers GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- "Are you thinking about your thinking?" For students at Cross Creek Charter Academy, a National Heritage Academies (NHA) school, the question is part of a program that aims to improve their reading comprehension strategies. Kristin Scherkenbach, a K-5 academic specialist, and Jennifer Kidd, a fourth grade teacher, signed up for a professional development program called Ignite Engagement that encourages more engagement with children and studies the book by Ellin Oliver Keene "Engaging Children: Igniting the Drive for Deeper Learning." Ignite Engagement, recently named by the Michigan Department of Education as a promising practice, gives students strategies to improve their independent reading comprehension. This begins with "metacognition," or the process of making students aware of how they're using these strategies. That the study coincided with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on student learning made the topic of engagement even more important than they could have realized at the time. "Reading strategies has been around for a long time, that is not new," Scherkenbach said. "But the intentionality of it and trying to connect it to student independent reading, we're trying to make that more concrete for the kids." Why Reading Comprehension Is Important Kidd and Scherkenbach were accepted into the program in 2019, but the COVID-19 pandemic altered their plans in spring 2020. They stayed connected to the program and resumed the study in fall 2020, but things looked much different with virtual meetings. With the foundational learning of the program complete by the 2022-23 school year, they were encouraged by Keene to create a research project to determine if a certain type of instruction can bring change around a problem. They chose to focus on students disengaging from books. Scherkenbach said she noticed a significant percentage of children, as much as almost half, struggling to stay engaged with books. Their hypothesis: That explicitly teaching children thinking strategies will lead to deeper comprehension and more authentic engagement while reading. "I had been noticing in students the problem of picking up a book and reading it, but either not really understanding what they're reading, or picking up a book, reading a few pages and putting it back on the shelf," she said. "During independent reading time, they would have a book out in front of them, but from their eyes you could tell they're not actually reading. They're pretending to read, or they're looking around the room. They're very disengaged from the reading that they're doing." While Cross Creek has outperformed the local district for 13 years, along with the impact of NHA schools' English Language Arts lessons and that students have participated in Read Alouds to cultivate a positive relationship with reading, Scherkenbach felt the study would instill a strategic approach for young readers. "A student would read through a book independently and not understand the book," she said. "While skills and instruction are important, during the independent reading portion of class, kids need to understand how to solve the problems they encounter when they're reading independently instead of just plowing forward, seemingly unaware that they are even experiencing problems. That's our driving force behind the project." The pre-assessment had students read a passage followed by questions asking what they were thinking about as they read and what problems they had with the article. Nearly all of the students said they had no problems or misunderstandings after reading a nonfiction article about the Florida Everglades, which gave Scherkenbach pause. "As an adult, I read the article, and I had to reread a couple sections because I couldn't quite understand what was happening, and I'm a very voracious reader," she said. Keene has worked with Kidd and Scherkenbach since 2018 and flew in from Colorado to visit Cross Creek in November to model a lesson for teachers. She has visited the classroom several times, stressing strategies such as monitoring for meaning, when students listen to their inner voice while they read. The Results: Showing Improvement Toward the middle of the school year, Scherkenbach asked one fourth grader to talk about what they were thinking about after silently reading a few pages. The student recalled and applied the term "metacognition" to the exercise long after hearing the term from Keene. Other students Scherkenbach is working with through intervention curriculum are giving more detailed responses of their thoughts instead of copying a sentence from the book. The students were assessed on a five-point scale in the pre-assessment and post-assessment. Their grades in trimester 1 were an average of 2.39, and 2.55 in trimester 2. Scores on the pre-assessment for thinking aloud were an average of 2, and 2.5 in the post-assessment. Scores on pre-assessment for monitoring for meaning were an average of 2.3, and 2.5 in the post-assessment. With the study in the post-assessment stage, how to proceed is still to be determined. Scherkenbach is hopeful that some of the lessons can be incorporated into curriculum and be shared with other Cross Creek teachers. "We are pleased to see growth but know there is more work to be done," she said. "The students are very used to taking assessments that require them to answer multiple choice questions. The strategy assessments we are administering require a much deeper level of thinking. We know our work is not done but believe the time we are investing into teaching these strategies will lead to higher student engagement." About National Heritage Academies: National Heritage Academies (NHA) is a network of 99 tuition-free, public charter schools across nine states, serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. For more information, visit nhaschools.com. SOURCE National Heritage Academies RRx-001 is a small molecule direct NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor with activity in cancer, neurodegeneration, and other inflammatory conditions RRx-001 is the most advanced direct NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor in clinical development, having been evaluated in over 300 patients TORREY PINES, Calif., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- EpicentRx Inc. ("EpicentRx"), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company, announced today the publication of a review article on its small molecule, RRx-001, a direct NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor with activity in cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and other inflammatory conditions. The article is entitled, A Review of RRx-001: A Late-Stage Multi-Indication Inhibitor of NLRP3 Activation and Chronic Inflammation. This is the first publication from the collaboration between EpicentRx and Associate Professor Richard Gordon's team based at the Queensland University of Technology's Centre for Microbiome Research (CMR) and the Translational Research Institute (TRI). Dr. Gordon is an internationally recognized expert on inflammasome signaling in neurodegenerative diseases. EpicentRx and Dr. Gordon's team were awarded research grants from the Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF), Shake It Up Australia Foundation, and Fight MND to study the neuroprotective effects of RRx-001 in Parkinson's Disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). RRx-001 is one of the most advanced direct NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors in clinical development and has been evaluated in over 300 multimorbid cancer patients both alone and in combination with other therapies. Currently in a Phase 3 trial for the treatment of small cell lung cancer, RRx-001 is also in late-stage development as an anti-mucositis agent in head and neck cancer and as a medical countermeasure against acute radiation syndrome (ARS) in the event of nuclear fallout. RRx-001 has been evaluated in multiple independent studies for conditions where immune and inflammasome activation contribute to disease pathology. These include cancer, myocardial infarction, pulmonary hypertension, acute kidney injury, acute radiation syndrome (ARS), malaria, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Lead author Dr. Nanthini Jayabalan, a senior researcher working on the CNS RRx-001 program in Dr. Gordon's lab said, "Our review article synthesizes the wealth of data on RRx-001 to date, which supports its disease-modifying potential in a range of conditions." Added Dr. Gordon: "Emerging evidence suggests, chronic, unresolving inflammation is present in most if not all neurological diseases, and this makes RRx-001 an attractive therapeutic agent for neuroprotection given its track record in human studies." About EpicentRx, Inc. EpicentRx is a leading-edge clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with a complementary pipeline of small molecules, novel drug delivery devices, and cancer selective virus platforms that target inflammatory diseases of significant unmet need. For more information visit www.epicentrx.com. SOURCE EpicentRx, Inc. MONTREAL, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - After deploying the fleet fuel and maintenance management solution for RIPTA, Coencorp, a leading fleet management solutions provider, received a second order to supply their SM2-FUEL MOBILE system for three RIPTA tanker trucks. Just before the pandemic, Coencorp was awarded a contract to provide the SM2 fleet fuel and maintenance management solution to the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority. The two main facilities in Providence and Newport were fully integrated, including the fuel bay areas and reels, valves, and pulsars for 300 different products. The installation of the hardware was delayed due to the pandemic restrictions; however, the project has now been completed and is within budget. As a result of the success of the first project, RIPTA has awarded Coencorp an order for the SM2-FUEL MOBILE system to outfit three fuel tanker trucks. This further completes a fully integrated fleet fuel and maintenance management solution the transit authority needs. RIPTA started in 1966 and now employs over 800 people and serves over 36,000 commuters in 36 communities daily with a fleet of over 260 vehicles. Ali Tavassoli, President and CEO of Coencorp comments, "We are pleased to finish the initial stage of this project despite the challenges the pandemic presented. We are happy to have received this second order from RIPTA for their three mobile fueling trucks . This is a testament to the trust RIPTA has in Coencorp's fully integrated fleet fuel and maintenance management solution. Coencorp got its start providing fleet solutions to transit companies over 30 years ago, and we welcome RIPTA to the family." Full implementation of the SM2-FUEL MOBILE system to the three fuel trucks is expected to be completed very soon. About Coencorp: Founded in 1991, Coencorp is a leading provider of automated fleet and fuel management solutions. Coencorp develops, manufactures, markets, and supports sophisticated hardware/software systems that efficiently manage fleets of 50 or more vehicles. Coencorp's mission is to improve its clients' bottom line by reducing their highest operating expenses, namely labor, fuel, and asset tracking & maintenance. Coencorp systems are used globally to manage commercial and industrial fleets of all sizes in diverse sectors, including municipalities, public transit, national defense, oil & gas, mining, construction, transportation, utilities, private fleets, and automobile dealerships. SOURCE Coencorp SHANGHAI, March 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Robooter will showcase a lineup of products at Naidex 2023, an international healthcare and rehabilitation exhibition held in Birmingham, UK from March 22 to March 23, 2023. Robooter's booth will be located at No. D71, Hall 20 of the International Convention Centre (ICC), Birmingham. Robooter is participating in the UK exhibition for the first time, marking the brand's official entrance into the UK wheelchair market, and introducing an innovative, intelligent, and safe way of mobility. Highlights of the product lineup include: Robooter in Naidex Expo 2023 Robooter X40: an intelligent mobility scooter makes us experiencing the freedom and independence Robooter X40, a high-value mobility scooter, not only brightens up but also lends intelligence and meaning to the lives of seniors and persons with lower limb disabilities by expanding their social radius. With two intelligent core technologies, safe assisted driving and core motion control, the solution, based on "safety-first", creates a more powerful and superior intelligent experience, drawing the attention of numerous exhibitors. Robooter E40: a comfortable electric wheelchair that delivers the ultimate user experience. Robooter E40, the latest intelligent lightweight electric wheelchair in the Robooter series, enables information sharing and device interconnection between riders and their caregivers by integrating multiple internet elements and an intelligent concept into its design. The solution also features ergonomics, a backrest, streamlined linkage, folded structure, as well as exclusive multi-functional compartmentalized backpacks and net pockets with ample storage space, alongside a removable lithium battery that is easy to replace and charge anytime. It also comes equipped with a headlamp that lights up when touched to ensure safe travel at night. Robooter plans to continue its commitment to empowering the travel assistance sector with technology by expanding its dealer network with a focus on meeting the expectations of seniors and individuals with lower limb disabilities. About Robooter Robooter is a leading and innovative manufacturer and supplier of electric wheelchairs dedicated to creating a better life for the disabled community and the elders. Since its founding in 2016, the company has continuously led a technological revolution in the travel assistance sector by developing a series of products, including wheelchairs, mobility aids, and living aids, with the aim of bringing smarter, safer travel assistance solutions to everyone in need. For more information, please visit www.robooter.com. SOURCE Robooter Real Estate Group and Social Justice Finance Investors Sign Leading New York PR Firm NEW YORK, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Rubenstein Public Relations (RPR) today announced that two companies, both leaders in their respective fields, retained the firm as their agency of record. Equivico by the NCRC is a social justice finance firm founded by Eleni Delimpaltadaki Janis, Managing Partner, and Chief Investment Officer. Equivico stands for "equality and victory for all." The firm believes this can be achieved through the integration of capital and social impact. Equivico's mission is to create an economy that works for all. Equivico believes in a simple philosophy of advancing an inclusive economy and delivering competitive returns for investors and is driven by a strategy of inclusion with a deep conviction that financial markets can do more to fuel economic growth in underserved businesses and communities, making the world a stronger, fairer place, profitably. Equivico performs rigorous due diligence and brings an impeccable record of success in capital markets, economic development, and small business lending. Situated at the intersection of capital, community, and technology, Equivico by the NCRC is a woman-owned impact investment management firm specializing in credit funding. For our economy, in which most members of the community have been chronically underbanked, the integration of capital and social impact can help transform our economy to create true opportunity for all, fuel financial success across socio-economic status, race or ethnicity and gender and grow our economy. Led by Michael Boateng, The Capital Gold Group is a real estate company that operates in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia (DMV) area. Using cutting edge technology like 3D virtual tours, drone photography, lifestyle videos and social media exposure, The Capital Gold Group has established a significant presence in the real estate industry while maximizing sales for their clients' residential portfolios. Equivico and The Capital Gold Group will have access to RPR's team of senior practitioners who bring decades of combined media expertise across a variety of sectors. With over 30 years of experience in creating corporate messaging and brand positioning strategies that consistently produce high-quality media coverage, RPR is well-equipped to help these businesses achieve long-term, top-tier media results. "We are excited to help these progressive companies become trail blazers in their industries," RPR President Richard Rubenstein said. "With their impressive track records of success and innovation, coupled with our expertise in media relations, these partnerships are poised to stand out and thrive." About The Capital Gold Group: Licensed to sell and rent properties across the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia region, Capital Gold Group is a growing, innovative real estate and investment firm led by top 1% broker Michael Boateng. Backed by an innovative and secure technology platform, the firm's team of experienced agents is uniquely qualified to assist clients in buying, selling, renting, and investing. The award-winning firm and its agents have been recognized as top producers with an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction and the deployment of cutting-edge marketing campaigns. CGG is committed to an informative, tech-savvy, and secure client experience. CGG contributes generously to local, regional, and international communities. About Equivico: Equivico by the National Community Reinvestment Coalition provides smart capital and tools to support small businesses, change the rules hindering entrepreneurial outcomes and fosters economic success for everyone through partnership with investors, communities, and technology. Learn more at www.equivico.com. About Rubenstein Public Relations Rubenstein Public Relations (RPR) is an independent, New York-based communications agency headed by veteran publicist and respected brand architect, Richard Rubenstein. For more than three decades, RPR's intensive media relations approach and dedicated team of senior practitioners have helped clients build brand equity and reach their target audiences. The firm specializes in brand messaging development, media relations, crisis communications, and thought leadership positioning. RPR has a proven track record in executing successful public relations campaigns for leading corporate, real estate, technology, healthcare, social impact, luxury consumer, entertainment, and hospitality brands across the globe. SOURCE Rubenstein Public Relations NEW YORK, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The sanitary pumps market size is estimated to grow by USD 560.15 million between 2022 and 2027, accelerating at a CAGR of 4.33% during the forecast period. APAC will account for 52% of the market growth during the forecast period. APAC was the highest contributing region to the global sanitary pumps market in 2022, owing to the high demand for sanitary pumps from the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and semiconductor industries. Small and medium business enterprises are increasingly adopting sanitary pumps to compete with international vendors. Moreover, the market also provides significant opportunities for vendors owing to the large population and increasing urbanization. Such factors will increase the market growth in this region during the forecast period. For more insights on the historic data (2017 to 2021) and forecast market size (2023 to 2027) Request a report sample Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Sanitary Pumps Market 2023-2027 Sanitary pumps market 2023-2027: Market Dynamics Key Driver The market is driven by the rising demand for sanitary pumps in the food and beverage industry . The food and beverage industry has become more regulated in recent years as regulators impose new hygiene and sanitary standards. Developed regions such as North America and Europe are becoming more regulated, with various government agencies and associations requiring food and beverage manufacturers to maintain the highest levels of quality and safety. In addition, consumers are also shifting to organic foods, opening up new growth opportunities in the food and beverage industry market. This is expected to drive the growth of the market during the forecast period. . The food and beverage industry has become more regulated in recent years as regulators impose new hygiene and sanitary standards. Developed regions such as and are becoming more regulated, with various government agencies and associations requiring food and beverage manufacturers to maintain the highest levels of quality and safety. In addition, consumers are also shifting to organic foods, opening up new growth opportunities in the food and beverage industry market. This is expected to drive the growth of the market during the forecast period. Major Trend The adoption of air-operated, double-diaphragm pump technology is identified as the primary trend in the market. Due to their versatility, the air-driven double diaphragm pumps are suitable for sanitary applications in the food and beverage, paint and coating, and ceramics industries. In the food and beverage industry, hygienic air-driven double diaphragm pumps can handle both viscous fluids such as chocolate and materials containing solids such as soups. These pumps are suitable for wet conditions as they can also be used in the water and wastewater industry as dry pumps without electricity. Furthermore, air-operated, double-diaphragm pumps require minimal maintenance and services for repair and less cleaning up. Such factors will increase the market growth during the forecast period. Due to their versatility, the air-driven double diaphragm pumps are suitable for sanitary applications in the food and beverage, paint and coating, and ceramics industries. In the food and beverage industry, hygienic air-driven double diaphragm pumps can handle both viscous fluids such as chocolate and materials containing solids such as soups. These pumps are suitable for wet conditions as they can also be used in the water and wastewater industry as dry pumps without electricity. Furthermore, air-operated, double-diaphragm pumps require minimal maintenance and services for repair and less cleaning up. Such factors will increase the market growth during the forecast period. Market Challenge The growth of the market is affected by the volatility in raw material prices. The manufacture of pumps requires several raw materials such as steel, cast iron, brass, and bronze. These commodities are traded globally, making them highly susceptible to price fluctuations. Among all raw materials, steel and aluminum account for the highest percentage. Moreover, these pumps mainly use 316 stainless steel, because it can withstand high temperatures and the protective oxide layer helps prevent rust formation that can contaminate food. This makes 316 stainless steel suitable for use in the food, beverage, and healthcare industries. For instance, the producer price index of stainless steel was 85.4 in 2017. It increased to 108.6 in 2018, and further, it increased to 116.9 in 2019. These fluctuations are expected to impact the prices of raw materials and, in turn, the global sanitary pumps market during the forecast period. Sanitary pumps market 2023-2027: Segmentation The sanitary pumps market is segmented as below: Type Outlook (USD Million, 2017 - 2027) Kinetic sanitary pumps Positive displacement (PD) sanitary pumps End-user Outlook (USD Million, 2017 - 2027) Food and beverage Pharmaceutical and biotechnology applications Others Region Outlook (USD Million, 2017 - 2027) APAC China India North America The U.S. Canada Europe The U.K. Germany France Rest of Europe South America Brazil Argentina Middle East & Africa & Africa Saudi Arabia South Africa Rest of the Middle East & Africa Based on the type, the market will witness significant growth in the kinetic sanitary pumps segment. In processing applications, kinetic pumps often have very specific capabilities. It is made to pump fluids that contain entrained air or gases without losing their prime, which a typical centrifugal pump finds challenging. This design element makes the liquid ring pump an excellent option for clean-in-place (CIP) return pumps in high-purity process applications. Such factors will be expected to drive the segment's growth in the market during the forecast period. Get a glance of the market contribution of various segments, historic data (2017 to 2021), and forecast market size (2023 to 2027) - Download a Sample Report Sanitary pumps market 2023-2027: Scope Technavio presents a detailed picture of the market by the way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources. Our sanitary pumps market report covers the following areas: Sanitary pumps market 2023-2027 : Vendor Analysis We provide a detailed analysis of around 15 vendors operating in the power electronics market, including Alfa Laval Corporate AB, Ampco Pumps Co., Axiflow Technologies Inc., Dover Corp., Erich NETZSCH GmbH and Co. Holding KG, FRISTAM Pumpen KG GmbH and Co., GEA Group AG, IDEX Corp., INOXPA INDIA Pvt. Ltd., ITT Inc., KSB SE and Co. KGaA, LEWA GmbH, Moyno Inc., Pentair Plc, Q Pumps, Spirax Sarco Engineering Plc, SPX FLOW Inc., Sulzer Management Ltd., Verder Liquids BV, and Xylem Inc. Why Buy? Add credibility to strategy Analyzes competitor's offerings Get a holistic view of the market Grow your profit margin with Technavio Buy the Report! Sanitary pumps market 2023-2027: Key Highlights CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2023-2027 Detailed information on factors that will assist sanitary pumps market growth during the next five years Estimation of the sanitary pumps market size and its contribution to the parent market Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior The growth of the sanitary pumps market Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of sanitary pumps market vendors Related Reports: The sanitary pumps market size in the US is expected to increase by USD 69.92 million from 2021 to 2026, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 3.97%. The market is segmented by product (PD sanitary pump and centrifugal sanitary pump) and end-user (food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and others). is expected to increase by from 2021 to 2026, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 3.97%. The market is segmented by product (PD sanitary pump and centrifugal sanitary pump) and end-user (food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and others). The sanitary pumps market size in India is forecast to increase by USD 35.44 million . The market is segmented by product (PD sanitary pump and centrifugal sanitary pump) and end-user (food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and others). Gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Sanitary Pumps Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2022 Historic period 2017-2021 Forecast period 2023-2027 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 4.33% Market growth 2023-2027 USD 560.15 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 3.75 Regional analysis APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution APAC at 52% Key countries US, China, Japan, Germany, and France Competitive landscape Leading Vendors, Market Positioning of Vendors, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks Key companies profiled Alfa Laval Corporate AB, Ampco Pumps Co., Axiflow Technologies Inc., Dover Corp., Erich NETZSCH GmbH and Co. Holding KG, FRISTAM Pumpen KG GmbH and Co., GEA Group AG, IDEX Corp., INOXPA INDIA Pvt. Ltd., ITT Inc., KSB SE and Co. KGaA, LEWA GmbH, Moyno Inc., Pentair Plc, Q Pumps, Spirax Sarco Engineering Plc, SPX FLOW Inc., Sulzer Management Ltd., Verder Liquids BV, and Xylem Inc. Market dynamics Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID 19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, Market condition analysis for forecast periodCOVID-19. Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. Browse through Technavio's Industrials Market Reports Table Of Contents : 1 Executive Summary 1.1 Market overview Exhibit 01: Executive Summary Chart on Market Overview Exhibit 02: Executive Summary Data Table on Market Overview Exhibit 03: Executive Summary Chart on Global Market Characteristics Exhibit 04: Executive Summary Chart on Market by Geography Exhibit 05: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by Type Exhibit 06: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by End-user Exhibit 07: Executive Summary Chart on Incremental Growth Exhibit 08: Executive Summary Data Table on Incremental Growth Exhibit 09: Executive Summary Chart on Vendor Market Positioning 2 Market Landscape 2.1 Market ecosystem Exhibit 10: Parent market Exhibit 11: Market Characteristics 3 Market Sizing 3.1 Market definition Exhibit 12: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition 3.2 Market segment analysis Exhibit 13: Market segments 3.3 Market size 2022 3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2022-2027 Exhibit 14: Chart on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 15: Data Table on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 16: Chart on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 17: Data Table on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 4 Historic Market Size 4.1 Global sanitary pumps market 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 18: Historic Market Size Data Table on Global sanitary pumps market 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.2 Type Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 19: Historic Market Size Type Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.3 End user Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 20: Historic Market Size End user Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.4 Geography Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 21: Historic Market Size Geography Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.5 Country Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 22: Historic Market Size Country Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 5 Five Forces Analysis 5.1 Five forces summary Exhibit 23: Five forces analysis - Comparison between 2022 and 2027 5.2 Bargaining power of buyers Exhibit 24: Chart on Bargaining power of buyers Impact of key factors 2022 and 2027 5.3 Bargaining power of suppliers Exhibit 25: Bargaining power of suppliers Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.4 Threat of new entrants Exhibit 26: Threat of new entrants Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.5 Threat of substitutes Exhibit 27: Threat of substitutes Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.6 Threat of rivalry Exhibit 28: Threat of rivalry Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.7 Market condition Exhibit 29: Chart on Market condition - Five forces 2022 and 2027 6 Market Segmentation by Type 6.1 Market segments Exhibit 30: Chart on Type - Market share 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 31: Data Table on Type - Market share 2022-2027 (%) 6.2 Comparison by Type Exhibit 32: Chart on Comparison by Type Exhibit 33: Data Table on Comparison by Type 6.3 Kinetic sanitary pumps - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 34: Chart on Kinetic sanitary pumps - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 35: Data Table on Kinetic sanitary pumps - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 36: Chart on Kinetic sanitary pumps - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 37: Data Table on Kinetic sanitary pumps - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.4 Positive displacement (PD) sanitary pumps - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 38: Chart on Positive displacement (PD) sanitary pumps - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 39: Data Table on Positive displacement (PD) sanitary pumps - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 40: Chart on Positive displacement (PD) sanitary pumps - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 41: Data Table on Positive displacement (PD) sanitary pumps - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.5 Market opportunity by Type Exhibit 42: Market opportunity by Type ($ million) 7 Market Segmentation by End-user 7.1 Market segments Exhibit 43: Chart on End-user - Market share 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 44: Data Table on End-user - Market share 2022-2027 (%) 7.2 Comparison by End-user Exhibit 45: Chart on Comparison by End-user Exhibit 46: Data Table on Comparison by End-user 7.3 Food and beverage - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 47: Chart on Food and beverage - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 48: Data Table on Food and beverage - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 49: Chart on Food and beverage - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 50: Data Table on Food and beverage - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.4 Pharmaceutical and biotechnology applications - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 51: Chart on Pharmaceutical and biotechnology applications - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 52: Data Table on Pharmaceutical and biotechnology applications - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 53: Chart on Pharmaceutical and biotechnology applications - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 54: Data Table on Pharmaceutical and biotechnology applications - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.5 Others - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 55: Chart on Others - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 56: Data Table on Others - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 57: Chart on Others - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 58: Data Table on Others - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.6 Market opportunity by End-user Exhibit 59: Market opportunity by End-user ($ million) 8 Customer Landscape 8.1 Customer landscape overview Exhibit 60: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria 9 Geographic Landscape 9.1 Geographic segmentation Exhibit 61: Chart on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 62: Data Table on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%) 9.2 Geographic comparison Exhibit 63: Chart on Geographic comparison Exhibit 64: Data Table on Geographic comparison 9.3 APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 65: Chart on APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 66: Data Table on APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 67: Chart on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 68: Data Table on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.4 North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 69: Chart on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 70: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 71: Chart on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 72: Data Table on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.5 Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 73: Chart on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 74: Data Table on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 75: Chart on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 76: Data Table on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.6 South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 77: Chart on South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 78: Data Table on South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 79: Chart on South America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 80: Data Table on South America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.7 Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 81: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 82: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 83: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) and - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 84: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.8 China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 85: Chart on China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 86: Data Table on China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 87: Chart on China - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 88: Data Table on China - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.9 US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 89: Chart on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 90: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 91: Chart on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 92: Data Table on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.10 Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 93: Chart on Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 94: Data Table on Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 95: Chart on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 96: Data Table on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.11 Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 97: Chart on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 98: Data Table on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 99: Chart on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 100: Data Table on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.12 France - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 101: Chart on France - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 102: Data Table on France - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 103: Chart on France - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 104: Data Table on France - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.13 Market opportunity by geography Exhibit 105: Market opportunity by geography ($ million) 10 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10.1 Market drivers 10.2 Market challenges 10.3 Impact of drivers and challenges Exhibit 106: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2022 and 2027 10.4 Market trends 11 Vendor Landscape 11.1 Overview 11.2 Vendor landscape Exhibit 107: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation 11.3 Landscape disruption Exhibit 108: Overview on factors of disruption 11.4 Industry risks Exhibit 109: Impact of key risks on business 12 Vendor Analysis 12.1 Vendors covered Exhibit 110: Vendors covered 12.2 Market positioning of vendors Exhibit 111: Matrix on vendor position and classification 12.3 Alfa Laval Corporate AB Exhibit 112: Alfa Laval Corporate AB - Overview Exhibit 113: Alfa Laval Corporate AB - Business segments Exhibit 114: Alfa Laval Corporate AB - Key news Exhibit 115: Alfa Laval Corporate AB - Key offerings Exhibit 116: Alfa Laval Corporate AB - Segment focus 12.4 Ampco Pumps Co. Exhibit 117: Ampco Pumps Co. - Overview Exhibit 118: Ampco Pumps Co. - Product / Service Exhibit 119: Ampco Pumps Co. - Key offerings 12.5 Axiflow Technologies Inc. Exhibit 120: Axiflow Technologies Inc. - Overview Exhibit 121: Axiflow Technologies Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 122: Axiflow Technologies Inc. - Key offerings 12.6 Dover Corp. Exhibit 123: Dover Corp. - Overview Exhibit 124: Dover Corp. - Business segments Exhibit 125: Dover Corp. - Key news Exhibit 126: Dover Corp. - Key offerings Exhibit 127: Dover Corp. - Segment focus 12.7 Erich NETZSCH GmbH and Co. Holding KG Exhibit 128: Erich NETZSCH GmbH and Co. Holding KG - Overview Exhibit 129: Erich NETZSCH GmbH and Co. Holding KG - Product / Service Exhibit 130: Erich NETZSCH GmbH and Co. Holding KG - Key offerings 12.8 FRISTAM Pumpen KG GmbH and Co. Exhibit 131: FRISTAM Pumpen KG GmbH and Co. - Overview Exhibit 132: FRISTAM Pumpen KG GmbH and Co. - Product / Service Exhibit 133: FRISTAM Pumpen KG GmbH and Co. - Key offerings 12.9 GEA Group AG Exhibit 134: GEA Group AG - Overview Exhibit 135: GEA Group AG - Business segments Exhibit 136: GEA Group AG - Key offerings Exhibit 137: GEA Group AG - Segment focus 12.10 IDEX Corp. Exhibit 138: IDEX Corp. - Overview Exhibit 139: IDEX Corp. - Business segments Exhibit 140: IDEX Corp. - Key offerings Exhibit 141: IDEX Corp. - Segment focus 12.11 ITT Inc. Exhibit 142: ITT Inc. - Overview Exhibit 143: ITT Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 144: ITT Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 145: ITT Inc. - Segment focus 12.12 KSB SE and Co. KGaA Exhibit 146: KSB SE and Co. KGaA - Overview Exhibit 147: KSB SE and Co. KGaA - Business segments Exhibit 148: KSB SE and Co. KGaA - Key offerings Exhibit 149: KSB SE and Co. KGaA - Segment focus 12.13 LEWA GmbH Exhibit 150: LEWA GmbH - Overview Exhibit 151: LEWA GmbH - Product / Service Exhibit 152: LEWA GmbH - Key offerings 12.14 Spirax Sarco Engineering Plc Exhibit 153: Spirax Sarco Engineering Plc - Overview Exhibit 154: Spirax Sarco Engineering Plc - Business segments Exhibit 155: Spirax Sarco Engineering Plc - Key offerings Exhibit 156: Spirax Sarco Engineering Plc - Segment focus 12.15 SPX FLOW Inc. Exhibit 157: SPX FLOW Inc. - Overview Exhibit 158: SPX FLOW Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 159: SPX FLOW Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 160: SPX FLOW Inc. - Segment focus 12.16 Sulzer Management Ltd. Exhibit 161: Sulzer Management Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 162: Sulzer Management Ltd. - Business segments Exhibit 163: Sulzer Management Ltd. - Key news Exhibit 164: Sulzer Management Ltd. - Key offerings Exhibit 165: Sulzer Management Ltd. - Segment focus 12.17 Xylem Inc. Exhibit 166: Xylem Inc. - Overview Exhibit 167: Xylem Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 168: Xylem Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 169: Xylem Inc. - Segment focus 13 Appendix 13.1 Scope of the report 13.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist Exhibit 170: Inclusions checklist Exhibit 171: Exclusions checklist 13.3 Currency conversion rates for US$ Exhibit 172: Currency conversion rates for US$ 13.4 Research methodology Exhibit 173: Research methodology Exhibit 174: Validation techniques employed for market sizing Exhibit 175: Information sources 13.5 List of abbreviations Exhibit 176: List of abbreviations About Us Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contact Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio SODERTALJE, Sweden, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In a major step-change, Scania is now introducing trucks and buses with digital dash-boards, based on a modular electronics architecture and accompanied by a range of new safety features. Smart Dash, the digital dashboard, is the building block for paving the way for digital services, increased safety and improved user experiences for Scania customers and drivers. Smart Dash, a digital dashboard with Centre Information Display Offering seamless daily digital support for drivers and operators together with solutions such as My Scania and Scania Driver App New electrical system architecture, compliant with the EU's new General Safety Regulation and the UN's new cyber-security regulations Enabling OTA updates, potentially via superfast 5G connections Improved human machine interface (HMI) the Smart Dash solution is essential to Scania's increased focus on safety. "This introduction represents a step change in Scania's offering within the transport ecosystem," says Stefan Dorski, Senior Vice President, Head of Scania Trucks. "What our customers will experience in Smart Dash-equipped vehicles is the palpable part of Scania's next level offer and ambition regarding digitalisation, connectivity and safety. It all boils down to enabling outstanding user experiences when combining Scania vehicles and our digital services and solutions." Smart Dash has been developed in accordance with Scania's modular system for digital tailored solutions. It comes in different performance steps, but they all have the modular structure in common, thus providing for seamless co-existence with other digital Scania solutions such as My Scania or Scania Driver App. "We regard Smart Dash as a core part of our digital ecosystem and as a great means for empowering the drivers," says Dorski. "It will give them superior access to all kinds of relevant information when driving and support them in performing other kinds of tasks when they have parked via, for instance, Scania Driver App and My Scania. These solutions are all linked together and offer a truly productive user experience." The new EU General Safety Regulations will make various safety-oriented features mandatory for heavy commercial vehicles from July 2024. The new regulations, UNECE R155 and R156, will also apply to cyber-security technologies, aiming at pre-venting and mitigating tampering with vehicles. Scania has developed a new electrical system architecture, common for both trucks and buses. This new architecture enables smarter and quicker communication, cyber security at an even higher level and complies with the new demands. "For Scania, these new demands coincide with our ambition for creating a solutions-oriented architecture that supports our customers on their digitalisation journey," says Dorski. "The next level of premium experiences in the trucking industry will focus a lot on the kind of connected functionality in and around the truck we offer. Over-the-air updates and smart services on demand will create new opportunities for Scania customers and make their operations safer and more profitable with increased uptime and efficiency." Scania is a core player in active and passive safety solutions in the trucking industry, with unique options such as the much-praised rollover side curtain airbags. Scania is increasing its focus on active safety systems with new generation cameras, radar and sensors. The introduction of new supportive safety and warning systems will help drivers to avoid the kind of incidents that often occur in busy and cramped urban environments. "We have noticed increased customer expectations for supportive safety features," says Dorski. "Aspects such as influence from the passenger car side may have been an eye-opener for many to become aware of how useful these systems are. Not only will they save lives, they will also help increase productivity while reducing stress levels and burdens for the drivers, making them more street-smart." Scania owners will also be able to use smart Connected maps for their navigation systems and to enjoy OTA updates for their vehicles, thus vastly reducing the need for attending Scania workshops for software updates. The different performance steps of Smart Dash will replace Scania's current solutions and can be ordered now for trucks that will be produced early in 2024. For further information, please contact: Orjan Aslund, Head of Product Affairs, Scania Trucks Phone: +46 70 289 83 78; email: [email protected] The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/209/3737688/1930317.pdf Scania is introducing a digital dashboard _ https://news.cision.com/scania/i/21074-075-16-7,c3158224 21074-075 16-7 https://news.cision.com/scania/i/ddw-truck-16-9,c3158262 DDW Truck-16-9 https://news.cision.com/scania/i/ddw-coach-16-9,c3158263 DDW-Coach-16-9 SOURCE Scania MIAMI, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SchoolWise Partners, the nation's leading sell-side advisor to owners of early childhood, primary and secondary schools, announced on February 17th, 2023 that it acted as the exclusive financial advisor to both The Suzuki School and the Montessori Teacher Education Institute (MTEI), in their sale to Cadence Education, a leading early education provider. The Suzuki School, a paradigm for excellence in the field of early childhood education, was founded in 1976. It is among the first schools of its kind in the United States. MTEI was founded in 2013 to address the need to provide professional development to aspiring teachers. MTEI is a teacher training facility that has turned out some of the country's leading educators over the years and many of America's schools play host to its graduates. "We are thankful to SchoolWise Partners, who acted as the exclusive sell-side advisor to The Suzuki School, our family and our shareholders on this transaction. I was attracted to Cadence Education because of its commitment to quality education and high standards. I knew it would continue the legacy that our original founder, Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, began in 1976 when the school was founded and that new opportunities for our highly committed employees would arise. Over the last five decades we have diligently worked to build an outstanding reputation. " said Paula Charles, President and CEO of The Suzuki School. "We are delighted to announce the acquisition of The Suzuki School and the Montessori Teacher Education Institute of Atlanta as they both become part of the Cadence Education family," said Leigh-Ellen Louie, CEO of Cadence Education. "As the exclusive sell-side advisor for The Suzuki School, MTEI, and their shareholders, we are pleased to have consummated a highly successful transaction. It was a delight working with Paula and our team ran a discreet, strategic and competitive process to achieve a fantastic outcome for her and her team." Ben Mayer, Managing Partner of SchoolWise Partners said. "I am happy for Paula and Robert Charles, their partners, and the rest of The Suzuki School family. We believe Cadence Education is a strong partner to help write the school's next chapter and will look forward to cheering them on. We couldn't be more pleased for The Suzuki School team with whom we worked closely throughout this transaction." Charlie Zamora, Managing Partner of SchoolWise Partners said. Deal Team Contacts Ben Mayer, Managing Partner Charlie Zamora, Managing Partner Donny Steinmetz, Vice President Jefferson Betancourt, Vice President Taylor Mayfield, Associate Arjun Shah, Associate About SchoolWise Partners SchoolWise Partners (SwP) is the nation's leading sell-side advisory firm that provides strategic services to owners and operators of preschools, primary, and secondary schools. SwP's principals and its team have deep experience as former owners of 42 private schools combined with profound institutional knowledge in the fields of finance, private equity, investment banking, and accounting. It is uniquely positioned as an advisor to school owners and, since its founding, SwP has helped hundreds of owners throughout the U.S. realize value in excess of $1 billion. SchoolWise Partners' passion for education inspires us to not only create value for our clients. We exclusively assist owners of early childhood, primary, and secondary school owners realize value that is often left behind because they are under-represented. SwP's mission is to ensure all the hard work that school owners invest to educate America's children is returned to them at the appropriate time and in the appropriate manner. We strive to embody the highest standards of integrity, excellence, commitment, stewardship, and partnership. www.schoolwisepartners.com About The Suzuki School and the Montessori Teacher Education Institute Established in 1976, The Suzuki Schools are among the premier providers of early childhood education in the country, serving children between the ages of 3 months and 6 years old across three (3) prime locations in Atlanta, Georgia. MTEI is a leading teacher training facility. It is one of America's elite schools. www.cadence-education.com Contact Jefferson Betancourt Vice President [email protected] SOURCE SchoolWise Partners The company's adaptive and autonomous access solution liberates businesses from traditional security bottlenecks while fueling collaboration and innovation SEATTLE, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Oleria, a security company that sets businesses free with adaptive and autonomous access solutions, today announced its emergence from stealth mode and $8 million in seed funding. The funding round was led by Salesforce Ventures, with participation from Tapestry VC and angel investors including CEOs and CISOs of prominent tech and security companies. Founded by industry luminary and former Salesforce Chief Trust Officer (CISO) Jim Alkove, and identity solutions product executive and former JumpCloud Chief Product Officer Jagadeesh Kunda, Oleria envisions a world where organizations no longer have to choose between security and speed of innovation. By providing adaptive security solutions that enable organizations to continuously respond to their ever-changing access needs, Oleria empowers teams to freely pursue their best ideas and allow businesses to accelerate while remaining confident that sensitive data is secure. "I've spent my career in some of the largest companies in the world, and have been continuously frustrated by the efforts expended to give just the right people the right access at the right time, only to be disappointed time and again," said Jim Alkove, Oleria CEO and co-founder. "Oleria provides adaptive and autonomous security that scales with businesses and provides the freedom to pursue business objectives, while offering CISOs peace of mind that access is appropriate and risk is minimized. When businesses are secure, they are free to innovate and keep pace with our changing world." According to Gartner, "by 2026, 70% of identity-first security strategies will fail unless organizations adopt context-based access policies that are continuous and consistent." Oleria's founders are designing the solution to meet these demands by providing appropriate access to the right users, at the right time, for the right duration, all with a relentless focus on user experience. The platform continuously assesses and validates the people, applications and assets involved in each digital interaction and adapts to specific context and changing needs. "Building a security solution that is not only effective but also flexible and adaptive is a challenge that will take the exceptional experience and vision of the Oleria founders to solve," said Salesforce Ventures investor Kartik Gupta. "This team has already built industry-leading security products for businesses and consumers, and this time they are going even bigger. We are thrilled to join Oleria in its journey to redefine what the next generation of identity security means." Oleria's founders have decades of experience leading security and product development at companies including Microsoft, Salesforce, AWS, Oracle and Nest. They have built and managed some of the world's largest security solutions, used by hundreds of millions of users. Their unique vision includes disrupting the current security solutions space to enable CISOs to become liberators of business outcomes. Whether it's CEOs and COOs approaching security as a path to innovation, CISOs and IT managers providing continuous access governance, CFOs aligning security goals to business needs, or employees striving for ambitious objectives Oleria enables leaders to achieve the biggest and best outcomes without being held back by the constraints of traditional security approaches. "Businesses are constantly responding to evolving threats and the currently available solutions are cumbersome, costly and ultimately constrain teams from gaining appropriate access to sensitive and relevant business data that they need to achieve critical business outcomes," said Kevin Turner, Oleria investor and former COO of Microsoft and CIO of Walmart. "Oleria is bringing a much-needed change to cybersecurityone that fuels collaboration and supports the pace of business while maintaining security that preserves customer trust in an ever-changing world." Visit Oleria's website and read the blog post from the founders for more information. Gartner, Identity-First Security Maximizes Cybersecurity Effectiveness, Rebecca Archambault, Felix Gaehtgens, James Hoover, Ant Allan, 7 December 2022 GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally, and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved. About Oleria For liberators of business outcomes, Oleria is the only adaptive and autonomous security solution that helps organizations accelerate at the pace of change, trusting that data is protected. Founded by cybersecurity industry veterans with several decades of experience building some of the world's largest security solutions, Oleria allows organizations to pursue their best ideas, removing the barriers that keep team members from collaborating. Oleria sets business free. For more information, please visit www.oleria.com and follow Oleria on LinkedIn and Twitter. About Salesforce Ventures Salesforce Ventures helps enterprising founders build companies that reinvent the way the world works. Since 2009, we've invested in and partnered with more than 400 of the world's most tenacious enterprise software companies from seed to IPO, including Airtable, Databricks, DocuSign, Guild Education, Hopin, monday.com, nCino, Snowflake, Snyk, Stripe, Tanium, and Zoom. Salesforce Ventures leverages our decades of expertise in the cloud and our long-term relationships with key decision makers at thousands of businesses around the world to give our portfolio companies an unfair advantage, help them build credibility, and accelerate growth. Salesforce Ventures has invested in more than 25 countries with offices all over the world including in San Francisco, Irvine, New York, London, Tokyo, and Sydney. Follow @SalesforceVC and learn more at http://www.salesforceventures.com . Media Contact John Kreuzer Lumina Communications [email protected] +1 (408) 896-3307 SOURCE Oleria MILWAUKEE, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ademi LLP is investigating Blackhawk (OTCQX: BHWB) for possible breaches of fiduciary duty and other violations of law in its transaction with First Mid Bancshares. Click here to learn how to join the action https://www.ademilaw.com/case/blackhawk-bancorp-inc or call Guri Ademi toll-free at 866-264-3995. There is no cost or obligation to you. Ademi LLP alleges Blackhawk's financial outlook and prospects are excellent and yet Blackhawk's shareholders are expected to receive only 1.15 shares of First Mid common stock for each share of Blackhawk common stock. Based on First Mid Bancshares' price per share at closing on March 20, 2023 of $27.13, the aggregate consideration to be paid by First Mid Bancshares is approximately $90.3 million. The transaction agreement unreasonably limits competing bids for Blackhawk by imposing a significant penalty if Blackhawk accepts a superior bid. Blackhawk insiders will receive substantial benefits as part of change of control arrangements. We are investigating the conduct of Blackhawk's board of directors, and whether they are (i) fulfilling their fiduciary duties to all shareholders, and (ii) obtaining a fair and reasonable price for Blackhawk. If you own Blackhawk common stock and wish to obtain additional information, please contact Guri Ademi either at [email protected] or toll-free: 866-264-3995, or https://www.ademilaw.com/case/blackhawk-bancorp-inc. We specialize in shareholder litigation involving buyouts, mergers, and individual shareholder rights throughout the country. For more information, please feel free to call us. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Contacts Ademi LLP Guri Ademi Toll Free: (866) 264-3995 Fax: (414) 482-8001 SOURCE Ademi LLP Iconic 87-year-old Texas brand now serving its famous fresh do-nuts in Cumming HOUSTON, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Shipley Do-Nuts, makers of gourmet, made-fresh-daily do-nuts for more than 85 years, brings its famous do-nuts to Georgia for the first time with the opening of its new location in Cumming at 3225 Keith Bridge Road. The shop is locally owned and operated by Oziel "Ozzie" Rodriguez, who also owns Coal Mountain Package Store and Palapas Bar and Grill in Forsyth County, Georgia. Shipley Do-Nut Exterior (PRNewsfoto/Shipley Do-Nuts) Founded in 1936 in Houston, Shipley Do-Nuts is beloved throughout the South for its more than 60 varieties of fresh, hot do-nuts, as well as kolaches (savory breakfast rolls filled with meat, typically sausage), hot coffee and cold brew. Its signature glazed do-nuts, famous for their unique hexagon shape that creates a lighter, fluffier texture and a glaze that provides just the right amount of sweetness, are by far the brand's bestseller. "I was looking for a brand to expand my business portfolio, and once I tasted Shipley Do-Nuts, I was hooked they are truly The World's Greatest Do-Nuts," Rodriguez said. "It's exciting to bring a legacy brand like Shipley to a whole new community, and I look forward to introducing the Shipley magic to my friends, neighbors and customers in the Forsyth area." Operating as Sweet Donuts Investments Inc., Rodriguez plans to open five Shipley Do-Nuts locations in the greater Atlanta area. "We've had Georgia on our mind for quite some time at Shipley, and opening our first location in the state is an important milestone for us," said Shipley CEO Clifton Rutledge. "Ozzie knows this community very well, and we are confident that he'll create a loyal following for Shipley in Forsyth County." The 1,510-square-foot shop features a convenient drive-thru plus online ordering and delivery. The shop is open from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, go to www.shipleydonuts.com. ABOUT SHIPLEY DO-NUTS Founded in 1936, Houston-based Shipley Do-Nuts is a leading do-nut restaurant franchisor and manufacturer of specialty food products. Shipley franchises over 330 restaurants to a diverse group of operators across 12 states and has served its do-nuts, kolaches and beverages to generations of guests. Shipley is ranked No. 131 on Entrepreneur magazine's Franchise 500 2023 list, the highest in its category. For information on franchising, visit ownashipleydonuts.com. Media Contact: Ashley Lennington, SPM Communications [email protected] 214-379-7000 SOURCE Shipley Do-Nuts Annual Revenue of $354.5 M, Represents 20.5% Year Over Year Growth with Significant Expansion in North America, APAC, and the Middle East HONG KONG, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Sisram Medical Ltd (the "Company" or "Sisram",: 1696.HK; together with its subsidiaries collectively referred to as the "Group"), a global consumer wellness group, featuring a first-of-its-kind synergistic ecosystem of business building blocks and consumer-focused branding, ranging from Energy Based Devices, injectables, aesthetics and digital dentistry, personal care and more, today announced its audited consolidated annual results for the year ended December 31, 2022 (the "Reporting Period"). 2022 ANNUAL FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Revenue was US$354.5 million , representing an increase of 20.5% YoY. , representing an increase of 20.5% YoY. Profit was US$40.1 million , an increase of 23.2% YoY. , an increase of 23.2% YoY. Gross profit margin increased to 57.0% from 56.7% for the corresponding period in 2021. The increase is mainly driven by the continued expansion of the direct sales portion. The Company saw significant growth in all regions, mainly in North America , APAC, and the Middle East . Revenues in North America were US$143.7 million , an increase of 28.2% YoY. Revenues generated from APAC were US$98.1 million , an increase of 15.1% YoY. Revenues in the Middle East and Africa were US$36.6 million , an increase of 18.7% YoY. KEY ACHIEVEMENTS The company maintained consistent investment in R&D, introduced three brand new products, and successfully promoted two existing products to new markets. New products introduced: 1) Alma Ted, an ultrasound-based system to meet the market's growing hair loss needs; 2) CBD+ Professional Skincare Solution, a professional skincare solution to visibly reduce redness and calm the appearance of stressed skin; 3) LMNT one, the B2C product designed with a light-based skin rejuvenation treatment to achieve skin rejuvenation through multiple dimensions such as giving an instant glow and promoting collagen production in the comfort of consumers' homes. Existing products promoted to new markets: 1) Alma Hybrid creates a unique synergistic effect by combining the power of three core energies and enabling endless options for ablative, non-ablative and thermal treatments for skin rejuvenation and scar revision. The system was launched in Europe in 2020 and in the U.S. in 2021, and then was introduced in Canada in August 2022 ; 2) Alma Duo, an advanced, effective, and FDA cleared solution to promote blood flow to the sexual organs to restore natural function, was successfully launched in the global market in November 2022 . in 2020 and in the U.S. in 2021, and then was introduced in in ; 2) Alma Duo, an advanced, effective, and FDA cleared solution to promote blood flow to the sexual organs to restore natural function, was successfully launched in the global market in . Diversified product portfolio to enrich injectable and dental business lines: further enriched the product portfolio by investing and entering into sublicense-related agreements in 2022. Company entered sublicense-related agreements with Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Industrial Development Co., Ltd. to obtain the exclusive right to import and commercialize Daxxify in mainland China , Hong Kong S.A.R and Macao S.A.R. Daxxify is a long-acting botulinum toxin from US-based company Revance. The BLA for the glabellar lines was approved by the FDA on September 8, 2022 . , Hong Kong S.A.R and Macao S.A.R. Daxxify is a long-acting botulinum toxin from US-based company Revance. The BLA for the glabellar lines was approved by the FDA on . Sisram invested in a joint venture company which focuses on silk fibroin-sodium hyaluronate composite gel and facial implant thread products. Through strategic investment, Sisram entered the field of innovative biomaterials and introduced high-end materials and technologies such as non-invasive veneers, further enriching the Company's product portfolio and competitiveness in the aesthetic dentistry area. Continued expansion of direct sales layout: the Company established new direct offices in the United Kingdom in 2022 and Dubai in early 2023 to further enhance brand influence and support the strong growth in demand for Sisram's products and services in the European and Middle East markets. in 2022 and in early 2023 to further enhance brand influence and support the strong growth in demand for Sisram's products and services in the European and markets. Returned to offline marketing events gradually: Sisram hosted hundreds of physicians and business partners around the world at Global Alma Academy Events and Sales meetings and built up the B2C channels and activities to support LMNT's launch and market penetration, continuously enhancing brand search volume and influence globally. FINAL DIVIDEND The Board declared a final dividend of HK$0.173 (inclusive of tax) per share for the year ended December 31, 2022 . 2023 STRATEGY & OUTLOOK Focus on strategic market while keep expanding globally Maintain and strengthen the company's global position by strategically focusing on the in-depth development of China and North American markets, while continuing to cultivate marketing efforts in key regions such as the European market. By leveraging the strength of the successful establishment of the new direct business channel in Dubai in early 2023, the company will continue to explore more development opportunities in the Middle East market. Boost Brand Visibility Through Targeted Marketing Strategies Sisram will follow a customer-centric approach and leverage social media, brand activities and KOLs to achieve a successful marketing transformation and deliver customized products and experiences. The approach will transform from marketing to clinics to marketing to consumers, as well as from regional marketing to global marketing. Innovative R&D to Enrich the Wellness Ecosystem Sisram will accelerate the improvement of its current best-sales product line while exploring new high potential wellness domains in order to constantly create ongoing growth engines. With a focus on promoting the development of the injectables business line, intensive attention will be paid to the launch of the long-lasting botulinum toxin product Daxxify in mainland China, Hong Kong S.A.R and Macao S.A.R. The company is also developing comprehensive wellness solutions based on a combination of energy-based devices, injectables, personal care and aesthetic dentistry. Customer-Centric Approach: High-quality Service to Enhance Customer Experience Sisram will enhance its post-sales team by following the customer journey and offer the instant support, circulating valuable feedback back to sales and R&D team. In 2023, the Company plans to build the first Sisram Concept Centre in North America, which integrates clinical treatment, showroom, training, and marketing tools to deliver the image of a wellness ecosystem. Outlook Management expects to record revenue growth of at least 15% -25% in the whole year of 2023. Mr. Liu Yi, Chairman and Executive Director of Sisram, commented: "In 2023, we will accelerate the development of Sisram Global Wellness Ecosystem with strategically focus on China and North America market. By implementing a customer-centric approach in our business, we will strengthen the customer experience by providing comprehensive solutions on a global scale." Mr. Lior Dayan, CEO of Sisram and Alma, said: "As we look back on the remarkable progress and achievements of our Company in 2022, we are also reminded of even greater opportunities that lie ahead. We will further strengthen our core digital architecture to foster collaborations and increase synergies throughout the Company. With our focus on providing innovative wellness solutions, we will actively explore new opportunities that will enable us to expand our market share and deliver exceptional customer experiences." About Sisram Medical Ltd Sisram Medical Ltd (1696.HK) is a global consumer wellness group, featuring a first-of-its-kind synergistic ecosystem of business building blocks and consumer-focused branding, ranging from Energy Based Devices, injectables, aesthetics and digital dentistry, personal care and more. The company is majority-owned by Fosun Pharma, one of China's leading healthcare groups. On September 19, 2017, Sisram Medical went public, becoming the first Israeli company ever to trade on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Exchange. Sisram Medical Enhancing Quality of Life http://www.sisram-medical.com For media inquiries, please contact: Ever Bloom (HK) Communications Consultants Group Limited Orianna Ou / Yinmei He +852 3468 8171 [email protected] For Investor Relations inquiries, please contact: MS-IR LLC Miri Segal 917-607-8654 [email protected] SOURCE Sisram Medical Ltd Suneel Ram Teams up with Zuiker, creator of the world-renowned CSI franchise, to share his story of courage, strength and perseverance to educate young readers BUFFALO, N.Y., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Suneel Ram, a 26-year-old Western New York resident who lives with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD,) has released an inspirational book he co-wrote with Anthony E. Zuiker, the famed creator of the CSI television series. The book strives to help educate young people and build awareness of the genetic disease and how it drastically impacts the lives of those living with the condition. His debut book, Soaring, A Story of Courage, is a heartfelt story of courage, strength, pain, and the social isolation he has dealt with his entire life. Ram's book is part of a series of books Zuiker has co-written with young authors to create awareness of critical issues facing youth today. These graphic novels tell stories that deal with major challenges facing today's youth including suicide, body image and bullying. As a graphic novel, Soaring speaks directly to young audiences. It is perfectly suited to the honest and inspiring story written by Ram. Readers will come away with an understanding of this disease and a deeper understanding of how people facing long term illness live their lives with grace and hope. Soaring was based on months of personal interviews between Zuiker, Ram and his family. This beautifully illustrated graphic novel details Ram's pain, heroics, hope and happiness to encourage others to overcome their barriers. Ram shares how living with this debilitating disease was nothing compared to the unbearable pain of loneliness and being seen as different by others. Ram describes his challenges, from not being able to play like other children, to teenage years marred by broken bones and extreme muscle weakness. Ram leads the reader through a life of struggles, each met with determination and courage. When Ram is denied treatment in a trial that could prolong his life, he doesn't give up, when a professor gave an inept description of DMD, Suneel addressed the class to give them the true facts. The book celebrates Ram's greatest achievements despite so many hurdles, such as graduating from high school and attending college. "Writing this book and putting the depth of my experiences on paper was challenging, but I hope my journey inspires others to rely on spirituality, friends and family when faced with chronic illness. I believe we all serve a special purpose to help each other grow and be there for one another and I hope that this book will help able-bodied teens gain more empathy for their peers who are growing up with a disability," said Ram. "This book is a testament to my family and friends who have helped me to keep pursuing my dreams. This book is also dedicated to my deepest wish that one day researchers will find a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy." The book includes a parent resource page that provides information on DMD to discuss with children by Dr. Neera Gulati, Ram's mother and family medicine physician. She is the founder of Suneel's Light Foundation, has traveled the world to advance medical research for DMD, and has lobbied policy makers and healthcare providers on the importance of medical research and funding for DMD. The foundation has provided funding to leading genetic researchers. "Suneel is an extraordinary young man with an inspiring life story. He puts the capitol 'C' in courage and the capitol 'S' in soaring," said Zuiker. "He's changed my life by seeing the world through his humbled lens. Our hope is his graphic novel does the same for every reader on the planet." Zuiker is best known as an award-winning television writer, television producer, and author. He is the creator of the world famous CSI: Crime Scene Investigation series. He produced all four editions of the CSI franchise: CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, CSI: Miami, CSI: NY, CSI: Vegas, and CSI: Cyber. He also created the murder mystery show Whodunnit? And the web series Cybergeddon, for which he was awarded the Pioneer Award from the International Digital Emmy Awards. He also featured a thrilling series on BlackBoxTV for YouTube. In addition, he is an acclaimed author of several books, including Mr. CSI: How A Vegas Dreamer Made A Killing In Hollywood, One Body At A Time, his personal memoir. Zuiker is the co-founder, publisher and creative director of Zuiker Press, which published Soaring. Zuiker Press was founded by Michelle and Anthony Zuiker to champion the voices of young authors. The idea to launch an "issue-based" literary house came out of Michelle's 17 years in elementary school education and from the challenges that the couple saw their own children and their friends' children facing every day. It works with and publishes young authors that have elected to tell their personal stories and be ambassadors of their cause. The mission of each book released is that readers will learn from the pain and heroics of our authors and find hope, change, and happiness in their own lives. Additional resources and advice for parents are included in the back of each book and on its website. The 10 graphic novels in the stand-alone series that have been published to date deal with difficult issues impacting young lives, such as Autism, activism, suicide, school shootings, bullying, divorce, racism and body image through experience of the partnering author and are designed to help students deal with difficult circumstance and to encourage public conversation on the topics in a positive and educational resource. Zuiker Press graphic novels are in over 200 schools nationwide including on the Los Angeles Unified School District which is the 2nd largest school district in the world. Soaring features 87 pages of bright and engaging animation, which was designed by Fantoons Animation Studios. The book is being distributed by Simon and Schuster and available at Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, Books-A-Million, Bookshop, IndieBound, Indigo and a few local bookstores to be announced soon. It retails for $12-15 depending on hard or softback and is available as an eBook. DMD is the most lethal genetic childhood disease, which targets predominantly young boys, without regard to ethnicity, and leads to death from respiratory or heart failure by their mid 20's. In addition to the physical challenges surrounding this disease, those with DMD suffer from learning disabilities, social isolation, and behavioral issues as well. Symptoms usually appear in male children before age six and may be visible in early infancy. Eventually this weakness spreads to the arms, neck, and other areas. Later symptoms may include abnormal bone development that leads to skeletal deformities, including curvature of the spine. Due to progressive deterioration of muscle, loss of movement occurs eventually leading to paralysis. Soaring was made possible by a financial support of Suneel's Light, a local foundation that supports critical research that will lead to treatment for of DMD and to increase public awareness of the genetic disease, which is named after Ram. Both the foundation and Zuiker are working to raise additional funding from other foundations, medical institutions, individual philanthropists, and corporations to be able to publish more copies of the book so it can be donated to school districts and nonprofits in both Western New York and across the county to help students understand what DMD is and how it impacts the young boys that suffer from the genetic disease. Those interested in supporting the initiative, please contact Zuiker Press at zuikerpress.com. About Suneel's Light Suneel's Light Foundation was established in 2002 to fund critical research for medical treatments and a cure for Duchenne. The volunteer board is made up of leading local professionals in the medical, legal, business, academia and communications. At present, more than 20,000 children in the United States suffer from this fatal disease, and more than 100,000 worldwide, with a statistically higher number of identified cases in Western New York than the national average. For more information about Suneel's Light or DMD, visit www.suneelslight.org or Facebook.com/suneelslight. About Zuiker Press Founded by CSI franchise creator Anthony Zuiker and his wife Michelle, Zuiker Press is a publishing company dedicated to championing the voices of young authors. Their mission is to address subjects that affect all children directly or indirectly and to empower all children everywhere with the knowledge that they are not alone. Anthony E, the creator of television's hugely successful CSI franchise, serves as the Co-Founder, Publisher, and Creative Director of Zuiker Press. Michelle is the Co-Founder and Chief Content Officer of Zuiker Press. A veteran teacher of 17 years at a Blue Ribbon School in Las Vegas, Michelle has worked closely with special needs children and, in particular, those on the autism spectrum. For more information on Zuiker Press and its series of inspirational books, visit zuikerpress.com. SOURCE Zuiker Press ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Squaremouth.com, the nation's leading travel insurance marketplace, is pleased to announce the appointment of Rupa Mehta as Chief Executive Officer. Rupa joins the Squaremouth team with over 16 years leadership experience, during which she excelled in corporate strategy, partnerships and operations across North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Most recently, Rupa successfully led and grew marketplace businesses within Angi and Groupon. "Squaremouth's impressive product capabilities and customer-led approach make them uniquely positioned to capture tremendous growth opportunities within the travel space," said Rupa Mehta. "I am thrilled to be joining the team." Squaremouth hosts the largest portfolio of travel insurance providers and products in the US market, with over 3 million travelers insured. Founded in 2003, the bootstrapped company has grown to become the leading travel insurance aggregator in the US market. Rupa joins Squaremouth after successfully leading groups in similar entrepreneurial cultures. She will be responsible for guiding and overseeing the company's strategic initiatives, growth opportunities, and building upon Squaremouth's award-winning employee and customer-centric culture. "We believe comparison shopping will continue to guide consumer behavior. Our breadth of insurance offerings, commitment to a seamless user experience, and award-winning support have placed us at the forefront of our industry," said Matt Outten, CIO and co-founder of Squaremouth. "Rupa's proven experience in marketplace environments make her an exciting and complementary addition to our leadership team. As we celebrate 20 years in business, we look forward to continued success under her guidance." About Squaremouth: Squaremouth.com has insured over 3 million travelers. Using Squaremouth's intuitive quoting and comparison engine , award-winning support team, and verified customer reviews, travelers can save time and money to find the best travel insurance policy for their trip. SOURCE Squaremouth HELSINKI, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Maria 01 Impact Report shows that the hub's startups have collected more than 700 million euros in funding over the course of its seven-year history. The amount of funding has increased almost tenfold in six years. Helsinki aims to strengthen and develop its status as one of the top innovation environments, startup hubs, and centres of business potential in Europe. For many years, the city has been investing significantly in the local startup ecosystem, notably in initiatives such as Maria 01, to ensure that it remains a magnet for top talent and businesses. When completed, the upcoming Maria Campus is expected to remarkably amplify Helsinki's impact as a key player in growth entrepreneurship, further strengthening the city's position as a vital contributor to the innovation ecosystem both locally and internationally. Last week, the leading Nordic startup hub, Maria 01, released its latest Impact Report that measures the societal impact of the campuses' startups. The 2022 report shows that the hub's startups' impact and amount of funding raised have grown significantly over the years. Over the past decade, Helsinki has emerged as a thriving startup hub in Europe, and Maria 01 has become one of the continent's premier startup campuses. According to the report, the member companies of Maria 01 broke records last year amassing a record funding pot of 2019 million euros last year, bringing the total amount collected by the almost 400 startups to 715 million euros since Maria 01's inception in 2016 as an initiative by the city of Helsinki. Moreover, many of the companies at Maria 01have become integral players in the value chains of essential societal infrastructure such as payment systems, energy, and transport in addition to creating jobs and tax income. According to the Finnish Startup Community, Finnish startups generated a turnover of 3.4 billion euros in 2021 and according to the current trend forecast, in 2030 the turnover may already be 15 billion. International capital investors are increasingly interested in Finnish innovations. According to the Finnish Venture Capital Association, in 2021 foreign capital investors invested 553 million euros in Finnish startups. In total, 74 percent of all capital investments came from abroad. "A healthy startup economy is important for any country because it creates new jobs, innovations for societies at large and can potentially solve big problems that are faced globally. At Maria 01, we carefully match startups with the right investors, and that's one of our recipes for success. We've managed to create a strong and supportive start up community, and the numbers tell the story of how impactful that really is. Maria 01 is currently the hotspot for Finnish and Nordic startups. In the future, we want to be a hot spot Europe-wide and globally," explains Ville Simola, CEO of Maria 01. The Finnish startup ecosystem is developing and growing at a global scale In January 2023, a detailed new plan to facilitate the construction of the future Maria startup campus came into force, with the actual building set to begin in early 2024. The extension of Maria 01 is a crucial component of Helsinki's City Strategy, with the new growth and technology business block planned for the southern part of the former hospital area spanning approximately 50,000 square meters. This development will pave the way for the entry of several hundred new operators and around 5,000 employees. Upon completion, Helsinki will further solidify its position as a significant global player in the startup ecosystem. "As the report clearly shows, the impact of Maria 01 is remarkable for the whole ecosystem growth. Not only it has created a great amount of jobs but also plays a significant role in growing tax income for the area. In the future, more and more companies can thrive and make the most out of this unique growing startup hub that Maria 01 already is", says Marja-Leena Rinkineva, the Director of Economic Development for the City of Helsinki. Helsinki's attractiveness as a startup scene is shown in Startup Genome's report, according to which Helsinki is tied for 31st place in the global ranking of startup ecosystems. Helsinki's ranking rose 20 places in a year. Among European cities, only London, Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, and Stockholm are ahead of Helsinki. Societal and global impact is in the core of investments in the future Helsinki has taken a proactive leadership role in tackling the climate crisis and has set a bold target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030, making it a global model for other cities to emulate. At the Maria 01 startup campus, sustainability is also a top priority, with a strong commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable practices. "We use four main general criteria when selecting startups to join our community: scalability, product stage, funding status and the team. In addition, we emphasise the importance of SDGs. For example, startups that focus on renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, or affordable healthcare can be evaluated based on their potential impact on SDGs. We see SDGs playing a very important role in evaluating the potential social and environmental impact of the startup's product or service, the startup's alignment to sustainable practices, and the startup's alignment with the goals of the local community and the larger global community. More and more we also see investors aligning with the goals and therefore emphasising impact-related factors as a requirement for future investments", concludes Simola. A full version of the Maria 01 Impact Report can be found here. More information: Ville Simola CEO, Maria 01 +358 44 0700 520 [email protected] Sara Jantti Senior Manager, PR & Communications, Helsinki Partners +358 40 709 2913 [email protected] The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Public/12019/3737718/a6f97b91960c2d39_org.jpg fix6X8A4627 FIX SOURCE Helsinki Partners QUEBEC CITY, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Derby Building Products announces its Tando Composites' Beach House Shake and TandoStone brands will be distributed by Manion's Wholesale Building Supplies' branches in Superior, Wisconsin and St. Cloud, Minnesota. Manion's coverage area for Tando Composites will include Minnesota, northwest Wisconsin, Eastern North Dakota, northeast South Dakota, Northern Iowa and parts of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Michael Morris, Senior VP of Sales, Derby Building Products, noted that Manion's Wholesale Building Supplies is a perfect fit for Tando Composites. "We are thrilled to be partnering with Manion's. They have a long history of growing product categories with their strong network of dealers," said Morris. "Their reputation of excellent customer service and acting as true consultants to their customers ensures that Tando Composites will be easy to buy." "The demand for both Beach House Shake and TandoStone has been strong as both brands are creating new categories. The Upper Midwest requires products that can hold up to our harsh climate without compromising on natural aesthetics, while remaining easy to install," said Rob Manion of Manion's Wholesale Building Supplies. "We're excited to bring these high-performing, leading composite brands to our customers." Tando's Beach House Shake, the authentic composite shingle, delivers the charm and beauty of natural cedar shingles down to the last detail. Beach House Shake reflects the natural color variations, genuine saw cuts, and detailed grain patterns of natural cedar shingles. Its architecturally precise 5" re-squared and rebutted lines deliver individual shingles as unique as they are beautiful. And with its protection by KAPGUARD with Kynar, Beach House Shake will stay looking like the day it was installed for years. TandoStone, the #1 brand of composite stone, is preferred by siding installers for its lightweight and easy one-person installation. Without the need for masons, mortar, or adhesives, TandoStone installs in a fraction of the time of stone or stone veneer using common siding tools. And TandoStone doesn't contain harmful silica to keep job sites clean and safe. About Manion's Wholesale Building Supplies Manion's is a leading regional wholesale building supply distributor and building products manufacturer serving customers throughout the Upper Midwest. In addition to a huge selection of wholesale branded building materials, we carry private-labeled manufactured millwork and trusses. Headquartered in Superior, WI, Manion's has over 300 employees across three manufacturing facilities and two distribution centers servicing lumber yards, building centers, specialty distributors, and manufactured housing customers throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa, the Dakotas, and Canada. Learn more at www.manionswholesale.com. About Tando Composites Tando, a brand of Derby Building Products, is the leader in composite exterior cladding with Beach House Shake, the authentic composite shingle, and TandoStone, the #1 brand of composite stone. Backed by more than five decades of product innovation, Tando produces high- performance products professionals prefer and consumers demand. For more information on Beach House Shake or TandoStone, visit www.beachhouseshake.com or www.tandobp.com. SOURCE Derby Building Products GREENSBORO, N.C., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. (NYSE: SKT), a leading operator of upscale open-air outlet centers, announced today that its financial results for the quarter ending March 31, 2023 will be released on Thursday, April 27, 2023 after the market close. The Company will host its conference call for analysts, investors and other interested parties on Friday, April 28, 2023 at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time. To access the conference call, listeners should dial 1-877-605-1702. A live audio webcast of this call will be available to the public on Tanger's Investor Relations website, investors.tangeroutlets.com. A telephone replay of the call will be available from April 27, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time through 11:59 p.m. on May 12, 2023, by dialing 1-877-660-6853, replay access code #13737145. An online archive of the webcast will also be available through May 12, 2023. About Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. (NYSE: SKT) is a leading operator of upscale open-air outlet centers that owns (or has an ownership interest in) and/or manages a portfolio of 36 centers with an additional center currently under development. Tanger's operating properties are located in 20 states and in Canada, totaling approximately 13.9 million square feet, leased to over 2,700 stores operated by more than 600 different brand name companies. The Company has more than 42 years of experience in the outlet industry and is a publicly-traded REIT. For more information on Tanger Outlet Centers, call 1-800-4TANGER or visit the Company's website at www.tangeroutlets.com Investor Contact Information Doug McDonald SVP, Finance and Capital Markets T: (336) 856-6066 [email protected] SOURCE Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. SANTA CLARA, Calif., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Tenstorrent is pleased to announce that Olof Johansson is joining the company as its Vice President of Operating Systems and Infrastructure Software. Johansson is a well-known leader with deep expertise in Linux, ARM, open source software, and leading the design of innovative software stacks. Olof Johansson "Olof was one of the first people I called when I joined Tenstorrent and I am excited we have him on-board," said Tenstorrent CEO Jim Keller. "He is one of the most hands-on executives I've ever worked with and will drive the development of both our software strategy and the software stacks themselves." "Olof is a proven winner who is known for getting things done," said President and CTO Ljubisa Bajic. "His distinction in the software industry and his expertise in building accomplished teams will help us continue to grow our software team with top talent." "The industry momentum around RISC-V is really growing, and Tenstorrent's RISC-V CPU and chiplet roadmap is extremely impressive," said Johansson. "I am looking forward to delivering the software that our customers and partners need to produce outstanding system products." Prior to joining Tenstorrent, Johansson led the software teams in Meta's Infrastructure Hardware group, including ASIC FW/SW, OpenBMC and server enablement. Before that, he worked with Jim Keller at Tesla on the software platform for Tesla's Autopilot silicon, on Chrome OS at Google, and in software roles at Agnilux, Apple, PA Semi and IBM. He has been a lead SoC maintainer in the Linux community for over a decade, coordinating and guiding the platform contributions from the industry ARM vendors, and has served on the Linux Foundation TAB, Zephyr project board and TSC. He was born in Skelleftea, Sweden and holds a M.Sc in Computer Science and Engineering from Lulea University of Technology. About Tenstorrent: Tenstorrent is a next-generation computing company that builds computers for AI. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with U.S. offices in Austin, Texas, and Silicon Valley, and global offices in Belgrade and Bangalore, Tenstorrent brings together experts in the field of computer architecture, ASIC design, advanced systems, and neural network compilers. Tenstorrent is backed by Eclipse Ventures and Real Ventures, among others. Engineers passionate about building computers for AI should visit Tentorrent's careers page on its website. For more information visit www.tenstorrent.com or contact [email protected] . SOURCE Tenstorrent 600+ Pets, 140+ Rescue Organizations, and over $1.6 Million in Donated Care NEW YORK, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2023 the Stephen & Christine Schwarzman Animal Medical Center celebrates the 10th Anniversary of the Emma and Georgina Bloomberg AMC to the Rescue Fund. Established in February 2013, the fund provides free or subsidized specialty care to rescue animals whose health is an obstacle to their adoption. Over the last decade the fund has helped over 600 pets, partnered with over 140 rescue groups, and provided over $1.6 million in donated care to help animals find their forever home. Shabba, an American Pit Bull Terrier mix, was surrendered to a shelter at age 3 due to a congenital spinal lesion that had eventually left him unable to walk. On the day he was to be euthanized, Mr. Bones & Co. rescued Shabba from the shelter and brought him to the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center. Thanks to The AMC to the Rescue Fund, Neurology Specialist Dr. Abbie Lebowitz was able to remove the spinal lesion and restore his mobility. Shabba now lives in Florida with his forever family. "The 10th anniversary of AMC to the Rescue is an opportunity for us to recognize the great care and support this program receives from not only the wonderful rescue groups in our communities, but also from our amazing AMC teams. None of this would be possible without the generous supporters of this important charitable fund," said Helen M. Irving, RN, MBA, President and Chief Executive Officer of AMC. "Working together, we are a stronger community. We see the positive impact AMC to the Rescue has had for pets and their families over the last decade, and it is exciting to think about what we can achieve together in our next ten years." "All of our veterinarians and support staff are ready and willing to offer up their expertise to help an AMC to the Rescue case and often times, it takes multiple specialties and services working together to provide the best treatment for a positive outcome," said Ann Hohenhaus, DVM, ACVIM (Oncology), Senior Veterinarian and Director of Pet Health Information at AMC. The fund was named The Emma and Georgina Bloomberg AMC to the Rescue Fund in 2020 in recognition of their generous support. "It's an honor to support the Animal Medical Center, an organization that has changed the lives of so many animals in New York City and beyond," said Georgina Bloomberg. "By helping the AMC to the Rescue Fund, my sister and I are addressing a major obstacle in animal adoption and ensuring that the homeless animals of this city will have a better chance of finding the forever homes they deserve. Lack of funding for rescues and shelters to use towards vet services has always been, and unfortunately will always be, a reality. With this fund, AMC is helping to change that, and will save countless lives. To say that we are proud to have our name on this fund is an understatement. Thank you, AMC, for everything you do for the animals of this amazing city and for letting us be a small part of it." AMC will highlight several heartwarming stories of rescue animals that have been helped by the fund throughout the year. Cases like Shabba, an American Pit Bull Terrier mix who was surrendered to a shelter at age 3 due to a congenital spinal lesion that had eventually left him unable to walk. On the day he was to be euthanized, Mr. Bones & Co. rescued Shabba from the shelter and brought him to the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center. Thanks to The AMC to the Rescue Fund, Neurology Specialist Dr. Abbie Lebowitz was able to remove the spinal lesion and restore his mobility. Shabba now lives in Florida with a family who adores him. Click here to watch a video on Shabba's inspiring journey. To learn more about AMC to the Rescue's 10th Anniversary, please visit: www.amcny.org/community-funds/amc-to-the-rescue/ About the Stephen & Christine Schwarzman Animal Medical Center The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center (AMC) is the world's largest non-profit animal hospital with 130+ veterinarians providing the highest quality medical care across more than 20 specialties and services, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our mission to provide the best in care, research, and education has been the foundation of our work for over a century. Contact: Barbara Ross, [email protected], 845-659-9810 SOURCE Schwarzman Animal Medical Center NOIDA, India, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new report published by UnivDatos Markets Insights, the Fan Coil Unit Market was valued at more than USD 3 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 5% from 2022-2028. The analysis has been segmented into Type (Horizontal Concealed, Horizontal Exposed, Underfloor, and Wall Mounted); Component (Two Pipe and Four Pipe); Application (Residential, Commercial, and Industrial); and Region/Country Click here to view the Report Description & TOC https://univdatos.com/report/fan-coil-unit-market/ The fan coil unit market report has been aggregated by collecting informative data on various dynamics such as market drivers, restraints, and opportunities. This innovative report makes use of several analyses to get a closer outlook on the fan coil unit market. The fan coil unit market report offers a detailed analysis of the latest industry developments and trending factors in the market that are influencing the market growth. Furthermore, this statistical market research repository examines and estimates the fan coil unit market at the global and regional levels. Request for Sample Pages https://univdatos.com/get-a-free-sample-form-php/?product_id=35780 Market Overview A fan coil unit (FCU), or vertical fan coil unit (VFC), is a device that uses a coil and fan to heat or cool a room without ductwork. Fan coil units are standalone systems that circulate the existing air in a space. They can also be part of a large HVAC system. In recent years the growing demand for energy efficient FCU models fuels the growth of the fan coil unit market because energy efficiency is the major concern with the utilization of traditional HVAC systems. Also rising construction for commercial and industrial buildings globally is likely to increase the demand for fan coil units in the future. The fan coil unit market is expected to grow at a steady rate of around 5% owing to the rising demand for renewable energy due to high power consumption and a growing focus on reducing carbon emissions creating a huge demand for the market. Rising technological advancements and product development by major key players is also contributing to the growth of the market. For instance, in 2020, Dunham-Bush launched a new generation of chilled water fan coil units CR-CF. These fan coil units are designed to operate at low noise and high-efficiency performance. Some of the major players operating in the market include Barcol-Air (UK) Ltd, Crane Holdings Co., Haier lnc., Hitachi Ltd., Johnson Controls, LG Electronics, Midea Group, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Samsung, TROX GROUP COVID-19 Impact The recent covid-19 pandemic has disrupted the world and has brought a state of shock to the global economy. The outbreak leads to an increase the spending a long time at home which has got people calling into question the quality of the air they breathe at home, leading to an increase in interest in new air filters and UV air purifying products. Therefore, the HVAC system industry is one of the less affected markets during covid-19 due to the rise in the importance of fresh air. The global fan coil unit market report is studied thoroughly with several aspects that would help stakeholders in making their decisions more curated. Based on type, the market is segmented into horizontal concealed, horizontal exposed, underfloor, and wall mounted. Among them, the horizontal concealed category is to witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period owing to the high demand for horizontal concealed fan coils in hotels, apartments, dormitories, military barracks, assisted living, facilities, and offices because of its features such as highly compact, super lightweight design, high thermal efficiency, and lower operating costs. On the basis of component, the market is categorized into two pipe and four pipe. Among these, the four pipe held a significant share of the market in 2020. The four-pipe FCU includes double supply and return piping and allows either hot or cold water to the unit at any given moment. Due to modern requirements of individual comfort, a high focus on energy efficiency, and rising construction of building projects, like classrooms in schools, offices, shop areas, patient-or staff rooms at hospitals, and many more, four-pipe fan coil units are found to be more popular which will drive the market growth. Have a Look at the Chapters https://univdatos.com/report/fan-coil-unit-market/ Fan Coil Unit Market Geographical Segmentation Includes: North America ( United States , Canada , and Rest of North America ) ( , , and Rest of ) Europe ( Germany , United Kingdom , Spain , Italy , France , and the Rest of Europe ) ( , , , , , and the Rest of ) Asia-Pacific ( China , Japan , India , and the Rest of Asia-Pacific ) ( , , , and the Rest of ) Rest of the World North America is anticipated to grow at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period. This is mainly due to the high demand for HVAC systems in residential or commercial buildings, growing construction projects, increasing demand for low energy consumption products in real estate, and rising concerns about air quality and increasing HVAC applications in the air conditioning sector and heating projects are expected to enhance the demand for fan coil units in the region. The major players targeting the market include Barcol-Air (UK) Ltd Crane Holdings, Co. Haier lnc. Hitachi Ltd. Johnson Controls LG Electronics Midea Group Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Samsung TROX GROUP Competitive Landscape The degree of competition among prominent global companies has been elaborated by analyzing several leading key players operating worldwide. The specialist team of research analysts sheds light on various traits such as global market competition, market share, most recent industry advancements, innovative product launches, partnerships, mergers, or acquisitions by leading companies in the Fan Coil Unit Market. The major players have been analyzed by using research methodologies for getting insight views on global competition. Key questions resolved through this analytical market research report include: What are the latest trends, new patterns, and technological advancements in the fan coil unit market? Which factors are influencing the fan coil unit market over the forecast period? What are the global challenges, threats, and risks in the fan coil unit market? Which factors are propelling and restraining the fan coil unit market? What are the demanding global regions of the fan coil unit market? What will be the global market size in the upcoming years? What are the crucial market acquisition strategies and policies applied by global companies? We understand the requirement of different businesses, regions, and countries, we offer customized reports as per your requirements of business nature and geography. Please let us know If you have any custom needs. About UnivDatos Market Insights (UMI) Browse Other Related Research Reports from UnivDatos Market Insights Fan Coil Unit Market Report Coverage Report Attribute Details Base year 2021 Forecast period 2022-2028 Growth momentum Accelerate at a CAGR of over 5% Market size 2020 USD 3 billion Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, Rest of World Major contributing region North America to Dominate the Global Fan Coil Unit Market Key countries covered United States, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, France, China, Japan, India, and Australia Companies profiled Barcol-Air (UK) Ltd, Crane Holdings Co., Haier lnc., Hitachi Ltd., Johnson Controls, LG Electronics, Midea Group, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Samsung, TROX GROUP Report Scope Market Trends, Drivers, and Restraints; Revenue Estimation and Forecast; Segmentation Analysis; Impact of COVID-19; Demand and Supply Side Analysis; Competitive Landscape; Company Profiling Segments Covered By Type; By Component; By Application; By Region/Country About UnivDatos Market Insights UnivDatos Market Insights (UMI) is a passionate market research firm and a subsidiary of Universal Data Solutions. We believe in delivering insights through Market Intelligence Reports, Customized Business Research, and Primary Research. Our research studies are spread across topics across the world, we cover markets in over 100 countries using smart research techniques and agile methodologies. We offer in-depth studies, detailed analysis, and customized reports that help shape winning business strategies for our clients. Contact: UnivDatos Market Insights Ankita Gupta Director Operations Ph: +91-7838604911 Email: [email protected] Website: https://univdatos.com/ Logo : https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1225049/UnivDatos_Logo.jpg SOURCE UnivDatos Market Insights Pvt. Ltd. Beeline recognized for its culture and leadership JACKSONVILLE, Fla., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Beeline, the leading technology solution provider for managing the global extended workforce, has been awarded The Jacksonville Top Workplaces 2023 award by The Florida Times-Union, earning the number one spot in the mid-size category. Beeline also ranked number one in the category of Leadership, recognizing Beeline CEO Doug Leeby. 2023 is the inaugural year for The Jacksonville Top Workplaces award, and only 18 companies from the Jacksonville market were named to the list. Beeline received the award based solely on employee feedback that measured 15 culture drivers, including alignment, connection, and execution, among others. "Beeline's culture is built upon the genuine notions of collaboration, empowerment, transparency and trust and it all starts with our incredible leadership team," said Elijah Bradshaw, Global Vice President of Human Resources, Beeline. "Our leaders instill a culture where all opinions and thoughts are valued and respected. This permeates the entire organization and then extends organically to our clients and partners. The result is an encouraging, rewarding, and highly productive working environment." CEO Doug Leeby often reminds the Beeline team that first and foremost they work for their families. The company is transparent about encouraging work-life balance and empowering workers to take time out of the office to strike that balance. Beeline has fully embraced remote work and not mandated any return to the office, allowing each individual to choose what is most important to them in contemplation of their family life at home. At the office, Beeline has varying work stations to fit different work styles, ergonomic work spaces, a Zen room, and a games room. The company has also created the opportunity for everyone to participate as an "owner" in the business through an equity appreciation program. Bradshaw added, "We're honored to be recognized by our own team and would like to thank The Florida Times-Union and Energage for launching this program in the Jacksonville market. Beeline is honored to land any place on the Top Workplaces list, and landing in first makes it even more special." The Jacksonville Top Workplaces program, the nation's premier employer recognition program, is administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage. About Beeline: Beeline powers the future of work with the world's first extended workforce platform. Our intelligence-driven, cloud-based platform manages more than 30 million contingent, shift-based, project-based, and independent workers and enables total talent visibility and compliance for the entire workforce. As the pioneer of vendor management systems (VMS), Beeline understands the future of work is fueled by technology that enables the limitless potential of every business and every individual. Our AI-powered software delivers insights and tools needed to manage the modern world of work. With the most seasoned team of contingent workforce solution professionals around the world, we help businesses across more than 120 countries meet their most critical talent needs. To learn more, visit beeline.com. Contacts: Jessica Ashcraft Global Vice President of Marketing, Beeline [email protected] Ann Warren [email protected] +1.770.328.8384 SOURCE Beeline BEIJING, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Tsinghua University launched the "International Joint Mission on Climate Change and Carbon Neutrality" lately, demonstrating its commitment to protecting the environment. Tsinghua and 11 international corporationsHitachi, Toyota, MHI, bp, Rio Tinto, Volkswagen, Microsoft, IHI, Daikin, Apple, and Saudi Aramco acted as sponsors for an environmental initiative during the event. Qiu Yong, Tsinghua University Council chairman, and Tu Ruihe, head of the UNEP China Office, were in attendance. Liu Yiqun, dean of Tsinghua's Research & Development Affairs Office, presided over the launch ceremony. In his speech on "Cooperate to Address Climate Change and Build a Better Homeland for Mankind", Qiu pointed out that climate change and carbon neutrality are major issues that everybody faces. "Facing a serious climate crisis, Tsinghua has promoted the initiative of the International Joint Mission on Climate Change and Carbon Neutrality." Qiu emphasized that a world-class university should have a world-class mission, play a leading role in addressing climate change, and make contributions with hard-core technologies. "Let us take action to prove our firm belief in the bright future of mankind, promote international cooperation on climate change and carbon neutrality, and continue to contribute to the construction of a beautiful homeland for mankind," said Qiu. Tu said in his speech that the earth is the only home for mankind, commenting that the basis for progress and success in global environmental governance is to adhere to multilateralism and the spirit of international cooperation, and that climate change affects the entire planet, and affects everyone who inhabits it. Tu also called on all parties to take urgent and more effective action to implement the goals that have already been achieved and looked forward to fruitful results from the initiative. The international academia paid great attention on the Joint Mission. Toshiya Ueki, executive vice president of Tohoku University, and Nigel Brandon, dean of Imperial College London's Faculty of Engineering, congratulated the ceremony via video, saying they look forward to fighting climate change with international partners. Tu and Qiu awarded the "Council Member Cup" for 12 co-initiators of the Joint Mission. Council members recorded videos affirming the Joint Mission's value and anticipating its strengthening dissemination of green ideas, cultivation of carbon-neutral talents, and innovation of technology to provide practical solutions to global climate change and realize the international community's carbon-neutral vision. The International Joint Mission on Climate Change and Carbon Neutrality Proposal was released during the ceremony. It has five main joint elements: publicizing carbon neutrality, cultivating experts in the field, leading carbon-neutral technological innovations, integrative demonstrations of carbon neutrality practice, and promoting industry transition to carbon neutrality. It urges organizations to collaborate on energy savings, emission reduction, technological innovation, industrial transformation, and carbon neutrality. The Joint Mission released its first 10 innovative scientific research funding projects at the ceremony. Twelve relevant experts and scholars were invited to form an expert committee to advise on research and major academic activities and oversee project implementation. Tsinghua Vice President Zeng Rong and He Kebin, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and dean of the Institute for Carbon Neutrality, Tsinghua University, presented appointment letters to the expert committee members on behalf of all Joint Mission governing units. SOURCE Tsinghua University Highway's solution integrated with Turvo's collaborative TMS platform helps users build a more secure carrier network. SAN MATEO, Calif., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Turvo , provider of the world's leading collaboration application designed for the supply chain, today announces a strategic partnership with Highway , a premier technology provider for carrier identity management, to improve transparency and remove friction from carrier onboarding and monitoring processes. Highway Turvo's modern TMS allows freight brokers and 3PLs to easily connect and collaborate with employees, customers, and carriers across the supply chain. This collaborative framework allows users to more efficiently plan, execute, and settle freight. With Highway integrated, Turvo customers can automate carrier identity management and compliance to reduce risk and streamline operations. "We are excited to add Highway to our growing partner ecosystem and offer our customers another layer of automation for managing carrier relationships and compliance," said Scott Lang, Chairman and CEO, Turvo. "This integration allows our customers to take advantage of powerful capabilities to reduce fraud, digitize bookings, and ensure a more reliable carrier network." Brokers and logistics providers sourcing capacity with new carriers face inherent risks. Without an established relationship, they may encounter issues related to the quality of service and on-time performance, or even fraud, double brokering, and similar situations with costly consequences. "Highway is the only Carrier Identity Engine in the industry, eliminating risk and friction for brokers and carriers. Our engine manages carrier identity, solves fraud and double brokering, and provides brokers with detailed data on carrier equipment. This empowers brokers to source and vet capacity with unprecedented efficiency," said Michael Caney, Chief Commercial Officer, Highway. Highway helps automate carrier compliance with a framework designed for risk management, supported by enhanced access to public and private data available on all carriers. The added advantage is the ability for freight brokers and 3PLs to increase their equipment visibility and improve carrier utilization for a stronger competitive advantage. Highway gives visibility into scheduled auto data, with in-depth information on carrier lanes, locations, and equipment. Through Highway and Turvo, customers gain robust capabilities to reduce risk, automate, and streamline carrier management processes. The integration enhances collaboration offering Turvo's users the ability to rapidly scale and accelerate growth. About Turvo Turvo provides the world's leading collaboration application designed specifically for the supply chain. Turvo connects people and organizations, allowing shippers, logistics providers, and carriers to unite their supply chains, deliver outstanding customer experiences, collaborate in real-time, and accelerate growth. The technology unifies all systems, internal and external, providing one end-to-end solution to execute all operations and analytics while eliminating redundant manual tasks and automating business processes. Turvo customers include some of the world's largest Fortune 500 logistics service providers, shippers, and freight brokers. Turvo is based in the San Francisco Bay Area with offices in Dallas, Texas, and Hyderabad, India. ( www.turvo.com ) About Highway Highway is a premier technology provider that helps shippers, freight brokers, and logistics service providers verify carrier identity to reduce fraud and streamline the digital booking process. Highway enhances carrier engagement and provides a carrier-friendly standard of compliance within a scalable framework. Highway provides transparency into fleet analytics of more than 280,000 carriers throughout North America. Its Lane Certainty geospatial algorithm matches millions of carrier data points to help find the ideal capacity in a desired lane. ( www.gohighway.com ) For media inquiries, please contact Samantha Foley, 214-263-3547, [email protected]. SOURCE Turvo CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- TUSK Partners ("TUSK") the premiere dental-focused M&A Advisor, advised Prism Dental Services in its partnership with Full Smile Dental. The transaction was led by Josh Swearingen, Director of Mergers & Acquisitions at TUSK Partners. Alex Cherniavsky, Samuel Lupton, and George May spearheaded the diligence and analytics efforts for TUSK. Under the leadership of Dr. James VandeBerg, Prism Dental Services has provided top-tier dental care to the San Antonio, Texas area since 2008. Dr. VandeBerg expanded his practice from a single location to multi-location DSO throughout the course of 15 years. TUSK was instrumental in making sure my business achieved the highest possible valuation with the deal terms I desired. Tweet this Dr. James VandeBerg, Founder of Prism Dental Services shared, "I came to TUSK for a Full Day Deep Dive session a year ago where the TUSK team helped me build out my exit strategy in preparation for a sale. They were instrumental in making sure my business achieved the highest possible valuation with the deal terms I desired. TUSK is excellent at what they do, and they are a gift to their clients. I could not be happier with the way TUSK found the right partner for me, and I am looking forward to beginning this new journey with Full Smile." Keshia Higgins, Chief Financial Officer at Full Smile Dental commented, "Dr. VandeBerg and his team built an excellent business. The Prism Dental Services team is incredibly talented, and we are thrilled with the opportunity to partner with them. The Full Smile team along with the Prism Dental Services team will continue to provide the best dental care and experience. We look forward to a seamless transition with Dr. VandeBerg and his team." About Prism Dental Services Prism Dental Services is a leading multi-location DSO in the San Antonio, Texas area. Prism Dental Services was founded in 2008 by Dr. VandeBerg and continued a growth tear over the span of 15 years. Prism Dental Services offers a variety of dental care services in all locations for all ages. For more information, visit: https://sanantonioortho.com, https://boerneorthopedo.com, or https://newbraunfelsbraces.com About Full Smile Dental Full Smile Dental provides best-in-class services in a modern and comfortable setting. Their experienced dental professionals offer personalized and innovative dental treatments in Dumas, Canyon, Amarillo, Farwell, Dalhart, and the surrounding areas. With compassionate providers and a reputation for excellence, you can feel confident in their care as they support your goals for improved oral health and wellbeing. For more information: https://fullsmiledental.com About TUSK Partners TUSK Partners ("TUSK") provides M&A Advisory services in the dental industry. TUSK has completed over $800M of transactions across all specialties. With an in-depth understanding of the marketplace and access to 100's of buyers nationwide, we help our clients confidently pursue M&A transactions that maximize their long-term value. With our significant collective experience of over 40+ years of dental practice transactions, we offer our clients solutions that help them achieve their strategic and financial objectives. For more information, visit https://tusk-partners.com . Media Contact: Austin Truitt [email protected] SOURCE TUSK Partners CHICAGO, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- According to Arizton's latest research report, the Vietnam data center market will grow at a CAGR of 10.8% from 2022-2028. TO KNOW MORE, DOWNLOAD THE FREE SAMPLE REPORT: https://www.arizton.com/request-sample/3732 Vietnam Data Center Market - Investment Analysis & Growth Opportunities 2023-2028 The government's strategies, digitalization initiatives, expansion of fiber connectivity, and 5G deployment have made Vietnam one of Southeast Asia's emerging data center markets. To achieve e-government, e-economy, and e-society, as well as to increase production and manufacturing, Vietnam's National Digital Transformation Program 2025 aims to accelerate digital transformation. By 2025, this initiative hopes to have moved about 50% of the company's operations online. Major telecom operators and colocation service providers in the Vietnam data center market invest in cloud-based services. In 2022, Vietnam contributed around 4% of data center investments to the total Southeast Asia data center market. The colocation market in Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing markets in Southeast Asia. The shifting of workloads from on-premises to cloud platforms increases the demand for wholesale colocation in the country. VIETNAM DATA CENTER MARKET REPORT SCOPE Report Attributes Details Market Size (2028) USD 1037 Million Market Size (Area) 198 thousand sq. Feet (2028) Market Size (Power Capacity) 42 MW (2028) CAGR Investment (2022-2028) 10.8 % Historic Year 2021 Base Year 2022 Forecast Year 2023-2028 LOOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION? DOWNLOAD THE FREE SAMPLE REPORT: https://www.arizton.com/request-sample/3732 MARKET TRENDS In September 2022, HSBC Vietnam provided financial assistance to Viettel IDC, Vietnam's largest data center operator, to construct the data centers using sustainable materials. The financial assistance is available for five years and includes a $16 million investment. The assistance is provided to help Viettel IDC purchase the equipment needed to build data centers in Hanoi with a PUE of less than 1.5. In September 2022, Edge Centers, an Australian edge data center firm, launched the first edge data center in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where a solar energy source powers the facility. HTC-ITC partnered with Delta Electronics by deploying Vietnam's first certified green data center, Uptime Institute, with a PUE of 1.4, 20% lower than other data centers operating at an average PUE of 1.6 in the country. WHY SHOULD YOU BUY THIS RESEARCH? Market size available in the investment, area, power capacity, and Vietnam colocation market revenue. colocation market revenue. An assessment of the data center investment in v by colocation, hyperscale, and enterprise operators. Investments in the area (square feet) and power capacity (MW) across states in the country. A detailed study of the existing Vietnam data center industry landscape, an in-depth industry analysis, and insightful predictions about industry size during the forecast period. data center industry 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 Vietnam Facilities Covered (Existing): 24 Facilities Identified (Upcoming): 07 Coverage: 4 Cities Existing vs. Upcoming (Area) Existing vs. Upcoming (IT Load Capacity) Data center colocation market in Vietnam Market Revenue & Forecast (2022-2028) Retail Colocation Pricing Vietnam market investments are classified into IT, power, cooling, and general construction services with sizing and forecast. market investments are classified into IT, power, cooling, and general construction services with sizing and forecast. A comprehensive analysis of the latest trends, growth rate, potential opportunities, growth restraints, and prospects for the industry. Business overview and product offerings of prominent IT infrastructure providers, construction contractors, support infrastructure providers, and investors operating in the industry. A transparent research methodology and the analysis of the demand and supply aspects of the industry. EXPLORE OUR LATEST VIETNAM DATA CENTER MARKET DATABASE NOW: https://datacenter.arizton.com/database-report/vietnam-data-centers THE REPORT INCLUDES THE INVESTMENT IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: IT Infrastructure Servers Storage Systems Network Infrastructure Electrical Infrastructure UPS Systems Generators Transfer Switches & Switchgears PDUs Other Electrical Infrastructure Mechanical Infrastructure Cooling Systems Racks Other Mechanical Infrastructure General Construction Core & Shell Development Installation & Commissioning Services Engineering & Building Design Fire Detection & Suppression Physical Security Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) Tier Standard Tier I & Tier II Tier III Tier IV MAJOR VENDORS IT Infrastructure Providers Cisco Systems Dell Technologies Fujitsu Hewlett Packard Enterprise Huawei Technologies Hitachi Vantara IBM Internet Initiative Japan (IIJ) Juniper Networks Lenovo NetApp NEC Corporation Oracle Data Center Construction Contractors & Sub-Contractors Aurecon Archetype Group AWP Architects Apave Delta Group GreenViet Sato Kogyo Universal Smart Data Center Technology Support Infrastructure Providers ABB Caterpillar Cummins Cyber Power Systems Delta Electronics Eaton Fuji Electric HITEC Power Protection KOHLER Power Legrand Mitsubishi Electric Panduit Rittal Schneider Electric Siemens STULZ Trane ( Ingersoll Rand ) ) Vertiv Data Center Investors CMC Telecom FPT Telecom HTC Telecom International (ECODC) NTT Global Data Centers Telehouse VNTT Viettel IDC Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) VNG Cloud New Entrants Data Center First Edge Centres Infracrowd Capital Worldwide DC Solutions TABLE OF CONTENT Chapter 1 Existing & Upcoming Third-Party Data Centers in Vietnam Historical Market Scenario 20+ Unique Data Center Properties Data Center IT Load Capacity Data Center White Floor Area Space Existing Vs. Upcoming Data Center Capacity by Cities Cities Covered Hanoi Ho Chi Minh City Other Cities Chapter 2 Investment Opportunities in Vietnam Microeconomic & Macroeconomic Factors Investments Opportunities in Vietnam Investment by Area Investment by Power Capacity Chapter 3 Data Center Colocation Market in Vietnam Colocation Services Market in Vietnam Retail Colocation vs. Wholesale Colocation Colocation Pricing (Quarter Rack, Half Rack, Full Rack) & Add-ons Chapter 4 Market Dynamics Market Drivers Market Trends Market Restraints Chapter 5 Market Segmentation IT Infrastructure: Market Size & Forecast Electrical Infrastructure: Market Size & Forecast Mechanical Infrastructure: Market Size & Forecast General Construction Services: Market Size & Forecast Chapter 6 Tier Standard Investment Tier I & II Tier III Tier IV Chapter 7 Key Market Participants IT Infrastructure Providers Construction Contractors Support Infrastructure Providers Data Center Investors New Entrants Chapter 8 Appendix Market Derivation Quantitative Summary CHECK OUT SOME OF THE TOP-SELLING RESEARCH REPORTS: Thailand Data Center Market - Investment Analysis & Growth Opportunities 2023-2028: The Thailand data center market is projected to witness investments of USD 1.33 billion by 2028. The digitalization across the country, availability of tax incentives, deployment of 5G services, and improved connectivity with other Asian countries such as China, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, and others make Thailand an attractive market for investors. Bangkok is the primary location for data center investment in the country. The construction of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Free Trade Zones (FTZs) and infrastructure availability will attract investors to develop facilities in the coming years. Internet Data Center Market in China - Investment Analysis & Growth Opportunities 2023-2028: The Internet data center market in China size by investment crossed USD 29.02 billion in 2022 and is expected to cross USD 34.03 billion by 2028. Technological innovations, rapid growth in demand for digital transformations, and government strategies for the data center industry are among the major driving factors of the market. Global cloud operators such as Microsoft and AWS are setting up their presence in the Internet data center market in China through colocating in local data centers led by the foreign direct investment policy of the country, under which foreign investors must partner with local firms to enter the market. Japan Data Center Market - Investment Analysis & Growth Opportunities 20222027: The Japan data center market is estimated to reach USD 13.29 billion by 2027 from USD 8.40 billion in 2021. The country is among the top data center market in the APAC region, after China and Australia, in terms of investment. The high internet and social media penetration across the country is driven by the deployment of 5G services, better and improved inland connectivity, availability of renewable energy and free cooling solutions, and others, making Japan an attractive market for investors. India Data Center Market - Industry Outlook & Forecast 2022-2027: India data center market size witnessed investments of USD 4.35 billion in 2021 and will witness investments of USD 10.09 billion by 2027. On the verge of becoming a digital economy, many progressive policies encourage domestic and global data center operations to make huge investments in the country. The migration of traditional service offerings to cloud-based platforms by government agencies is also one of the major driving factors of India data center market growth. The Government of India's initiative, Digital India, and increased investments by data center service providers significantly contributed to the market investment over the last two years. Due to increased data generation, there will be a demand for huge storage facilities as many small and medium-sized businesses have adopted cloud and big data analytics. GET ACCESS TO LATEST INFORMATION ON DATA CENTERS ACROSS THE GLOBE EXPLORE THE DATA CENTER DATABASES: https://datacenter.arizton.com/ ABOUT US: Arizton Advisory and Intelligence is an innovative and quality-driven firm that offers cutting-edge research solutions to clients worldwide. We excel in providing comprehensive market intelligence reports and advisory and consulting services. We offer comprehensive market research reports on consumer goods & retail technology, automotive and mobility, smart tech, healthcare, life sciences, industrial machinery, chemicals, materials, I.T. and media, logistics, and packaging. These reports contain detailed industry analysis, market size, share, growth drivers, and trend forecasts. Arizton comprises a team of exuberant and well-experienced analysts who have mastered generating incisive reports. Our specialist analysts possess exemplary skills in market research. We train our team in advanced research practices, techniques, and ethics to outperform in fabricating impregnable research reports. CONTACT US Call: +1-312-235-2040 +1 302 469 0707 Mail: [email protected] Contact Us: https://www.arizton.com/contact-us Blog: https://www.arizton.com/blog Website: https://www.arizton.com/ Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/818553/Arizton_Logo.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2037191/VIETNAM_DATA_CENTER_MARKET.jpg SOURCE Arizton Advisory & Intelligence VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A five-year pilot from Virginia Natural Gas (VNG) aims to encourage the development of renewable natural gas (RNG) production facilities within the VNG service territory. Recently approved by the Virginia State Corporation Commission, the RNG Interconnect pilot program also authorizes the company to integrate RNG into its natural gas distribution system. The pilot is part of the energy company's Sustainable Gas Program, which will allow for the production and delivery of RNG into VNG's pipeline system and support the procurement of both RNG and Next Generation Natural Gas. This is complementary to VNG's path to reach net-zero direct greenhouse emissions from its operations by 2050. VNG is the first local distribution company in the state to establish a Commission-approved tariff that allows an interconnection between an RNG production facility and a natural gas utility's distribution system. "At Virginia Natural Gas, we are committed to supporting the development of renewable energy sources as we pursue our climate and environmental goals," said Robert Duvall, president of Virginia Natural Gas. "The approval of this pilot program is a significant step as we move forward to develop sustainable, environmentally responsible solutions while helping our state lead in the progress toward a clean energy future." As part of the approval, Virginia Natural Gas will be able to interconnect RNG production facilities with its existing natural gas pipeline distribution system to encourage the production and delivery of a resilient, alternative source of natural gas while providing additional benefits for the distribution system, customers and local economies. RNG is a low or negative carbon energy solution that is derived from organic waste including farm, municipal, landfill and industrial waste. As these organic waste sources decompose, methane is produced, which is captured and converted to RNG. It is a sustainable and reliable energy source that is compatible with existing infrastructure when blended with natural gas. RNG can be integrated into the VNG distribution system, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and can be used directly in a manner consistent with traditional natural gas for residential, commercial, industrial and transportation purposes. Along with VNG's efforts to support sustainable gas supply opportunities like RNG, other emission reduction efforts at VNG include innovative technologies, such as the use of artificial intelligence to predict third-party damages to critical infrastructure. Additionally, VNG is reducing emissions through the Steps to Advance Virginia's Energy (SAVE) program by renewing its natural gas infrastructure, replacing aging pipes with new, more durable materials that reduce methane emissions, continue the safe delivery of natural gas, and are less expensive to maintain. Since the program began in 2012, VNG has replaced more than 500 miles of aging pipeline, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 31%. The energy company is also utilizing innovative cross-compression technologies to capture natural gas removed during maintenance activities and reinsert it back into the pipeline system for continued use. This results in less gas or methane entering the atmosphere. Learn more information about VNG's sustainable program. About Virginia Natural Gas Virginia Natural Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Virginia Natural Gas provides clean, safe, reliable and affordable natural gas service to more than 300,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in southeast Virginia. Consistently ranked in the top quartile for customer satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates, the company also has been recognized by the Virginia Department of Energy (Virginia Energy) and the Virginia Oil and Gas Association for its safety, innovation, environmental stewardship, community outreach and educational programs, and has been named Local Distribution Company of the Year five times since 2015. The company has been ranked by its business customers as one of the most Trusted Business Partners in the utility industry according to Cogent Reports, and a Top Workplaces in Hampton Roads by Inside Business. For more information, visit virginianaturalgas.com and connect with the company on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Nextdoor. About Southern Company Gas Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America's premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.3 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states, as well as approximately 600,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas across the country. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines and ownership and operation of a natural gas storage facility. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com. www.virginianaturalgas/pressroom SOURCE Virginia Natural Gas 2023 Virtual Investor Day event on Tuesday, April 4th at 10:00 AM PT ( 1:00 PM ET ) VANCOUVER, BC, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Wishpond Technologies Ltd. (TSXV: WISH) (OTCQX: WPNDF) (the "Company" or "Wishpond"), a provider of marketing-focused online business solutions, is pleased to announce that it will be hosting its inaugural Virtual Investor Day event on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at 10:00am PT (1:00pm ET). Wishpond's senior management team will be presenting an overview of the Company's business along with updates from business unit leaders, acquisition strategy, and future outlook. In addition, Lloyed Lobo, Director of Wishpond and a renowned speaker and marketing technology visionary, will provide a presentation on the current trends in digital marketing. Registrants will also be able to view a product demo of Wishpond's recently launched next generation marketing technology platform, Propel IQ, as well as a showcase of Wishpond's new Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered Landing Page Builder. Investor Day Details: Date: Tuesday, April 4, 2023 Time: 10:00 am PT (1:00 pm ET) Registration: https://investor.wishpond.com/investor-day-march-2023/ After registering for the event, registered participants will receive an email confirmation with a link to join on the day of the event. About Wishpond Technologies Ltd. Based out of Vancouver, British Columbia, Wishpond is a provider of marketing-focused online business solutions. Wishpond's vision is to become the leading provider of digital marketing solutions that empower entrepreneurs to achieve success online. The Company offers an "all-in-one" marketing suite that provides companies with marketing, promotion, lead generation, and sales conversion capabilities on one integrated platform. Wishpond replaces disparate marketing solutions with an easy-to-use product, for a fraction of the cost. Wishpond serves over 4,000 customers who are primarily small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in a wide variety of industries. The Company has developed cutting-edge marketing technology solutions and continues to add new features and applications with great velocity. The Company employs a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) business model where substantially all the Company's revenue is subscription-based recurring revenue which provides excellent revenue predictability and cash flow visibility. Wishpond is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the ticker "WISH", and on the OTCQX Best Market under the ticker "WPNDF". For further information, visit: www.wishpond.com. Forward-Looking Statements 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. SOURCE Wishpond Technologies Ltd. Parent Company of Better-For-You Fast Casual Restaurants Provides Drink Options Guests Can Feel Good About ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- WOWorks, the family of better-for-you restaurant brands, Saladworks, Frutta Bowls, Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh, The Simple Greek, Barberitos Southwestern Grille and Cantina, and Zoup! Eatery, announced its partnership with Tractor Beverage Company, the first and only certified organic, non-GMO full-line beverage solution for foodservice. In partnering with Tractor, WOWorks is providing drink options made from only real ingredients (the ones you can pronounce) that pair perfectly with its brand's "better-for-you" values. Tractor proudly pours Certified Organic, Non-GMO beverages with no artificial ingredients, no phony colors and no mystery preservatives. "So often we are eating and drinking beverages full of ingredients we can't pronounce and are unaware of exactly what we're putting in our bodies," said Kelly Roddy, CEO of WOWorks. "WOWorks has always put an emphasis on providing better-for-you options to our guests, and this new partnership with Tractor is a perfect match with our values and provides our franchisees with an exciting new product offering to serve their guests." Tractor beverages are available at Saladworks, Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh, The Simple Greek, Barberitos Southwestern Grille and Cantina, and Zoup! Eatery. The offerings, which vary by brand and location, are: Lemonade: Juicy, ripe lemons, a dash of turmeric, and all-natural sugarcane. A refreshing balance of sweet and tart. Farmers Punch: Strawberry, Blueberry, Cranberry, Grapes, and Pomegranate. Strawberry Dragonfruit: Strawberry, Sweet Cherry, Pomegranate, and Jerusalem Artichoke Inulin. Berry Patch : Harvest Apples, Pomegranates, Strawberries, Cherries, Black Currants, and ambrosial spices. : Harvest Apples, Pomegranates, Strawberries, Cherries, Black Currants, and ambrosial spices. Peach: Flecked with organic cinnamon grounds and subtle notes of apricot and molasses. Unsweet Black Tea: Aromatic black tea. Dark, bold, and full-bodied, with a pinch of caffeine. Sweet Black Tea: All-natural sugarcane-sweetened black tea. "We're thrilled to partner with WOWorks and look forward to wow-ing their guests with great-tasting drink options made from only real ingredients that pair perfectly with its brand's healthy, nutritious, and flavorful meals," said Luke Emery, Chief Customer Officer for Tractor Beverage Company. "Our Tractor Beverages will bring entirely new flavors to the brand's dining experience while doing what's best for our planet, communities, and health one sip at a time." WOWorks franchise owners come from different backgrounds, including multi-brand franchisees; varied business ownership backgrounds, such as construction, hotels, and fitness; former professional athletes; and military veterans. The company has franchising opportunities available in 49 states (all states excluding Hawaii) and offers 25 percent off franchise fees for veterans and first responders. If you are interested in owning a WOWorks restaurant brand franchise, visit https://woworksusa.com/a-place-to-invest/ to learn more. ABOUT WOWORKS: WOWorks was formed in 2020 with a mission to help guests pursue their passions and live their best lives by serving healthier-for-you and flavorful meals along with its Vow to "WOW!" guest hospitality. Fully owned by Centre Lane Partners, LLC, WOWorks' portfolio, in addition to its newest brands, Barberitos Southwestern Grille and Cantina and Zoup! Eatery, consists of: Saladworks, the nation's leading fast-casual salad brand; Frutta Bowls, a unique restaurant franchise serving a variety of superfood bowls, fresh fruit smoothies, protein bites and more; Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh, a popular Mediterranean restaurant concept; The Simple Greek, which offers a fresh and healthy take on traditional Greek recipes in a fast-casual setting. WOWorks seeks to drive explosive growth across all of its brands through a variety of channels, both traditional and non-traditional, including ghost kitchens, food trucks, grocery retail and more. About Tractor Beverage Company: Founded with a mission to create better beverages for all, Tractor Beverage Company is the first and only certified organic, non-GMO full-line beverage solution for foodservice. Tractor's handcrafted drinks feature clean ingredients that deliver on taste, functionality, and an innovative consumer experience. Tractor's vision is to use its beverage platform to expand organic farm practices and, in turn, lead the way to a more sustainable and flourishing future for restaurants, consumers, and farmers. In 2022, Tractor Beverage Company ranked No. 216 on the Inc. 5000 list and No. 10 in the Food and Beverage category on the publication's prestigious list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. Tractor was named to Fast Company's annual list of the World's Most Innovative Companies in 2021. For more information, visit drinktractor.com or follow along on Instagram at @drinktractor. SOURCE WOWorks NEW YORK, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The writing instruments market size is estimated to grow by USD 9,424.32 million from 2022 to 2027 at a CAGR of 6.4% according to Technavio. The growth of the market is driven by the rapidly expanding online sales of writing instruments. E-commerce platforms provide customers with the ability to compare various models of writing instruments and make informed purchasing decisions based on their specific needs and preferences. Vendors can offer significant discounts on their writing instruments through online sales as costs for storage and sales staff are reduced. Such strategies help vendors in attracting a better consumer base than in traditional sales channels. Hence, online sales are expected to drive the growth of the global writing instruments market during the forecast period. To understand more about the writing instruments market, request a sample report Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Writing Instruments Market 2023-2027 Writing instruments market Major Challenge Availability of alternatives Rising threat of digitization Growing threat of counterfeit writing instruments Drivers, trends, and challenges have an impact on market dynamics, which can impact businesses. Find more insights in a sample report! Writing instruments market Regional Analysis The report analyzes the growth of the market across regions such as APAC, Europe, North America, South America, and Middle East and Africa. APAC will account for 57% of the market growth during the forecast period. Product design and feature innovations have a significant impact on market growth. High growth in developing countries such as India and China has made it an advantage. As disposable income increases due to the high demand for writing instruments, many international suppliers are expanding their footprints into the regional market. Such factors will increase the market growth during the forecast period. Writing instruments market Vendor Analysis We provide a detailed analysis of around 15 vendors operating in the power electronics market, including Bic, Caran d Ache, Claro, Crayola, Faber Castell Aktiengesellschaft, Flair Pens, Hindustan Pencils Pvt. Ltd., Koh i noor Hardtmuth AS, Kokuyo Camlin Ltd, Linc Pen & Plastics Ltd., Luxor, Mitsubishi Pencil Co. Ltd, Montblanc, Newell Brands Inc., Pelikan International Corp. Berhad, PENTEL STATIONERY (INDIA) PVT. LTD., PILOT Corp, Schwanhausser Industrie Holding GmbH and Co. KG, Shanghai M and G Stationery Inc., and Staedtler Mars GmbH and Co. KG Bic - The company offers writing instruments such as mechanical pencils. - The company offers writing instruments such as mechanical pencils. Crayola- The company offers writing instruments such as pens and pencils and permanent markers. The company offers writing instruments such as pens and pencils and permanent markers. Faber Castell Aktiengesellschaft: The company offers writing instruments such as fountain pens, graphite pencils, and ballpoint pens. The company offers writing instruments such as fountain pens, graphite pencils, and ballpoint pens. Flair Pens: The company offers writing instruments such as Ball Pens. The writing instruments market report provides critical information and factual data, with a qualitative and quantitative study of the market based on market drivers and limitations as well as future prospects. Writing instruments Market Insights - Coverage: Parent market analysis; key drivers, major trends, and challenges; customer and vendor landscape; vendor product insights and recent developments; key vendors; and market positioning of vendors Parent market analysis; key drivers, major trends, and challenges; customer and vendor landscape; vendor product insights and recent developments; key vendors; and market positioning of vendors Segments: Application (Students, Working professionals, and Institutions), Distribution Channel (Offline and Online), and Geography (APAC, Europe , North America , South America , and Middle East and Africa ) Why Buy? Add credibility to strategy Analyzes competitor's offerings Get a holistic view of the market Grow your profit margin with Technavio - Buy the Report What are the key data covered in this writing instruments market report? CAGR of the market during the forecast period Detailed information on factors that will drive the growth of the writing instruments market between 2023 and 2027 Precise estimation of the writing instruments market size and its contribution to the market in focus on the parent market Accurate predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior Growth of the writing instruments market across APAC, Europe , North America , South America , and Middle East and Africa , , , and and A thorough analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information about vendors Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the growth of writing instruments market vendors Gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Related Reports: The school stationery supplies market is projected to grow by USD 10.8 billion with a CAGR of 2.11% during the forecast period 2021 to 2026. The market is segmented by product (paper products, computer and daily use, and writing instruments) and geography (APAC, Europe , North America , South America , and MEA). is projected to grow by with a CAGR of 2.11% during the forecast period 2021 to 2026. The market is segmented by product (paper products, computer and daily use, and writing instruments) and geography (APAC, , , , and MEA). The printing and writing paper market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 1.76% between 2021 and 2026. The size of the market is forecast to increase by USD 7.92 billion . The market is segmented by type (printing paper and writing paper) and geography (APAC, Europe , North America , South America , and Middle East and Africa ).. Writing Instruments Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2022 Historic period 2017-2021 Forecast period 2023-2027 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 6.4% Market growth 2023-2027 USD 9,424.32 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 5.4 Regional analysis APAC, Europe, North America, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution APAC at 57% Key countries US, China, Japan, India, and Germany Competitive landscape Leading Vendors, Market Positioning of Vendors, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks Key companies profiled Bic, Caran d Ache, Claro, Crayola, Faber Castell Aktiengesellschaft, Flair Pens, Hindustan Pencils Pvt. Ltd., Koh i noor Hardtmuth AS, Kokuyo Camlin Ltd, Linc Pen & Plastics Ltd., Luxor, Mitsubishi Pencil Co. Ltd, Montblanc, Newell Brands Inc., Pelikan International Corp. Berhad, PENTEL STATIONERY (INDIA) PVT. LTD., PILOT Corp, Schwanhausser Industrie Holding GmbH and Co. KG, Shanghai M and G Stationery Inc., and Staedtler Mars GmbH and Co. KG Market dynamics Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, Market condition analysis for forecast period. Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. Browse through Technavio's Consumer Discretionary Market Reports Table Of Contents : 1 Executive Summary 1.1 Market overview Exhibit 01: Executive Summary Chart on Market Overview Exhibit 02: Executive Summary Data Table on Market Overview Exhibit 03: Executive Summary Chart on Global Market Characteristics Exhibit 04: Executive Summary Chart on Market by Geography Exhibit 05: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by Application Exhibit 06: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by Distribution Channel Exhibit 07: Executive Summary Chart on Incremental Growth Exhibit 08: Executive Summary Data Table on Incremental Growth Exhibit 09: Executive Summary Chart on Vendor Market Positioning 2 Market Landscape 2.1 Market ecosystem Exhibit 10: Parent market Exhibit 11: Market Characteristics 3 Market Sizing 3.1 Market definition Exhibit 12: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition 3.2 Market segment analysis Exhibit 13: Market segments 3.3 Market size 2022 3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2022-2027 Exhibit 14: Chart on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 15: Data Table on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 16: Chart on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 17: Data Table on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 4 Historic Market Size 4.1 Global writing instruments market 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 18: Historic Market Size Data Table on Global writing instruments market 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.2 Application Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 19: Historic Market Size Application Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.3 Distribution Channel Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 20: Historic Market Size Distribution Channel Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.4 Geography Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 21: Historic Market Size Geography Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.5 Country Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 22: Historic Market Size Country Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 5 Five Forces Analysis 5.1 Five forces summary Exhibit 23: Five forces analysis - Comparison between 2022 and 2027 5.2 Bargaining power of buyers Exhibit 24: Chart on Bargaining power of buyers Impact of key factors 2022 and 2027 5.3 Bargaining power of suppliers Exhibit 25: Bargaining power of suppliers Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.4 Threat of new entrants Exhibit 26: Threat of new entrants Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.5 Threat of substitutes Exhibit 27: Threat of substitutes Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.6 Threat of rivalry Exhibit 28: Threat of rivalry Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.7 Market condition Exhibit 29: Chart on Market condition - Five forces 2022 and 2027 6 Market Segmentation by Application 6.1 Market segments Exhibit 30: Chart on Application - Market share 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 31: Data Table on Application - Market share 2022-2027 (%) 6.2 Comparison by Application Exhibit 32: Chart on Comparison by Application Exhibit 33: Data Table on Comparison by Application 6.3 Students - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 34: Chart on Students - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 35: Data Table on Students - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 36: Chart on Students - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 37: Data Table on Students - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.4 Working professionals - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 38: Chart on Working professionals - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 39: Data Table on Working professionals - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 40: Chart on Working professionals - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 41: Data Table on Working professionals - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.5 Institutions - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 42: Chart on Institutions - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 43: Data Table on Institutions - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 44: Chart on Institutions - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 45: Data Table on Institutions - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.6 Market opportunity by Application Exhibit 46: Market opportunity by Application ($ million) 7 Market Segmentation by Distribution Channel 7.1 Market segments Exhibit 47: Chart on Distribution Channel - Market share 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 48: Data Table on Distribution Channel - Market share 2022-2027 (%) 7.2 Comparison by Distribution Channel Exhibit 49: Chart on Comparison by Distribution Channel Exhibit 50: Data Table on Comparison by Distribution Channel 7.3 Offline - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 51: Chart on Offline - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 52: Data Table on Offline - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 53: Chart on Offline - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 54: Data Table on Offline - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.4 Online - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 55: Chart on Online - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 56: Data Table on Online - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 57: Chart on Online - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 58: Data Table on Online - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.5 Market opportunity by Distribution Channel Exhibit 59: Market opportunity by Distribution Channel ($ million) 8 Customer Landscape 8.1 Customer landscape overview Exhibit 60: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria 9 Geographic Landscape 9.1 Geographic segmentation Exhibit 61: Chart on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 62: Data Table on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%) 9.2 Geographic comparison Exhibit 63: Chart on Geographic comparison Exhibit 64: Data Table on Geographic comparison 9.3 APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 65: Chart on APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 66: Data Table on APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 67: Chart on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 68: Data Table on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.4 Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 69: Chart on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 70: Data Table on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 71: Chart on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 72: Data Table on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.5 North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 73: Chart on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 74: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 75: Chart on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 76: Data Table on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.6 South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 77: Chart on South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 78: Data Table on South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 79: Chart on South America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 80: Data Table on South America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.7 Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 81: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 82: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 83: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) and - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 84: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.8 China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 85: Chart on China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 86: Data Table on China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 87: Chart on China - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 88: Data Table on China - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.9 US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 89: Chart on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 90: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 91: Chart on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 92: Data Table on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.10 Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 93: Chart on Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 94: Data Table on Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 95: Chart on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 96: Data Table on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.11 Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 97: Chart on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 98: Data Table on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 99: Chart on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 100: Data Table on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.12 India - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 101: Chart on India - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 102: Data Table on India - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 103: Chart on India - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 104: Data Table on India - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.13 Market opportunity by geography Exhibit 105: Market opportunity by geography ($ million) 10 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10.1 Market drivers 10.2 Market challenges 10.3 Impact of drivers and challenges Exhibit 106: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2022 and 2027 10.4 Market trends 11 Vendor Landscape 11.1 Overview 11.2 Vendor landscape Exhibit 107: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation 11.3 Landscape disruption Exhibit 108: Overview on factors of disruption 11.4 Industry risks Exhibit 109: Impact of key risks on business 12 Vendor Analysis 12.1 Vendors covered Exhibit 110: Vendors covered 12.2 Market positioning of vendors Exhibit 111: Matrix on vendor position and classification 12.3 Bic Exhibit 112: Bic - Overview Exhibit 113: Bic - Business segments Exhibit 114: Bic - Key offerings Exhibit 115: Bic - Segment focus 12.4 Crayola Exhibit 116: Crayola - Overview Exhibit 117: Crayola - Product / Service Exhibit 118: Crayola - Key offerings 12.5 Faber Castell Aktiengesellschaft Exhibit 119: Faber Castell Aktiengesellschaft - Overview Exhibit 120: Faber Castell Aktiengesellschaft - Product / Service Exhibit 121: Faber Castell Aktiengesellschaft - Key offerings 12.6 Flair Pens Exhibit 122: Flair Pens - Overview Exhibit 123: Flair Pens - Product / Service Exhibit 124: Flair Pens - Key offerings 12.7 Hindustan Pencils Pvt. Ltd. Exhibit 125: Hindustan Pencils Pvt. Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 126: Hindustan Pencils Pvt. Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 127: Hindustan Pencils Pvt. Ltd. - Key offerings 12.8 Koh i noor Hardtmuth AS Exhibit 128: Koh i noor Hardtmuth AS - Overview Exhibit 129: Koh i noor Hardtmuth AS - Product / Service Exhibit 130: Koh i noor Hardtmuth AS - Key offerings 12.9 Kokuyo Camlin Ltd Exhibit 131: Kokuyo Camlin Ltd - Overview Exhibit 132: Kokuyo Camlin Ltd - Product / Service Exhibit 133: Kokuyo Camlin Ltd - Key offerings 12.10 Linc Pen Plastics Ltd. Exhibit 134: Linc Pen Plastics Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 135: Linc Pen Plastics Ltd. - Business segments Exhibit 136: Linc Pen Plastics Ltd. - Key offerings Exhibit 137: Linc Pen Plastics Ltd. - Segment focus 12.11 Luxor Exhibit 138: Luxor - Overview Exhibit 139: Luxor - Product / Service Exhibit 140: Luxor - Key offerings 12.12 Mitsubishi Pencil Co. Ltd Exhibit 141: Mitsubishi Pencil Co. Ltd - Overview Exhibit 142: Mitsubishi Pencil Co. Ltd - Business segments Exhibit 143: Mitsubishi Pencil Co. Ltd - Key offerings Exhibit 144: Mitsubishi Pencil Co. Ltd - Segment focus 12.13 Montblanc Exhibit 145: Montblanc - Overview Exhibit 146: Montblanc - Product / Service Exhibit 147: Montblanc - Key offerings 12.14 Newell Brands Inc. Exhibit 148: Newell Brands Inc. - Overview Exhibit 149: Newell Brands Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 150: Newell Brands Inc. - Key news Exhibit 151: Newell Brands Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 152: Newell Brands Inc. - Segment focus 12.15 PENTEL STATIONERY ( INDIA ) PVT. LTD. ) PVT. LTD. Exhibit 153: PENTEL STATIONERY ( INDIA ) PVT. LTD. - Overview ) PVT. LTD. - Overview Exhibit 154: PENTEL STATIONERY ( INDIA ) PVT. LTD. - Product / Service ) PVT. LTD. - Product / Service Exhibit 155: PENTEL STATIONERY ( INDIA ) PVT. LTD. - Key offerings 12.16 PILOT Corp Exhibit 156: PILOT Corp - Overview Exhibit 157: PILOT Corp - Product / Service Exhibit 158: PILOT Corp - Key offerings 12.17 Shanghai M and G Stationery Inc. Exhibit 159: Shanghai M and G Stationery Inc. - Overview Exhibit 160: Shanghai M and G Stationery Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 161: Shanghai M and G Stationery Inc. - Key offerings 13 Appendix 13.1 Scope of the report 13.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist Exhibit 162: Inclusions checklist Exhibit 163: Exclusions checklist 13.3 Currency conversion rates for US$ Exhibit 164: Currency conversion rates for US$ 13.4 Research methodology Exhibit 165: Research methodology Exhibit 166: Validation techniques employed for market sizing Exhibit 167: Information sources 13.5 List of abbreviations Exhibit 168: List of abbreviations About Us Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contact Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio CHICAGO, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, MacKenzie Scott's Yield Giving announced the launch of a $250 million Open Call focused on elevating organizations working with people and in places experiencing the greatest need in the United States: communities, individuals, and families with access to the fewest foundational resources and opportunities. This initiative seeks community-led, community-focused organizations whose explicit purpose is to advance the voices and opportunities of individuals and families of meager or modest means, and groups who have met with discrimination and other systemic obstacles. Organizations best suited to this initiative will enable individuals and families to achieve substantive improvement in their well-being through foundational resources. This includes, for instance, organizations providing access to health care, stable and affordable housing, education and job training, support for sustained employment, asset ownership, civic engagement, and other pathways. They may also be engaged in data collection and communication to amplify the voices of people and communities struggling against inequities. Community-led, community-focused nonprofit organizations from across the United States and U.S. Territories are invited to apply and share the impact they have had on the abilities of individuals and families in their communities to achieve substantive improvement in their well-being. Interested organizations must register to apply before 4 p.m. U.S. Central Time on Friday, May 5, 2023. Complete applications are due before 4 p.m. U.S. Central Time on Monday, June 12, 2023. Organizations must have an annual operating budget of at least $1 million and no more than $5 million for at least two of the last four fiscal years to be eligible to apply. The Yield Giving Open Call is being managed by Lever for Change, a nonprofit that leverages its networks to find and fund solutions to the world's greatest challenges, including racial inequity, gender inequality, lack of economic opportunity, and climate change. After applications are submitted, they will undergo Administrative Review to confirm basic eligibility, followed by Participatory Review by other applicants using publicly posted evaluation criteria. In the Fall of 2023, up to 1,000 finalists top-rated by their peers will advance to a second round of review by an external Evaluation Panel recruited for experience relevant to this cause. Following a final round of due diligence, the donor team will choose 250 from among the organizations top-rated by their peers and external evaluators, giving each of them unrestricted operating gifts of $1 million. The 250 awardees will be announced in early 2024. "This Open Call is designed to empower and strengthen communities across the United States that are often overlooked," said Cecilia Conrad, CEO of Lever for Change. "We are looking for organizations that are making a meaningful difference in people's lives. The awards will recognize teams that demonstrate the potential to make progress toward reducing disparities in health, education, economic outcomes, and other critical issues." "We are excited to be partnering with Lever for Change to create this new pathway to support for organizations making positive change in their communities," added MacKenzie Scott. "Teams on the front lines of challenges have insights no one else can offer, so there are three big headlines here in my heart: Community changemakers can nominate themselves. Community changemakers get feedback from their peers. Community changemakers have a powerful role in funding decisions." More information on the Yield Giving Open Call and other initiatives can be found at www.leverforchange.org . CONTACT: Lever for Change, [email protected] Yield Giving Established by MacKenzie Scott to share a financial fortune created through the effort of countless people, Yield is named after a belief in adding value by giving up control. To date, Yield's network of staff and advisors has yielded over $14,000,000,000 to 1,600+ non-profit teams to use as they see fit for the benefit of others. To learn more, visit www.yieldgiving.com. Lever for Change Lever for Change connects donors with bold solutions to the world's biggest problemsincluding issues like racial inequity, gender inequality, lack of access to economic opportunity, and climate change. Using an inclusive, equitable model and due diligence process, Lever for Change creates customized challenges and other tailored funding opportunities to advance as many solutions as possible and accelerate social change. Founded in 2019 as a nonprofit affiliate of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Lever for Change has influenced over $1 billion in grants to date and provided support to more than 145 organizations. To learn more, visit www.leverforchange.org. SOURCE Lever for Change ZenQMS supports the USDM Cloud Assurance Certified program, which helps technology vendors meet the quality and compliance demands of the life sciences industry. SANTA BARBARA, Calif., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ZenQMS, a leading provider of cloud-based electronic quality-management system (eQMS) software, has partnered with USDM Life Sciences (USDM), a premier technology consulting firm focused on cloud-based regulatory compliance, to make it easier for life sciences clients to qualify and maintain implementations of the ZenQMS platform in accordance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and global regulatory standards. "We have always believed that supporting life sciences companies with critical software like an eQMS means taking quality as seriously as our most conservative clients," said ZenQMS CEO Panos Boudouvas. "That's why ZenQMS has been proactive in its pursuit of security and GMP certifications, including ISO 9001/27001 and SOC 2 Type II. Companies should have a simple pathway to onboarding, qualifying, and implementing our software. For too long, quality teams have been afraid of what they don't know when auditing and qualifying a cloud-based software like ours, but USDM Cloud Assurance Certification adheres to the high compliance standards required for GxP environments. That means our clients can focus on an economical, risk-based approach to qualification and spend more time on their business." USDM's Cloud Assurance Certification confirms that Software as a Service (SaaS) vendors have passed a comprehensive assessment and met the quality and compliance demands of the industry. It is the badge of trust for GxP functionality. The USDM Cloud Assurance Certified program ensures that cloud technology is implemented, validated, and maintained in a compliant state, satisfying more than 30 worldwide health authorities' nonfunctional requirements, and supporting functional requirements, as defined in over 6,500 regulatory requirements. "The life sciences industry has been embracing the opportunities provided by digital transformation at an accelerated rate. One example of this is a growing demand for cloud technology. To help the sector reap the benefits offered by these innovations, USDM created Cloud Assurance Certified to distinguish GxP-ready solutions." said John Petrakis, Vice President of Cloud Assurance at USDM. "We are committed to partnering with forward-thinking technology companies around the world, and ZenQMS is one of them. This project demonstrated their dedication to helping customers quickly and easily deploy GxP-enabled cloud services." Said Mr. Boudouvas, "We think Cloud Assurance Certification does for GxP regulatory compliance what standards like ISO 27001 and SOC 2 Type II do for data security, and we are grateful for USDM's leadership on this matter." Karin Ashkenazi, Vice President of Quality Assurance at ZenQMS, added, "We host more than a hundred qualification and routine client audits per year, and I found USDM's audit of ZenQMS to be thorough. More importantly, the published report is easy for customers to understand and leverage." ZenQMS supports the life sciences community with a unique approach to quality management organized around a platform that is easy to acquire, implement, validate, and use. They help hundreds of innovators and GxP vendors and contractors around the transition to qualified cloud services. To learn more about ZenQMS and USDM's partnership, register for their upcoming webinar. Simplify GxP Quality Assurance April 20, 2023 | 11:00 AM PT | 2:00 PM ET REGISTER HERE About ZenQMS Headquartered in suburban Philadelphia, ZenQMS is a 100% cloud-native application helping life sciences companies that want an easy-to-use, affordable way to maintain compliance with GxP and ISO requirements. ZenQMS offers a unique approach to client engagement and pricing, including turnkey implementation, personalized onboarding, and a customer-friendly annual fee that includes access to the whole platform that scales as clients grow. The software is 21 CFR Part 11 and Annex 11 compliant and offers simple and versatile configuration options to meet a client's unique needs. In-house support is included at no additional cost; customers don't need an IT team or a large QA team to purchase, implement, or manage ZenQMS. Learn more at www.zenqms.com . About USDM Life Sciences At USDM Life Sciences, our purpose is to bring clarity and action to the interplay of technology and regulations to help biotech, pharma, and medical device companies deliver trailblazing outcomes. We help our customers use cutting-edge technology to increase their speed to market while ensuring continuous compliance and patient safety. For more information, visit www.usdm.com . Media Contact: Ksenia Kulik Interdependence Public Relations [email protected] (919) 349-3786 SOURCE USDM Life Sciences The company further strengthens its contribution to a healthier planet as part of their Sustainability strategy PRAGUE, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Zentiva today celebrates the International Day of Forests by committing to plant 1 million trees by 2030. Being a producer of high-quality and affordable medicines, Zentiva is generating carbon emissions and is aware of its impact on the environment. That is why the company committed to a strong sustainability program as part of its business strategy. Nick Haggar, CEO of Zentiva: "At Zentiva, we ensure medicines supply and more than 100 million people in Europe and beyond trust in our products. We have defined a comprehensive Sustainability Strategy and we have formalized our commitment to become carbon neutral for scope 1 and scope 2 by 2030. On top, we are further investing in programs to improve our efficiency in energy, water and waste management. I am proud that actions are real and not just paper commitments." Zentiva's Sustainability journey started back in 2019 by planting the first trees in Romania. Since then, the company has already planted more than 250.000 trees as part of its reforestation and offsetting program. The formalization of the 1-Million-Trees commitment is another milestone for the team. Ines Windisch, Head of HR, Communications & Sustainability: "Everyone in our company is involved in the Sustainability agenda as we believe that every small step and every small contribution counts. We are focusing our efforts not only on efficiency programs but as well on Biodiversity, supporting nature to recover and restore local ecosystems. There is just one Planet, and we want that future generations will enjoy their lives on Earth as much as we do." Zentiva has continued to significantly reduce its CO2 emissions during 2022 following on from a 16% reduction in 2021. It is important that all companies work to reduce their environmental impact and the Zentiva team is proud of the progress it is making. While the company's sustainability strategy is framed around 3 pillars: People, Partners and Planet, Zentiva will achieve the goal of carbon neutrality by focusing on reducing carbon emissions, sourcing from renewable energy, and increasing efficiency in energy, water and waste management. Click here to read more information about Sustainability at Zentiva. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1757203/ZENTIVA_Logo.jpg SOURCE Zentiva Paris, March 21 : Two no-confidence motions against the French government failed to convince a majority in the National Assembly after hot debates followed by narrow votes. It means the government's "unpopular" pension reform bill is considered as adopted without vote in the lower house of Parliament. French President Emmanuel Macron now has 15 days to enact the law, Xinhua news agency reported. The first multiparty motion, filed by the centrist opposition group LIOT, gained 278 votes on Monday afternoon among the deputies, only nine votes short of the 287 required to topple Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne's government. The second motion, tabled by the far-right National Rally party, only got 94 votes. The French National Assembly is composed of 577 seats, but since there are currently four vacancies, the number of votes required to reach a majority is 287. Borne on Thursday triggered an article of the country's Constitution that allows the government to force passage of the controversial pension reform bill without a vote in the National Assembly. Following the results of the two no-confidence motions, France's largest union, the General Confederation of Labor (CGT), has called for "amplifying the mobilisation" and "participating massively in the rolling strikes and the demonstrations" on March 23. Tensions also rose across France. Demonstrations in Paris and Lille were dispersed by the police with tear gas. According to Paragraph 3 of Article 49 of the French Constitution, the prime minister may, after consulting with the Council of Ministers, impose the adoption of a bill by the National Assembly without a vote. The only way for the National Assembly to veto this is to pass a no-confidence motion against the government. The prime minister laid out details of the pension reform plan in January, under which the legal retirement age would be progressively raised by three months a year from 62 to 64 by 2030, and a guaranteed minimum pension would be introduced. Under the plan, as of 2027, at least 43 years of work would be required to be eligible for a full pension. Patna, March 21 : Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar went angry after seeing directives written in English on the LED display board of the Vidhan Parishad here. He asked Speaker, Devesh Chandra Thakur, whether he want to remove the Hindi language from the house. He further demanded the Speaker to get the English display board replaced with the Hindi display board. Nitish Kumar on Monday came to the Vidhan Parishad to participate in the budget session. When he entered the House, he saw the English display board. "What are the instructions written on the display board?... These are useless and hence rectify it soon. All the instructions should be written in Hindi...," the Chief Minister asserted. Speaker Thakur assured the Chief Minister that the diplay board will be replaced immediately. Earlier, Nitish Kumar went angry during the farmers' meeting in Bapu Sabhagar in Patna a few weeks ago. At that time, a farmer was describing the features of crops in English, to which Nitish Kumar immediately interrupted him and asked him to speak in Hindi as it is Bihar and he is addressing farmers. United Nations, March 21 : The top UN envoy for Sudan has said that a solution to end political crisis in Sudan now is "closest" despite enormous challenges ahead. "Today, we are the closest we have been to a solution, although challenges remain," Volker Perthes, special representative of the UN secretary-general to Sudan, told a Security Council briefing, Xinhua news agency reported. On December 5, 2022, Sudan's military and civilian leaders signed a political framework agreement to end the political impasse and institute a two-year transitional civilian authority. The agreement was "a watershed moment" and ushered into a new phase of the political process which aims to lead to a new transitional period, Perthes said. He outlined the progress achieved since then, including the start of broad consultations in the form of workshops on Jan. 9 by the signatories to the framework agreement, with the facilitation of the Trilateral Mechanism that consists of the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the United Nations. Many areas of consensus have emerged in the consultations on five contentious issues among them the dismantling of the old regime and security sector reform, Perthes said. "Today, Sudanese stakeholders are closer than they have ever been to a settlement and the return to a civilian government," he said. Admitting the process is "certainly not perfect" and occasionally criticized for "being too slow," Perthes stressed that it has managed to get a broad and sufficiently inclusive group of stakeholders to near agreement, particularly military authorities and civilian opposition parties. Meanwhile, he warned that the scale of challenges facing the Sudanese people and any new government are enormous. A record 15.8 million people in the country, about a third of the population, are requiring humanitarian assistance this year, Perthes said, adding that high food prices and rising hunger remain a serious concern. As the Sudanese navigate the last hurdle of the political process, collective efforts from the international community are needed now more than ever, he said. The envoy called for supporting the next Sudanese government with the required capacity to tackle major issues such as addressing root causes of conflict, significantly improving people's lives and preparing free and fair elections. Moscow, March 21 : Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jingping at the Kremlin, has said his country is "always open for a negotiation process". Putin made the remarks on Monday in response to China's "plan settle ongoing Ukraine crisis". The plan aimed to "end the Russia-Ukraine war" was released by China in February. However, the US has warned it could be a "stalling tactic", the BBC reported. "The world should not be fooled by any tactical move by Russia, supported by China or any other country, to freeze the war on its own terms," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was quoted as saying by the British broadcaster. "Calling for a ceasefire that does not include the removal of Russian forces from Ukrainian territory would effectively be supporting the ratification of Russian conquest," Blinken added. Talks between the two leaders lasted four and a half hours on Monday, according to Russian state news agency RIA Novosti. Further formal meetings are expected to follow on Tuesday. Xi, who called Putin his "dear friend," praised his Russian counterpart, saying the country's development had "significantly improved", CNN reported. "Both sides exchanged in-depth views on the Ukraine issue," reported Xinhua news agency, describing the leaders' meeting as "in-depth and candid." Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War Kanpur, March 21 : A student of the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IIT-K) was allegedly attacked with a knife by three of his seniors after an argument broke out between them over jumping the queue at a music concert. The victim, Meena, has accused three students in the FIR lodged with the Kalyanpur police. He said that he sustained a serious injury in his thumb during the attack. The concert -- featuring famous Bollywood music director duo Salim-Sulaiman -- was held as part of annual cultural festival Antaragini. ACP Kalyanpur Vikas Pandey said that the FIR has been registered under section 324 of the IPC (causing injury) against three identified students -- Varun Dev, Adarsh, and Dinesh Ram. "Police have begun investigation into the incident. The institute has also been approached in this context," said the senior cop. Meena was part of the group that was assisting to maintain order during the concert. The three accused were allegedly trying to force their way in and when Meena stopped them, they attacked him with a knife, according to the FIR. When asked about the matter, IIT-K officials said that one of the three accused was carrying a sugarcane and not the knife. The injury was caused as the complainant grabbed the cane and the others yanked it with force. The institute would fully cooperate with the probe, they added. Prayagraj, March 21 : The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (Kashi Prant) has decided to install saffron flags with 'Om' printed on them, at around five lakh houses in Kashi Prant comprising 17 districts of Uttar Pradesh on the occasion of Hindu New Year. The VHP aims to install at least one lakh saffron flags in Prayagraj alone. The VHP has geared up to celebrate the 'Ramotsav' event across 17 districts of Kashi Prant between March 22 and April 6 to mark the Hindu New Year. VHP spokesman Ashwani Mishra said: "The organisation aims that every Hindu house should install saffron flag on the occasion of Hindu new year beginning from March 22." Senior VHP leader Lal Mani Tiwari said: "Volunteers have been asked to install the saffron flags at each and every house belonging to Hindu community." This is a part of the VHP strategy to consolidate the feeling of Hindutva in every Hindu across the state. Beirut, March 21 : Aroldo Lazaro Saenz, chief of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), reiterated calls for Lebanon and Israel to refrain from any action that could lead to an escalation. "I continue to urge all parties to refrain from any action that could lead to misunderstanding, reaction, and cause a break in the cessation of hostilities," he said in a statement on Monday. His remarks came during a ceremony held at UNIFIL Headquarters in Naqoura to mark the 45th anniversary of establishing the UN peacekeeping forces, reports Xinhua news agency. Turning to recent tensions along the Blue Line, he said that peacekeepers have been "on the ground to defuse potential incidents and maintain calm." Lazaro also called for political agreement from both sides as a permanent ceasefire, and sustainable peace will lead to the ultimate success of UN Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. The top official also praised the UNIFIL's peacekeepers' commitment to their mission over the past 45 years. "Over these 45 years, the commitment of our peacekeepers has never wavered," he said. UNIFIL has been operating in southern Lebanon since 1978 to monitor the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the south. According to its latest data, UNIFIL includes about 10,122 peacekeepers from 48 countries. Seoul, March 21 : South Korea on Tuesday informed Japan of its decision to fully restore a military intelligence-sharing deal, as part of efforts to thaw long-frozen bilateral ties, the Foreign Ministry said. South Korea sent an official letter to Japan earlier in the day via diplomatic channels informing of its decision to rescind its suspension of the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), Yonhap News Agency reported citing the Ministry as saying Signed in 2016, GSOMIA was seen as a rare symbol of security cooperation between Seoul and Tokyo before the former administration of President Moon Jae-in decided to terminate it in 2019 in protest of Tokyo's export restrictions against Seoul. The decision was later put on hold, but the amount of information sharing between the neighbouring countries is thought to have been limited, as their relations remained strained over disputes stemming from Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula. Last week, President Yoon Suk-yeol agreed to "completely normalise" GSOMIA during a summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to better respond to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats. Earlier Tuesday, Yoon said that bilateral relations between the two nations must leave the past behind and move forward. "Korea-Japan relations must move beyond the past," Yoon told a Cabinet meeting. "Korea-Japan relations can and must be a win-win relationship that works together and gains more together." Yoon also said relations with Japan "are not a zero-sum relationship". Amman, March 21 : Jordan's Ministry of Interior launched the Electronic Visa Project that aims to facilitate the entry procedures for travellers into the kingdom. The project would enable travellers to obtain their visas and pay their fees electronically before their arrival, without having to visit border centres and diplomatic missions abroad, said Interior Minister Mazen Faraya in a statement. Meanwhile, the option to obtain visas upon arrival at border centres would still be available, Xinhua news agency quoted the Minister as saying. Faraya emphasized that the project is in line with Jordan's efforts to attract investments, and encourage various types of tourism to promote the kingdom to be a tourist destination. Furthermore, foreign students studying at Jordanian universities are now allowed to renew their residency permits directly through security centres without the need for prior approval from the ministry. The new project was in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, and with the efforts of all related entities, Faraya said. Los Angeles, March 21 : Filmmaker-actor Jordan Peele's next movie is scheduled to release on the big screen on Christmas 2024. Universal Pictures, which released the filmmaker's prior features 'Get Out','Us' and 'Nope', added an "Untitled Fourth Film Directed by Jordan Peele" to its release calendar. It's set to open in theatres nationwide on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, reported Variety. On its current date, Peele's upcoming project will premiere one week after James Cameron's 'Avatar 3' and 'Sonic the Hedgehog 3', which will both debut on December 20, 2024. Universal's big-screen adaptation of the 'Wicked' musical was previously slated to land on the same weekend, but the studio recently pushed up its release date to Thanksgiving. In the announcement about Peele's film, Universal also scheduled an untitled Monkeypaw film to release on September 27, 2024, and it took an untitled animated event film off its slate. In true Peele fashion, there's zero information not the title, the genre, nor the stars available about his fourth film. He's been similarly tight-lipped in the lead-up to his first three films, which ranged from pure horror to neo-Western science fiction. Peele's debut feature, the 2017 psychological horror film 'Get Out', became a critical and commercial smash, grossing $255 million and earning four Oscar nominations. He followed that up with 2019's doppelganger thriller 'Us', which also generated $255 million worldwide. Peele's latest movie, 2022's 'Nope' which reunited Peele with his 'Get Out' star Daniel Kaluuya, played in theatres last summer and collected more than $170 million globally. As a film producer, Peele has backed Spike Lee's Oscar-nominated 'BlacKkKlansman', as well as director Nia DaCosta's 'Candyman' remake, starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. New Delhi, March 21 : Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the Centre after the Interpol dropped fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi Mehul Choksi's name from its Red Notice list. "ED-CBI for the opposition leaders but Modiji's Mehulbhai got relief from Interpol. If he can paralyse the Parliament for his dear pal, how can he refuse help to a an old friend whom he helped flee the country five years ago." Mehul Choksi, accused of committing a Rs 11,356.84 crore loan fraud case with the Punjab National Bank (PNB), was delisted by the Interpol from its 'red' notice list. Choksi was added to the Red Corner Notice list in December 2018. As per sources, Indian government authorities objected to the move of Interpol but it refused to blink. This has come as a setback to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) which were waiting for his deportation. However, officials probing the matter said that it will not affect Choksi's extradition from Antigua. Choksi is currently in the Caribbean island nation and Indian authorities have asked Antiguan authorities to extradite him so that he could be prosecuted. Mumbai, March 21 : Senior IAS officer and former BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Praveen Pardeshi has been unanimously elected as the new President of the prestigious Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS). "The election by the BNHS Governing Council took place last evening, and it has elected me as the new President," an excited Pardeshi told IANS. He said that "conservation and wildlife have always been his first passion" and he looked forward to his challenging new assignment. BNHS is India's oldest and globally reputed organisation, 140-year-old, dedicated to wildlife and nature conservation and other related activities, said BNHS Governing Council member Rohan Bhate. The BNHS is reputed as one of India's premier scientific institutions with its own independent scientific views, excelling in the conservation of endangered species and habitats. Pardeshi has long been known as a wildlife lover and has been a senior Government officers deeply involved with the projects in and around the Tadoba Wildlife Sanctuary, among others. He has studied in-depth the wildlife management in many countries of the world, and would put some of the goods point in practice here through BNHS, said his colleagues. "We have no doubt that the BNHS will attain a new peak in the field of nature conservation and research due to the appointment of Pardeshi," said BNHS Honorary Secretary Kishore Rithe. Till now, Pardeshi was the BNHS Vice-president and the other GC members are: Usha Lachungpa, Dr. Anish Andheria, Kedar Gore, Peter Lobo, Kulojyoti Lakhar, Dr. Raghunandan Chundawat, Dr. Asad Rahmani, Dr. Shubhalakshmi, Dr. Parvesh Pandya, Vice President Shloka Nath, Treasurer Kunjan Gandhi. Pardeshi, an IAS officer of 1985 batch had a rich and varied experience at different levels in his administrative career. Among these are serving as a Global Program Coordinator at the UN, and as BMC Commissioner when the global Covid-19 pandemic had just hit India and particularly sweeping across the country's commercial capital Mumbai. He also functioned in the Chief Minister's Office, departments of Forest, Environment, Finance, Urban Development and Revenue and also as a Member of the National Capacity Commission constituted in the Prime Minister's Office. Recently, Pardeshi was named appointed as the Chairman of Maharashtra Institute for Transformation - MITRA -- a state equivalent of the NITI Aayog. (Quaid Najmi can be contacted at:A q.najmi@ians.inA) Aden, March 21 : UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg confirmed that the country's warring sides have agreed to release 887 conflict-related detainees as they concluded a 10-day negotiation in Switzerland. In a joint statement with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Grundberg said on Monday that the Yemeni parties also agreed to meet again in May to discuss future releases and to conduct joint visits to each other's detention facilities, reportsXinhua news agency. The UN envoy welcomed the agreement and commended the Yemeni parties for their compromises, expressing his hope for an end to the suffering of all Yemenis who are still waiting to be reunited with their loved ones. He also encouraged the parties to release additional detainees on a unilateral and ongoing basis. Daphnee Maret, ICRC head of delegation in Yemen, called the agreement a "crucial step" to end the suffering of separated families and build confidence between the parties. She confirmed that ICRC stands ready to continue its role as a neutral intermediary in facilitating humanitarian visits, contributing to the re-establishment of family links, and supporting the release, transfer, and repatriation of conflict-related detainees. Earlier in the day, officials from Yemen's internationally-recognized government and the Houthi group said the two sides reached an agreement to release over 880 prisoners. "We have now concluded the round of negotiations on the issue of prisoners and abductees in Berne, Switzerland. The deal includes more than 880 prisoners and abductees," Majid Fadail, a member of the government's negotiation team, said in a statement posted Monday on Twitter. The official stated the deal included the release of four journalists sentenced to death by the Houthis, several prisoners of war from the Saudi-led coalition engaged in the ongoing civil war, and relatives of some senior Yemeni officials. Nasser Mansour, the brother of former Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, was also on the swap list, Fadail said. Abdulkadir al-Murtada, head of the Houthi prisoner committee, said the swap agreement comprises 706 Houthi members and 181 prisoners from the opposing side. The 181 detainees include 15 Saudi citizens and three Sudanese nationals from the Saudi-led coalition, according to the report. "The deal was agreed to be implemented within the next three weeks," al-Murtada said, adding that the deal was the first step towards an all-for-all exchange agreement. If implemented, the swap deal would be the largest of its kind in more than two years after the warring sides made a successful swap in October 2020 of more than 1,000 prisoners. The negotiations in Switzerland, which began last week, aimed to facilitate the exchange of prisoners and political detainees between the Yemeni government and Houthi militia under the auspices of the UN. The UN-sponsored agreement was seen as a positive step toward a broader peace agreement, though it remained unclear whether it would lead to a wider ceasefire or lead to new negotiations to put an end to the years-long military conflict. Yemen has been mired in a civil war since late 2014 when the Iran-backed Houthi militia seized control of several northern provinces and forced the Saudi-backed government out of the capital Sanaa. The war has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced 4 million and pushed Yemen to the brink of starvation. Chennai, March 21 : Allocation of Rs 2000 crore for coastal erosion prevention in the Tamil Nadu budget for the financial year 2023-24 has kindled fresh hopes among the conservationists and environmentalists of the state. Mukundarajan. M. R., Environmentalist, and Director of Society for Environmental Studies and Action, based in Madurai, told IANS, "This is a welcome move of state finance minister P. Thiagarajan (PTR). The Rs 2000 crore in budget for prevention of coastal erosion means cultivation of Mangrove in large numbers will be done and this will help the state march ahead in the conservation of environment and preventing erosion." The state budget has allocated funds for Tamil Nadu Coastal Restoration Mission to protect marine biodiversity, livelihood of coastal population and prevent coastal erosion. The Muthupet Mangrove forest is an important benchmark in the conservation and coastal erosion prevention of the state, and has been crucial against climate change and sea erosion. Cyclone Gaja that lashed Tamil Nadu on November 10, 2018 destroyed the mangrove forests in Muthupet, and according to Mukundarajan, the loss was pegged at around 6800 hectares of mangroves. The replanting of the Mangrove forest has not been done in a big way even five years after the cyclone destroyed it. The forest department of Tamil Nadu has however planted mangroves in a few hectares of land, and the present allocation of Rs 2000 crore which would be distributed in a period of five years with World Bank's support can be a game changer. The presence of lush Mangrove forests would act as a major shield against all types of natural calamities and the amount sanctioned in the budget has enlivened the environmentalists precisely for this reason. Shewtha Narasimhan, social and environmental activist based out of Thiruvarur told IANS, "We welcome the budget allocation of Rs 2000 crore for the restoration of mangroves and prevention of coastal erosion and if the government accelerates replanting of mangroves on a war-footing, then in the next five years there can be a sea change in the field of environmental conservation in Tamil Nadu." According to studies by the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), around 422.94 km of Tamil Nadu's coastline is eroding. Thiruvarur district is classified as high erosion district of Tamil Nadu. The state government along with the state forest department is planning to add around 68 sqkm of mangroves in the next five years, sources in environment and forest department told IANS. Bengaluru, March 21 : The exit of a senior BJP leader from Kalyan Karnataka region is perceived to be a major setback for ruling BJP in the state ahead of polls. Experts say that it is a blow to BJP which will have its effect on the party in at least 20 to 30 assembly seats. Baburao Chinchanasur, is a prominent leader from Koli community in the state and played a crucial role in the defeat of AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge in the last Lok Sabha elections. He is all set to join the Congress party. The ruling BJP was hoping to win in more than 30 seats of the total 40 from Kalyan Karnataka region. However, now the party's calculations have gone wrong. The Koli voters, who supported BJP in the last assembly and parliamentary elections and have a considerable influence in the region are believed to switch their loyalty to Congress. BJP MLC Baburao had already submitted resignation to his post to the Speaker Basavaraj Horatti and was likely to join Congress officially at the Congress headquarters in Bengaluru on Tuesday. Sources close to him state that Baburao was disheartened after he was not allowed to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent visit to Karnataka. His supporters also expressed their unhappiness over Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai criticising him and his plea to include Koli community to ST group didn't materialise. Though, last minute compromise deals were made, Baburao had taken a call to join Congress. Sources explain that he had been offered to contest from Gurumathakal constituency. Baburao, recently challenged that he would ensure the defeat of Priyank Kharge, son of Mallikarjun Kharge in the elections. Now, the heat has been turned on BJP. Mallikarjun Kharge will have an upper hand in the region by pulling prominent leaders from the Koli community. It will also make his son Priyank Kharge contest from Chittapur a cake walk. The BJP will face a challenging situation in the entire region. Sources close to Kharge explain that he is all set to avenge his humiliating defeat in the Lok Sabha elections by giving a blow to BJP in the entire region. New Delhi, March 21 : The Indian D2C industry is at its peak, with a market size of more than 800 D2C brands and a projection to be a 100 billion US dollar industry. In this dynamic space, a brand has to solve the modern Indian consumers' ever-evolving needs and build a strategy that will make them become a disruptor. Smytten, a tech-enabled D2C product discovery and trial platform conducted a large-scale consumer survey to provide key insights into consumer behaviour and decision-making. The survey collected data from 15,000 Indian customers across various demographics, via Smytten Pulse, the country's first AI and machine learning-backed platform for D2C brands. Through their comprehensive analysis, the D2C product discovery and trial platform have delved into the key factors that influence how customers evaluate brands and the drivers and barriers to their purchase. The study further dissects consumer behaviour across five focus categories - personal care, makeup, fragrances, health and wellness, and food & beverages - to provide key insights on basket expansion and category-focused implications to build and optimize business strategies. According to Smytten's survey, consumers' purchase behaviour is influenced by various factors such as price, effectiveness, transparency, and authenticity. Additionally, the survey found that consumers are increasingly interested in products that align with their belief in "function over emotion," especially when it comes to the ingredients being used. The survey also shed light on the importance of customer experience, when it comes to consumers shopping directly from the brand's websites. Brands that can provide attractive deals, free or low delivery fees, product information, and a hassle-free shopping experience are likely to gain a competitive edge. Swagata Sarangi, Co-Founder, of Smytten said, "We wanted to build a platform for the next generation of founders who are truly going to disrupt the consumer brand space. With Smytten Pulse, you can now get consumer data at your fingertips within 72 hours. Gain information on emerging trends from over 15 million users driven by AI, track how the consumer basket is moving on a real-time basis, and find insights cut across demographics and psychographics. This research was the first large-scale survey conducted, and we're elated to share the insights with everyone in the D2C space." The key findings are across all five categories: In the Personal Care category, 93 per cent of consumers actively seek verbalisers like dermatologist verifications, detailed information on how the product formulation works, suitability for all skin types, and brand authenticity. 33.3 per cent of consumers take supplements daily with half of them willing to pay more for ready-to-consume protein. This makes Health & Wellness a category with a lot of potential for growth. At least one in three consumers who shop online are buying new brands every month in the Food & Beverages category. DIY meal kits with recipes and pre-portioned ingredients are growing in demand. In the fragrance category, India has seen 100 per cent growth in purchase frequency in the last year with 96 per cent of the consumers buying Fragrances from an online marketplace instead of a brand website. Lipsticks emerge as the most dynamic subcategory in the Makeup category with at least 50 per cent of makeup consumers purchasing a new lipstick once every two months at an average price of Rs 491. It is interesting to note that 63 per cent of the consumers are willing to try products before purchasing, given the newer innovations available across categories like fragrance capsules/wipes, DIY salon kits, beauty edibles, ayurvedic juices, plant-based meals, among others. (IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in) New Delhi, March 21 : Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over "stopping" of the national capital's Budget. "For the first time in the history of 75 years of the country, the budget of any state has been stopped. Why are you angry with us Delhiites? Please don't stop the Delhi Budget. The people of Delhi are praying to you with folded hands to approve the budget," he said in his letter. On Monday, Delhi Finance Minister Kailash Gahlot had said that "for the first time in India's history, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (mha) has stopped the Delhi government from presenting its annual Budget for 2023-24 on its scheduled date on March 21". He claimed that the Budget was sent for MHA's approval as per regular practice well in advance on March 10. Gahlot also said the government responded to MHA's concerns and submitted the file back to the Delhi L-G, after Kejriwal's approval. The role of the Chief Secretary and Finance Secretary of Delhi in delaying Delhi's budget ought to be investigated, he stressed. "Nearly Rs 22,000 crore have been allocated for capital expenditure next year, whereas the allocation for advertisements is only Rs 550 crore, which is similar to that of last year. The concerns raised by MHA are irrelevant and seemingly done only to scuttle the budget for next year of Delhi government," Gahlot had said. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed San Francisco, March 21 : Shares in the troubled First Republic Bank crashed more than 46 per cent after reports the San Francisco-based bank may need to raise more funds despite a $ 30 billion rescue last week. As the growing banking crisis spread into a new week, the credit rating of the regional bank was downgraded deeper into junk status by S&P Global, the Guardian reported. The agency said that the bank, which caters to wealthy clients, probably faced "high liquidity stress with substantial outflows". US officials are studying how to temporarily expand the protection offered to banking customers by Federal Deposit Insurance Corp (FDIC) to include all deposits, going beyond the current $250,000 cap, Bloomberg reported. Like the collapsed Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), a large proportion of First Republic's customers hold more than the $250,000 amount guaranteed by federal insurance. However, the move may face political roadblocks. Hardline Republicans in the House of Representatives on Monday vowed to oppose any cover extension, the Guardian reported. The Republican House Freedom Caucus said in a statement: "Any universal guarantee on all bank deposits, whether implicit or explicit, enshrines a dangerous precedent that simply encourages future irresponsible behavior to be paid for by those not involved who followed the rules." First Republic's woes follow the collapse of SVB and New York-based Signature. Over the weekend Credit Suisse became the largest institution so far to be embroiled in the upheaval when the Swiss government forced the troubled bank into a cut-price takeover by rival UBS. First Republic has struggled to reassure depositors that it will not suffer the same fate as SVB and Signature. Last week, the bank increased borrowings from the US Federal Reserve and then suspended its common stock dividend despite holding about $213 billion in assets and $176 billion in deposits, the Guardian reported. Efforts to provide new support to First Republic are being led by the JP Morgan CEO, Jamie Dimon, the Wall Street Journal reported. In a regulatory filing, the First Republic executive chairman, Jim Herbert, and the CEO, Mike Roffler, said the cash injection "is a vote of confidence for First Republic and the entire US banking system". But First Republic's shares have lost 80 per cent of their value over the past 10 days on fears of a bank run. About 70 per cent of First Republic's deposits are uninsured, well above a 55 per cent average for medium-sized banks, a figure that puts the bank third after SVB (94 per cent) and Signature Bank (90 per cent), according to Bank of America. Hyderabad, March 21 : Nurses at Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) went on a flash strike to protest against the alleged harassment by the incharge director. Alleging that the official is harassing them by assigning them additional duties, nurses boycotted their duties, affecting the healthcare services since Monday night. They sat on protest in the hospital premises, demanding that the hospital authorities address their demands. The nurses alleged that they were subjected to heavy workload with the incharge director assigning them additional duties. The flash strike by nurses affected healthcare services. Both inpatient and outpatient services were hit by the boycott of duties. As a result of the strike by the nurses, the doctors had to postpone surgeries. The hospital administration was trying to hold talks with striking nurses on their demands. Udaipur : , March 21 (IANS/ 101 Reporters) Indira Meena's world turned upside down when her partner deserted her eight years ago. A resident of Paduna in Udaipur's Girwa tehsil, Indira was 17 when she left home for him. Now 27, she is trying to survive as a single mother with son Anil, who studies in Class 2. "I was not legally married to him," Indira, who works as MGNREGA mate in her village, told 101Reporters. Last year, she formed the Bharti Swah Sahayata Samuh, a self-help group (SHG) with 16 members. "We focus on savings and small businesses," the feisty woman said. There are 22 such SHGs in her village. Paduna is a part of Udaipur's Zawar mines area, where non-profit Manjari Foundation (under Hindustan Zinc's CSR programme) has helped form 394 SHGs. Their present total savings stand at Rs 2,71,30,341. They function much like the groups formed under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), helping women open bank accounts in the SHGs' names and gain access to loans. According to the Ministry of Rural Development, 777 SHGs got revolving funds worth Rs 116.6 lakh in Udaipur's Girwa tehsil. In 2022-23, 380 SHGs availed of loans worth Rs 5.09 crore while 1499 have outstanding loans of Rs 7.97 crore. The SHG women not only make small contributions weekly, but also take part in social campaigns and help those in distress. "NGOs mainly mobilise the women through trainings and other creative means. The NRLM sends community resource persons to form SHGs," Clara Mallick, who worked with PRADAN in Madhya Pradesh's Betul district, told 101Reporters. When Manjari's lead Rampal Meena visited Zawar in 2016, he recalls he could not even meet the women due to patriarchal restrictions. However, the much-needed change became visible after sustained gender sensitisation programmes. "Our staff started visiting houses and enlisted the support of village heads. Now, women hold four meetings every month," Rampal told 101Reporters. Towards self-realisation An Adivasi from the Meena community and a mother of four, Mangli Devi (55) resides in Amarpura, located about 10 km from Paduna. "I was married off at 14. At that time, I did not know that marriage at a tender age is harmful," she said. The change in attitude was initiated by a few women who arrived from Dhaulpur district to explain SHG's functioning to the village women, whose lives centred around cooking, grazing goats, working in fields and collecting firewood from the forest while on the lookout for leopards. It's a big concern that women here have been more prone to leopard attacks due to the nature of their work which requires them to go into the forest in the early hours looking for firewood. According to data provided by the Udaipur forest division, five women received injuries and three died in leopard attacks in the area in 2020-21. In the same period, five men were injured. "When I wanted to learn calculation, my husband discouraged me. But I was determined because I wanted to understand bank work," Mangli said, adding that women felt bad when husbands refused to part with any money with them for their needs. "When SHGs were not there, many women faced abuse. Some are still afraid of their husbands. I tell them that if they remain so, the outside world will be a dream," said Indira, who considers liquor joints as the root cause of marital discord. Women have grown confident that they do not keep a veil at all times. Even its length has reduced. Rameela Meena, who is educated up to Class 8, was often criticised for not bearing a child after being married for five years. She also had to put up with a mother-in-law who scolded her for not keeping a veil. For her, SHG work opened the gate of freedom. Rameela is a samuh sakhi (friend of SHG) of Amarpura now. Her mother-in-law does not scold her anymore. She understands the need to go out into the world. Both attend SHG meetings together. Admitting that she used to complain to her son about Rameela over the veil issue, her mother-in-law Sabita Bai said, "Now, both of us know that veil is not important." Rameela formed the 10-member Heena Swyam Sahayata Samuh in 2017, with each member saving Rs 80 per month and availing of small loans to set up shops, buy atta chakki (flour grinder) and sewing machines. Her samuh's savings stand at Rs 60,000, which is kept in a locked box. "The money keeps revolving among the members. When women need cash, they take as per their requirements. If someone wants to borrow, it is written down in the register against the name of the borrower and for what purpose. If a woman takes Rs 1,000 and wants to pay back in two months, she has to return Rs 1,040 with interest," she said. The box is kept with the members on a rotational basis per week. Banks also give loans when accounts are opened in the name of the group, added Rameela. Amarpura has a total of 19 SHGs. At home over heartfelt dinnertime conservation, Rameela explained, "We do not want to depend on husbands always. Whenever I need money, I take SHG loans, like say Rs 10,000 on average." Women have learnt the art of earning money. A woman in Rameela's group bought a baby goat for Rs 5,000 and sold it later for Rs 14,000. SHG linkage helped Rameela build a new house and buy a car, which her husband drives for tourists in Udaipur. She took Rs 20,000 from the samuh for the house. The second-hand car was bought at Rs 5 lakh on a bank loan. The repayment of only about Rs 1 lakh is pending at present. "I had nothing when I started out with only Rs 20 as savings amount per week," Rameela said. Taking a stand Amarpura's Sharda Swah Sahayata Samuh was formed on April 25, 2017, with 13 members. Though the women started with savings, they gradually took a stand against domestic violence and child marriage. Mangli pointed out that realisation dawned upon women when they attended training sessions. In cases of violence, they try to intervene collectively. "We try to stop men from beating up wives and aim for a resolution. When a Paduna resident was ousted from home by her mother-in-law, we called the police." The collective might of SHGs came to the fore in Indira's case. About 25 women intervened, went to the police station and demanded that Indira be paid a monthly allowance for her son. It worked as her estranged partner now pays Rs 3,000 per month, said Amri Devi, Indira's neighbour who had set up Lakshmi Maata Samuh about six years back. In Amarpura, many women have taken loans of around Rs 30,000 individually from banks for setting up borewells, buying goats and other livelihood ventures. Though things are progressing, it is not easy to unshackle the chains of patriarchy. "Some people still tell my husband to bring another wife. If SHGs were not active in taking a moral stand against second marriage, maybe they would have forced him to marry again," Rameela said. It will not be wrong to say that her husband now understands her better. When this reporter met the family at night, he was nice and welcoming. He even made eggs in the dark, as there was a power shutdown. More than anything, it is the social pressure that makes men remarry. "I feel worthless when I hear people talk about bringing home a second wife," said Kali Devi, who has been married for 20 years without a child. Luckily, her husband did not think of another marriage. Back in Paduna, Indira's situation is still tough as her parents are not that welcoming. "My partner had even stopped sending the promised money. Fortunately, the women intervened to get it restored," she said. Deepanvita Gita Niyogi is a Delhi-based journalist and a member of 101Reporters, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters. Bengaluru, March 21 : Police have completed the investigation in connection with the case of a police inspector attached to Kodigehalli police station in Bengaluru city, allegedly flirting and misbehaving with a lady complainant. According to the police, the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) of Yelahanka Sub-Division has submitted the report in this regard to South-East DCP Lakshmi Prasad. Police sources explained that the accused had allegedly sent unnecessary messages on WhatsApp continuously. The lady had claimed in her complaint that after she was called to the police station, the inspector gave her dry fruits and a room's key. The victim had approached the Kodigehalli police regarding cheating over Rs 15 lakh last month. The inspector got her phone number and started chatting with her after a few days. As she couldn't take the behaviour, the lady had complained to jurisdictional DCP in this regard. The DCP had ordered a probe into the incident and asked the ACP to take up the investigation and submit the report. The report has been sent to Bengaluru Police Commissioner Pratap Reddy and action is pending against the accused officer, police sources said. Barcelona, March 21 : The average age of the European population has gone up by 2.5 years in the past decade, according to Eurostat data published recently. In Spain, the average age has climbed by 4.3 years, the highest rise in the EU behind Portugal (4.7 years). However, a Spanish expert told Xinhua news agency on Monday that although half of Europeans are now over 44.4 years old, the main concern is the lack of children being born. "We are one of the places in the world where people live longest, and this fact that we die later makes the average age go up," said Albert Esteve, director of the Center for Demographic Studies (CED) in Barcelona. Half the population in Spain is over 45 years old (46.2 for women), according to Eurostat, but the average age is highest in Italy (48 years), followed by Germany (45.8), Portugal (46.8), Greece (46.1) and Croatia (45.5). "Where we're starting to see the effects is in schools with fewer pupils, and in communities where much fewer children will be born, which means many of the major effects will be noted at the bottom rather than the top of the population pyramid," Esteve said. The low birth rates driving the rise in the average age of the European population are widespread, but particularly pronounced in Southern countries such as Spain, Portugal and Italy. "We can't raise the birth rate because during the critical decade in one's thirties there's too much uncertainty compared with other countries, where either due to public help or a good labour market people feel more confident," Esteve said. "We need mechanisms to strengthen institutional support so that people can become independent from their parents earlier, and so that they can feel that they have some economic stability between the ages of 29 and 39. I think that would encourage more couples to have children," the demographer added. Despite uncertainty over the future of countries with rising numbers of older people, Esteve said society will adjust and adapt to the new situation. "We know that in the next few years there'll be an explosion of older people, but what we don't know is how that older generation will behave, how their habits will change, how the point at which you are considered old will shift," Esteve told Xinhua. What it means to be "old" is also changing, the CED chief said. "Alongside this ageing of the population there has been an increase in life expectancy, and this means that a 70-year-old today is not the same as a 70-year-old a century ago, not in terms of strength, drive, energy, or enthusiasm," Esteve said. Hyderabad, March 21 : Veteran Tollywood actor Kota Srinivasa Rao said on Tuesday that social media has killed him, and has appealed to people not to believe rumours of his death. He released a video to dismiss rumours about him circulating on social media. The 75-year-old said that those spreading rumours should not play with the life of anyone. Srinivasa Rao said people should teach a befitting lesson to those spreading rumours. The actor termed the rumours about his death "unfortunate". "At a time when I am busy with Ugadi festival tomorrow, the series of phone calls was disturbing. If there was some elderly person in my place, his heart would have stopped beating," he said. The actor also revealed that after the rumours about his death, 10 policemen came to his house to make security arrangements. "If they want popularity or money, there are many ways to earn it but spreading such rumours is not proper," he said. The character actor has acted in more than 700 films. He made his debut in 1978 with 'Pranam Khareedu'. He had joined BJP in the 1990s and was elected to Andhra Pradesh Assembly from Vijayawada East in 1999. Varanasi, March 21 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will gift a new Integrated pack house to the farmers of east Uttar Pradesh during his proposed visit to Varanasi on March 24. The facility, to be the third such one in the state, will be used for the storage and packaging of vegetables and fruits, and to boost agricultural exports from the region. The pack house was built on a 4,461 square feet area in Karkhiyaon at Rs 15.78 crore. It is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment with the aim to ramp up the supply of Banarasi langra mango, cauliflower, green chilli and tomato, which are grown in abundance in east UP, to Japan, Australia, Korea and Europe. Single-window clearance has been put in place for faster documentation. Farmers will be trained to ensure that their produce matches international standards. After Saharanpur and Lucknow, this will be the third integrated pack house in the state and the first in the Purvanchal region, said an official. Dr C.B. Singh, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) deputy general manager, said only good quality and disease-free fruits would be stored at the pack house, and even the equipment used in the facility were made in India. Washington, March 21 : US President Joe Biden has signed a bill to declassify intelligence information on the origins of the Covid pandemic, which has so far claimed more than seven million lives globally. "Today, I am pleased to sign into law, the 'Covid-19 Origin Act of 2023'," Biden said in a statement on Monday. "We need to get to the bottom of Covid-19's origins to help ensure we can better prevent future pandemics. In implementing this legislation, my administration will declassify and share as much of that information as possible, consistent with my constitutional authority to protect against the disclosure of information that would harm national security," he said. Under the new legislation, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines has 90 days to declassify all information on possible links between the Wuhan Institute of Virology and the origins of Covid. The Wuhan Institute of Virology has been a major centre of coronavirus research, CNBC.com reported. The push to make public classified information on the origins of the pandemic comes after the US Energy Department, last month, concluded with "low confidence" that the Covid-19 virus leaked out of a laboratory in China. In 2021, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) also agreed to the lab leak claim with "moderate confidence". Earlier this month, FBI director Christopher Wray told Fox News that the pandemic likely began with a lab incident in Wuhan, China. "The FBI has for quite some time now assessed that the origins of the pandemic are most likely a potential lab incident in Wuhan," Wray was quoted as saying. "Here you are talking about a potential leak from a Chinese government-controlled lab." In 2021, Biden had directed the Intelligence Community to use every tool at its disposal to investigate the origin of Covid-19 in 90 days. In the report, the intel agencies concluded that the coronavirus had not been developed as a biological weapon, but could not determine if it had infected humans as a result of contact with animals or from a laboratory accident. It added that, without new information, intelligence agencies would not be able to offer a better judgement on whether the virus emerged via animal-to-human transmission or a lab leak. Biden in his statement said that the "work is ongoing". "My administration will continue to review all classified information relating to Covid-19's origins, including potential links to the Wuhan Institute of Virology," he added. More than two years after the pandemic, the origins of Covid-19 remain unclear. It has been a political and scientific debate with scientists and politicians globally contending that the coronavirus jumped into people from bats, or have been leaked from a laboratory. A recent analysis conducted by international scientists found the deadly pandemic may have originated in raccoon dogs from the Wuhan market in China. They found genetic material from racoon dogs in samples from the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market that tested positive for Covid. While the analysis didn't prove the racoon dogs were infected with the virus, it provides some additional data that is consistent with a possible virus spillover from animals to people. The study was based on samples from GISAID -- an international database, however, soon after the samples disappeared from that database. The World Health Organization has called on Beijing to release those samples. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text New Delhi, March 21 : The Delhi High Court on Tuesday sought Arvind Kejriwal-led government's response on a plea seeking release of the ex-gratia amount to families of police officers who died while serving during the COVID-19 pandemic. A division bench headed by Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking release of Rs 1 crore ex-gratia amount, which was announced by Delhi government's cabinet dated May 13, 2020, for the families of the deceased. The bench, also comprising Justice Subramonium Prasad, issued notice on the plea moved by two advocates and a law student. The court then listed the matter for the next hearing on May 19. The respondents in the PIL are Delhi government, Chief Minister, Divisional Commissioner (Revenue) and the Commissioner of Police. On April 1, 2020, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had tweeted that families of those who served any COVID-19 patient will be given Rs 1 crore as the government's mark of respect for their service. Standing Counsel Santosh Kumar Tripathi, representing the Delhi Government, said that 75 per cent of applications seeking ex-gratia amount have been considered and that individual petitions have also been filed in court. A status report will be filed in the matter, he said. Petitioners have contended that after filimg several Right To Information applications, it was found that 79 Delhi Police officers died during the pandemic duty and the ex-gratia amount has not been realesed to most of the families to date. "That as per the reply of RTI dated 13.02.2021, the petitioner got to know that 15 families of police officials who died in Covid while discharging their duties have applied for demanding the ex-gratia amount of 1 crore to GNCT and was shocked to know that out of 15 compensation request files, 12 files are already rejected by GNCT without assigning any reason and remaining 3 are pending," the plea states. Lucknow, March 21 : The Gorakhpur Link Expressway will soon be ready for operation, giving a major boost to roadways development in Uttar Pradesh. According to the latest audit, more than 62 per cent of the construction work on the expressway has been completed. The entire project, which is 91.35 km long and begins from Jaitpur in Gorakhpur and culminates at Azamgarh, will cost Rs 5,876 crore. The expressway will ensure hassle-free movement of vehicular traffic from Delhi, Lucknow and Agra, said that Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) authorities. Once completed, it will provide better commuter experience and faster connectivity, UPEIDA said. As part of the expressway, two toll plazas, three ramp plazas, seven flyovers, 16 vehicular underpasses, 50 light vehicular underpasses, 35 pedestrian underpasses, seven major bridges, 27 minor bridges and 389 culverts are also being constructed. UPEIDA spokesperson Durgesh Upadhyay said: "The construction of the expressway will pave the way for all-round development of the entire state. It will be helpful as an industrial corridor to connect various production units." He said that opportunities will be available for the establishment of ITIs, and medical institutes near the expressway. The Gorakhpur Link Expressway will be a total access-controlled expressway. There will be provisions for underpasses for vehicles, pedestrians, and animals, said the spokesperson. It will also be linked with Varanasi through a separate link road, said the spokesperson. New Delhi, March 21 : A 21-day photo exhibition called Resilience - Stories of Women Inspiring Change is on at the India Habitat Centre, Delhi until March 23 as a tribute to the struggles of the feminine through the stories of women from various nations around the world. Brought to India by the Netherlands Embassy in collaboration with World Press Photo Foundation, this travelling exhibition shows photographs sharing the real-time challenges of women and celebrates their unflinching zeal in breaking the barriers and overcoming hurdles. The exhibition features showcases a selection of stories, awarded in the World Press Photo Contest from 2000 to 2021, the stories of women who have worked tirelessly to achieve their goals and make a difference in the lives of others. The photography exhibition was inaugurated by Dr Bahia Tahzib-Lie, Human Rights Ambassador of the Netherlands in the presence of Meenakshi Lekhi, Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture of India and Marten van den Berg, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to India, Nepal and Bhutan. After the capita, the show will go to Bengaluru and Mumbai. "We are thrilled to showcase the resilience and strength of these remarkably brave women," said Dr Bahia Tahzib-Lie, Ambassador of Human Rights, "Their personal and impactful stories are an inspiration to us all and remind us of the power we all have to make a positive difference in our world." This exhibition is a visual testimony of multiple voices, documented by 17 photographers of 13 different nationalities from 15 countries, offer insights into issues such as sexism, gender-based violence, reproductive rights, and access to equal opportunities. The different stories explore how women and gender issues have evolved in the 21st century and how photojournalism is finding ways to portray them. The exhibition includes photographs by: Forough Alaei (Iran), Jonathan Bachman (USA), Daniel Berehulak (Australia), Anna Boyiazis (USA), Fulvio Bugani (Italy), Maika Elan (Vietnam), Jan Grarup (Denmark), Terrell Groggins (USA), Robin Hammond (New Zealand), Olivia Harris (United Kingdom), Heba Khamis (Egypt), Diana Markosian (USA), Catalina Martin-Chico (France/Spain), Finbarr O' Reilly (Canada), Pablo Tosco (Argentina), Magnus Wennman (Sweden) and Irina Werning (Argentina). (IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in) New Delhi, March 21 : This distinctive range of drinks will leave you spoilt for choice, whether you and your date or your old man, even a group of buddies enjoy the flavour of crisp vodka or blended scotch whiskies. Put on some music and enjoy these beverages! There's Vodka Established in 1864, Smirnoff is created using a unique process involving triple distillation from a blend of different grains and ten times filtration through seven columns of environmentally sustainable charcoal. The award-winning vodka has a robust flavour with a dry finish for ultimate smoothness and clarity which makes it a perfect base for any cocktail from everyday drinks to a celebratory toast. From the Russian serf to the toast of Hollywood, creative and progressive Smirnoff holds countless years of heritage and unmatched quality sold in over 130 countries. A scotch made for Mixing and Sharing Black & White was created by James Buchanan, one of history's great Whisky barons, to introduce a balanced whisky that elevates everyday moments and appeals to the wider public. The straightforward scotch is for everyone and tastes even better when shared. Black and White is smooth, fresh, and spicy with smoky hints with sweet aromas of oak, biscuits with notes of sharp grain alcohol, and a touch of peat. Keep Walking Enjoyed and embraced in over 180 countries, Johnnie Walker energizes the pursuit of your richest life. Not satisfied with the harsh, inconsistent scotch of his day, its founder John Walker pushed the boundaries of what whisky could be and blended different single malts from four corners of Scotland to create a consistent, complex, and flavourful whisky. The unique blend has reached every part of the world, making Johnnie Walker the first-ever truly global brand. For over two centuries, the brand has been committed to a spirit of progress and moving forward with its Keep Walking narrative. Relax and Unwind Sir Walter Millard understood that nature relies on the harmonious interaction of its elements, a philosophy that he applied to his passions of fly fishing and making Black Dog. The Black Dog Millard's Private Reserve 14YO, a new addition to the world of Black Dog, is a rare, complex yet incomparably smooth blended scotch whisky. Refined, sociable, and charismatic, Black Dog encourages achievers to savour the pause. Inspire Freedom and Adventure Let's dip into what your partner really wants to receive this Valentine's Day-bourbon. However, don't mail it in and buy any old bourbon off the shelf. Go for an American-style bourbon, offering a completely new tasting experience. First of all, the American Pride bottle screams love. Its unique design with the Royal Challenge majestic lion gives ya free-spirited feels. This smooth gold liquid challenges tradition and goes beyond boundaries. Gift your man this one-of-a-kind international blend inspiring boldness, freedom and adventure. (IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in) Canberra, March 21 : Federal police have launched the first war crimes prosecution in Australia's history over an alleged battlefield murder in Afghanistan. Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers have arrested Oliver Schulz, 41, and charged him with one count of war crime, murder under the Criminal Code Act, reports Xinhua news agency. It is the first time a current or former member of the Australian Defense Force (ADF) has been charged with a war crime. Police allege that Schulz, who completed multiple tours of Afghanistan as a decorated member of the elite Special Air Service (SAS) Regiment, murdered an Afghan man. If found guilty, Schulz could be sentenced to life imprisonment. The charges come almost three years after Angus Campbell, chief of the ADF, released a landmark report from the Inspector-General of the ADF into alleged war crimes during the Afghanistan War. The report, which took Justice Paul Brereton almost five years to compile, recommended that police investigate 19 soldiers for the murder of 39 prisoners and civilians in Afghanistan and the cruel treatment of two others. It alleged that none of the killings took place in battle and that they were deliberately covered up. Jaipur, March 21 : Patient care remained affected in Rajasthan as doctors' protest against the Right to Health Bill entered its second day even as the state government is determined to introduce the bill in the Assembly on Tuesday. The doctors protested at the Statue Circle of Jaipur throughout Monday night. Now, the resident doctors of Jaipur SMS Medical College have also come out in support of their protesting colleagues. Also, in protest against mild police lathicharge on Monday, they have struck work completely. Nursing students have also announced their participation in the demonstration. Unfazed by the development, the state government is all set to introduce the bill in the Assembly on Tuesday. After affecting OPD patients in private hospitals, the stir will also impact patients in government hospitals. "Today, residents will not work in SMS Hospital and other hospitals attached to it (JK Lone, Zanana, Sanganeri Gate)," Jaipur Association of Resident Doctors (JARD)'s Narendra Damor said. On Monday, a group of private hospital operators and doctors from across the state had reached Jaipur. They took out a rally and decided to go to the Assembly, but were stopped by police at the Statue Circle. At this, an argument broke out between the police and the doctors, following which the former resorted to mild force. In protest against police lathi charge, the doctors staged a dharna on Monday at the Statue Circle itself. Wellington, March 21 : New Zealand will provide further humanitarian support for Turkey and Syria where devastating earthquakes earlier this month killed more than 57,300 people, Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta said on Tuesday. "The earthquakes on February 6 have had devastating consequences, with almost 18 million people affected. More than 53,000 people have died and tens of thousands more have been injured," she said. This represents the third tranche of humanitarian funding provided by the New Zealand government, totaling NZ$4 million ($2 millio) in order to support those in urgent need in the two heavily hit countries, Xinhua news agency quoted the Minister as saying. The sum includes NZ$1.4 million to the UN Population Fund to deliver essential healthcare services for expectant and new mothers, and protection services for vulnerable women and girls in Turkey, she said. New Zealand is also contributing NZ$2.1 million for Unicef's operations in Syria to provide education, water and sanitation, medical care and protection services for children and their families, said the Foreign Minister. A total of NZ$500,000 in funding will also be made available to accredited New Zealand non-governmental organisations working with their local partners in Turkey to deliver essential relief, she said. The funding was pledged at an International Donors' Conference in support of the two quake-hit nations in Brussels on Monday, hosted by the European Commission, the government of Sweden and Turkish authorities. Tuesday's announcement brings New Zealand's total humanitarian funding for the response to NZ$8.5 million. Bhopal, March 21 : Lawers practising in all district courts of Madhya Pradesh will stage a protest on March 25 demanding to withdraw the High Court order that mandatorily asks judges to dispose of at least 25 pending cases (cases that were pending for years), in three months, senior advocate and president of district bar association, Bhopal, P.C Kothari informed. It came to light on Monday that a judge in Bhopal district court stepped out of the courtroom to ensure that the order issued by his court in connection with a case should be implemented without any delay. The judge was forced to step out because a group of lawyers were stopping their other colleagues to abstain from work. However, protesting lawyers left the place soon after the judge came out of his courtroom and asked them - 'not to do it in his court'. Meanwhile, the judge was also heard saying that - 'comply with his order'. It was just an example of the ruckus being created during the court proceeding, which was witnessed by IANS on Monday. Some court employees claimed that such incidents have been happening in Bhopal district for nearly a month. Later, it was learnt that not only Bhopal district court but other courts including High Court benches have been facing similar situations for nearly a month. Such things started happening (particularly in Bhopal district court) from February 22 as the lawyers have been protesting against the order issued by the Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh High Court mandating judges to dispose of at least 25 pending cases (cases that were pending for years), in three months. A notification in this regard was issued in December last year by the registrar of Madhya Pradesh High Court, on the direction of Chief Justice R.V. Malimath. Since then, different associations of advocates, including district bar councils of advocates have been pressing the MP High Court (HC) to withdraw its order. Senior advocate P.C Kothari, who is also president of district bar association, Bhopal, while talking to IANS claimed mandating for disposal of year-old pending cases has affected their clients a lot and therefore were protesting against this order since February 22. "This an administrative order issued by the registrar of MP HC on the direction of the Chief Justice. If it was an executive order, we could have appealed before the Supreme Court. Since this order was issued, we have made several appeals to HC to take its decision back. Now, we are left with no option but to abstain from work and not attend hearings in the courts. We have decided to hold a major protest in Bhopal on March 25, wherein advocates practising in all district courts of Madhya Pradesh will join us." Kothari further asserted that the district bar association, Bhopal wants that particular day should be fixed for year-old pending cases. "We have urged the High Court to fix Friday and Saturday for years old pending cases, and Monday to Thursday for regular cases. Suppose a person was sent to jail and his appearing counsel is appealing for his bail, and date for his next hearing is given after three months, then who will suffer? There are more than one lakh lawyers practising in district courts in Madhya Pradesh. A junior advocate Anand Tiwari, who is practising in Bhopal district court said, "Disposing of 25 old cases in just three months is not an easy task because lawyers have to work hard to find out all persons related with the case. HC should adopt practical approach in disposal of pending cases to reduce pendency." On the other hand, some court employees in Bhopal claimed the step taken by Chief Justice R.V. Malimath needs to be welcomed as it helps to reduce the burden of pending cases. "It is an experimental step taken by Chief Justice R.V. Malimath. The same step was taken by Justice Malimath when he was serving as acting Chief Justice in Himachal Pradesh and the results were positive. Therefore, lawyers should work to reduce the burden of the courts. Suppose, if 1000 cases are pending before one particular court and 350 of them are disposed of in three months, then why not work on it," a court employee who supports the move said on the condition of anonymity. New Delhi, March 21 : The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to take up the petitions challenging the electoral bonds scheme on April 11 to examine whether the matter should be heard by a constitution bench. Advocate Shadan Farasat, representing a petitioner, contended before a bench headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud that the aspect in this matter deals with core of the finances of political parties and this issue requires an authoritative pronouncement. Pointing at the questions framed by him for the consideration of the court, Farasat said the court may consider this matter having been heard by a constitution bench. Senior advocate Dushyant Dave, also representing one of the petitioners, said, "we will only benefit, if it is a constitution bench. It will not harm anybody. Yes, this issue goes to the core of our democratic existence. Rs 12,000 till now and the largest party gets more than two-third". The bench, also comprising justice P.S. Narasimha, asked the Centre's counsel, whether she is ready to argue on the aspect of referring the matter to a constitution bench. The counsel replied that the Attorney General R. Venkataramani, who was not present in the courtroom during the hearing, would have to argue whether a reference should be made to the constitution bench or not. After hearing submissions, the top court scheduled the matter for hearing on April 11, to examine whether petitions should be referred to a constitution bench. In October last year, the Centre had told the Supreme Court that the electoral bonds scheme is an absolutely transparent mode of political funding. The top court was hearing a batch of petitions led by NGO Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), that have challenged the validity of the Centre's electoral bonds scheme as a source of political funding. The apex court, in March 2021, declined to entertain two stay applications moved by ADR to stop the sale of the electoral bonds ahead of elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry. The top court had noted that there was no justification to block sale of electoral bonds over concerns of anonymity in political party funding or apprehensions of their misuse. In April 2019, the apex court directed all political parties to submit details of receipts of the electoral bonds to the Election Commission of India (EC) in a sealed cover. March 21 : Actor Aayush Sharma reveals the grind behind shooting a shirtless scene for a body shot. Having recently wrapped the Azerbaijan shoot schedule of his upcoming film AS04, Aayush shared a throwback video of his last minute grind to ace the perfect body shot physique to shoot a shirtless scene. Aayush recently announced the wrap of his straining schedule packed with action in Azerbaijan, which also included a body shot flaunting his washboard abs and toned muscles. The actor shared a video presenting the grind needed minutes before the main shot, to define the abs and muscles more prominently. Ever since his jaw-dropping transformation from the lean, guy-next-door look from his debut film to the beefed up, toned, physique with washboard abs for Antim: The Final Truth, Aayush Sharma has bagged his permanent spot amongst the fittest actors of the business. Further surprising everyone with his muscular built, Aayush Sharma regularly treated his fans and followers with glimpses into his rigorous workout routine as he gears for his upcoming film AS04. Launching debutante Sushrii Mishraa with AS04, Aayush Sharma also roped in veteran South Indian actor Jagapathi Babu for the film. Produced by KK Radhamohan, under the banner of Srisathyasai Arts, the yet untitled action entertainer AS04 stars Aayush Sharma as the lead, co-starring debutante Sushrii Mishraa. Directed by Katyayan Shivpuri, the film is slated for release in 2023. New Delhi, March 21 : He gained the spotlight with his song 'Tu Aake Dekhle' in 2020 and then followed the roaring success of 'Oops' and 'Maan Meri Jaan'. King has now become a global name after his track 'Maan Meri Jaan' was recreated by American pop star Nick Jonas, who the rapper "manifested" working with. Talking to IANS about how it was to work with Nick, King, whose real name is Arpan Chandel said: "Obviously amazing. I have been a fan of him...Even when I was not doing music, I have been a fan of him since then." It's nothing less than magic for the 24-year-old rapper, who wowed everyone with his maiden appearance on the first season of the hip-hop reality show 'MTV Hustle'. "So I had manifestation that I would work with him and it happened. It feels like magic." Walking down the memory lane on how it all happened with Nick Jonas, he said: "I was touring last season and Jay Mehta was the MD of Warner music India, he's like a big brother and he called and said Nick Jonas wants to do a track, a global version of 'Maan Meri Jaan' and I was like happy and I said lock it." "So, when the first scratch came Nick Jonas sent and then I loved it. It happened very smoothly there is not a big back story to it. It's just when you get good artistes things automatically happen very nicely." "Nick is phenomenal artistes. I have been a fan of him since very long and he understand very well." 'Maan Meri Jaan' is from King's album 'Champagne Talk', which was about a love lost because of a misunderstanding. The song was on Billboard India at the No. 1 spot. In March 2023, the global version 'Maan Meri Jaan (Afterlife)', which currently has over 6,081,565 views since it dropped in March 10. "'Maan Meri Jaan (Afterlife)' is a global version and 'Maan Meri Jaan' was made for the Hindi core audience... It is going really well and it's going better than what I had expected. My expectations are a hundred so its going above that." When asked what was the reason behind the mega success of 'Maan Meri Jaan', pat came the reply: "Simplicity." Who is King looking forward to work with after Nick Jonas? He said American rapper Jack Harlow. New Delhi, March 21 : The Supreme Court on Tuesday said it is open to set up a panel of experts, while asking the Centre to initiate a discussion and collect relevant information to examine if there is a less painful method alternative to hanging by the neck to execute the death penalty. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud said one of the aspects could be to look at the matter from the point of view of science and technology. The Chief Justice queried if there was a method which is consistent with human dignity and socially acceptable, based on today's knowledge of technology and science. "Do we have any data either in India or overseas relating to the circumstances as they transpired in the execution of sentence of death with alternate methods?" The bench, also comprising Justice P.S. Narasimha, said: "alternatively, do we constitute a committee, thinking it aloud, not passing an order now. Committee to reflect on it. We can have two national law universities to be on the committee, experts dealing in execution of the sentence of death... We can also have people drawn from medical sciences, maybe one or two professors or doctors from AIIMS. We can have other distinguished people from the country." The top court allowed Attorney General (AG) R. Venkataramani time till May to ascertain if any study has been conducted to find a more humane method of execution. "There two perspectives to look at, one, is there any alternate method, which is more consistent with human dignity so as to render this method of execution as unconstitutional. Two, even if there is no alternate method, does this method satisfy the test for proportionality so as to be uphelda", the Chief Justice told the AG to examine. The bench further added that change in technology or availability of better science is a ground for relooking it and in order to relook at hanging, the court must have some underlying data. "At legal level, we must have some scientific data in our handsawe can hear you on the remit of the committee, the ambit of the committee you can come back to us," the Chief Justice told the AG. The apex court was hearing a writ petition by advocate Rishi Malhotra seeking a direction for quashing of the provision contained under Section 354(5) of the Criminal Procedure Code as ultra vires the Constitution and especially Article 21 being discriminatory and also in contravention of the constitution bench judgment in Gian Kaur's case. Malhotra contented that he is challenging the method of execution of death sentence in India i.e. by hanging by the neck till the prisoner is dead. The plea, citing Kaur's judgment, said: "the Right to Life including the Right to Live with human dignity would mean the existence of such a right up to the end of natural life. This also includes the right to a dignified life up to the point of death including a dignified procedure of death. In other words, this may include the right of a dying man to also die with dignity when his life is ebbing out." In october 2017, the apex court had issued notice to the Centre noting the contention of the petitioner that the convict whose life has to end because of the conviction and the sentence should not be compelled to suffer the pain of hanging. Thiruvananthapuram, March 21 : The Kerala Police on Tuesday formed a high-level team to probe into the allegations levelled against gold smuggling accused Swapna Suresh and Vijesh Pillai. The complaint has been lodged by a CPI(M) party worker in Kannur. Led by SP of Police Hemalatha, the team also has cyber experts. Early this month, Swapna had claimed that Vijesh Pillai had approached her in Bengaluru -- where she currently resides --, and offered her Rs 30 crore besides a safe passage to Malaysia to withdraw her case against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his family. Pillai had warned that if she turned down the offer, CPI(M) state secretary M.V.Govindan who was very angry, might even eliminate her, she had alleged. While Swapna filed a case against Pillai in Bengaluru, a local level CPI(M) party leader at Taliparamba filed a case against her and Pillai stating that they were in unison to create trouble and ruin peace through these baseless allegations. To probe into the complaint, the Kerala Police on Tuesday finalised a high-level police team and as a first step, the team will take the statement from the party worker and then proceed further. Pillai had filed a counter complaint against Swapna refuting her allegations. In a related development, Govindan has sent a lawyer notice to Swapna which she welcomed saying she will never ever render an apology to Govindan and fight it out. Both the Congress and the BJP leadership have taken potshots against Vijayan and his family who are yet to send Swapna a notice despite her accusing the "first" family of having indulged in smuggling of gold and currencies. His silence means it's an open admission of guilt, they added. Mumbai, March 21 : The Centre has decided to move the 80-year-old office of Textile Commissioner, along with other key officers from Mumbai to New Delhi, by April 5, as per an official order. This is the second major department after the autonomous 'Dattopant Thengadi National Board for Workers Education & Development (DTNBWED)', which was shifted from Nagpur to New Delhi in 2021. The latest measure has sparked a fresh furore among the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) leaders who slammed the BJP government for the decision. As per an order from Jayashree Sivakumar, Under Secretary, Ministry of Textiles to Textile Commissioner Mumbai Roop Rashi, the move is part of measures to "restructure the office of Textile Commissioner and Textile Committee in order to enhance effectiveness and achieve optimal use of resources". For this, the Textile Commissioner and few key officials would be relocated to the MoT to strengthen the technical arm of the ministry, deploy/depute officers/staff from the head office to the TC and field offices. Besides the Textile Commissioner, a Joint Textile Commissioner, two Deputy Secretaries (Director rank) and two Deputy Director level officers would be going to New Delhi as part of the restructure/merger exercise. While the Textile Commissioner will not be stationed in the MoT, the other officers shall be seated at the Noida regional office. The Textile Commissioner is a critical appointee, functioning as the principal technical advisor to the MoT, conducts techno-economic surveys, advises the government on the overall status of the textiles sector, with regional offices in Navi Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Indore, Amritsar, Coimbatore and NOIDA. Managing Partner Purushottam Sarda of Vinayak Process, a textile unit in Sangli, the shift could jeopardise subsidies worth hundreds of crores of rupees are pending for past three years from the Centre to thousands of textile units handlooms, powerlooms, auto-looms like Airjet. Waterjet, Sulzer, Rapier -- in the state. "After the Textile Commissionerate shifts to New Delhi, we shall face huge problems of recovery, and will be forced to make multiple trips which will further add to losses," Sarda told IANS. Slamming the move, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said this is part of the BJP's strategy to take away all offices from Mumbai/Maharashtra to Delhi or Gujarat, though this state is a major hub of the textile industry with units in Mumbai, Thane, and Ichalkaranji of Kolhapur. called the 'Manchester of the east'. Congress chief spokesperson Atul Londhe said that since "they cannot shift Mumbai to Gujarat, the BJP is destroying all important offices/departments by taking them away from Maharashtra to either Delhi or Gujarat", which is detrimental to the people of this state. Nationalist Congress Party national spokesperson Clyde Crasto said the decision is "hardly surprising" but warned that the people of Maharashtra are watching and they will remember it in the elections. "The BJP at the Centre is hellbent on putting brakes on Maharashtra's progress. Ever since the Eknath Shinde-Devendra Fadnavis government took over, all major projects/institutions/departments are being taken away from Mumbai or the state," said Crasto. Shiv Sena (UBT)'s national spokesperson Kishore Tiwari wondered why aceall the BJP union ministers from the state and the "ED government here are maintaining a deafening silence, as usual", and named Nitin Gadkari, Narayan Rane, Piyush Goyal, Raosaheb Patil-Danve, Bharati Pawar, Kapil Patil and Bhagwat Karad, besides Ramdas Athawale. "Either they lack the courage to speak up for the Marathi people here or they are obviously hand-in-glove with the Centre to ensure the destruction of their own home-state," said Tiwari. The Textile Commissionerate here was set up in 1943 at the height of World War II to satisfy the huge British demand for clothing of its armed forces and civilians, and the industry developed in a big way post-Independence. (Quaid Najmi can be contacted at: q.najmi@ians.in) Patna, March 21 : BJP MLA Hari Bhushan Thakur on Tuesday said Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is "mentally unfit" and "misleading" 13 crore people of the state by giving "wrong" statements. He demanded that the Bihar government should issue the health card of the chief minister. "Nitish Kumar on Monday claimed that he was the home minister of the country during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. He never became the home minister of the country, still, he is claiming it. Hence, I have urged the authority to check his health status and inform common people of Bihar," Thakur said. "Nitish Kumar may have got mentally disturbed after Tejashwi Yadav on Monday claimed that neither he has a wish to become chief minister nor Nitish Kumar has a wish to become prime minister of the country. I want to say that the Prime Minister's post is not vacant in the country. Still, these two leaders are dreaming of becoming Chief Minister and Prime Minister," Thakur said. Atal Bihari Vajpayee served as the prime minister of the country thrice -- for 13 days in 1996, 13 months in 1997 to 1998 and five years from 1999 to 2004, and Nitish Kumar served as union railway minister, Surface Transport and Highway Minister and Agriculture Minister of the country but he never became the home minister of the country, Thakur said. Canberra, March 21 : Australian families are expected to spend generously on sweet treats during upcoming Easter, despite ongoing cost-of-living pressures, according to a new report The report from Australian Retailers Association (ARA) in collaboration with market research firm Roy Morgan, indicated that 16.3 million Australians are planning to purchase Easter treats, such as hot cross buns and chocolate, up 1.8 million compared to the previous year, reports Xinhua news agency. The spending would reach almost A$1.7 billion, rising 14.5 per cent from 2022, said the report. ARA CEO Paul Zahra said that while price increases will contribute to higher spending, retail therapy remains a sweet spot in a challenging year for Australians. "For many Australians, Easter is the last break before winter sets in, and a respite from an intense start to the year. Whilst shoppers are already beginning to tighten their purse strings, these special occasions are a welcome time of indulgence," he said. The report also noted around 37 per cent of Australians would consume alcohol to celebrate Easter, with total spending of A$275 million during the holiday. Bengaluru, March 21 : Slamming repeated visits of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Karnataka Congress on Tuesday said that he has become quack of inaugurating half-baked projects in the state for gaining mileage in elections. Karnataka in-charge and Congress General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala charged in Bengaluru that CM Bommai-Modi Governments know that the BJP will be decisively defeated in the assembly Polls. They are desperately trying every "publicity stunt" to stay afloat and failing miserably every time. Are Modi-Bommai Governments putting "Poll Publicity" over the lives of Bengalureans and Public Safety, especially when Metro Construction in Bangalore has already claimed 38 precious lives? Surjewala questioned. He alleged that "on March 25, PM Modi will inaugurate a Metro Line from Nowhere to Nowhere" in Bengaluru. Once again it is a discontinuous, disjointed and disconnected Metro Line which will cause more problems to Bengalureans, than it will solve. "The only yield will be a media event of the Prime Minister riding a standalone Metro that is disconnected from the existing Metro Line. It will also gravely endanger public safety." PM Modi is, therefore, inaugurating a Metro Line between KR Puram to Whitefield. Needless to say, this is a standalone Metro Line unconnected to the existing Metro network on both sides i.e either on KR Puram Side or on Whitefield Side, he stated. "On November 22, 2022, PM Modi inaugurated the incomplete Terminal 2 of the Bengaluru International Airport. Till date, it is not fully operational and will be able to see 'International Flight Operations' shifting to the Terminal only in 2 years. All domestic airlines will start operations from the Terminal only by May-June 2023. "PM Modi inaugurated the Shivamogga Airport at a cost of Rs 500 crore on February 27. Till today, there are no operational flights to Shivamogga. He inaugurated the Bangalore-Mysore National Highway. Till date, it is incomplete with missing service roads, missing underpasses/overpasses/light vehicular underpasses/pedestrian underpasses, besides being waterlogged and accident prone," Surjewala stated. Mumbai, March 21 : Actress Rashmika Mandanna has said that she will not be dancing to the popular number 'Saami Saami' from 'Pushpa: The Rise' anymore. Rashmika interacted with her fans in a question and answer session. When a fan told her that he wants to groove with her to her famous Saami Saami song, Rashmika said she's danced 'too many times' to the song. She wrote back: "I've done saami saami step tooooo many times.. that now I feel like I'll have issues with my back when I get older.. why you do this to me re.. ?? let's do something else when me meet." She was also asked if she would be working with Thalapathy Vijay, to which Rashmika replied that she is manifesting that. One even asked her if she likes Malayalam cinema, to which Rashmika replied: "Are you kidding.. loveeeeee Malayalam cinema..Malayalam films are just so pure and people are fullllll love." The actress also told a fan, who enquired about her performing Lavani at a award event, that she will speak Marathi "little little". "It was surreal.... Learnt some new Marathi phrases well.. soon I'll manage to speak like little little.. ?? hopefully!," Rashmika said. Rashmika is now looking forward to the release of 'Pushpa: The rule' starring Allu Arjun. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Kolkata, March 21 : As a crucial hearing on the pending dearness allowance (DA) arrears for West Bengal government employees at the Supreme Court got deferred further on Tuesday, the joint forum of state government employees has decided to magnify the sting of their agitation. Though the news of the deferment of hearing till April 11 was intially met with silence, the agitators soon broke out of their temporary slumber of weariness and announced their decision to continue their agitations on the streets of the city. "The legal battle is just a part of our bigger movement in the issue. Besides payment of our DA arrears we have two additional demands. The first is recruitment of filling up the vacant post in a transparent manner and the second regularisation of the contractual staff. Our agitation on these issues will continue till our demands are fulfilled. The legal battle and the agitation on the streets will continue side-by-side in a parallel manner," said the joint forum convenor Bhaskar Ghosh. He also said that in the next stage of agitation, similar sit-ins might be staged at New Delhi. Senior advocate and CPI(M) Rajya Sabha member, Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya assured the agitating employees that there is no room for frustration following the event of the hearing being deferred. "Hearing in the matter was deferred because of the pressure of too many cases on the apex court for the day. This is a normal matter both in the Supreme Court as well as in the high courts," Bhattacharya said. This is the fifth time that the hearing in the matter has been deferred by the apex court. The first date of hearing was on December 5 last year, at the apex court's division bench of Justice Hrishikesh Roy and Justice Dipankar Dutta. However, the hearing was deferred on December 14. However, the matter could not be heard on that day as both the judges recused themselves. The next date of hearing was fixed on January 16. However, the hearing did not happen on that day as well since there were technical errors in the affidavit filed by the West Bengal government in the matter. The new date of heating was fixed on March 15 and on that day the matter was deferred on March 21. However, on Tuesday the matter has been deferred again to April 11. Hyderabad, March 21 : Tension prevailed at Pragati Bhavan, the official residence of Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao here on Tuesday as ABVP markers tried to lay siege to the complex to protest over Telangana State Public Service Commission (TSPSC) question paper leak. Carrying ABVP flags and raising slogans, the protesters including women tried to move closer to the complex but were stopped by police. There was heated argument between ABVP leaders and police personnel. As the ABVP workers continued their protest, police arrested them and shifted them to Goshamahal police station. ABVP had last week staged a protest at TSPSC office which had turned violent. The protesters had barged into office premises and damaged the board. Police then arrested some ABVP men who were later remanded to judicial custody. Police had stepped up security around Pragati Bhavan in view of the planned protest by ABVP. However, some protesters took police by surprise and managed to reach near the high security premises. The ABVP leaders demanded resignation of Information Technology minister K. T. Rama Rao over paper leak. They also demanded judicial probe into the case. Hyderabad police last week arrested nine persons, including two employees of TSPSC, in connection with the paper leak case. The TSPSC had conducted the examination on March 5 for 833 vacancies of Assistant Engineer, Municipal Assistant Engineer, Technical Officer, and Junior Technical Officer in various engineering departments. A total of 55,000 candidates had written the exam. However, the Commission suspected leakage of the question paper and lodged a complaint with the police. Following the arrest of the accused the Commission cancelled the exam and also postponed other exams scheduled to be held later this month. Amid doubts that the accused may have leaked question papers of some other exams, the Commission on Friday decided to cancel three other exams including Group I Prelims. Nearly 2.86 lakh aspirants of Group I posts had appeared in Group-I exam conducted on October 16, 2022. Karachi, March 21 : The Covid-19 positivity rate in Karachi has reached 28.30 per cent, a health authority official said after 30 out of 106 people screened for the viral infection tested positive, as per media reports. Meanwhile, the countrywide positivity rate stood at only 3 per cent when three out of 100 individuals tested positive for the pandemic, The News reported. "Covid-19 positivity rate has started rising in the country since 100 individuals tested positive during the last 24 hours after as many as 3,147 tests were conducted across the country registering 3.18 per cent Covid-19 positivity rate," an official of the National Institute of Health (NIH) Islamabad told The News. According to statistics shared by the NIH Islamabad, the positivity rate in three major cities - Karachi, Islamabad and Peshawar - stood over 10 per cent. The positivity rate jumped to 12.20 per cent in Islamabad, where 25 people tested positive in 205 tests conducted for detecting the virus while Peshawar saw a 14.29 per cent positivity rate with 14 persons testing positive as against 94 tests. On the other hand, the positivity rate in Lahore remained at 4.14 per cent with 18 new cases in 435 tests, The News reported. Commenting on the situation, an official of the NIH said that Covid 19 cases were on the rise due to a sub-variant of the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2. He added that the spread of the virus was very high but the hospitalisation rate was still very low in the country since only 18 people were under treatment in the ICUs and high dependency units (HDUs) in the country. He maintained that people showing symptoms of the virus were being screened only, which is why the positivity rate was very high. He said that the government has asked the provinces and centres to increase the number of tests to figure out the actual situation, The News reported. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) New Delhi, March 21 : The Interpol had earlier on several occasions dismissed the plea of fugitive criminal diamantaire Mehul Choksi who is wanted in Rs 13,000 crore fraud case in Punjab National Bank, the CBI said in a statement. "Facing possibilities of imminent extradition from Antigua and Barbuda, Choksi again with a view to create diversions from the ongoing process and derail the ongoing extradition proceedings, with false claims, concocted dramatic stories and imaginary narratives, approached various international forums and also approached Commission for Control of Interpol's Files (CCF) in July 2022 to revise its earlier decision of 2020. CCF consulted the CBI and the ED on the matter and the factual situation on the narrative of Choksi being wholly unsubstantiated and without an iota of evidence were put forth to the CCF. It was clarified that Choksi had been making all possible attempts to derail ongoing extradition proceedings in Antigua and Barbuda, to evade the process of law in India," the agency stated. "However, based on mere imaginary conjunctures and unproven surmises, a five member CCF chamber has taken a decision on deletion of Red Notice, communicated in November, 2022. Thereafter, CBI has taken up with CCF the serious shortcomings, procedural violations, overreach of mandate and mistakes committed by CCF in the manner of reaching this unfounded and perfunctory decision," said a senior CBI official. A case was registered against Mehul Choksi and others on February 15, 2018 for defrauding Punjab National Bank. The CBI has already filed two charge sheets in the case against Choksi and others under sections 120-B read with 409, 420, 477A, 201 of IPC and sections 7 & 13(2) read with 13(1)(c)&(d) of PC Act. In 2022, the CBI registered five more criminal cases against Choksi and others for defrauding banks and financial institutions. "The CBI as National Central Bureau for Interpol had issued a diffusion to locate Choksi in February 2018. The movements of the criminal were tracked by the CBI in close direct coordination with foreign law enforcement agencies and he was geo-located to Antigua and Barbuda. Extradition request against Choksi was sent through diplomatic channels to competent authorities of Antigua and Barbuda in August 2018," the official said. In 2018, Choksi approached CCF making a request for non-publication of Red Notice. CCF is a separate body within Interpol that is not under the control of Interpol Secretariat and is mainly staffed by elected lawyers from different countries. CCF had studied his request and consulted the CBI. CCF dismissed representation of Choksi and Interpol published a Red Notice. Interpol published a Red Notice against Choksi in December 2018 on request of the CBI and the ED. This was subsequent to geo-location by the CBI of wanted criminal and subsequent to initiation of extradition request. The purpose of a Red Notice issued by Interpol was to seek location of a wanted person and to seek their detention, arrest or restriction of movement for purpose of extradition, surrender or similar action. "It may be noted that Choksi was already located prior to publication of Interpol Red Notice and steps also initiated for his extradition. Although the primary purpose of Red Notice was already achieved, the same was retained as a precautionary measure. As the extradition proceedings against Choksi were proceeding in Antigua and Barbuda, Choksi had been approaching various international forums with fully concocted and imaginary narratives to create diversions. In 2019, Choksi again approached CCF seeking removal of Red Notice. CCF studied his request, consulted the CBI and based on inputs, again in 2020, dismissed his plea," the CBI said. Later on, when he again reached the Interpol and concerned authorities, a decision was taken in his favour. Thereafter, CBI took up with CCF the serious shortcomings, procedural violations, overreach of mandate and mistakes committed by CCF in the manner of reaching this unfounded and perfunctory decision. CBI continues to exercise available remedial and appellate options within Interpol for rectification of this faulty decision and for restoration of Red Notice. CBI pointed out that even Antigua authorities consider there is sufficient evidence to substantiate that the applicant concealed material facts or made false representation when he applied for his Antigua and Barbuda citizenship, a fact which reflects on previous conduct of this criminal. CCF has subsequently clarified to CBI that its decision in no manner has any determination on any guilt or innocence of Mehul Chinubhai Choksi for crimes he remains charged in India. CCF has reiterated that it has not established factual certainties and there is no factual finding in their decision that Choksi will not have fair trial. Based on new information and serious errors in the decision, CBI is taking steps for the decision of CCF to be revised. The CBI remains in active communication with CCF and other bodies in Interpol in an ongoing process relating to this case. It may be noted that an Interpol Red Notice is neither a pre requisite nor a requirement for extradition proceedings. The Global Operations Centre of CBI continues to closely monitor movements of wanted criminals like Mehul Choksi in close direct coordination with foreign law enforcement agencies and not reliant only on Interpol channels. Extradition request made by India is under active consideration before authorities in Antigua and Barbuda and remains fully unimpacted by Red Notice related communications with Interpol. The CBI remains committed seeking return of fugitives and criminals to India to face process of criminal justice. Systematic steps have been initiated in close coordination with foreign law enforcement agencies for geo-locating and return of wanted criminals and economic offenders. In the last 15 months, over 30 wanted criminals have returned to India. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Bhubaneswar, March 21 : West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress' President Mamata Banerjee arrived in Odisha on Tuesday on a three-day visit. Banerjee arrived at Biju Patnaik International Airport where she was received Odisha's Minister of State for Home and Sports, Tusharkanti Behera. Soon after landing, she left for Puri by road with a police escort. She is scheduled to meet Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik here on March 23. "Naveen Patnaik Ji is our senior leader. I will meet him," Banerjee told reporters at the airport. She also informed that she will offer prayer at Lord Jagannath temple in Puri. Banerjee will stay in Puri for the next two nights. On March 22, she will visit Shree Jagannath Temple in the afternoon to offer prayers, said Puri District Collector Samarth Verma. The Puri district administration has made security arrangements for the West Bengal Chief Minister, as per the protocol, Superintendent of Police K.V. Singh said. Banerjee will also lay the foundation stone for construction of a Bhakta Niwas for West Bengal devotees in Puri. On March 23, before taking the return flight to Kolkata from Bhubaneswar, she is very likely to meet Patnaik. However, Odisha CMO is yet to confirm it. The possibilities of the one-to-one meeting between Banerjee and Patnaik has sparked speculation of the West Bengal Chief Minister's initiative to forge an alliance of regional parties for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls without the Congress. On Friday afternoon, she held a one-to-one meeting with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav. However, Patnaik had always maintained an independent identity of his as well as his party, by keeping an equal distance from both the BJP and the Congress. He also never inclined towards a possible third front. Aizawl, March 21 : The Mizoram government has prepared Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for five hydro-electric power plants in the state with a total generation capacity of around 800 MW, Power & Electricity Department officials said on Tuesday. An official of P&E Department said that DPRs already prepared for the Kolodyne-II HEP (460 MW), Tuival HEP (210 MW), Bairabi Dam Project (80 MW), Tuirini HEP (24 MW) and Tuivawl HEP (24 MW). Four more proposed hydro electric projects are now under investigation stage. Currently, Mizoram has no major power project and the state presently imports power from the four regional power plants in Tripura, spending around Rs 400 crore annually for the purchase of power from outside. The P&E Department officials and engineers on Monday apprised Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati about the proposed power projects, and he, referring to his recent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asked P&E Department Commissioner-and-Secretary H. Lalengmawia and other officials and engineers to discuss the proposed power projects with the Union Power Ministry to fine-tune the DPRs and to apprise the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). The Governor also urged the P&E Department to explore the possibilities of tapping the resources of the big PSUs for implementing some of the proposed projects. The potential of power generation from solar plants in the state was also discussed in the meeting. Bhopal, March 21 : At least 190 police personnel in Madhya Pradesh were facing charges of rape, state home minister Narottam Mishra told the House on Tuesday. The minister informed that most rape charges were reported in Gwalior-Chambal region. Mishra further told the House that Gwalior district was on top of the list as at least 64 police personnel were booked for alleged rape charges, while 28 cops were facing alleged rape charges in Morena district. In state capital Bhopal, as many as 15 cops were booked on rape charges and six in Jabalpur district. The minister also clarified that these cases were reported in the last 12 years, and in many cases, cops were acquitted as the charges imposed against them were found fake. The home minister revealed the figures while answering a question put up by former minister and Congress MLA Jitu Patwari. He sought an answer regarding the number of police personnel booked for rape charges, the number of encounters done by Madhya Pradesh police and the number people died in police custody. Responding to that Mishra, who is the parliamentary affairs minister in Madhya Pradesh Assembly informed that as many as 45 encounters were reported between 2010 to 2022. He further told the House that out of total, 42 encounters were occurred in Gwalior district. In the same period (from 2010 to 2022), 13 people were reported died in police custody, while 31 persons died by suicide in different jails in Madhya Pradesh. Toronto, March 21 : Researchers have identified a protein found in superbugs that enhances SARS-CoV-2 replication by 10- to 15-fold. Global data shows nearly 10 per cent of severe Covid-19 cases involve a secondary bacterial co-infection -- with Staphylococcus aureus, also known as staph A, being the most common organism responsible for co-existing infections with SARS-CoV-2. The study, published in the journal iScience, revealed that the addition of a "superbug" -- methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) -- into the mix could make the Covid-19 outcome even more deadly. While the mystery of how and why the combination of these two pathogens contributes to the severity of the disease remained unsolved, the researchers identified a protein -- IsdA -- found in all strains of staph A which boosts SARS-CoV-2 replication by 10- to 15-fold. The findings of this study are significant and could help inform the development of new therapeutic approaches for Covid-19 patients with bacterial co-infections. Interestingly, the study also showed that SARS-CoV-2 did not affect the bacteria's growth. This was contrary to what the researchers had initially expected. "We started with an assumption that SARS-CoV-2 and hospitalisation due to Covid-19 possibly caused patients to be more susceptible to bacterial infections which eventually resulted in worse outcomes," said Mariya Goncheva, Professor of biochemistry and microbiology at the University of Victoria. Goncheva said bacterial infections are most commonly acquired in hospital settings and hospitalisation increases the risk of co-infection. "Bacterial infections are one of the most significant complications of respiratory viral infections such as Covid-19 and Influenza A. Despite the use of antibiotics, 25 per cent of patients co-infected with SARS-CoV-2 and bacteria, die as a result. This is especially true for patients who are hospitalised, and even more so for those in intensive care units. We were interested in finding why this happens," said Goncheva, who conducted the study while at University of Western Ontario. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Chennai, March 21 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Chennai on April 8 and inaugurate railway projects, worth Rs 294 crore, including the Chennai-Kovai Vande Bharat express and Tambaram-Sengottai Express. The visit of the Prime Minister was announced by the state Public Relations Department on Tuesday but the full details of his itinerary was not yet available. PM Modi had visited Tamil Nadu on November 11, 2022 to participate in the Gandhigram Trust's platinum jubilee celebrations at Dindigul. Mumbai, March 21 : Actor Gurmeet Choudhary, who will soon be seen in the upcoming streaming series 'Maharana, recently visited Kainchi Dham Neem Karoli Baba Ashram in Nainital, Uttarakhand. The actor is an avid follower of Neem Karoli Baba, who was one of the saints of India and has ashrams in various locations throughout India, including Kainchi, Vrindavan, Rishikesh, Shimla, the Neem Karoli village near Khimasepur in Farrukhabad, Bhumiadhar, Hanumangarhi, and Delhi, as well as Taos, New Mexico, in the United States. Talking about his spiritual visit, Gurmeet told IANS, "I have visited the Kainchi Dham Neem Karoli Baba Ashram twice over the past year. It's a divine experience and I feel the ashram and temple are a very powerful source of energy. I had gone with a wish, a goal to achieve something and wanted to seek his blessings. I had decided the day I achieve my goal I shall be visiting it back to acknowledge the blessings and be grateful for it". In the past, India's explosive batsman Virat Kohli along with his wife Anushka Sharma had visited the ashram apart from Meta head honcho Mark Zuckerberg. Gurmeet continued, "Whenever one's wish is fulfilled as a mark of respect we donate a blanket to Babaji and this time I went to do the same. I am grateful to God for all the good things I have received in the past one year. You can't reach somewhere if there is no faith". He spoke about the importance of spirituality in a person's life as he told IANS, "Be it family, relationship or work I feel peace plays a very important role and spirituality helps us to achieve that. It helps us to calm down and gives us the faith to achieve our goals. In today's time it's so important to remain calm. Bollywood as a profession is a very hectic job and comes with a lot of pressure. Spirituality helps you in achieving calmness amidst all that madness and takes you a step closer to your goals". "When you have a heart filled with desire and you wish to achieve certain goals, visiting a temple or a baba gives you a very blissful feeling. The two-day journey of going to the temple and visiting it is nothing less than magical for me", he concluded. Chennai, March 21 : Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian on Tuesday asked people not to worry about slight increase in Covid cases in the state, but advised them to adhere strictly to Covid protocols. Talking to media persons in Chennai after a high-level meeting with the health department officials, Subramanian said the state recorded 70 Covid cases on Monday. The minister said Covid cases are being reported from Maharashtra, Kerala, Gujarat and Karnataka. He said that there is an increase in the number of people reaching Tamil Nadu from foreign countries like the UAE and Singapore. Subramanian said that around 30,000 people who arrived in the state from foreign countries are being tested for the virus each week. The Tamil Nadu health minister also said that the oxygen beds are available in the state and have the capacity to store 2000 MT of Oxygen. The minister said that hospitals have sufficient beds in the state and added that there was no need for such a concern in the state. Subramanian advised the people to wear masks, practice social distancing and adhere strictly to Covid -19 protocols. He also said that the state health department was prepared for any eventuality. Mumbai, March 21 : Bollywood filmmaker-producer Karan Johar, who is busy with the post-production of his upcoming directorial 'Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani', was recently stopped by security personnel for a routine check at the Mumbai International Airport better known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on Tuesday. KJo, who is known to be friendly with the paparazzi, posed for them and moved on to go beyond the security check when he was notified about the procedure by one of the security personnel. The video of the episode was shared on Instagram by celebrity paparazzo Viral Bhayani. In the video KJo can be seen dressed in baggy black joggers with a black T-shirt, and a white jacket. He was also seen carrying a big bag as he rounded off his look with a pair of black sunglasses. The 'My Name Is Khan' director was asked by a security personnel to show his ID and travel-related documents. Karan produced his documents and handed them to the airport security. When given the go ahead by the security personnel, Karan proceeded inside the airport. It's unclear if Karan left the city for work or he went for a holiday. Chennai, March 21 : In another instance of a "honour killing", a 28-year-old Dalit man was hacked to death in Tamil Nadu's Dharmapuri district, allegedly by the relatives of an upper-caste girl whom he had married a few days ago, on Tuesday, police said. Jagan and Saranya were in love and they tried the knot despite stiff opposition from her family. On Tuesday, when Jagan was driving his two-wheeler, he was stopped by relatives of Saranya near the Dharmapuri national highway at KRP dam premises and was hacked to death, his family alleged. The family, friends, and relatives of Jagan blocked the National Highway and questioned the police for not arresting the relatives of Saranya. A strong contingent of police reached the spot and assured immediate action against the killers while asking the protesters to disperse. Dharmapuri police Station Officer told IANS that the police are probing the case and that the body of Jagan would be handed over to his relatives after post-mortem examination at Dharmpauri Taluk hospital. Hyderabad, March 21 : The Telangana High Court on Tuesday directed the state government to submit a status report on the investigation into Telangana State Public Service Commission (TSPSC) question paper leak. The court gave the direction while the petitions filed by some Congress leaders seeking direction for a CBI inquiry into the case. Observing that the petitioner has not submitted any evidence in support of his argument that proper investigation is not being conducted in this case, the court asked the government to submit status report on the investigation currently being conducted by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Telangana Police. The high court has given three weeks to the government to submit the statue report and adjourned the hearing to April 11. Earlier, Advocate General B.S. Prasad submitted to the court that the investigations were being conducted in a proper manner. Arguing that the petition is politically motivated, he said that the petitioner claimed that only two accused were arrested while the fact is that the SIT has arrested nine accused. While adjourning the hearing, the court also directed the state government to file an affidavit. The petitioners sought an inquiry into the role of Tirupati, the personal assistant of state minister K.T. Rama Rao. Senior Supreme Court lawyer Vivek argued the case on behalf of the petitioners. He brought to the court's notice that though the investigations are in preliminary stage, the minister stated that only two persons were involved in the paper leak. Vivek told the court that there were many doubts about the manner in which the TSPSC conducted the exam. He said more than 20 candidates from one place scored higher marks and the TSPSC did not make public the list of qualified candidates. The petitioners' counsel argued that only a comprehensive probe by the CBI could bring out the truth. Counsel also brought to the court's notice that Vyapam case of Madhya Pradesh was also probed by the CBI. Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee president A. Revanth Reddy was also present during the hearing. Jaipur, March 21 : A purported video has gone viral on social media which shows a carcass of a chinkara (Indian gazelle) hanging from a tree in Jodhpur district with around 10-12 people cooking and consuming its meat. The video has left the entire Bishnoi community enraged, sparking protests across Rajasthan. As per officials, there were over 10 hunters who first killed the chinkara and then cut it into pieces by hanging it upside down from a tree. They then cooked the meat and consumed it. The group even filmed the entire act and shared it on social media. The clip is believed to be from a farm at Pannesingh Nagar in Luni. The video has enraged the Bishnoi community, which is known for protecting and preserving flora and fauna in the Thar Desert region for long. The Bishnoi Tiger Force has now submitted a memorandum along with 'evidence' to Commissioner of Police Ravidutt Gaur, and Chief Conservator of Forests, S.V. Murthy, demanding the arrest of all the people seen in the video under the Wild Life (Protection) Act. The community members informed the authorities that poachers are regularly hunting chinkara in and around the border areas of Jodhpur, Barmer and Pali districts. The chief of Bishnoi Tiger Force, Ram Pal Bhawad, said, "We also demanded the formation of flying squads for regular patrolling of the region. We have been assured that stern action will be taken against the culprits within two days. If nothing happens, we will hold a symbolic demonstration at the district collectorate on Thursday. Wildlife activists said that many poachers set up their base on the Jodhpur-Barmer border and engage in hunting chinkaras which they sell to groups such as these and even to hotels. Kohima, March 21 : The Union Home Ministry-appointed panel is likely to hold talks with the Eastern Nagaland People's Organisation (ENPO), which has been demanding a separate 'Frontier Nagaland' state, on Wednesday. Top officials said that both the state and Central governments would not agree to the separate state demand and instead, various financial and administrative autonomy measures are likely to be accorded. ENPO sources said that the 3-member panel headed by MHA adviser, northeast A.K Mishra would discuss the demand with the leaders of the ENPO in Kohima on Wednesday. The ENPO and its associated organisations, in support of its separate state demand, earlier given a call to boycott the February 27 Nagaland assembly polls but subsequently withdrew the boycott call following the assurance from Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) and BJP alliance was voted back to power. Shah, addressing election rallies in Nagaland, had said that all the issues of ENPO have been discussed and an agreement would be signed after the polls. "Due to the model code of conduct of the assembly elections, agreement could not be signed. After the February 27 assembly polls, an agreement would be signed by the Union Home Ministry ensuring the Naga people's rights and development," he had said. "I had a meeting with them and assured them that all their problems will be solved. Be it budgetary provisions, more power to council and equitable development of the state, we will discuss everything. The Government of India will solve the problem," Shah had said. The ENPO, the apex tribal organisation of eastern Nagaland, to press its demand had boycotted the annual Hornbill festival last year. Claiming that the six districts -- Mon, Tuensang, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak and Shamator -- have been neglected for years, the ENPO has been demanding a separate 'Frontier Nagaland' state since 2010. Seven tribes of eastern Nagaland, Chang, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Phom, Tikhir, Sangtam, and Yimkhiung are spread across these six districts. Guwahati, March 21 : Maharashtra MLA Bacchu Kadu's 'dog remark' earlier created a ruckus in Assam with several FIRs filed against the legislator by Congress and other opposition parties. The opposition also attacked Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his government for keeping mum on this issue. On Tuesday, while speaking at the Assam Legislative Assembly, Sarma said, "I have written a letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to ask the MLA to withdraw his unacceptable statement against the people of Assam." He further said that Assam police could not take any action against the Maha legislator as the statement was made inside the state assembly. "If he would have been given the statement outside, Assam police could initiate action against the Maharashtra MLA," Sarma added. Earlier, the first day of the ongoing budget session of the Assam assembly witnessed an uproar as opposition members raised the issue of Maharashtra MLA Bacchu Kadu's stray dog remark on Assam. Governor Gulab Chand Kateria's speech was disturbed due to the ruckus created by the opposition MLAs on Friday. Kateria had to cut short his speech midway. Congress MLA Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha said, "Assam police could deplane senior Congress leader Pawan Khera in Delhi airport for a 'small' comment, but the same police are totally inactive on Kadu's statement. The Maharashtra MLA had insulted the natives of Assam, yet the government and police could not take a single step." Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi also demanded police action against the Maha MLA. He also questioned Assam government's silence on this issue. Bacchu Kadu, an independent MLA from Achalpur and the leader of the Prahar Janshakti Party, said that all stray dogs from Maharashtra should be relocated to Assam because "the people in Assam consume a lot of dog meat, and it is a practical solution to Maharashtra's canine population problem". Kadu made the comments in response to a debate in the Maharashtra Legislature about the threat posed by street dogs, which was brought up by MLAs Pratap Sarnaik and Atul Bhatkhalkar. Nagpur, March 21 : Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has been targeted for the second time in two months, with calls from alleged mafiosi demanding extortion money, police said here on Tuesday. The Union Minister's office near the Orange City Hospital here received at least three calls from a person claiming to be Jayesh Poojari - two in the morning and one around noon and they informed the Nagpur police. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police Rahul Madane, the caller made a demand for Rs 10 crore failing which the Minister could face harm, and now the police have beefed up security around Gadkari's home and offices here. The call was traced to a Mangaluru-based woman working for an event management company and now the police are trying to ascertain whether she made the call or Poojari. On January 14, the same person had made a call to Gadkari's office, claiming he was henchman of the mafia don Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar, and demanding a Rs 1 billion payout. San Francisco, March 21 : More than half of college students (51 per cent) believe that using AI tools like ChatGPT to complete assignments and exams counts as cheating or plagiarism, while 1 in 5 use them anyway, a new report has said. According to a BestColleges survey of 1,000 current undergraduate and graduate students, about 43 per cent of college students say they have experience using AI tools like ChatGPT. Nine in ten students who have tried AI tools say they've used them for personal projects, out of curiosity, or for fun. Moreover, the report said that most college students (57 per cent) say they do not intend to use or continue using AI to complete assignments or exams, however, close to a third (32 per cent) do, and 11 per cent prefer not to answer. Among students who say they've used AI tools for schoolwork, half (50 per cent) use these tools for some parts but complete the majority themselves. Further, the report mentioned that three in ten (30 per cent) use AI for the majority of their assignment, and 17 per cent use AI to complete an assignment and then turn it in with no edits. While half of the college students believe that using AI tools is cheating, institutions are still debating whether AI should be banned from the classroom. About 54 per cent of the college students say their instructors have not openly discussed the use of AI tools like ChatGPT, and, most college students (60 per cent) say that neither their schools nor instructors have specified how to use AI tools ethically or responsibly. Around 40 per cent of students say that the use of AI by students defeats the purpose of education. Many students express concern about the impact of AI on their education or future careers, but they're more concerned about the impact of AI on society at large. About 27 per cent of college students worry about the impact of AI on their education, and 31 per cent are worried about the impact on their career or potential career, the findings showed. Meanwhile, about half of the students (48 per cent) are worried about the impact of AI on society in general. However, the majority of students (63 per cent) agree that AI can't replace human intelligence or creativity. Bhopal, March 21 : Senior BJP leader and Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra on Tuesday lashed out at Congress over a 'no confidence' motion against Assembly Speaker Girish Gautam. Even after the Speaker agreed to allow discussion on 'no confidence' motion brought by the Congress, Mishra, who is also parliamentary affairs minister of the state assembly, opposed the decision arguing that "if it will set up a wrong precedence." The Congress had brought 'no confidence' motion against Assembly Speaker Girish Gautam for his decision to suspend former minister and Congress MLA Jitu Patwari from the House for entire budget session for allegedly sharing false information. Accusing the Speaker of being 'biased' and 'acting at behest of the ruling BJP', the Congress had then brought a 'no confidence' motion against him in the first week of this month. On Tuesday, the opposition asked the Speaker to allow for discussion over 'no confidence' motion against him. Speaker Girish Gautam agreed with the Congress legislatures demand and fixed the March 27 for discussion on the matter. However, Narottam Mishra opposed the decision saying - "No confidence motion can not be brought against the Speaker." "If the opposition has any doubt on Speaker's role, they should bring a 'sankalp patra' resolution letter. If today this no confidence motion was accepted, it would set up a wrong precedence in history of Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly. It has never happened before it, but the Congress wants to set a wrong president, which is totally unacceptable," Mishra argued. Mishra further said he has been asserting the same things since the day 'no confidence' against the Assembly Speaker was brought in the House, however, the Congress was in 'sleeping mode' and now "when just one day is left for the budget session, they (Congress leaders) have got up." Meanwhile, he also alleged that the Congress legislatures did not support their leader in the House. "Govind Singh is the Leader of the Opposition in the House, but the Congress leaders are not supporting him. They are following the directions given by Kamal Nath, who never sit in the House even for a single day. Even when he (Kamal Nath) was chief minister, he did not sit in the House for a day. Groupism in the Congress is in a way that they are sidelining their own leader- Govind Singh." San Francisco, March 21 : Researchers have tracked 55 zero-day vulnerabilities that were exploited in 2022 by the hackers, most targeting Microsoft, Google and Apple products, a new report has shown. According to information security company Mandiant, products of Microsoft, Google and Apple made up the majority of zero-day vulnerabilities in 2022, consistent with the previous years, and the most exploited product types were operating systems (19), followed by browsers (11), security, IT, and network management products (10), and mobile OS (six). Zero-day vulnerabilities are security flaws in software that are publicly disclosed or exploited before a developer is aware of it or releases a fix. They are extremely valuable to hackers because exploiting them is simple and stealthy because there are no protection measures or specific monitoring to track and stop the attacks. In terms of the targeted products, Windows was hit with 15 zero-day flaws in 2022, followed by Chrome with nine actively exploited flaws, iOS with five zero-day flaws, and macOS with four zero-day flaws. The report said that the Chinese state-sponsored cyber espionage groups exploited more zero-days than other cyber espionage actors in 2022, which is consistent with the previous years. Threat actors exploited 80 zero-day flaws in various products to perform security breaches in 2021, indicating a slight decrease from the previous year. About four zero-day vulnerabilities were exploited by financially motivated threat actors, with 75 per cent of these instances appearing to be linked to ransomware operations. The report said that cyber-espionage groups exploited 13 of the 55 zero-day flaws exploited in 2022, while Chinese cyberspies leveraged seven. Mumbai, March 21 : TV actors Ankit Gupta, Gautam Singh Vig and Neha Rana, who are playing lead roles in the show 'Junooniyatt', have shared their experience of shooting with the cast of 'Udaariyaan' for the 'Mahasangam' special episodes of both the shows. Expressing his excitement about the upcoming 'Mahasangam', Ankit, who plays Jahaan in the show, said: "It is such an incredible feeling to have 'Junooniyatt' blend with 'Udaariyaan', a memorable show that I've been part of. This 'Mahasangam' is special because it shows that God helps those who help themselves. I hope the viewers enjoy the crossover of these two worlds as much as we enjoyed shooting for it." In the upcoming episode, Elahi, played by Neha Rana in 'Juooniyatt', will be forced to get married to Ranjeet, the negative lead of 'Udaariyaan', with her friends doing everything to stop the marriage. So, the cast of both the shows will come together for the special episodes. Neha said: "The 'Mahasangam' of 'Udaariyaan' and 'Junooniyatt' is like a grand festivity of love and the pursuit of one's passion. Being a part of this epic crossover feels surreal, and I'm grateful to the viewers for their immense love for 'Junooniyatt'. I can't wait for them to witness the magic we've created together with 'Udaariyaan'." 'Mahasangam' of 'Udaariyaan' and 'Junooniyatt' will be airing on March 22 and 23 on Colors. New Delhi, March 21 : The Supreme Court on Tuesday commuted the death sentence of a man, convicted for kidnapping and killing a seven-year-old boy in Tamil Nadu in 2009, to 20-year imprisonment without remission. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud and comprising justices Hima Kohli and P.S. Narasimha said: "We are of the view that even though the crime committed by the petitioner is unquestionably grave and unpardonable, it is not appropriate to affirm the death sentence that was awarded to him. As we have discussed, the 'rarest of rare' doctrine requires that the death sentence not be imposed only by taking into account the grave nature of crime but only if there is no possibility of reformation in a criminal." It noted that a sentence of life imprisonment is subject to remission and in "our opinion, this would not be adequate in view of the gruesome crime committed by the petitioner". In a 51-page judgment, the bench said, considering the facts of the case, the man must undergo life imprisonment for not less than 20 years without remission of sentence. The Chief Justice, who authored the judgment on behalf of the bench, said it cannot be said that there is no possibility of reformation even though the petitioner has committed a ghastly crime. He further added that several mitigating factors must be considered: the petitioner has no prior antecedents, was 23 years old when he committed the crime and has been in prison since 2009 where his conduct has been satisfactory, except for the attempt to escape prison in 2013. "The petitioner is suffering from a case of systemic hypertension and has attempted to acquire some basic education in the form of a diploma in food catering. The acquisition of a vocation in jail has an important bearing on his ability to lead a gainful life," noted the bench. Commuting the death penalty, the bench said: "We do take note of the arguments regarding the sentencing hearing not having been conducted separately in the trial court and mitigating circumstances having not been considered in the appellate courts before awarding the capital punishment to the petitioner." The bench noted convict Sundar's submission that he could not communicate mitigating circumstances bearing on his sentencing decision to the lawyer and his relatives, who were poor and uneducated, and as a result could not properly contest the case for him. The apex court delivered the judgment on a review plea filed by Sundar alias Sundarrajan, who picked up the victim while he was returning from school in the school van on July 27, 2009. In September 2010, the Madras High Court had confirmed the conviction and the award of the death sentence to the accused, which was upheld by the top court on February 5, 2013. Sundar had phoned the mother of the child demanding a ransom of Rs 5 lakh for his release. In July, 2009, the police raided Sundar's house and arrested him along with a co-accused who was later acquitted. He confessed to strangling the boy, putting his body in a gunny bag and throwing it in the Meerankulam tank. In 2013, Sundar moved the apex court seeking a review of his conviction for murder and also the death sentence on the basis of the decision of a constitution bench in Mohd. Arif vs Registrar, Supreme Court. The bench also issued a notice to the inspector of police, Kammapuram police station in Cuddalore district as to why action should not be taken in pursuance to the affidavit filed in court concealing the conduct of the petitioner. It directed the registry to register the matter as a suo motu proceeding for contempt of court. The top court said: "The duty of the court to enquire into mitigating circumstances as well as to foreclose the possibility of reformation and rehabilitation before imposing the death penalty has been highlighted in multiple judgments of this court. Despite this, in the present case, no such enquiry was conducted and the grievous nature of the crime was the only factor that was considered while awarding the death penalty." Patna, March 21 : Unidentified bike borne assailants killed a prominent chemist and dealer in medical equipment in Bihar's Bettiah city in West Champaran district on Tuesday afternoon. The deceased, identified as Umar Akhtar alias Bulbul, was on the way from Naya Bazar Chowk to Kalibari on a bike. The police said that the gunmen came from behind and shot him in the head. The local traders took the victim to a hospital where doctors declared him dead. After the murder the attackers waved their firearms in the air and fled from the spot. The district police recovered the body and sent it to GMCH for the autopsy. The reason for the murder is not ascertained yet. Hyderabad, March 21 : Soon to be launched web series Newsense Season 1 is a gut-wrenching and powerful web series that pulls back the curtain on the world of stringers in the Madanapalle press club, Andhra Pradesh, in early 90s to 2000. aha, the 100 per cent local OTT platform on Tuesday launched its original web series Newsense season 1's teaser 2.0. Directed by Sri Prawin and produced by Karthikeya 2 makers - People Media Factory, the web series features Navdeep and Bindhu Madhavi in lead roles. Commenting on the launch of the teaser, Navdeep said, "As a society, we rely on the media to be our eyes and ears, to bring us the truth, and to hold the powerful accountable. But what happens when the media itself is compromised? Newsense season 1 is a powerful and thought-provoking web series that delves deep into the ethical dilemmas facing journalists today. I hope that viewers will be moved by its unflinching honesty and its relentless quest for truth." The series raises important questions about the role of media in society, such as the pervasive culture of bribery, the authenticity of the news, and the impact of sensationalism. Sri Pravin, the director of Newsense season I, said, "This is a story that must be told. Newsense season 1 is a searing look at the harsh realities of the media industry and the choices that journalists have to make every day. We hope this web series will spark a much-needed conversation about media ethics and the role of the media in our society." From the gruelling demands of breaking news to the ethical dilemmas of choosing between truth and popularity, Newsense season 1 is a poignant and uncompromising portrayal of the challenges facing journalists today, the makers claim. Newsense season 1 is set to premiere on aha very soon. New Delhi, March 21 : The Unlawful Activities Prevention Act Tribunal (UAPA Tribunal), presided by Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma of the Delhi High Court, on Tuesday upheld the Centre's decision to impose a five-year ban on Popular Front of India (PFI) and its affiliate organisations. The Central government had, last year in October, notified the appointment of judge Sharma as the presiding officer of the UAPA Tribunal to review the ban. On September 28, 2022, the Centre declared the PFI as unlawful under Section 3 of the UAPA and imposed a ban on it for five years for allegedly indulging in "unlawful activities" which are prejudicial to the integrity, sovereignty and security of the country. With the PFI, the Central government had declared as "unlawful association" its affiliates including the Rehab India Foundation (RIF), the Campus Front of India (CFI), the All India Imams Council (AIIC), the National Confederation of Human Rights Organisation (NCHRO), the National Women's Front, the Junior Front, the Empower India Foundation and Rehab Foundation, Kerala. Across seven states, over 150 people allegedly linked with the PFI were detained in raids last year. The UAPA provides that no such ban shall come into effect unless the same is confirmed by the UAPA Tribunal by an order passed under Section 4 of the Act. However, in exceptional circumstances, the notification can come into effect immediately once the reasons for it are recording in writing. The tribunal can endorse or reject it. Mumbai, March 21 : The President of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), Raj Thackeray, will address a large rally at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park in Dadar on Wednesday, coinciding with the 'Gudi Padwa' festival. The rally comes a month after the split in the Shiv Sena - founded in June 1966 by the late Balasaheb Thackeray - was formalised and its symbol was given to the breakaway faction headed by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Against this backdrop, Raj Thackeray - the estranged cousin of Shiv Sena (UBT) President and ex-CM Uddhav Thackeray - is likely to announce MNS' political directions, particularly with the civic elections round the corner, followed by the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in 2024. Though Raj Thackeray (54) has been hobnobbing with Shinde and BJP leaders, he has not declared his political strategy on any alliance with them so far. The MNS has released a series of teasers ahead of the rally and even organised a special train from Raigad to transport the party workers to the Shivaji Park. The event also follows the mega rallies addressed by Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde in Khed and Ratnagiri in the past fortnight. New Delhi, March 21 : With the annual closing of accounts scheduled for March 31 as the financial year 2022-23 is ending, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has directed all banks to keep their branches open till working hours of the above-mentioned date. In a letter to all agency banks on Tuesday, the RBI said that all government transactions done by agency banks for 2022-23 must be accounted for within the same financial year. "Accordingly, all agency banks should keep their designated branches open for over the counter transactions related to government transactions upto the normal working hours on March 31, 2023," the central bank letter stated. It further said that transactions through National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) and Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) System will continue upto 12 midnight as hitherto on March 31, 2023. Also, special clearing will be conducted for collection of government cheques on March 31, for which the Department of Payment and Settlement Systems (DPSS) of the RBI will issue necessary instructions. Regarding reporting of Central and state government transactions to RBI, including uploading of GST or TIN2.0 e-receipts luggage files, the reporting window of March 31 will be kept open till 12 noon on April 1, the RBI directed all banks. Chennai, March 21 : Tamil Nadu Agriculture Minister M.R.K. Panneerselvam, in his agriculture budget for the financial year 2023-23 on Tuesday, proposed that 150 farmers from the state would be provided overseas training in new farming techniques. He said that the farmers would be taken to countries where modern methods of farming are deployed including in Israel, the Philippines, the Netherlands, Egypt, Malaysia, and Thailand. The minister, while presenting the budget, said that deploying high yield technologies have led to high productivity in certain countries and farmers of Tamil Nadu would be eager to adopt these technologies in their fields if they are provided an opportunity to visit these countries and see for themselves the improvement in farming there. "Seeing is believing and doing is learning", he said, announcing Rs 3 crore from the Union government and state government funds for the expenses of taking farmers overseas. Panneerselvam also announced a project to create a gene bank of traditional vegetable seeds to popularise them and an amount of Rs 1.5 crore was sanctioned for the project. He said that the district level seed festivals would be conducted and state level seminars would also be held. He said that the farmers who have preserved maximum traditional vegetable seeds will be given awards and added that these traditional seeds would be multiplied at the state horticultural farms and distributed to farmers and public. Chennai, March 21 : A 27-year-old man who had died of Covid-19 in a private hospital in Tamil Nadu's Tiruchi was infected with the Omicron-XBB variant, officials said on Tuesday. The whole genome sequencing report of the youth confirmed the presence of XBB variant. Whole genome sequencing done on samples of patients tested Covid-19 positive have found that the two variants of Omicron, XBB and BA.2 and their sub variants were dominant in 95 per cent of the samples. Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian also told media persons that Omicron continued to be the dominant variant in Covid positive cases in Tamil Nadu. The Omicron and its sub variants have been present in the Covid samples since December 2021 since the third wave of Covid. It has been dominating the other samples like Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta variants. New Delhi, March 21 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed its first supplementary chargesheet against an overground worker of the proscribed terrorist organisation Hizb-ul-Mujahideen in the J&K terrorism conspiracy case. The case pertains to the conspiracy hatched by the proscribed terrorist organisations such as the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM), alongwith their frontal organisations such as the TRF, PAFF etc and their over ground workers operating in Jammu and Kashmir to undertake militant action in Kashmir valley and other major cities of India, including Delhi. "Investigations in the case had earlier established the connections of the commanders of these proscribed organisations based in Pakistan with their operatives in Kashmir valley to recruit and train the youth in handling of arms and explosives. They had floated a lot of propaganda material in cyberspace to talent-spot and recruit these individuals who then function as sleeper cells and cause terrorist incidents, including targeted killings, acting in small groups or lone wolf actors. 26 persons have been earlier chargesheeted in the case, which include Pakistan based 'listed individual terrorists' Bashir Ahmed Peer alias Imtiyaz Alam and Imitiyaz Kundoo alias Fayaz Sopore. The NIA has also attached the property of Bashir Ahmed Peer on March 4, 2023 under Section 51A of the UA(P)Act," the NIA said. During further investigations, the NIA identified and arrested accused Md. Rafi Najar a close associate of Designated Terrorist Imityaz Fayaz Sopore. He is a dealer in handicrafts and was based out of Pokhra, Nepal. He was found to be channelising funds for proscribed terrorist organisations in the garb of legitimate trade in Kashmiri handicrafts. The profits accrued from the sale of the handicrafts were then sent to Kashmir valley through hawala channels and distributed amongst the terrorists operating in the Valley through another chargesheeted over ground worker. The chargesheet was filed against Md. Rafi Najar on March 20 under various sections of the IPC and the UA(P) Act. Mumbai, March 21 : At least three IIT-Bombay students' associations have written to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, urging him to direct the Mumbai Police and the SIT to accept a complaint by the parents of Darshan Solanki, a Dalit student who ended his life on the campus last month. The Ambedkar Phule Periyar Study Circle-IITB, the Ambedkarite Students Collective-IITB and Concerned Alumni of IIT-B have sent a letter to Fadnavis, over a month after Solanki (18) reportedly jumped to death from the seventh floor of his hostel on February 12. Solanki's parents arrived here last week from Ahmedabad to register a complaint, but the Powai police declined it ostensibly on grounds that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) set up for the purpose is already probing the case. Darshan's father Ramesh Solanki is a plumber, his mother Tarlika is a domestic help, while his sister Jahnavi is studying for her MCA. They have questioned the circumstances leading to Darshan's death, and rejected outright the interim internal probe panel report of the IIT-B which came out recently. "Darshan's parents wanted to lodge an FIR on March 16 and came all the way from Ahmedabad for the purpose. Despite multiple pleas from the parents and accompanying lawyers, the FIR has not been lodged yet," the students' associations informed Fadnavis. They also pointed out that as per the Supreme Court, the police stations can register an FIR regardless of an SIT probe, and the desperate Solanki couple got no succour even after meeting the Mumbai Police top brass later. "Till now, the SIT based its investigation on the ADR filed by the police. The refusal of SIT to base their investigation on an FIR is a failure to recognise the rights of the family to register a complaint in respect of cognisable offence as provided under the law," read the letter. Bhopal, March 21 : Unseasonal rain and hailstorms played havoc with farmers in Madhya Pradesh as their standing crops were damaged. Rain accompanied by gusty winds has been pounding the western and northern parts of the state for the last four days at intervals. The rain continued on Tuesday as well in districts such as Rewa, Dindori, Anuppur, Betul, Damoh, Chhatarpur, Agar, Mandsaur, Rajgarh, Jabalpur. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has been visiting the farmers whose crops have been damaged and directed the district revenue officials to conduct a survey of the damaged crops in each district of the state. Chouhan, who visited Vidisha to inspect the damaged crops on Tuesday, announced financial assistance of Rs 32,000 per hectare for crop loss of over 50 percent due to the hailstorms and rain. Beside this, the government has also announced aid of Rs 37,000 for the loss of cows-buffaloes, Rs 4,000 on the loss of sheep and goats, Rs 2000 for calf-heifer and Rs 100 for the loss of chicken/hen. He informed that the first phase of the survey of damaged crops has been completed and the second phase was underway. Once the survey was done, a list of farmers would be released at the village level. Chouhan said that the date of recovery of the loans of the farmers will be extended and the interest will be paid by the government. Later, the Chief Minister claimed that the state government was providing the highest compensation for damaged crops. "Madhya Pradesh is the leading state in the country in distribution of relief amount for crop damage. Farmers are not provided with such a huge amount in other states of India," the Chief Minister said during a review meeting with ministers and senior officials in Bhopal. Meanwhile, the opposition Congress raised the issue in the Assembly and demanded adequate compensation for the farmers for their crop loss. Hong Kong, March 21 : Hong Kong has been facing the worst brain drain problem in the medical field ever since China imposed the draconian National Security Law in the city in June 2020. A lot of talented Hongkongers have been migrating to the UK, the US, Australia and other countries for better opportunities. Political environment is one of the important reasons for the permanent emigration. Hong Kong's Health Secretary Lo Chung-mau has conceded it, stating that emigration, the social environment and the political environment have played a role in the brain drain hitting the medical sector. Mau's remarks have clearly indicated the gravity of the situation which Beijing has refused to acknowledge and instead stepped up efforts to further tighten its control over the former British colony. The whole exercise is part of the 'grab' campaign finalised after all efforts to hire overseas doctors failed miserably in the recent past. The UK is the most obvious choice as it is the most preferred choice for Hong Kong youngsters seeking to study medicine outside the SAR. However, a Hospital authority delegation would leave for the UK soon to recruit doctors after the SAR's public health sector suffered from one of its worst brain drains in memory, Mau conceded. Besides the UK, US and Australia are in the list of preferred countries of Hongkongers. The UK visit will be the first of many tours that will include other countries and places. The 'grab' campaign comes after earlier efforts to hire overseas doctors failed miserably to get the number the authority wanted. After key registration legislation was amended in 2021 to make it easier for overseas-trained doctors to practice in the city, Mau and his colleagues at the authority had hoped to hire 100 foreign doctors. Only 10 have been willing to come. Relocation has not been restricted to the medical profession. Analysts have seen changes in relocation patterns in the last couple of years. But it is not just the locals who are looking for greener pastures. Foreigners, who make up 10 per cent of Hong Kong's population, have started leaving over the prolonged Covid-19 restrictions in the city. Ironically, the city had imposed Covid-19 restrictions on the lines of mainland China. Hong Kong's rental market was adversely affected by it. In the expat enclave of Discovery Bay, luxury rents dropped 2.4 per cent in the last quarter of 2022, as demand fell on the back of tenants leaving, according to Channelnewsasia website. Road plan for grab campaign As per the Hospital authority's plan led by chief executive Tony Ko Pat-sing, focus will be on graduating students in medical colleges. It will be difficult to recruit experienced doctors who have moved to the UK from Hong Kong in recent years. The authority is prepared to offer generous pay packages to these young doctors. The Hong Kong authorities had rolled out an aggressive talent trawling campaign six months ago to attract graduates from the top 100 universities globally or those who have an annual salary of about 320,000 US dollars. The scheme offered them an opportunity to come without any job offer. As of February, 92 per cent of the nearly 8,400 applicants got through. The Immigration Department said it does not collect industry specific data, but recruiters are seeing demand for jobs in the financial sector. Analysts are none too optimistic about the outcome of these efforts. They referred to the youth survey, "Tackling Hong Kong's Brain Drain", conducted last October. The study conducted by Youth Ideas, one of the city's biggest youth organisations, showed that some 16 per cent of those who wanted to leave the city for work said they had no intention of ever coming back, while another 12.6 per cent said they would only consider returning after getting a foreign nationality. This came at a time when countries like Canada and the UK, were easing their immigration schemes for Hongkongers in response to the draconian national security law imposed by Beijing, which some say will curb the rights and freedoms of residents. According to the survey, Hong Kong could witness a brain drain in the next five years after a new survey revealed that a quarter of university-educated people under the age of 35 were planning to leave the city to work elsewhere, amid easing of immigration schemes by foreign countries in response to the imposition of the national security law here. The survey found that 24.2 per cent of respondents said they had plans to get a job outside Hong Kong in the next five years, with top destinations being Britain, Australia and New Zealand, Europe, and the US. Political stability, social stability, 'work-life balance' and 'emigration plan' were among the reasons behind such remarks. Of those polled, 15.8 per cent said they had no plans to return to Hong Kong, while another 12.6 per cent said they might consider returning after getting permanent residency overseas or securing a foreign nationality. Patna, March 21 : The Bihar government on Tuesday said that it has decided to compensate farmers for their crop loss they suffered due to hailstorms in several districts. Agriculture Minister Kumar Sarvajeet told the Assembly that crops on 16,531 hectares in Gaya, Muzaffarpur, and Sitamarhi districts have been destroyed in the last one week. "We have directed the DMs of every district to calculate the loss of crops and submit the report to the Agriculture Ministry at the earliest. The agriculture officers have been asked to review the crop loss in their respective jurisdictions. As soon as all reports come before us, we will start the process of compensating them," het said. "We were expecting that the farmers issues would be raised by the opposition leaders but it was not the case. They can raise issues related to wealthier people," he said. Speaker Awadh Bihari Chaudhary thanked the Agriculture Minister and MLA Akhtarul Islam for addressing the farmers issues brought to the notice of the house. New Delhi, March 21 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah is frequently visiting Karnataka as the BJP's election campaign picks up pace. Shah is set to visit the state twice in the next five days. During his visit on March 26, Shah will be unveiling three statues. Shah is scheduled to unveil the statues of Kempegowda, the founder of Bengaluru and Basaveshwara, a Lingayat social reformer, in front of the Vidhana Soudha. Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai in Hubballi confirmed that Amit Shah will be visiting the state on March 24 and 26 and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the state on March 25. The PM and Home Minister will attend various events. Ahead of the Karnataka Assembly elections, the ruling BJP is trying to appease various communities with statues of their famous personalities. Prime Minister Modi during his March 25 visit will inaugurate the Whitefield Metro Line and attend a BJP event in Davanagere. Moscow, March 21 : Two policemen in Russia's Moscow region were reportedly injured when they came to the defence of a police dog attacked by a vicious assailant - a feral cat. The dramatic fight reportedly happened in the city of Dmitrov in Moscow Region, as per several media outlets on Tuesday, RT reported. The two human officers and their four-legged comrade were escorting some detainees to a precinct when a local feline either "provoked" or "attacked" the police dog, according to sources. The two sergeants, identified in some reports as Maksim Andronov and Pavel Bezruk, suffered minor injuries to their hands as they rushed to break up the fight. They also suffered a few bites, presumably by the cat and not their canine colleague. According to media outlets, the dog was not hurt in the altercation. The cat reportedly escaped the long arm of the law. The fate of the human detainees was not known. New Delhi, March 21 : The Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld Centre's decision to abolish the Odisha Administrative Tribunal (OAT), saying its abolition does not leave litigants without a remedy or without a forum to adjudicate the dispute and also does not violate the fundamental right of access to justice. A bench of Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud and Justice Hima Kohli said: "The challenge to the constitutional validity of the impugned notification dated August 2, 2019 by which the OAT was abolished is rejected. The judgment of the High Court shall stand affirmed... the appeals are dismissed." The bench noted that the failure of the Central government to conduct a judicial impact assessment before abolishing the OAT does not vitiate its decision to abolish the OAT because the directions in Rojer Mathew were of a general nature and did not prohibit the abolition of specific tribunals such as the OAT in the absence of an assessment. The bench observed that the order does not leave litigants without a remedy or without a forum to adjudicate the disputes as the high court is available to hear cases which were pending before the OAT prior to its abolition. It said the principles of natural justice were not violated because the class of people who were affected by the decision to abolish the OAT did not have a right to be heard. "The public at large (or some sections of it) did not have a right to be heard before the policy decision was taken," it added. The top court dismissed the petition filed by the Odisha Administrative Tribunal Bar Association challenging the Orissa High Court's decision of June 7, 2021 which upheld the abolition of the OAT. Citing Article 323-A of the Constitution, the bench said it does not preclude the Centre from abolishing such tribunals because it is an enabling provision which confers the government with the power to establish an administrative tribunal at its discretion (upon receiving a request from the relevant state government in terms of the Administrative Tribunals Act). In its 77-page judgment, the bench said: "The legal and factual context of the power to establish administrative tribunals, the purpose of this power and the intention of the legislature establish that there is no duty to exercise the power conferred by the Administrative Tribunals Act, such that the enabling provision becomes a mandatory provision." It added that "the Union Government acted in valid exercise of its powers when it invoked Section 21 of the General Clauses Act read with Section 4(2) of the Administrative Tribunals Act to rescind the notification establishing the OAT because the decision to establish the OAT was an administrative decision and not a quasi-judicial decision". Chief Justice Chandrachud, who authored the judgment on behalf of the bench, said the Central government did not become functus officio after establishing the OAT because the doctrine cannot ordinarily be applied in cases where the government is formulating and implementing a policy. Mumbai, March 21 : Vardhan Puri, who made his debut with the thriller film 'Yeh Saali Aashiqui', feels blessed to have had the opportunity of sharing screen space with late actor-director Satish Kaushik twice in his career, including his upcoming and soon-to-release film, Vivek Agnihotri's 'Nautanki'. Vardhan said: "Satishji has not just been a great actor and co-actor, but also a father figure, well-wisher, and someone I considered as family. I still remember when we had approached Satishji to play a very important character in my debut film 'Yeh Saali Aashiqui', he was very excited to do it as he loved the script. But sadly, our dates changed a little and he had some prior commitments, so he couldn't do the film and expressed his unhappiness at not being able to do so." "And then there was another role that was written later which was a pivotal character who was going to introduce my character in the film and we approached Satishji again. He was so kind that he told me that he doesn't want to listen to his role because he mentioned to me that if we have got the role to him, it must be something of value and he agreed to do it within five seconds. It was just a day's shoot but we had the most amazing experience, especially all the words of wisdom he shared with us, which will never be forgotten," Vardhan said. "I remember praying that I want to work with this beautiful human being and marvelous actor again because the experience that I had on the sets of 'Yeh Saali Aashiqui' was beyond phenomenal. And as luck would have it, within a year, filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri signed me for his next film 'Nautanki', which will be out very soon. I had the pleasure of working with the most versatile and accomplished actor Satishji again," Vardhan added. Sharing an interesting anecdote from the sets of 'Nauntaki', Vardhan said: "I remember once calling him Satish sir on sets and he told me, 'Bete, I would prefer if you call me Satish uncle because I am family. Uncle will make it more loving. Sir se woh ek senior wali feeling aati hai. And we are equals as actors on the sets'. He was a man with a heart of gold and the kind of acting advice and performance tips he gave me will always be cherished... We shared such amazing moments... We used to have all our meals together. We used to discuss everything under the sun, not only acting and cinema. "We were shooting for 'Nautanki' in Bhopal. One day, Satishji just called out my name and said, 'Vardhan bete idhar aana. Kal tune Anupam (Kher) ki bahot achhi photo li, meri bhi ek bahot achhi photo le... Mujhe dekhna hai mera get-up kaisa jach raha hai mere pe (Vardhan bete come here. Yesterday you clicked a very nice picture of Anupam. Take a very nice photo of me too... I want to see how my get-up is looking). "I clicked the picture immediately and when he saw it, he said in his unique style, 'Arre yaar, badi achhi photo li hai tune. Mera ek baar photoshoot tu khud apne haathon se zaroor karna. Mazaa aa jayega! Aur saath mein bhi lenge achhi photo jo Instagram pe daalenge' (You clicked a very nice picture. You must do my photoshoot once. It will be fun. We will also take good photos together and post them on Instagram)." "It's a great loss to humanity and our film industry that Satishji is not with us today, but I will always celebrate him through his films. I will keep loving and missing him dearly because I have not only lost a great co-actor, but I lost someone who was as good as family," Vardhan concluded. New Delhi, March 21 : A Parliamentary panel has pulled up the Power Ministry for poor implementation of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), under which 25 crore smart meters are to be installed by 2025-26. In its report tabled in Parliament on Tuesday, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy noted that that so far only 70 lakh smart meters have been installed, and out of this, only 10 lakh are pre-paid meters. "Considering the present pace of installation of smart meters, the target of installation of 25 crore smart meters by the year 2025 seems to be a herculean task," it said. The committee has also recommended that the Power Ministry closely monitor progress of the work related to installation of smart meters and take prompt remedial action on the related issues so that targets set in this regard are achieved without any delay. It also asked the ministry to ensure that there is no constraint in the supply of technologically updated and good quality smart meters in the country. Under the RDSS scheme, 25 crore smart meters at consumer and feeder level are to installed between 2021-22 and 2025-26 through Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) mode under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The scheme also aims to reduce the aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses to pan-India levels of 12-15 per cent and average cost of supply (ACS)-average revenue realised (ARR) gap to zero by 2024-25. On AT&C losses, the panel noted that there are 10 states where such losses, instead of decreasing, have rather increased during the last five years. In Maharashtra, the AT&C losses which were 14.38 per cent in 2017-18 have jumped to 26.55 per cent in 2020-21, it noted. Similarly, Chandigarh was having only 4 per cent AT&C losses in 2017-18 but these increased to 11.89 per cent in 2020-21. In Nagaland and Jammu & Kashmir, AT&C losses are as high as 60 per cent, the panel observed. "These figures do not augur well for the aim of the Government to contain AT&C losses in the country to the level of 12-15 per cent. The committee, therefore, desire that the Power Ministry should urgently find out the reasons for the increase in AT&C losses in these states and help the concerned states and distribution companies to make customised plans to arrest deterioration of the condition," the panel directed. New York, March 21 : JPMorgan Chases investment bank has been hired to advise First Republic, as the embattled regional bank tries to ease concerns about its financial condition, a media report said. First Republic's share price has plummeted 90 per cent to record lows over the past month, as investors scrutinised lenders with a high amount of uninsured depositors - a response to the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank earlier this month, CNN reported. First Republic's nosedive continued even after 11 of America's biggest banks, including JPMorgan, Citigroup and Wells Fargo, provided First Republic with a $30 billion rescue last week. Despite that effort, both Moody's and S&P Global Ratings downgraded First Republic's credit ratings over the weekend. Now, the San Francisco-based First Republic has hired JPMorgan's investment bank to help management explore its options, including potentially raising additional capital, CNN reported. First Republic shares rallied 22 per cent in premarket trading on Tuesday, rebounding from a 47 per cent plunge on Monday. Jim Herbert, First Republic's founder and executive chairman, and CEO Mike Roffler had last week expressed their "deep appreciation" to the big banks for their $30 billion lifeline, CNN reported. "Their collective support strengthens our liquidity position, and reflects the ongoing quality of our business, and is a vote of confidence for First Republic and the entire US banking system," the First Republic executives said in a statement issued last week. Kolkata, March 21 : A special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court here on Tuesday sent Trinamool Congress legislator and the West Bengal Board of Primary Education's former President Manik Bhattacharya to judicial custody till May 18 in connection with the multi-crore scam in teachers recruitment scam. The judge accepted the argument of Enforcement Directorate (ED) counsel that Bhattacharya, being a "highly influential" person, can influence the witnesses and tamper with evidence, if released on bail. During the hearing on his bail plea, Bhattacharya, a former principal of a reputed law college in Kolkata, made an attempt to say something quoting some legal provisions. However, the judge stopped him, saying that since he has appointed an advocate to argue on his behalf, by protocol he cannot be allowed to make a submission at the court. However, as the Trinamool lawmaker made an attempt to proceed, the judge took exception. "You are a former principal of a law college. Are you not aware of the court decorum?" he questioned. The ED's counsel pointed out that Bhattacharya is so influential that even after spending so many days behind the bars in connection with the scam, he is yet to be expelled or suspended from the party. "Because of him, his wife and son are languishing in jail, since he used them in carrying out the irregularities. He should not be granted bail at any cost," counsel argued. Amaravati, March 21 : In a controversial move, the Andhra Pradesh government on Tuesday declared a new zone R-5 in Amravati. The state government issued a gazette notification to create an R-5 zone to provide houses to poor people over 900 acres. The move has angered the farmers who are already protesting the decision of the state government to develop three state capitals. Amaravati farmers' Joint Action Committee (JAC) said the decision was taken without consulting the farmers. They plan to challenge it in the High Court. It was in October last year that the government had amended the Amaravati master plan in order to provide houses to poor people over 900 acres of land spread across in four villages. The farmers had challenged the amendment in the court and on the direction of the court authorities had organised a meeting in the villages. The farmers had totally opposed the order. However, ignoring the objection of farmers the government has now gone ahead by issuing the notification. Earlier efforts by the government to allot lands proved futile as pro-Amaravati farmers had filed a petition and the High Court cancelled the order. Following this, the YSRC government had amended the APCRDA Act to provide house sites. The new zone-R-5-in the capital region will be within the boundaries of Krishnayapalem, Nidamarru, Kuragallu in Mangalagiri mandal, and Manddam and Ainavolu villages in Thullur mandal. Amaravati farmers feel that the new zone will change the status of the capital region and affect their interests. Moscow, March 21 : Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in Kremlin for official talks on Tuesday. Speaking after the meeting alongside Xi, Putin lauded the 12-point peace roadmap for Ukraine recently floated by Beijing, RT reported. "We believe that many of the provisions of the peace plan put forward by China are consonant with the Russian stance and can be taken as a foundation for a peaceful settlement when they are ready for it in the West and in Kiev. However, so far we have not observed such readiness on their part," Putin stated, RT reported. The two leaders met behind closed doors first, with a number of top officials, including Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev and Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu taking part in the negotiations on the Russian side. The meeting was followed by another round of talks with expanded delegations, involving more government ministers and the heads of Russian state corporations, RT reported. On Monday, Xi and Putin held almost five hours of informal talks behind closed doors. President Xi's visit is his first to Russia since the outbreak of the Moscow-Kiev conflict, and also his first foreign trip since securing an unprecedented third term as China's head of state. The two nations have reiterated their commitment to build a multipolar world and reinforce their relations, described as a "strategic partnership". According to Xi, building closer ties with Russia is "a strategic choice China has made on the basis of its own fundamental interests and the prevailing trends of the world", RT reported. Hyderabad, March 21 : Unseasonal rains and hailstorm in parts of Telangana have damaged standing crops in more than 1.50 lakh acres, according to initial estimates by the state government. The unexpected rains and hail storms due to the trough over the state caused huge losses to farmers, who were hoping to reap the Rabi harvest in a few days. Maize, mango, cotton, and chilli crops have been damaged due to the untimely rains and hailstorm. Based on the preliminary estimates from District Collectors, Telangana State Rythu Bandhu Samithi president and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) legislator Palla Rajeshwar Reddy stated that crops over 1.50 lakh acres belonging to 80,000 farmers were damaged. The actual losses could be much higher. The state government is waiting for reports from agriculture clusters. There are 2,603 agriculture clusters in the state. Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao has asked the district ministers concerned, the Chief Secretary and the officials to get the details of the damages caused by hailstorm. The Chief Minister is also likely to visit badly-affected districts on Wednesday. He is likely to announce relief measures after the visit. The state government has demanded that the Centre should send its teams to assess the damage caused to the crops due to the unseasonal rains. However, the BRS government does not have huge expectations. Rajeshwar Reddy alleged that during the monsoon, when there was a crop loss of Rs 7,000 crore, the Centre had given just Rs 250 crore. The opposition parties and farmers' groups have demanded the state government to come to the rescue of affected farmers. As the state government is not implementing any crop insurance scheme, the farmers are looking towards the state government to compensate for the loss they incurred. Some farmers' organizations are demanding the state government to either implement the Centre's Pradahan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) or launch its own scheme. BJP state President Bandi Sanjay claimed that there was a crop loss in more than five lakh acres of crops in about 13 districts. He said chilli and mango farmers were the worst affected due to rains and hailstorms and added that about 40,000 acres of mango crop has been damaged due to rains. He alleged that since the Telangana government was not implementing crop insurance schemes of the Centre, farmers were not getting crop insurance for the damages caused due to rains. In an open letter to the Chief Minister, Bandi Sanjay said that if the state government implemented the PMFBY, farmers would have immediately received the compensation. However, the BRS government says that the PMFBY is useful only for the insurance companies and not for farmers. It wants the Centre to bring a new crop insurance scheme. CPI-M state Secretary Tammineni Veerabhadram demanded that a compensation of Rs 20,000 per acre should be paid to each acre to all those farmers who lost their standing crops. New Delhi, March 21 : A total 25,119 projects of Rs 17,624 crore have been sanctioned from the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) in the country and Madhya Pradesh has a maximum 5,567 projects worth Rs 4,275 crore, the Parliament was told on Tuesday. The total amount disbursed for the development of Infrastructure through the AIF stands at Rs 11,722 crore, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar told the Lok Sabha in a written reply. AIF scheme benefits are being extended to all farmers of all types without any discrimination and Scheme benefits including 3 per cent interest subvention and the collateral free loans with free guarantee cover are intended to extend the benefits to small and marginal farmers among others. In fact, the other farmer groups like SHGs, FPOs and other collectives are also eligible under AIF which benefits the small and marginal farmers, said the reply. The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund Scheme (AIF) was launched in July 2020 and facilitates financing of Rs 1,00,000 crore that is being provided by various lending institutions for funding agriculture infrastructure Projects at farm-gate and aggregation points all over the country. All loans under this financing facility up to a limit of Rs 2 crore will have interest subvention of 3 per cent per annum and credit guarantee coverage for eligible borrowers under CGTMSE scheme, said the reply. As per the Ministry's information, these benefits will be available for a maximum period of 7 years. The scheme facilitates setting up and modernization of key elements of the value chain including Post Harvest Management Projects like supply chain services including e-marketing platforms, warehouses, silos, pack houses, assaying units, sorting and grading units, cold chains, logistics facilities, primary processing centres, and ripening chambers. Other projects for building community farming assets including organic inputs production, and bio stimulant production units are covered under AIF. Recently new activities such as integrated spirulina production, sericulture processing, Honey Processing and setting up of plant quarantine units are also brought under AIF. Bengaluru, March 21 : BJPs mission to capture south Karnataka, especially the Vokkaliga vote bank, by extending the claims of Hindu activists that erstwhile Mysuru ruler Tipu Sultan was killed by Uri Gowda and Nanje Gowda, and not by the Britishers, have suffered a setback. The Opposition Congress has successfully projected it as an attempt to insult the Vokkaliga community and the party has also reached out to the masses by claiming that Uri Gowda and Nanje Gowda are 'fictional' characters introduced to the people for electoral gains. Minister for Horticulture and film producer, Munirathna, has announced a movie titled 'Nanje Gowda and Uri Gowda', the posters of which have also been released. However, Vokkaliga seer Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji has now intervened in the matter and asked Munirathna to stall the project. He also slammed the attempts to project Uri Gowda and Nanje Gowda as killers of Tipu Sultan. The statement by the seer has been praised by the progressive thinkers. When asked about the setback in this matter, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Tuesday maintained that there is no question of setback. "Victory will be achieved when the truth is established through research. Many historical facts are hidden in the country and in Karnataka as well. The whole world knows who all are behind this. They can't tolerate the truth," Bommai said. BJP's national General Secretary C.T. Ravi said that D. Javare Gowda (late Kannada writer) had recorded in his book 'Suvarna Mandya' that these two characters are not fictional, but historical. "They are asking for proof that Uri Gowda and Nanje Gowda killed Tipu Sultan. A research must be carried out in this regard," he said. Ravi also said that the Vokkaliga seer will be given an explanation and shown the real picture. Meanwhile, Karnataka Congress President D.K. Shivakumar issued a warning that if the narrative that Nanje Gowda and Uri Gowda killed Tipu Sultan is pursued, he would launch an agitation being a member of the Vokkaliga community. Bengaluru, March 21 : The Karnataka State High-Level Clearance Committee (SHLCC) has approved Foxconn's investment proposal to manufacture mobile devices at facilities expected to come up in Doddaballapur and Devanahalli, an official statement said on Tuesday. The Large and Medium Industries Ministry statement said that Foxconn Hon Hai Technology India Mega Development Private Ltd (FHH) would invest Rs 8,000 crore with employment opportunities for 50,000 people. A delegation led by Foxconn CEO and Chairman Young Liu visited the state and held a meeting with Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai a fortnight ago in Bengaluru. The matter of investment by Foxconn in the state had run into controversy following the opposition parties questioning the ruling BJP over an alleged publicity stunt with the announcement regarding establishment of iPhone assembling unit by Foxconn in Bengaluru. In wake of this, Bommai had released the letter of appreciation written by Foxconn CEO, terming the visit of the Foxconn team to Bengaluru a great success. The SHLCC meeting was held at Krishna on Monday under the chairmanship of Bommai and approved 18 projects with a total investment of Rs 75,393.57 crore including Foxconn. The 18 comprise 10 new, 5 expansion, and 3 additional projects and are expected to further push industrial growth and generate direct and indirect employment opportunities in Karnataka. At the meeting, Bommai said: "We are happy that the state has received such a huge investment. In this regard, the proposals for green hydrogen, ethanol production, wind energy power plant, electrical and electronic items assembling, lithium batteries and electric vehicles, and cement and steel companies in the state have been approved in the meeting. Karnataka's contribution to the manufacturing sector will be remarkable in the country." Hyderabad, March 21 : The Telangana government's Special Investigation Team (SIT), probing the Telangana State Public Service Commission (TSPSC) question paper leak, on Tuesday summoned state BJP President Bandi Sanjay Kumar to appear before it on March 24 and submit evidence in support of the allegations he made. This came a day after a similar summon was issued to Congress state chief A. Revanth Reddy. The Congress leader has been asked to appear on March 23. In the notice issued to Bandi Sanjay, the SIT has asked him to share the information and claims made on paper leak and proof of the same. The BJP leader has been asked to provide proper evidence regarding the allegations. The SIT issued the notice under Section 91 of CrPC (summons to produce a document or other things) recounting a statement made by him that more than 50 persons from one mandal in Jagtiyal district qualified in the exam conducted by the TSPSC. He had stated that six candidates from a small village qualified and they are all children or relatives of BRS leaders. Reacting to the notice, Bandi Sanjay said he would not appear before SIT. He, however, said he would present all evidence only if a committee headed by a sitting judge of the High Court was formed on the paper leak issue. The SIT had issued a notice to Revanth on Monday. It has referred to the statement made during a press conference on March 19 that candidates belonging to a mandal from which minister KTR's PA Tirupati, and the accused Rajashekar Reddy hail have secured over 103 marks in Group 1 prelims. Revanth Reddy stated that he would bring all the information he had to the SIT's notice. He, however, alleged that the government served the notices with the objective to harass them. The Congress leader also said that he would approach the High Court if the police do not issue notices to KTR and other ministers for declaring that only two individuals were responsible for the leakage of the question papers. The police last week arrested nine persons in connection with the leakage. The TSPSC had conducted the examination on March 5 for 833 vacancies of Assistant Engineer, Municipal Assistant Engineer, Technical Officer, and Junior Technical Officer in various engineering departments. A total of 55,000 candidates had written the exam. However, the Commission suspected leakage of the question paper and lodged a complaint with the police. Following the arrest of the accused, the Commission cancelled the exam and also postponed other exams scheduled to be held later this month. Amid doubts that the accused may have leaked question papers of some other exams, the Commission on Friday decided to cancel three other exams including Group I Prelims. Nearly 2.86 lakh aspirants of Group I posts had appeared in Group-I exam conducted on October 16, 2022. New Delhi, March 21 : K. Kavitha, the daughter of Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, left the Enforcement Directorate (ED) headquarters on Tuesday night after being grilled for hours for the third time in connection with the 2021-22 Delhi excise policy case. Earlier on Tuesday, when she had reached the ED office, she was showing as many as nine cellphones which she handed over to the ED officials. The ED had alleged that the BRS MLC had destroyed around 10 cellphones connected to the case. On Monday, Kavitha was grilled for almost 10 hours during her second round of questioning, in which she was confronted with co-accused and documentary evidence. Kavitha had earlier said that she wouldn't join the probe at the ED office, but was ready to answer the queries through email and at her home. Later she changed her mind and joined the probe. During her first appearance, she was reportedly confronted with Arun Pillai, who represented the 'South Group' which allegedly gave kickbacks of Rs 100 crore to AAP leaders which was allegedly used during the Assembly polls in Goa. Pillai has reportedly said that he was Kavitha's associate. Last Wednesday, the ED had recorded the statement of Buchchi Babu, Kavitha's former auditor and also a member of the South Group. Kavitha has been maintaining that she has never met former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who has been arrested by the CBI and the ED in connection with the case, claiming that her name is being unnecessarily dragged into the matter. According to the ED, Kavitha is also one of the representatives of South Group in the excise policy case. New Delhi, March 21 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) said on Tuesday that it has attached a residential plot worth Rs 1.10 crore belonging to Aslam Pasha, managing partner in Rajamahal Silks, in connection with a case related to illegal mining and trading of iron-ore at Hospet, Karnataka. The ED had initiated a PMLA probe on the basis of an FIR registered by the CBI and the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Chennai, against Rajamahal Silks and its managing partner Aslam Pasha under various sections of IPC, Prevention of Corruption Act and Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act. A chargesheet has been filed by the CBI and EOW, Chennai, before a court in Karnataka against Rajamahal Silks, Aslam Pasha and 25 other accused persons. "Investigation by the ED revealed that during 2009-10, Rajamahal Silks and Aslam Pasha, along with the other accused persons, entered into a criminal conspiracy for illegal procurement, transportation and export of iron-ore to China, and in pursuance of the said criminal conspiracy, they dishonestly and fraudulently dispossessed iron-ore to the tune of 1.32 lakh metric tonne from Hospet. The government of Karnataka vests absolute rights over mines and minerals within the state and thus the accused caused wrongful loss to the state exchequer by evading payment of royalty to the tune of Rs 1.10 crore," the ED said. Kohima, March 22 : Nagaland Governor La. Ganesan said on Tuesday that due to the unresolved Naga political issue, the smooth march of the state towards progress and development has been affected. Delivering his first speech at the newly-constituted 14th Nagaland Assembly, the Governor stressed the need for an early solution through the peace process that is honourable, acceptable and inclusive. He congratulated the legislators for being elected to the House and lauded the entire government machinery for ensuring the triumph of democracy and people's will through the successful conduct of the general elections on February 27. On the other hand, the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM), the dominant Naga group, said on Tuesday that the politics of 'hypocrisy and flattery' is raising its ugly heads again as the Government of India is only looking for an escape route to dilute the political significance of the Framework Agreement, signed on August 3, 2015. In his speech on the occasion of NSCN-IM's 44th Republic Day celebration, the outfit's President Q. Tuccu said that the world at large is keenly watching how India handles the Framework Agreement "because it has something to do with the high-sounding speech of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and how he proclaimed before the world that he has solved the longest insurgency problem in Southeast Asia". Tuccu said: "Our political identity as sovereign people was well-recognised and protected by this agreement. But in the years that followed, the Government of India started to fiddle with what has been agreed upon. "Today, the fate of the Framework Agreement hangs in balance as the commitment of the Government of India fluctuates wildly every now and then." The NSCN-IM leader said that they have made their stand very loud and clear to the Government of India on the issue of the Naga flag and Constitution, which are indispensable and inviolable parts of the recognised sovereignty and unique history of the Nagas. "During the Emergency National Assembly on May 31 last year, we took the stand before God and before the Naga people that NSCN would uphold and protect the unique Naga history and the Naga national principle at any cost. "We are now simply waiting to see how the Government of India will pick up the threads of the Indo-Naga political talks with correct narrative and not for its own convenience." Tuccu said that in the event of failure of talks, "we have to work out a survival strategy". "We must live and this final showdown must be a battle to decide our future. The fight is going to be tough, but it is to be noted that ours is not a contest of strength, it is a matter of right and wrong, just and unjust. Therefore, the truth shall triumph in the long run. "Notwithstanding the callous manner of handling the Naga issue by the Government of India, we have carried the talks forward with total commitment and conviction, because no sacrifice is greater when it comes to defending the historical and political rights of the Nagas," the NSCN-IM leader said. Guwahati, March 22 : The Assam Assembly on Tuesday passed a resolution seeking action against the BBC for its documentary on Gujarat riots -- 'India: The Modi Question'. The state Assembly witnessed an uproar over the controversial documentary, with Opposition demanding screening of the documentary inside the House. Raising the issue through Private Members' resolution, BJP MLA Bhuban Pegu alleged that the BBC has questioned India's free press, judiciary and its democratically-elected majority government in the documentary. However, the resolution has been finally passed in the Assembly after Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and ruling BJP MLAs supported Pegu's claim. The members from the Opposition bench opposed the resolution claiming that it has no relation with the state. CPI-M MLA Manoranjan Talukdar said, "The topic of this resolution does not relate to Assam. None of us has watched it. I guess Pegu has watched it and that is why he brought this resolution." He added that to have a discussion on the resolution, there must be screening of the documentary in the Assembly. Three Opposition MLAs -- Sherman Ali, Karim Uddin Barbhuiyan and Akhil Gogoi -- joined Talukdar and demanded the screening of the BBC documentary for all legislators. In the resolution, Pegu said: "It is disturbing to note that even 75 years after India's independence from the colonial rule, the BBC seeks to continue to act as the true arbiter of India's internal issues, through its dubious journalism." He also claimed that the documentary broadcast by the BBC in February appears to be a calculated attempt at recreating communal disharmony in India by broadcasting triggering visuals of violent crimes while repeatedly highlighting the purported involvement of religion and religious differences. "So as to preserve the sovereignty and the foundation of India, I request this August House to adopt a resolution demanding the "strictest possible" action against the British Broadcasting Corporation's (BBC) "malicious and dangerous agenda to instigate religious communities and flare religious tension" and malign India's global standing by airing the malicious two-part documentary," Pegu opined. However, Debabrata Saikia, Leader of the Opposition, claimed the resolution would have an impact on free speech and the press -- two key rights protected by the Indian Constitution. According to Saikia, the BBC published a documentary on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in 2010 and Narendra Modi asserted in 2013 that the UK-based news organisation was more trustworthy than Doordarshan and All India Radio. "The then Congress government did not ban it or did not unleash the ED and CBI after the media for writing negative news," he added. On the other hand, Supporting Pegu, the Assam Chief Minister said, "The subject is related to Assam also as BBC questioned the Indian judiciary. We live in a globalised world. The timing is very important. The release date could have been before the SC verdict as well." "Did the BBC criticise Patharughat or Jallianwala Bagh?" he asked. At Patharughat in Assam's Darrang district, 140 people were killed and hundreds of others were injured as the police fired on the peasants who were protesting against increased land tax on January 28, 1894. Sarma also said that the Supreme Court cleared Narendra Modi of all charges after reviewing all evidence related to the Gujarat riots in 2002. As the resolution was passed by a voice vote, there was a ruckus between the BJP and Congress legislators, as all Opposition MLAs staged a walkout raising slogans against the resolution. United Nations, March 22 : UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged the international community to take action to address racism wherever and whenever it arises, and eliminate all forms of racial discrimination. Guterres made the remarks while addressing a UN General Assembly event marking the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which is observed on March 21, Xinhua news agency reported. Racial discrimination is one of the most destructive forces dividing societies, responsible for death and suffering on a grotesque scale throughout history, he said. Today, racial discrimination and the legacies of enslavement and colonialism continue to ruin lives, marginalise communities and limit opportunities, preventing billions of people from achieving their full potential, he added. "Xenophobia, prejudice and hate speech are rising. Political leaders scapegoat migrants, with devastating impact," said Guterres. He pointed out that after a period of increased global awareness of racism, some countries are experiencing a vicious backlash against anti-racist policies and practices. The UN chief also underscored the need to address racism in the digital age, noting that white supremacist influencers profit from racism on social media platforms, and artificial intelligence algorithms amplify and digitise racial discrimination. "We need to resist and reverse these trends resolutely and condemn and eliminate racial discrimination in all its forms," Guterres said. "We must take action to address racism wherever and whenever it arises, including through legal channels." -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Ankara, March 22 : Turkey and Iraq will build a land and railroad transportation corridor stretching from the Iraqi province of Basra to the Turkish border, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said. "We have tasked our minister friends, who will carry out the works for materialising the Development Road Project, extending from Basra to Turkey," Erdogan said at a joint press conference with visiting Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani on Tuesday. "I believe that we will transform the Development Road Project into the new Silk Road of our region," the Turkish President added. Moreover, Turkey will increase the amount of water released from the Tigris river to help Iraq tackle its water shortage, he said. Baghdad has been urging Ankara to secure Iraqi water share from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers which originate from Turkey, as Iraq often suffers from drought, Xinhua news agency reported. In their talks, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to fighting against all forms of terrorism, Erdogan said. "Our expectation from our Iraqi brothers is that they shall designate the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) as a terrorist organisation and clear their lands of this bloodshedder terrorist organisation," Erdogan added. Al-Sudani, for his part, underlined that his government will not allow Iraqi lands to become a "point to launch attacks" against its neighbour. "Security of Turkey and security of Iraq are inseparable," he said. The security officials of the two countries exchanged information on the issue during talks in the capital Ankara, al-Sudani added. The PKK, listed as a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the US and the EU, has been rebelling against the Turkish government for more than three decades. It has been using Iraq's Qandil Mountains as its main base for years. The Portraits by Rod corporate headshot service was created to respond to a demand for high-quality business portraits that tell a story and promote company branding, while also providing the benefit of creating minimal disruption to the companys core business day. Portraits By Rod, featuring the creative work of photographer Rod Arroyo, has launched an updated website and new corporate headshot service based in Grosse Pointe Farms and serving the metro Detroit area. Founded in 2000, Portraits by Rod provides business headshot photography, portraits of high school seniors, and fine art city photography. The website can be found at https://www.PortraitsByRod.com. New Website. The updated website features headshot photography, high school seniors, city photography, and a special page of black and white images entitled Jazz in America. The website also has the Portraits by Rod blog, where recent photo shoots are highlighted as well as educational and informative posts such as Top Tips and Techniques for a Great Headshot. This is an important blog to follow if you want to see a variety of posts ranging from portraiture to live music and city photography. Headshots The Studio Comes to You. The Portraits by Rod corporate headshot service was created to respond to a demand for high-quality business portraits that tell a story and promote company branding, while also providing the benefit of creating minimal disruption to the companys core business day. To achieve these goals, Portraits by Rod brings the studio to the corporate office. The backdrop can be environmental, such as the view from a corporate office window downtown, or it can be a studio-style backdrop with a color that works with company branding. By coming to the office, employee downtime is minimized, and it makes the process convenient and seamless. If a company is looking to update headshots, the process works as follows: Send Portraits By Rod a message using the form on the website or call to discuss the headshot session. This initial consultation will enable the photographer to understand anticipated outcomes, discuss corporate branding, and review the process. After that conversation, a time and date can be scheduled. Tips and helpful information will be provided to the key contact person so they can forward to everyone participating in the headshot session. Rod will arrive the day of the photo shoot about 30 minutes prior to the first session to set up. Each session is limited to a single outfit per person unless separate arrangements are made prior to the photo shoot. The photo session for each person typically lasts about 7-8 minutes, and Rod will photograph up to 7 people during a 1-hour session. If the client wants a wider variety of looks and more time is needed per person, then pricing and scheduling can be adjusted accordingly. Within approximately 7 days of the session, the company contact will receive an online proofing link to share. It will contain a curated selection of images for each person that was photographed. For the final selected image, Portraits By Rod takes care of everything: color correction, adjusting exposure, softening bumps and wrinkles, and making other adjustments so each person looks their best. This mastering of each image is included in the quoted price. After all the selections are made, the selected image of each person is typically uploaded to an online gallery in four different formats: color print resolution, color web (LinkedIn) resolution, and a black and white version at both resolutions. A quality black-and-white portrait is not a color version converted at the push of a button. It is carefully mastered to create a unique version of the image. In addition to the headshot process described above, each client gets to work with an experienced photographer using the best camera gear. The experience is designed to help set aside fears that many people have about getting their picture taken, and the result will help improve the corporate online presence, and printed company materials will look amazing with these fresh portraits. The headshot service is also designed to be part of an image branding service offered by Portraits By Rod. By working with clients on a monthly or quarterly basis, Rod can provide a variety of corporate images including social media posts, headshots of new employees, products, equipment, and more. About Headshot Services. Portraits by Rod offers headshots for individuals, executives, actors, business professionals, models, authors, musicians, and all other professionals. The company is based in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan, and it primarily serves the metro Detroit region. Contact via a contact form on the website or call 248.403.9500. About Portraits By Rod. Rod Arroyo began his photography career working as a photojournalist for a daily newspaper. This is where his connection between storytelling and photography was firmly cemented. He established his photography business in 2000, and he has been a portrait photographer and cityscape artist for many years. Some of his fine artwork has been displayed at the Detroit Artists Market, Kresge Foundation, Townsend Hotel, and more. He was the photographer for A History Lovers Guide to Detroit (2018) by History Press, and his work has been featured in documentary films. All of Rods photography work is done on location. Rod and his wife Beth live in Grosse Pointe Farms. They have four grown children and three grandchildren as well as a Black Labrador mix, a rescue dog that keeps them busy and loves going on walks in the neighborhood. When hes not making photos and portraits, Rod is learning to play the alto saxophone and planning his next travel adventure. Conga, the global leader in Revenue Lifecycle Management solutions, has partnered with Edmentum, a global education leader in K-12 learning technology solutions, to streamline its contract management processes with a unified, end-to-end solution to simplify and accelerate the sales cycle. Edmentum is the leading provider of K-12 digital curriculum, assessments, and services to 43,000 schools in all 50 states and 100 countries worldwide. Edmentums customer base largely includes schools and districts with many business transactions for these customers consisting of purchase orders (PO) and contracts. Edmentum previously faced cumbersome processes with order forms and POs, causing delays in time-to-close for the sales teams and more manual work for operations. Edmentums legal team also sought an improved process for signing order forms and the consolidation of saved vendor contracts. Overall, the organization lacked a cross-department solution to unify and streamline its processes, leading to more steps to complete an order, resulting in a longer time-to-close. Edmentum also recognized an opportunity to replace manual processes across teams to further increase efficiencies. For example, once orders closed, the sales team couldnt easily generate list views and reports to show tracking against quotas within Salesforce, which Edmentum uses as its main customer relationship management (CRM) tool. Edmentum sought a contract management system within Salesforce to simplify and accelerate the sales cycle, while eliminating manual and time-consuming tasks. Edmentum implemented the following Conga solutions in a phased approach: Conga Composer Enables Edmentum to simplify and unify its document generation approach by creating one master template. As brand updates or contract changes are made, it is easily updated in one master template. Branding and formatting remain cohesive and consistent throughout all contracts without having to track down and maintain multiple templates. Conga Contracts for Salesforce Allows Edmentums procurement and legal teams to view and store all vendor contracts in one place. With the help of the managed clauses feature, the teams gain greater visibility and deeper insight into the details of contracts they didnt have previously. Conga Sign Streamlines Edmentums disjointed signature process and enables write back data directly into Salesforce, along with creating audit trails for better visibility, and allowing customers to easily reassign a signer. These Conga Sign features provide a better experience for both employees and customers. Conga Composer and Conga Sign Edmentum employed these solutions to create a custom button to help solve a challenge around securing PO requests, enabling the sales team to simply click to send a request to the customer. When the PO is received, the information is written back directly to Salesforce, eliminating the timely process of Sales and the Order Process and Provisioning (OPP) team from having to chase down the information manually. Our customers are delighted with the new process offered through Conga Sign. The fact that they can simply sign and send contracts electronically, removing the tedious task of having to print, scan, and email back to us is so much easier and more efficient, said Ann Baker, Director of Business Systems at Edmentum. Edmentums customers are serving the critical academic needs of students, and for us to be able to take any little task off their plates is a big help, especially during their busiest times of the year. By implementing Conga solutions, Edmentum has reduced the number of contract templates needed from 10 to 1 and cut time to signature dramatically what once took three to four weeks now only takes one week or less, resulting in a 75% boost in efficiency. In todays business world, companies cant afford to lose time and potential sales to inefficiencies around manual processes and disparate systems, said Noel Goggin, CEO and Culture Leader at Conga. By adopting Congas unified technology solutions to streamline processes across teams, Edmentum has actively relieved the labor-intensive processes that bog its salespeople down, offering immediate impacts to turn around on signature time, quicker time to close, and ultimately improved customer satisfaction.For more details on Congas revenue lifecycle solutions, visit https://conga.com/products/revenue-lifecycle-suite. About Conga Conga crushes complexity in an increasingly complex world. With our Revenue Lifecycle Management solution, we transform each company's unique complexities for order configuration, execution, fulfillment, and contract renewal processes with a unified data model that adapts to ever-changing business requirements and aligns the understanding and efforts of every team. Our approach is grounded in the Conga Way, a framework of entrepreneurial spirit and achieving together to champion our 11,000+ customers. Were committed to our customers and to removing complexity in an increasingly complex world. Our solutions quickly adapt to changing business models so you can normalize your revenue management processes.Conga has global operations across North America, Europe, and Asia. Learn more at conga.com or follow Conga on Twitter: @congahq. About Edmentum Edmentum is the leading provider of K-12 digital curriculum, assessments, and services to over 43,000 schools, 400,000 educators, and 6 million students in all 50 states and 100 countries worldwide. Building on a 60-year history of impact, Edmentum creates innovative, proven learning technology, partnering with educators to ignite student potential. For more information, visit edmentum.com. There are many non-profits that are making a difference in their communities but lack sales and marketing strategies, and often lack the resources necessary to accomplish everything in their strategic plans. We feel we can help bridge that gap. NuGrowth Solutions, a privately owned sales and marketing organization based in Columbus, Ohio has announced the addition of a non-profit-supporting brand called NuGrowth Communities. Born out of a passion for supporting local causes, the Communities brand will focus on helping non-profit organizations across the U.S. carry out their mission as an extension of their development and marketing teams. We have been helping organizations scale through our sales and marketing services for almost two decades in the B2B market, said Kyle Tillar, who has been with NuGrowth Solutions since its inception. There are many non-profits that are making a difference in their communities but lack sales and marketing strategies, and often lack the resources necessary to accomplish everything in their strategic plans. We feel we can help bridge that gap. Tillar also added that the NuGrowth team is looking forward to getting behind the causes they care about, and creating new partnerships that can collectively make a positive impact. We are excited to bring the power of the NuGrowth team, technology, and proven practices that have generated hundreds of millions in new revenue for our B2B clients to non-profit organizations who are serving more than just a bottom line, said NuGrowths Chuck Rue. NuGrowth Communities will provide a suite of sales and marketing services to benefit donor development, attract and retain members, promote events, automate email campaigns & workflows, as well as acting as a consultant to achieve strategic growth plans. Specific services include phone outreach, marketing technology support, strategic consulting, and email marketing execution. NuGrowth Solutions was originally founded in 2007 as a Sales as a Service organization that challenged the traditional sales model by providing outsourced inside sales teams and sales management. Since its inception NuGrowth has generated over a half-billion dollars in qualified pipeline revenue for commercial sector customers, and helped many companies reach their evaluation and exit goals. As a pioneer in the outsourced sales space, they have diversified their service offerings with best-in-class data providers and sales enablement technology to achieve KPIs that have surpassed industry benchmarks. NuGrowth Solutions will continue to operate in tandem with the NuGrowth Communities brand as a performance-based sales organization. More information on the services and goals of NuGrowth Communities can be found at nugrowthcommunities.com. BioPlus Specialty Pharmacy, the specialty pharmacy of the Carelon Family, announced that Ryan Partridge-Tofte, Vice President, Human Resources, has been accepted into the Forbes Human Resources Council, an invitation-only community for HR executives across all industries.We are honored to welcome Ryan into the community, said Scott Gerber, founder of Forbes Councils, the collective that includes Forbes Human Resources Council. Our mission with Forbes Councils is to bring together proven leaders from every industry, creating a curated, social capital-driven network that helps every member grow professionally and make an even greater impact on the business world.Partridge-Tofte was vetted and selected by a review committee based on the depth and diversity of his experience. Criteria for acceptance include a track record of successfully impacting business growth metrics, as well as personal and professional achievements and honors. Partridge-Tofte is passionate about inclusion, diversification, culture, professional development, and accountability. As an accepted member of the Council, Ryan has access to a variety of exclusive opportunities designed to help him reach peak professional influence. He will connect and collaborate with other respected local leaders in a private forum. Ryan will also be invited to work with a professional editorial team to share his expert insights in original business articles on Forbes.com, and to contribute to published Q&A panels alongside other experts.Im honored to have been selected by such a prestigious and reputable organization. I look forward to using my industry knowledge to assist other HR professionals in their growth and strategic planning, said Partridge-Tofte. This accolade from Forbes reinforces BioPlus reputation as one of the nations most trusted specialty pharmacies. BioPlus has earned a spot on the Orlando Sentinels Top Workplaces for three years running: 2020, 2021, and 2022. Forbes Health ranks BioPlus as one of the 2023 Best Online Pharmacies for the third consecutive month (January, February, and March 2023). In addition, Money.com selected BioPlus as one of the 5 Best Online Pharmacies of 2020. No other specialty pharmacy earned a spot on Money.coms list. Patients rank BioPlus 4.8 (out of 5) stars on Google reviews, with comments often noting appreciation for BioPlus fast and easy patient experience. Patients and their healthcare providers can feel confident choosing BioPlus as their specialty pharmacy partner. About Forbes Councils Forbes Councils is a collective of invitation-only communities created in partnership with Forbes and the expert community builders who founded the Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC). In Forbes Councils, exceptional business owners and leaders come together with the people and resources that can help them thrive. For more information about Forbes Human Resources Council, visit forbeshrcouncil.com. To learn more about Forbes Councils, visit forbescouncils.com. About BioPlus Specialty Pharmacy Meet the preeminent national specialty pharmacy backing up the fast & easy promise with the Power of 2. Part of the Carelon family of companies, BioPlus offers a 2 Hour Patient Acceptance Guarantee so physician offices quickly know whether a referred patient is accepted for treatment. Then prescriptions are on their way with our 2 Day Ready 2 Ship. Medication refills are an easy 2 clicks away for qualifying prescriptions. Ranked #1 by both patients and prescribers, BioPlus provides a complete range of specialty pharmacy services for cancer, multiple sclerosis, hepatitis C, and other complex, chronic conditions. BioPlus also offers concierge-class infusion services and expertise. For every referral received, BioPlus provides a life-saving antibiotic through our partnership with OneWorld Health. Its part of our global vision to heal the world 2gether, helping to ensure patients across town and around the world have access to life-saving and life-sustaining medications. Summer Stars Camp for the Performing Arts The Summer Stars Foundation, a 501c3 serving economically disadvantaged kids ages 12-17, and the Northfield Mount Hermon (NMH) school, located in Gill, Massachusetts, are thrilled to announce a three-year partnership. NMH will house all campers and staff during this free nine-day performing arts summer camp, with its grounds and facilities providing a beautiful backdrop for classes and performances. In addition, the NMH admission team will serve as a resource to guide Summer Stars families and campers through the independent school application process, as well as the college application process. Finding partners who align with our mission extends our ability to foster young people who can realize their dreams and make a difference in their local and global community, said Brian Hargrove, head of school at NMH. Summer Stars work to serve, train, and provide personal development opportunities to their students while removing financial barriers mirrors the promise upon which NMH was founded. Were excited to offer our campus as a base for their transformative work, and we look forward to deepening our partnership over these initial three years as we work together to empower and serve the next generation of leaders. NMH is a wonderful combination of stunning beauty and state-of-the-art performance facilities. Many of our campers come from urban communities, so our partnership with a prestigious school in rural western Massachusetts adds a special element to our camp experience, said Donna Milani Luther, Founding Director of The Summer Stars Foundation. From the minute our kids step off the bus, they know they are going to be a part of something remarkable. In addition to familiarizing families and campers with the admissions process for independent schools, as well as the college admission process, NMH is thrilled to host and collaborate with the remarkable Summer Stars students and faculty each August. Founded in 2000, the annual nine-day Summer Stars Camp for the Performing Arts is presented by the Sonic Boom Foundation and produced with the generous support of Northfield Mount Hermon school. Summer Stars brings together over 150 underserved students with a talented staff of master teachers, performers, counselors, and guest artists to teach campers success through the performing arts. Supported entirely by donors, Summer Stars Camp is free for all campers. To learn more about the Summer Stars Foundation, visit summerstars.org. ABOUT SUMMER STARS FOUNDATION The Summer Stars Foundation, a donor-funded 501c3, serves economically disadvantaged kids ages 12-17 through its flagship program: the nine-day residential Summer Stars Camp for the Performing Arts which is presented by the Sonic Boom Foundation and produced with the generous support of Northfield Mount Hermon school. Offered at no charge to the campers, Summer Stars Camp brings together underserved students with a talented staff of master teachers, professional performers, counselors, and guest artists to guide campers on a journey of self-discovery. For more information or to donate, please visit http://www.summerstars.org. ABOUT NORTHFIELD MOUNT HERMON Northfield Mount Hermon (NMH) is a coeducational, secular boarding school serving 650 students in grades 9 through 12, plus a postgraduate year. NMH provides an advanced educational experience that empowers students to learn as they discover and follow their passions. Students find their purpose as part of an inclusive, diverse community that deepens their intellect, expands their compassion, and believes in their potential to become leaders who make the world a more equitable and just place. Northfield Mount Hermon is located on a serene, wooded 1,320-acre campus in Massachusetts Connecticut River Valley. The Neighborhood Credit Union team with the 2022 Business of the Year Award at the Annual Spotlighting the Cliff Reception Being honored with the Business of the Year award added fuel to the fire and passion that we already have for this community. Last month, Neighborhood Credit Unions Oak Cliff branch, located at 650 Fort Worth Avenue, was awarded the 2022 Business of the Year at the annual Spotlighting the Cliff Awards event. According to the official event page, Spotlighting the Cliff is an annual event designed to honor and appreciate community leaders who highlight a spirit of excellence. Hosted by the Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce, its goal is to let community leaders know that their efforts are seen and to inspire all within the Oak Cliff community. Nominations and awards are determined based on public votes, and winners were announced in person at the Spotlighting the Cliff reception. Other categories were Event of the Year, Public Servant of the Year, New Business of the Year, Development of the Year, and Presidents Award. Neighborhood Credit Union has a long history within the Oak Cliff neighborhood. After several decades within the Oak Cliff community, the credit union closed the doors to its branch in December 2020, only to return in October 2022 at a new and improved location mere blocks away from where the original credit union headquarters once stood. The overwhelming emotions I felt as I watched the presenter open the envelope to reveal the Business of the Year winner was something I will never forget. My staff and I are so proud to be a part of the Oak Cliff Community, serving our awesome members every day, said Oak Cliff Branch Manager, JaQuita Moffitt. Being honored with the Business of the Year award added fuel to the fire and passion that we already have for this community. We are beyond honored and will continue to provide excellent member service to live up to this honor. About Neighborhood Credit Union: As an active part of the community for 92 years, Neighborhood Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial organization serving the state of Texas with branch locations in Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, and Tarrant counties. With assets topping $1 billion, Neighborhood Credit Union has a continuously growing membership of over 60,000. For more information, call (214) 748-9393 or visit our homepage. Chuck Lane, vice president of learning & development BluSky has given me an incredible opportunity to grow and develop my career. My mission now is to return that opportunity to our employees and help them achieve their own career goals, Promoted role will ensure successful ongoing career development opportunities within BluSky BluSky Restoration Contractors, LLC, a leading national property restoration company in the U.S., announced the promotion of Chuck Lane as vice president of learning and development. In his expanded role, Chuck will be responsible for the strategic direction and development of BluSkys learning programs for its national workforce. As vice president of learning and development, his primary objective is to create an organizational culture of learning and continued employee development by implementing industry leading training programs and ensuring employees have the resources they need to take charge of their career growth. BluSky is very intentional in prioritizing employee training and building developmental paths so the next generation of workforce can step into new opportunities, including leadership positions, when they arise. Chuck spent over a decade in healthcare and emergency management before joining the restoration industry in 2019 as part of the SRP team as the Director of Training and Education. He then began managing all organizational learning initiatives after the merger of SRP with BluSky in 2020. Chuck has driven many successful initiatives over the past three years at BluSky, including developing and implementing the organizational-wide learning and development program, including a multi-role new hire onboarding and mentoring initiative, and a new learning management system to further enhance career growth for all employees. BluSky has given me an incredible opportunity to grow and develop my career. My mission now is to return that opportunity to our employees and help them achieve their own career goals, reflected Chuck on his recent promotion. Its so important to invest time, training and energy into our employees, so they are successful and thriving at work, as well as outside of work. Chuck and his wife, Elizabeth, live in the Memphis, Tennessee area with their three dogs and enjoy camping, hiking, kayaking, and spending time with their 10 nieces and nephews. ### About BluSky Restoration Contractors, LLC Denver, Colorado-based BluSky Restoration Contractors, LLC is a full-service national restoration, renovation, environmental and roofing provider for properties damaged by water, fire, storms and other disasters across the nation. For more information about BluSky Restoration Contractors, please visit GoBluSky.com or call (800) 266-5677. Christian Nahas, Founder & CEO of My Creative Mark, states that the agency wants to strengthen their commitment to the tech industry, especially after recent setbacks, asserting We are problem solvers and dont scare easily. Today, My Creative Mark, a California-based growth agency, announced a brand refresh to reinforce its focus on the tech industry. The reason behind this decision is to create a stronger connection with companies in EdTech, MedTech, and FinTech and help them reach their full potential. As the digital world continuously evolves, tech companies must find ways to adapt. They must put their trust in agencies that truly understand their needs with growth solutions. With this brand refresh, My Creative Mark seeks to match their brand and offering to these companies' needs. These solutions involve a mix of digital strategies and technology that go beyond digital marketing and touch upon sales and customer/user retention. In other words, they seek to attract, engage and delight customers. My Creative Mark hopes that more tech companies will rely on growth solutions to further expand their ventures. Christian Nahas, Founder & CEO of My Creative Mark, states that the agency wants to strengthen their commitment to the tech industry, especially after recent setbacks, asserting We are problem solvers and dont scare easily. Although the rebrand is meant to attract all subdivisions of the tech industry, My Creative Mark will continue to offer their full suite of services to other industries as well. Visit My Creative Mark to learn more about the agencys brand. My Creative is a growth agency from California that uses a mix of digital strategies and top-of-the-line technology to help companies achieve and sustain growth. A HubSpot solutions partner with close to ten years in business, My Creative Mark has consistently ranked among the top Digital Agencies in California and has helped countless innovative businesses from over 10 countries expand into new markets. We are pleased to announce additional staff promotions in 2023 recognizing individual contributions and team members who exemplify WNPAs core values and dedication to making the national park experience possible for everyone.-Marie Buck, President and CEO Beginning in November of 2022, Western National Parks Association (WNPA) started the process of an organizational restructure to strengthen resources and growth in support of WNPAs mission. Christine Horvath has been promoted from CFO to CFO and Executive Vice President of Operations. Horvath will continue to oversee finances, technology, facilities and administrative services with additional responsibilities in human resources and organizational operations. Horvath will serve as second-in-command, directly supporting the president and CEO in WNPAs long-term organizational strategy and business initiatives. Lauren Mooney has been promoted from Director of Retail to Chief Revenue and Vice President of Partnerships. In this position, Mooney will lead revenue strategies, including retail, e-commerce, membership and wholesale programs. Additional oversight will include cultivating and curating NPS relationships at partner parks. Horvath and Mooney have been integral to WNPAs operational excellence, growth, and success, with notable focus on the well-being of WNPA employees and partner parks throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. I couldnt be more pleased to move forward with such talented and dedicated leaders in Christine Horvath and Lauren Mooney. WNPA is well-positioned to move forward and embark upon long-term strategies to increase our support of partner parks and the visitor experience, said Marie Buck, President and CEO. We are pleased to announce additional staff promotions in 2023 recognizing individual contributions and team members who exemplify WNPAs core values and dedication to making the national park experience possible for everyone. John Fasino, Purchasing and Product Development Manager, has been promoted to Director of Purchasing and Product Development, overseeing product growth, development and innovation. Bill Green, Warehouse and E-Commerce Manager, has been promoted to Associate Director of Warehouse and E-Commerce, overseeing warehouse logistics, wholesale and e-commerce. Victor Martinez, Senior Information Technology Manager, has been promoted to Director of Technology Services, overseeing and building out WNPAs technology services and infrastructure. Stephanie LaVeer, Controller, has been promoted to Associate Director of Finance, taking on additional financial responsibilities, including reporting and audit oversight. Marlene Andrews, Senior Human Resources Manager, has been promoted to Associate Director of Human Resources, overseeing the Human Resource function in support of our most valued resource, WNPA employees. Caroline Lochner, Regional Program Manager, has been promoted to Associate Director of Regional Programming and Community Outreach, overseeing WNPAs current educational programming, philanthropy, Park Protector program and long-term growth strategies. Rebecca Manchester, Graphic Designer, has been promoted to Senior Graphic Designer, responsible for designing and executing print and digital collateral and advertising, as well as overseeing the graphic designer. Nancy Fasino, Senior Accounting Assistant, has been promoted to Staff Accountant, responsible for ensuring the integrity of financial statements, as well as supporting vendors, the National Park Service and the WNPA team. Tiffany Wright has been promoted to Senior Purchasing and Product Development Coordinator in recognition of her strong contributions and improvements to WNPA's interpretative retail product development and purchasing processes. Steve Dohm, Operations Manager for the Arizona Region, has been promoted to Director of Retail, overseeing all WNPA operations regions and managers, as well as supporting interpretative retail operations and local National Park Service partners. Mindi Gusman, Operations Manager for the Four Corners Region, has been promoted to Senior Operations Manager for the Four Corners Region. She is responsible for this regions oversight and growth, and will serve as additional support for the operations team in collaboration with the director of retail. About WNPA WNPA helps make the national park experience possible for everyone. As a nonprofit education partner of the NPS, WNPA supports parks across the West, developing products, services and programs that enhance the visitor experience, understanding and appreciation of national parks. Since 1938 WNPA has worked to connect new generations to parks in meaningful ways, all with one simple goal: create advocates who want to preserve and protect these special places for everyone, for all time. Learn more about the organization and career opportunities at http://www.wnpa.org. PurposeCare, a leading provider of coordinated home care and home health services in the Midwest, announced today the acquisition of Home Sweet Home In-Home Care (Home Sweet Home), a St. Joseph, Michigan-based independent home health care agency that has provided high-quality services to southwest Michigan residents since its inception in 2011. Home Sweet Home has enjoyed a sterling reputation within the community for delivering outstanding care and is well respected by all stakeholders in the company including clients, referral partners and payors. We welcome Home Sweet Home to the PurposeCare family as our first Michigan-based agency supporting our continued growth and expansion throughout the Midwest, says PurposeCare chief executive officer, Rich Keller. The acquisition will provide additional depth to PurposeCares suite of home health care services. PurposeCare, a portfolio company of Lorient Capital, provides home based care services to more than 3,000 clients a week. The companys primary audience are individuals who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. The PurposeCare platform is focused on leveraging the caregivers presence in the home to identify changes in its clients condition, enabling a timely clinical intervention from the nurses and therapists on the PurposeCare team. With the acquisition of Home Sweet Home, PurposeCare will expand their services to an additional 400 patients and more than 300 caregivers. We are thrilled to join the PurposeCare family as their mission and principles align well with ours, says Eric Pumfery, chief executive officer and founder of Home Sweet Home. Being part of something bigger during a time when home care is becoming a significant portion of the healthcare landscape is very exciting. Home Sweet Home was represented by Mertz Taggart, who provided exclusive M&A advisory services in connection with this transaction. PurposeCare is excited to bring its portfolio of companies under one brand and one mission. PurposeCare is the parent company of Purpose Home Health, Alliance Home Health Services, A1 Home Health Care and A1 Nursing Care, Newsome Home Health Care, and Honor Home Health serving the Midwest. PurposeCare announced the acquisition of these five agencies November 2022. We are excited about our new unifying brand and this expansion into Michigan with a like-minded organization dedicated to empowering care teams to ensure clients live their best lives in community, shares Rich Keller, chief executive officer, PurposeCare. We truly believe that at PurposeCare, your care is our purpose. About PurposeCare Established in December of 2021, PurposeCare offers comprehensive services including home care and home health that are carefully coordinated to keep clients healthy and safe at home. With excellent caregivers, innovative technology, and family care navigation, PurposeCare ensures that our most vulnerable are provided with the support necessary to live full lives in their community. For more information, visit https://purposecare.com/ I am pleased to join Q5iDs prestigious Board of Directors and to work alongside the impressive leadership team assembled and led by Mike, said Mr. Hunt. I am confident Q5iD is uniquely positioned to transform identity management and I am excited for this opportunity. Q5iD, Inc. announced the appointment of Ira A. (Gus) Hunt to the Board of Directors. Mr. Hunt is President and CEO of Hunt Technology, the company he started after his retirement from Federal service. Hunt Technology, LLC, focuses on strategic IT planning, cyber and data-centric security, big data analytics, AI/ML, and cloud computing. Previously he was Managing Director and Cyber Lead for Accenture Federal Services in Arlington, Virginia and Chief Architect for Bridgewater Associates, a hedge fund located in Westport, Connecticut. Mr. Hunt currently serves on the Board of Directors for ePlus and VAST Data Federal and on the Board of Advisors for Intel Federal, LookingGlass, iNovex, Enlightenment Capital, and Mission Link. Mr. Hunt retired from the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) as their Chief Technology Officer (CTO) after a 28-year career. As CTO, Mr. Hunt set the information technology strategic direction and future technology investment plan for CIA. He was the conceptual and motivating force behind CIAs decision to aggressively move to the Amazon cloud and the Agencys initial foray into AL/ML through IBMs Watson. Mr. Hunt developed the CIAs Accelerated Technology Adoption Process to enable the CIA to dramatically speed-up its processes to discover, evaluate, acquire, and implement new capabilities in support of its business requirements. We are honored to welcome Mr. Hunt to the extraordinary Q5iD Board of Directors to strengthen our depth of expertise. Mr. Hunt is a remarkable visionary with a storied career and extensive expertise in cyber and data-centric security, big data analytics, AI/ML, and cloud computing. His contributions will help advance our strategy and growth," said Q5iD President of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, Michael F. Marcotte. I am pleased to join Q5iDs prestigious Board of Directors and to work alongside the impressive leadership team assembled and led by Mike, said Mr. Hunt. I am confident Q5iD is uniquely positioned to transform identity management and I am excited for this opportunity. Mr. Hunt began his career in 1979 working as an aerospace engineer for Rockwell International and General Research Corporation designing advanced manned space flight systems and satellite orbital transfer vehicles. He holds a BE and ME in Civil/Structural Engineering from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. About Q5iD Q5iD is THE premier cyber security software company delivering the BEST identity management solutions in the WORLD. Proven, authenticated, trusted, secure, and managed identity protection, now. Learn more: Q5iD.com. Contact Q5iD, Inc. Media Relations (503) 389-0985 media@q5id.com Connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter! Were excited to show what's possible when governments, local partners, and a private sector company Tradewater come together to address an urgent climate threat. - Maria Jose Gutierrez Murray, Senior Director of International Programs, Tradewater Mission-based project development company Tradewater has reached a critical milestone in a landmark carbon offset project in Thailand, permanently destroying more than 19 metric tons of ozone-depleting refrigerant gas and preventing the release of over 192,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) from entering the atmosphere. This milestone represents several years of planning and collaboration with our partners in Thailand. This is a highly impactful project, involving the large-scale destruction of harmful ozone-depleting and global warming gases, said Maria Jose Gutierrez Murray, Senior Director of International Programs at Tradewater. Were excited to show what's possible when governments, local partners, and a private sector company Tradewater come together to address an urgent climate threat. Destruction of the 19 metric tons represents the first of seven phases in the project, which is a collaboration between Tradewater, Thailands Customs Department, Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT), Bangpoo Environmental Complex (BPEC), Waste Management Siam (WMS), and the Department of Industrial Works (DIW). When completed, this unique public-private partnership is expected to permanently prevent over 1.14 million tons of CO2e from escaping into the atmosphere. Decades ago, the Montreal Protocol began to phase out production of CFC (chlorofluorocarbon) refrigerant gases. The Thailand Customs Department started seizing disposable cylinders of CFCs improperly imported into the country. Over the years, they seized over 10,000 cylinders containing more than 120 metric tons (120,000 kilograms) of CFCs, a potent ozone-depleting substance and greenhouse gas, and stored them in 42 depots around the country. In storage, these cylinders remained at risk of leaking into the atmosphere a common occurrence when cylinders rust and deteriorate and the Customs Department sought an environmentally responsible solution. The Montreal Protocol was a significant step in the fight to protect our ozone layer. However, its focus on end-of-life solutions for the gases it addressed was limited, and there has been insufficient funding to help countries destroy these potent gasesmaking it very challenging for any remaining stockpiles to be properly disposed of, said Gutierrez Murray. We commend the diligence of Thailands government and local stakeholders, as well as their close collaboration in this unique project. The Thai authorities had been looking for a solution for many years, and a pathway eventually led them to Tradewater. The Thai Customs Department and Tradewater were introduced in 2020 and began a series of conversations, facilitated by The Creagy Company, and including IEAT, BPEC, DIW, WMS. Global law firm Latham & Watkins and local counsel Thanathip & Partners were retained to provide the legal support necessary for the process. From this dialogue, the unique public-private partnership was established, and Tradewater agreed to organize and finance destruction of the CFC stockpile. While complex to coordinate, this project is a testament to the great things that can be accomplished when public and private stakeholders work together to solve a problem, said Gabe Plotkin, COO of Tradewater. The Thai stockpile is the largest that we have uncovered to date, and we are proud to provide a way to leverage the voluntary carbon credit market to ensure these refrigerants are safely and permanently destroyed. Tradewater expects to destroy all the refrigerants seized by the Thailand Customs Department by early 2024. It is one of several international projects Tradewater is currently overseeing, thanks to the work of capable and environmentally conscious stakeholders all over the world. The problem the Customs Department faced in Thailand is not unique, adds Plotkin. We hope this project inspires other governments to consider similar partnerships to safely destroy legacy CFCs and stranded refrigerant stockpiles. About Tradewater: Tradewater is a mission-based B Corp that creates, develops, and implements high-value projects which permanently prevent the worlds most potent greenhouse and ozone-depleting gases from releasing into the atmosphere, taking an integrated approach that results in verifiable, permanent climate impact and sustainable economic benefit through the highest quality carbon offset credits. Learn more at tradewater.us and tradewaterglobal.com. "As a Natomas resident myself, I know many of my neighbors understand the dangers of flooding and see the fee as a small price to pay for the safety of their homes and families." By a significant margin Natomas Basin property owners have approved $96.05-million to upgrade and replace antiquated pumps, equipment and other flood protection operations over the next 30 years, officials from Reclamation District 1000 (RD1000) announced today. The measure was approved by 56-percent of property owners, who were asked to decide on an increase in their annual storm water fees. Of ballots cast, 4,121 were in favor and 3,208 opposed. We are thrilled the Natomas community communicated such a powerful statement in support of the need to modernize our flood protection infrastructure, said Kevin King, the General Manager of RD1000. This vibrant community deserves to grow and thrive without fear of natural disasters. And as we have seen in the past several weeks, flooding threats are vicious, real and worth protecting against. RD 1000 is in Sacramento and Sutter Counties, north of the city of Sacramento and provides flood protection to the 55,000 acres in the Natomas Basin by maintaining a ring levee system, interior drainage system, and pumping system to discharge stormwater to adjacent rivers and tributaries. The District is also responsible for maintaining several culverts and drains throughout the basin. The approval by property owners culminates a multi-year process that included an independent audit of the districts vast infrastructure that resulted in a comprehensive set of recommendations for capital assets and projects as well as how to fund those improvements in order for RD1000 to meet its flood protection standards. As a Natomas resident myself, I know many of my neighbors understand the dangers of flooding and see the fee as a small price to pay for the safety of their homes and families, said Elena Lee Reeder, President of the RD1000 Board of Trustees. After the RD1000 Board adopted the Capital Improvement Plan and subsequent Comprehensive Financial Plan, the District distributed ballots to parcel owners in January, whove been casting their votes up to the closing of the polls on March 10th. The voter-approved stormwater fee, includes funding for the following pumping plants and other upgrade costs: $32.4 million (M) in the first decade 2023-2033, with $29.6M planned in the first 6 years $8.1M over years 2031-2040 $26.9M over years 2041-2050, with several recently replaced critical components reaching the end of their useful lives. Annual budget of $55,000 to perform cost-effective preventive maintenance for the duration of the CIP, or $1.65M over 30 years. Annual budget of $900,000 for life cycle replacement of culverts and drains, or $27M over 30 years. Our community has made a commitment to improve our flood infrastructure, said Lee Reeder. I am looking forward to working with RD1000s incredible leadership and staff as we implement this enormous undertaking to protect Natomas for generations to come. Reclamation District 1000 (RD1000) is a California Special District created in 1911. Its mission is flood protection for the Natomas Basin by providing for the publics health and safety by operating and maintaining the levees and the Districts canals and pump stations in a safe, efficient and reliable manner. RD1000 maintains approximately 55,000 acres in Sacramento and Sutter counties. While our 'America's Best High School Chef competition always attracts many of the best of the best, we were especially impressed by the skills, creativity, and true passion of this years participants, said Dean Frank Costantino, EdD CEC CCE CCA AAC. The sweet taste of victory was on the menu earlier this month as high school students interested in culinary and pastry careers took over the Culinary Arts Center for Monroe Colleges annual Americas Best High School Chef (ABHSC) competition. This popular event, which has a culinary and pastry track, was held on Saturday, March 4. It once again attracted some of the nations most promising high school chefs and patissiers, each one focused on demonstrating their creativity, knowledge, and undeniable skills to hopefully win a generous scholarship to attend Monroes Culinary Institute of New York (CINY). CINYs accomplished faculty, led by Dean Frank Costantino, served as the judging panel. Congratulations to this years incredibly talented winners: Culinary Track FIRST PLACE: Mia Avila (High School of Hospitality Management / New York) SECOND PLACE: Jasmine Guzman (Harry S. Truman High School / New York) THIRD PLACE: Kayla Atkins (Food and Finance High School / New York) Pastry Track FIRST PLACE: Nylah White (Food and Finance High School / New York) SECOND PLACE: Jacklyn Kirchberger (Half Hollow Hills High School / New York) THIRD PLACE: Wendy Pesantez (Peekskill High School / New York) The students earning first place each won a scholarship valued at $65,600. The second place winners won scholarships valued at $48,000, while the third place winners won scholarships valued at $40,000. All other participants earned a partial scholarship valued at $24,000 to attend Monroe, a reflection of how impressed the judges were with their incredible submissions. Scholarship values are based on continued attendance across eight semesters. The 13 students invited to participate in the ABHSC culinary competition this year began by demonstrating core food preparation competencies in the Basic Skills Round. Dean Costantino was so impressed with the students skills in that round that he invited all of them to the semi-final Salad Basket Round, which required the students to prepare a creative salad dish using a list of assigned ingredients. The top four students from that round then moved on to the final Mystery Basket Round, which required them to prepare two identical servings of an entree of their choosing, using only the select ingredients designated by the judges. For the pastry track, the competition featured eight budding patissiers who were selected to compete after previously submitting their signature dessert recipe for consideration. During the contest, participants prepared two portions of their upscale, restaurant-quality dessert within a 90-minute timeframe. The dish had to include five key components: the main item, a sauce, a cookie or crisp item, chocolate, and fruit. While our 'America's Best High School Chef competition always attracts many of the best of the best, we were especially impressed by the skills, creativity, and true passion of this years participants, said Dean Frank Costantino, EdD CEC CCE CCA AAC. These future restauranteurs and culinary leaders have very promising careers ahead of them indeed if their dishes at our event are any indication. This is the 14th year that the College hosted its Americas Best High School Chef competition. First introduced in 2008, the event was on hiatus in 2020 and held virtually in 2021. Interested in participating next year? Reach out to Dean Frank Costantino for more information at fcostantino@monroecollege.edu. ABOUT THE CULINARY INSTUTUTE OF NEW YORK AT MONROE COLLEGE The Culinary Institute of New York at Monroe College is an award-winning, nationally recognized culinary institute that provides students with a combination of theoretical education and hands-on experience in culinary arts, pastry arts, and hospitality management. With facilities designed to simulate the kitchens of restaurants, hotels, and large production operations, students receive personal instruction and mentorship from a faculty of ACF-certified chefs and experienced industry professionals who are committed to their success. Past winners of CINYs annual Americas Best High School Chef Competition have gone on to excel in their culinary education, honing their skills in numerous American Culinary Federation contests. Since 2009, CINY has produced award-winning culinary teams, students, faculty and staff, as well as a critically acclaimed student-run restaurant, The Dining Lab, which was described as a "training ground for students" by The Wall Street Journal and "the little kitchen that could" by The New York Times. Monroes culinary program has won more than 1,000 American Culinary Federation medals to date. More information, including admissions criteria, is available online. ABOUT MONROE COLLEGE Founded in 1933, Monroe College is a recognized leader in educating first-generation and international students. The College is proud of its innovative programs to increase college access, affordability, and completion outcomes, and the recognition it has received nationally for its impact on students social mobility. Monroe educates more than 8,000 students each year, offering Certificate, Associate, Bachelors, and Masters degree programs from New York campuses in the Bronx and New Rochelle, as well as in the Caribbean nation of St. Lucia. Students may also pursue degree programs through Monroe Online. Programs are offered through Schools of Allied Health Professions, Business and Accounting, Criminal and Social Justice, Education, Hospitality Management, Information Technology, and Nursing, as well as through its King Graduate School. Liberal arts and continuing education programs are also available. For more information and admissions criteria, please visit http://www.monroecollege.edu. # # # Baker Colleges graduate programs provide students with the advanced skills and competitive edge needed to open doors to top leadership positions and entrepreneurial pursuits," said Susan Gunn, Baker College provost and vice president of academic affairs. Following an announcement earlier this month regarding a freeze on all undergraduate program tuition rates for 2023-2024, Baker College is pleased to now announce further additions to its affordability and accessibility initiatives. Baker College, one of Michigans largest, private nonprofit colleges and the top private transfer school in the state, is announcing a reduction to graduate school tuition rates for 2023-2024. Additionally, St. Francis School of Law, an online law school and wholly-owned division of Baker College, is now able to provide students with access to financial assistance, in the form of federal student loans, for the first time since its founding in 2011. Some of the programs included in the graduate-level tuition reductions at Baker College are: MBA (Master of Business Administration), MSN (Master of Science in Nursing), DBA (Doctorate of Business Administration) and the schools unique DBA-ABD (Doctorate of Business Administration-All But Dissertation) degrees. Graduate and doctoral programs are all available online, while the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) is held at the new Royal Oak campus. The reduced graduate tuition is part of Baker Colleges, Student First philosophy, designed to address barriers in higher education. Depending on the program, Baker College graduate students enrolling for the 2023-2024 academic year may see a reduction of anywhere from $95 to $165 per credit hour, ideally making it easier to pursue an advanced degree. The opportunity to pursue a graduate degree can make all the difference in the world for career advancement and professional achievement, said Susan Gunn, Baker College provost and vice president of academic affairs. Baker Colleges graduate programs provide students with the advanced skills and competitive edge needed to open doors to top leadership positions and entrepreneurial pursuits. Baker College graduate degree programs are accepting applications and enrolling students now for the 2023-2024 academic year. For interested students, contact Graduate Enrollment Advisor, Tom Lale 833-541-0078, thomas.lale@baker.edu. Beyond recent commitments to freeze 2023-2024 undergraduate tuition rates and reduce graduate tuition costs at Baker College, the schools online law school division, St. Francis School of Law, also is now able to offer access to federal loans, helping to ensure more students can financially obtain their educational goals. With administrative headquarters based in Newport Beach, Calif., St. Francis School of Law is a 100-percent online, nonprofit law school, accredited by the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California. Upon completion of the four-year, part-time program, graduates of St. Francis earn a Juris Doctor degree and qualify to sit for the California Bar Exam. Although tuition rates at St. Francis remain affordable for a law school at $13,000 per year, its not uncommon for students to need some additional form of financial assistance to cover the cost of their degree, said Linda Katrinic, Baker Colleges vice president for financial aid. Having access to federal student loans is a wonderful addition, and will definitely open the door for students who need the additional assistance to achieve their law degree. For additional information on St. Francis School of Law, and the new financial assistance programs, an informational webinar will be held on March 27, 2023. To register, visit stfrancislaw.com. About Baker College Founded in 1911, Baker College is one of Michigans largest, private, nonprofit colleges and the top transfer school in the state, offering 60+ academic programs for both undergraduate and graduate degrees through an online global campus, and campuses located in Cadillac, Jackson, Muskegon, Owosso and Royal Oak. Specialty campuses for The Culinary Institute of Michigan are in Muskegon and Port Huron, and The Auto Diesel Institute in Owosso, MI. Learn more at http://www.baker.edu or follow Baker College on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. About St. Francis School of Law St. Francis School of Law is accredited by the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. St. Francis School of Law is wholly owned by Baker College, a private nonprofit educational system headquartered in Michigan. For more information, visit StFrancisLaw.com. San Francisco Bay Area Criminal Defense Attorney Kenneth Rosenfeld For cases such as this where people like my client are suffering from mental health issues, criminal charges and punishments are not appropriate. It is very gratifying to see my client instead get the help he very much needs. The Rosenfeld Law Firm announces that a mental health client facing potential prison time after receiving multiple criminal charges (Case #s: INF21015578 and INM2104596) will receive mental health treatment rather than be tried and sentenced, thanks to California Mental Health Attorney Ken Rosenfeld. According to the September 7, 2021, criminal complaint and the September 10, 2021, criminal complaint filed with the Riverside County Superior Court, Reizo S. was alleged on or about July 3, 2021, to have committed the misdemeanor of public intoxication (PC 647f), and on or about September 7, 2021, to have committed the felony of making criminal threats that could result in great bodily injury (PC 422). Pursuant to PC 647f, a conviction of misdemeanor public intoxication carries a punishment of up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1000; a felony conviction of PC 422 carries the penalties of up to three years in state prison, a fine of up to $10,000, formal probation, and a strike under the California three strikes law. Rosenfeld successfully argued that R.S. suffers from mental illness and should thereby receive treatment rather than punishment. As a result of Rosenfelds efforts, mental health diversion was granted for R.S. on December 7, 2022, and a treatment plan was subsequently approved thereafter in 2023. For cases such as this where people like my client are suffering from mental health issues, criminal charges and punishments are not appropriate, said Rosenfeld. It is very gratifying to see my client instead get the help he very much needs. About The Rosenfeld Law Firm With offices in Sacramento and San Jose, The Rosenfeld Law Firm provides aggressive defense of a wide range of high-profile criminal defense cases. California Criminal Attorney Ken Rosenfeld defends such cases as first-degree murder and sex offense cases, and also provides DUI defense. In addition to mental health criminal defense, The Rosenfeld Law Firm also practices federal criminal defense and juvenile defense, as well as appellate law and prison law. As a skilled criminal law commentator, for more than a decade Ken Rosenfeld was seen on KTXL TV and FOX40's Ask An Attorney. Rosenfeld has been named Litigator of the Year by the American Institute of Trial Lawyers. For more information, please contact Ken Rosenfeld directly at (916) 447-2070, or visit http://www.therosenfeldlawfirm.com. Press release writing by WebSiteText and Proofreading Services by The Proofreaders Ken Rosenfeld recommends Brian Murphy, Wrongful Death Attorney for Elder Abuse & Nursing Home Malpractice Lawsuits. We are so excited about the future together with the team at East Village Dental Centre, shared Ryan Zeman, DCA Vice President, Business Development. We could not possibly have a better partner as DCAs first supported practice in the city of Chicago. Dental Care Alliance (DCA) is proud to welcome East Village Dental Centre of Chicago. With its location on the western edge of Chicago, just northwest of downtown, the practice is conveniently situated amongst key Chicago thoroughfares. East Village Dental Centre has been a mainstay in the East Village, West Town, and Noble Square neighborhoods for 40 years, and the practice has been privileged to see several generations of patients families come through their doors for family, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dental care. With multiple options for anesthesia and sedation, numerous payment plan options, and a friendly and bilingual staff, the practice makes it as easy as possible for families to get the dental care they need. East Village Dental Centre is a family dental practice that aims to meet all dental needs under one roof. Whether it's same-day wisdom tooth extractions, immediate root canals, or one-visit crowns, with the practices cutting-edge technology, highly trained practitioners, and friendly staff, the team confidently provides comprehensive dental care for the whole family. The practice was founded in 1980 by Dr. Gary Treinkman, who received his undergraduate degree in biology from the Northwestern University, and later graduated from the Northwestern University Dental School with his doctorate in Dental Surgery. Dr. Treinkman remains at the cutting edge of dental technology, regularly upgrading the offices capability to perform gentle, same-day dentistry, and he is committed to excellence in dentistry and has extensive training in all aspects of General and Cosmetic Dentistry. His involvement with many dental organizations such as the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, Academy of Computerized Dentistry of North America, Illinois State Dental Society, Chicago Dental Society, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and the local Cerec Study Club has enabled him to keep on top of the latest and best that dentistry has to offer. He regularly attends courses that enables him to stay current in the rapidly changing field of dentistry. Dr. Treinkmans extensive training and four decades of clinical experience makes him uniquely proficient in being able to diagnose each patients individual dental needs and create tailor-made options to deliver personalized care to each patient. This affiliation continues the rapid growth and momentum for the organization and brings DCAs footprint in the Midwest to 50 allied practices, and DCAs total footprint to over 390 allied practices across the US. We are so excited about the future together with the team at East Village Dental Centre, shared Ryan Zeman, DCA Vice President, Business Development. We could not possibly have a better partner as DCAs first supported practice in the city of Chicago. Dental Care Alliances mission is to advance the practice of dentistry by partnering with and supporting dental professionals to create a lifetime of healthy smiles. DCA currently supports over 390 allied practices and supports over 900 dentists across 22 states. DCAs allied practices represent all dental specialties and treat patients under more than 150 brand names. Youth in the Democratic Republic of the Congo* received healthy nutrition thanks to a partnership between Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, and Rise Against Hunger, an international relief organization that provides food and life-changing aid to the worlds most vulnerable. The rice-meals were sent to the Salesian Projects Office of the Central Africa Province and distributed to Salesian programs in the second half of 2022. One of the recipients was the Bakanja Center, which serves youth who arrive from the Salesian Bakanja Ville, which acts as a drop-in and reception center for homeless youth who are looking to escape the challenges of living on the streets. At the Bakanja Center, youth can access more long-term services that help with their recovery and education. Sami Mujinga Lapp is one of the youth who received the rice-meal donation at the Bakanja Center. Lapp said, I feel at home in this center that has welcomed me after living on the street. After receiving my education with the Salesians, I would like to be a great mechanic. I think that I would like to move to Zambia to earn a living. I want to contribute to society and help other street youth. Lapp also enjoys the camaraderie of eating with his friends. He added, Often I sit next to my friends and we share our meals and talk and joke. We like to laugh together. Since I started eating the Rise Against Hunger meals, I feel healthy, and my weight even increased. It is a very good meal, especially for malnourished children. I would say its important for me to eat this meal because it contains the necessary vitamins for the body. For our community, this meal has allowed those of us who were undernourished a chance to regain normal health. Salesian missionaries have been working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for more than 100 years ensuring that the most vulnerable children are not forgotten. Salesian primary and secondary schools and programs lay the foundation for early learning while Salesian trade, vocational and agricultural programs offer many youth the opportunity for a stable and productive future. *Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasurys Office of Foreign Asset Control. ### About Salesian Missions USA Salesian Missions is headquartered in New Rochelle, NY, and is part of the Don Bosco Networka worldwide federation of Salesian NGOs. The mission of the U.S.-based nonprofit Catholic organization is to raise funds for international programs that serve youth and families in poor communities around the globe. The Salesian missionaries are made up of priests, brothers and sisters, as well as laypeopleall dedicated to caring for poor children throughout the world in more than 130 countries and helping young people become self-sufficient by learning a trade that will help them gain employment. To date, more than 3 million youth have received services funded by Salesian Missions. These services and programs are provided to children regardless of race or religion. For more information, go to SalesianMissions.org. Contact: Laura Perillo media@salesianmissions.org 908-406-3413 (text messages OK) Twitter: @MissionNewswire Newswire: MissionNewswire.org Press room: SalesianMissions.org/press Elisabeth Hedwig wants to inspire others to overcome lifes obstacles no matter how insurmountable they may appear to be. It is for this reason she now releases Struggle and Chaos in Three Countries (published by LifeRich Publishing), the true story of a womans trials and tribulations as she traveled through several countries to become a mother and naturalized U.S. citizen determined to live the American dream. It was the winter of 1982 when Hedwig departed Frankfurt International Airport and began a harrowing, white-knuckle flight to New York City where a snowstorm and the unknown awaited her. Two weeks before a cruel trick of destiny placed her on that plane, Hedwig had no plans to travel to America. She was over seven months pregnant. In a fascinating memoir, Hedwig chronicles her journey to return home to confront her struggles and memories decades after immigrating to the United States. Born the third of five children living amid challenging circumstances in Walzen, Poland. Hedwig details her familys experiences after they moved to Hanau, West Germany, in an attempt to create a new chapter, her determination to escape her alcoholic fathers violent tirades, and her eventual immigration to a country far away from all she knew to start again. Throughout her story, Hedwig reminds readers that it is possible to rise above their struggles and attain a better life. My true story will provide hope to people who are struggling in life against insurmountable odds. Immigration is at all-time high in todays society. This book will help immigrants who are struggling in a new society and culture, Hedwig says. When asked what she wants readers to take away from the book, she answered, To never give up hope in life and to persevere. You can make it happen, if you have the strength to believe in yourself. For more details about the book, please visit https://www.liferichpublishing.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/822805-struggle-and-chaos-in-three-countries Struggle and Chaos in Three Countries By Elisabeth Hedwig Hardcover | 6 x 9in | 140 pages | ISBN 9781489733719 Softcover | 6 x 9in | 140 pages | ISBN 9781489733726 E-Book | 140 pages | ISBN 9781489733733 Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble About the Author Elisabeth Hedwig was born in challenging circumstances in Walzen, Poland. Today, she is a successful businesswoman and mother of two children, one on earth and one in heaven. This is her first book. LifeRich Publishing, the strategic publishing partnership of Readers Digest and Author Solutions, LLC, was created to provide all writers a platform for sharing their stories, recipes, advice and more. LifeRich authors will benefit from a wealth of editorial design, marketing and education resources, specially created by Readers Digest editors for the enrichment of these LifeSmart individuals. Books can be published in print, ebook or audio formats, with additional distribution to up to 25 million Readers Digest customers through its online properties. For more information or to publish a book, please visit liferichpublishing.com or call 844-686-9607. Emtec recognized on 2023 CRN Tech Elite 250 This recognition is a testament to the hard work, discipline, and determination of our entire team, said Sunil Misra, CEO, Emtec, Inc. I am grateful for our talented and passionate team and the clients who challenge us to push the boundaries of what is possible. Thank you to CRN for this honor. Jacksonville, FL, March 20, 2023 - Emtec, Inc., a global IT consultancy, today announced that CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, has honored Emtec on its 2023 Tech Elite 250 list for the 13th year. The annual list features solution providers across the U.S. and Canada that have differentiated themselves by achieving the highest level and largest breadth of certifications and specializations from key technology vendors. Organizations rely on IT solution providers to help them solve todays IT challenges, employ innovative technology solutions to remain competitive, and realize business value from their digital investments. To meet these demands, IT partners need to maintain the highest levels of technical prowess across a wide range of critical products and services. The organizations honored on this list have invested heavily in training and certification to achieve the highest tiers within their respective vendor partner programs. Emtec was selected to the Tech Elite 250 list for its breadth and depth of technical certifications across multiple technology disciplines including Enterprise Applications, Digital Product Development, Cloud Platform Engineering, Intelligent Automation, Data Engineering, Analytics, Cyber Security, Service Management, IT architecture, and more. The organizations investments in training and industry certifications are crucial for employees' professional growth as well as for establishing credibility and expertise in its respective field. This recognition is a testament to the hard work, discipline, and determination of our entire team, said Sunil Misra, CEO, Emtec, Inc. I am grateful for our talented and passionate team and the clients who challenge us to push the boundaries of what is possible. Thank you to CRN for this honor. CRNs Tech Elite 250 list features the leading solution providers in the IT channel with the most in-depth technical knowledge, expertise, and certifications for providing the highest level of service for their customers, said Blaine Raddon, CEO of The Channel Company. These solution providers have continued to extend their aptitudes and abilities across various technologies and IT practices, demonstrating their commitment and value to their customers. Coverage of the Tech Elite 250 will be featured in the April issue of CRN Magazine and online at https://www.CRN.com/techelite250. About Emtec Emtec is a Global IT consultancy dedicated to helping world class organizations drive transformation and growth by employing the latest enterprise technologies and innovative business processes. We empower our clients to accelerate innovation and deliver amazing client experiences to better compete and ultimately lead in their industry. Emtecs Client for Life approach is built upon over 25 years of delivering rapid, meaningful, and lasting business value. Our offerings span the IT spectrum from Advisory, Applications (Enterprise, Custom, Mobile and Cloud) as well as Intelligent Automation, Analytic, Cyber Security and Infrastructure Services. Learn more by visiting Emtec, Emtec Digital, and Emtec subsidiaries Wave6 and Definition 6. Follow Emtec: LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. About The Channel Company The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers and end users. Backed by more than 40 years of unequalled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. https://www.thechannelco.com Copyright 2023. Emtec, Inc., Emtec Digital, Wave6 and ClearCARE, are registered trademarks of Emtec, Inc. CRN is a registered trademark of The Channel Company, LLC. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved. Endurance Warranty Services This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, and we are proud to be acknowledged for our growth and success. - Endurance CEO Rich Holland The Inc. 5000 Regionals 2023 list recognizes companies that have demonstrated exceptional growth and entrepreneurial spirit within their respective regions across the country. Endurance Warranty Services was selected for its impressive growth over the past three years and for its commitment to providing a quality auto protection experience for its customers. Endurance is the leading provider of vehicle service contracts in the U.S. The company has grown significantly since its founding in 2006 and has become a trusted name in the automotive industry. Endurance has developed a reputation for providing customers with comprehensive coverage, competitive prices, and outstanding customer service. We are honored to be recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest-growing companies in the Midwest, said Endurance CEO Rich Holland. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, and we are proud to be acknowledged for our growth and success. Endurances recognition by Inc. Magazine is the latest in a series of accolades for the company. Endurance was recently honored with a Silver Stevie Award for Sales & Customer Service the worlds top honors for customer service, contact center, business development, and sales professionals. In addition, Endurance has placed on the Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies list for seven years (2015-2020 and 2022). This years Inc. 5000 Regional winners represent one of the most exceptional and exciting lists of Americas off-the-charts growth companies. Theyre disrupters and job creators, and all delivered an outsize impact on the economy. Remember their names and follow their lead. These are the companies youll be hearing about for years to come, said Scott Omelianuk, Editor-in-Chief of Inc. Magazine. The Inc. Regionals were ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2019 and 2021. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2019. They had to be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independentnot subsidiaries or divisions of other companiesas of December 31, 2021. The minimum revenue required for 2019 was $100,000, and the minimum for 2021 was $1 million. For more information, go to https://www.inc.com/regionals. About Endurance Warranty Services, LLC For the most comprehensive auto protection plans in the industry, drivers turn to Endurance. Endorsed by real customers, recommended by auto experts, and highly rated on consumer advocate websites, Endurance plans shield drivers from the high costs of parts and labor when an unexpected breakdown occurs. Since 2012, the company has paid over $265 million in claims, helping customers save thousands on vehicle repairs and Empowering Confidence for the Road Ahead. Endurance Warranty Services, LLC, operates corporate headquarters in Northbrook, Ill., with an additional office in St. Peters, Mo. To learn more about Endurance auto protection plans, visit http://www.endurancewarranty.com. About Inc. Media The world's 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. Not many women can say they have had five husbands and have been on the front page of the New York Daily newspaper. Camille Varacalli has lived and survived this unusual life and she now shares her story within the pages of You Be The Judge (published by Archway Publishing). This memoir shares the authors lifetime of love, loss, heartaches, cancer, hardships, and at times happiness as well. Here, readers witness how she experienced betrayal, murder, death, and financial ruin and lived to tell the tale. As in the title, I want the reader to be able to judge my story for themselves and whatever decision they make, I am okay with it! the author says. An excerpt from the book reads: The simple fact that I had five husbands was how each one of them made up the mosaic of my life, and this was my destiny. Every story that was written about me was totally one sided, just their version. I began to freak out. I felt my heart pounding in my chest. I began going over in my mind all the accusations said about me. The one, that was true, and all the ones that were not. Visit https://www.archwaypublishing.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/846532-you-be-the-judge to get a copy. You Be The Judge By Camille Varacalli Hardcover | 6 x 9in | 466 pages | ISBN 9781665736275 Softcover | 6 x 8in | 466 pages | ISBN 9781665736282 E-Book | 466 pages | ISBN 9781665736268 Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble About the Author Camille Varacallis book is based on her life story. She feels the only one who can tell her story in her own words, with her own thoughts, and from her heart is her. She was born in a section of lower Manhattan called Little Italy. She grew up in a section of Brooklyn known as Borough Park. She had loving parents and one sibling, her sister Rose. Varacalli attended Sarah J. Hale High School and later in life attended Parsons School of Design in Manhattan, where she began her career as an interior designer. This is her first published work. Simon & Schuster, a company with nearly ninety years of publishing experience, has teamed up with Author Solutions, LLC, the worldwide leader in self-publishing, to create Archway Publishing. With unique resources to support books of all kinds, Archway Publishing offers a specialized approach to help every author reach his or her desired audience. For more information, visit archwaypublishing.com or call 844-669-3957. Nanette Aguirre, a shareholder at global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP, spoke at the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jerseys 2023 Women's Empowerment Leadership and Law Conference March 18. Her panel was entitled Women of Wall Street: Representing and Regulating the Financial Industry. The annual conference, themed Latinas Lawyering Today and Leading for Tomorrow, took place at Rutgers Universitys Livingston Student Center. Panelists discussed hot topics in the financial and regulatory fields, including the state of the global economy post-2008 and during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. They also covered the impact of The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and corresponding regulation. Aguirre, a member of the Corporate Practice in New York, focuses her practice on private funds and alternative investments with an emphasis on derivatives and structured products and corresponding regulation. Additionally, she works throughout the United States, Europe, and Latin America, advising banks, endowments, clearing organizations, and other financial institutions. In 2022, Aguirre was recognized in Latin Lawyer 250, a guide to the leading business law firms of Latin America published by Latin Lawyer, for her work in the banking & finance space. A strong advocate in her community, she currently sits on the board of Minorities in Restructuring and Alternative Investments, the National Association of Securities Professionals (NY), and Angeles Investors. About Greenberg Traurigs Diversity Initiative: From its inception, Greenberg Traurig has been committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Greenberg Traurig is a uniquely empowering and diverse firm built on a foundation of fairness, equality, and authenticity. Through its Social, Racial, and Economic Justice Action Plan, the firm has committed $5 million over five years to help combat systemic racism and support impoverished communities. In addition, the firms efforts have been recognized through its Mansfield Rule 5.0 Certification Plus, administered by The Diversity Lab, and by local, national, and global publications and organizations including Chambers and Partners. Web: https://www.gtlaw.com/en/general/our-firm/diversity Twitter: @GT_Drives. About Greenberg Traurig's Latin America Practice: Greenberg Traurigs award-winning Latin America Practice draws on resources from our offices in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Miami, New York, Washington D.C., and elsewhere around the world, bringing together a multidisciplinary team of more than 120 lawyers to help clients identify and capitalize on business opportunities in Latin America, the Iberian Peninsula, and the Caribbean. As the only global law firm founded in Miami, Greenberg Traurig is inextricably linked to Latin America. Since its beginning, GT has represented many of the family enterprises that are today among Latin Americas largest companies. By addressing real-world problems for clients on a regular basis, our team has developed a breadth of experience that sets us apart. About Greenberg Traurig: Greenberg Traurig, LLP has more than 2650 attorneys in 44 locations in the United States, Europe and the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia. The firm is a 2022 BTI Highly Recommended Law Firm for superior client service and is consistently among the top firms on the Am Law Global 100 and NLJ 250. Greenberg Traurig is Mansfield Rule 5.0 Certified Plus by The Diversity Lab. The firm is recognized for powering its U.S. offices with 100% renewable energy as certified by the Center for Resource Solutions Green-e Energy program and is a member of the U.S. EPAs Green Power Partnership Program. The firm is known for its philanthropic giving, innovation, diversity, and pro bono. Web: http://www.gtlaw.com. Recent release I Vindicated SAVAK (published by Xlibris), from Dr. Rouzbeh Azarbarzin and translated by Armen Saginian, is a book that reveals the monstrosity that happened and is continuing to happen in the nation of Iran. In the mid-20th century, due to many political problems in Iran, Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi had his brilliant general Teymur Bakhtiyar create a semi-military police outfit to protect Iran against domestic and foreign enemies. It was called SAVAK, a secret organization tasked with maintaining national security and collecting information. Throughout their existence, they did a fantastic job. However, when the first Consortium agreement for 25 years was nearing its expiration date, Pahlavi needed more money to finance his domestic advancement programs. He declared that he will not sign the agreement, but this did not sit well with the Consortium. To topple the Shah, SAVAK had to be eliminated. All of Shahs enemies united with oil companies and planted the devil to do the job. They used the international media to make a demon out of SAVAK. They portrayed SAVAK as the most dreaded enemy of mankind. They fabricated lies and fed them to Iranians and the nations of the world. It worked. Over a million lives were lost. (I want to) let the world know that by moving the Shah, they opened Pandoras Box and let lose the diablos, the author states. It happened in our lifetime and was repeated in Afghanistan, and if we are not careful, it will happen here in the United States. To learn more about the book, visit https://www.xlibris.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/844683-i-vindicated-savak. I Vindicated SAVAK By Dr. Rouzbeh Azarbarzin, Translated by Armen Saginian Softcover | 6 x 9in | 592 pages | ISBN 9781669860402 E-Book | 592 pages | ISBN 9781669860396 Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble About the Author Dr. Rouzbeh Azarbarzin is the author of I Vindicated SAVAK which was translated to English by Armen Saginian. Saginian was born in Tabriz, Iran, on Feb. 2, 1933. He lost his mother at age 5, and his father abandoned him with his grandmother. He grew up in Tabriz and Tehran and was not influenced by any dogma. At age 11, he decided that Iran is not the place for him to live his life in, and he should get out. He earned his way to the United States and put himself through three colleges and universities and is a student in the fourth college. His educations were in mathematics, mechanical engineering, and business management. His present education is in philosophy and government. He became a professional aerospace and nuclear engineer. Saginian has also authored several books, including Mission For Mohammad and Islam (Books One and Two), Koranic Verses, My Afghanistan, Two Faces of Islam, and Thank you, America & Americans. Xlibris Publishing, an Author Solutions, LLC imprint, is a self-publishing services provider created in 1997 by authors, for authors. By focusing on the needs of creative writers and artists and adopting the latest print-on-demand publishing technology and strategies, we provide expert publishing services with direct and personal access to quality publication in hardcover, trade paperback, custom leather-bound and full-color formats. To date, Xlibris has helped to publish more than 60,000 titles. For more information, visit xlibris.com or call 844-714-8691 to receive a free publishing guide. Law Office of Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP For more information about the class action lawsuit against Caliber Holdings 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 Caliber Holdings L.L.C., alleging the company violated the California Labor Code. The lawsuit against Caliber Holdings L.L.C. is currently pending in the Merced County Superior Court, Case No. 23CV-00851. To read a copy of the Complaint, please click here. According to the class action complaint, the company's non-exempt employees were allegedly unable to take off-duty meal breaks due to their rigorous work schedules. California labor laws require an employer to provide an employee required to perform work for more than five (5) hours during a shift with, a thirty (30) minute uninterrupted meal break prior to the end of the employee's fifth (5th) hour of work and a second uninterrupted meal break when employees are required to work ten (10) hours. The Complaint claims that the company did not provide their employees who forfeited meal breaks additional compensation. The Complaint further claims Caliber Holdings L.L.C. failed to reimburse employees for required business expenses. California Labor Code 2802 expressly states that "an employer shall indemnify his or her employee for all necessary expenditures or losses incurred by the employee in direct consequence of the discharge of his or her duties..." During employment, Plaintiff and other California Class Members were allegedly required to use their personal cellular phones as a result of and in furtherance of their job duties. For more information about the class action lawsuit against Caliber Holdings 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. ***THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT*** Wealth isnt a requirement for an estate plan, and many are surprised to discover how much value their possessions are actually worth The Law Office of Mary Ann Tardiff recently announced new fixed fees for estate plans. The Atascadero-based attorney provides estate planning, wills, and trusts to Paso Robles, Atascadero and the California Central Coast. Fixed fees, along with making house calls, are part of Tardiffs common sense approach to her law practice. Practicing law for over 30 years, Tardiff emphasizes working with peoples daily lifestyles. People have lives that dont always fit into normal fee structures or even the 8-5 office structure, said Tardiff. Fixed fees are a down-to-earth way to help my clients take care of important estate planning. So is my house-call service. Im a person like everyone else, who just happens to be an attorney. Why do I need an estate plan? Im not rich, is the response from most people when the topic comes up. However, wealth isnt a requirement for an estate plan, and many are surprised to discover how much value their possessions are actually worth. Anyone who has assets that are worth more than $184,500 total needs a will and trust if living in Paso Robles or anywhere in California. In California, when someone dies, leaving an estate valued at more than $184,500 that is not included in a trust the California Probate Court distributes assets according to state law, regardless of someones wishes. Anyone who owns real estate in California has an estate worth more than $184,500, even if the only property is the old family home that was purchased in the 1960s. A will alone can be contested, drawing out legal proceedings for months or years, and there is no guarantee the decedents wishes will be honored. Since there is more to an estate plan than just deciding which relative gets which assets, its even more critical to set up an estate plan that includes a trust and a will. The trust makes sure that important matters are carried out according to the decedents wishes, including: Guardianships for minor children or dependent adults Beneficiaries of insurance policies Disposition of personal property, including the family home and any other real estate Care for pets Living will, or Advanced Health Care Directive (AHCD), which specifies health care in the event of serious or life-threatening injury and end-of-life wishes. One of the benefits of an estate plan is to legally avoid probate and make sure that assets are distributed according to ones wishes upon that persons death. Whether you are a young person starting out, a family, or a senior citizen, Mary Ann Tardiff can help you with an estate plan, will and trust in Paso Robles or anywhere on the Central Coast that is appropriate to your circumstances or make changes to an existing trust. Mary Ann Tardiff is an experienced attorney who can advise you on the most successful ways to achieve your estate planning goals. Through detailed analysis, Mary Ann can: Inventory all of your assets Assist with retitling of assets and preparing deeds and transferring those assets so they are properly held in your trust Establish guardianship for minor children, dependent adults who rely on your care and even beloved pets Assist with setting up college funds Make sure favorite philanthropic causes are included in your estate plan Draft a will Assist in preparing the AHCD Provide guidance for power of attorney related to wills, living wills and trusts Establish trusts and other legal entities beneficial to the estate Law Office of Mary Ann Tardiff 3540 El Camino Real Atascadero, CA 93422 (805) 451-6683 AltaPointe Health is an extensive mental health and family medical healthcare system in Alabama. We are thrilled to help train and mold the next generation of psychiatrists, Luke Engeriser, MD, AltaPointe Deputy Chief Medical Officer, and DOP Residency Training Director, said. The real-world experience these residents receive throughout our system is invaluable." AltaPointe Health, whose psychiatrists also serve as faculty and administration for the University of South Alabamas College of Medicine-Department of Psychiatry (DOP), is excited to welcome a new class of psychiatry residents announced on Match Day 2023. Celebrated on March 17 this year, Match Day is the moment graduating medical students learn if they have successfully secured a residency position, where they will continue their next medical training phase. The five PGY1 students who matched with USAs COM-DOP will now gain extensive experience in psychiatry throughout AltaPointe Healths comprehensive continuum of care that includes outpatient, residential, crisis, and inpatient programs for adults and children. We are thrilled to help train and mold the next generation of psychiatrists, Luke Engeriser, MD, AltaPointe Deputy Chief Medical Officer, and DOP Residency Training Director, said. The real-world experience these residents receive throughout our system is invaluable. From typical clinic-based settings to our childrens psychiatric hospital (BayPointe), as well as our adult psychiatric hospital (EastPointe), working with individuals living in our group homes, as well as our recent expansion of crisis services with the Behavioral Health Crisis Center the residents matched with AltaPointe get to see first-hand the full range of opportunities our field has to offer. AltaPointe psychiatrists enjoy and even have fun while treating their patients. Our residents get to see how intellectually challenging, fulfilling, and fun working with psychiatric patients can be, Sandra Parker, MD, Chief Medical Officer and chair of USA COM-Department of Psychiatry, said. This generation of young physicians is more concerned about helping others and having a good work-life balance than previous generations. That makes psychiatry a perfect choice for medical students when they match with us. The PGY1 class of 2023/2024 who matched with AltaPointe Health include Kevin Gallagher, Cody Miller, and Alina Teslenko from the Alabama School of Osteopathic Medicine, as well as Marcus Lackey from Florida State University College of Medicine, and Stephen Richardson from Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine. ABOUT ALTAPOINTE AltaPointe Health is an extensive mental health and family medical healthcare system in Alabama. Our clinicians provide more than 1.3 million hospital, outpatient, residential, and crisis services annually. AltaPointes access to care line answers 76,175 calls for help each year from the community. Renee Goodemote MD Medical Director of the Saratoga Hospital Community Health Center This conference has been the most influential factor in transforming my life and medical practice. It should be a medical school requirement. -- Janine Pardo MD, Board Certified Internist, Preventive & Lifestyle Medicine specialist, Chestnut Hill, MA Eight accomplished physicians join the faculty of The American Meditation Institute (AMI) to discuss how they successfully integrated the principles and tools of Yoga Science and Philosophy into their medical practices and home life, during the 12th annual Heart and Science of Yoga conference, October 17-21, 2023 at the Equinox Resort and Spa in Manchester, Vermont. This comprehensive training in Yoga Science as Holistic Mind/Body Medicine is accredited for 32 CMEs (34 for alumni) through the American Medical Association and, as a hybrid conference, it will be offered simultaneously in-person and virtually. A peer-reviewed clinical study of the AMI Meditation curriculum was recently published in the November 2022 issue of Lifestyle Medicine. The Study found that participants, all graduates of previous AMI physician conferences, reduced their Burnout levels 23.3%, reduced their Secondary Traumatic Stress levels 19.9%, and increased their Compassion Satisfaction levels 11.2%. According to Leonard Perlmutter, The Heart and Science of Yoga conference curriculum represents the oldest and most effective holistic mind/body medicine to relieve and prevent burnout, heal disease, manage addictive habits, alleviate stress and inflammation, and balance life-work responsibilities. Then he adds, This conference provides an engaging forum of lectures, panel discussions and personal stories so that physicians can support one another in combatting burnout and promoting resiliency. All these innovative strategies and tools will be shared with both In-Person and Virtual attendees. The dedication, enthusiasm, and teaching methodology of the entire AMI faculty create a dynamic and interactive course for their students. Each faculty member is committed to the advancement and training of Yoga Science as holistic mind/body medicine. In addition to AMI founder and curriculum developer Leonard Perlmutter other presenters include: Mark Pettus MD, board certified internist and nephrologist and Director of Medical Education and Population Health of Berkshire Health Systems; Kristin Kaelber MD, PhD, board certified in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics; Renee Rodriguez-Goodemote, MD, Medical Director of the Saratoga Hospital Community Health Center; Anthony Santilli MD, board certified in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine; Jesse Ritvo MD, Assistant Medical Director, Inpatient Psychiatry, University of Vermont Health Center; Joshua Zamer, MD, Medical Director for Addiction Medicine at Saratoga Hospital Community Health Center and Chairman of the Department of Family Practice; Jenness Cortez Perlmutter, co-founder and faculty member of The American Meditation Institute; Anita Burock-Stotts, MD, board certified in Internal Medicine; Janine Pardo MD, board certified in Internal Medicine, and Gustavo Grodnitzky PhD, Chair of the AMI Psychological Education Committee. Conference speaker Renee Goodemote, MD currently serves as Medical Director at the Saratoga Hospital Community Health Center, and is Co-chair of the AMI Department of Medical Education. In sharing her own personal experience with Yoga Science and AMI MEDITATION, Dr. Goodemote notes, The curriculum of this conference should be a part of all medical education. It can help providers move through the stresses of patient care on a day-to-day basis by turning inward to understand how creative we can be when we just allow the mind to rest and meet its capacity. About the American Meditation Institute The American Meditation Institute is a 501(c)3 non-profit educational organization devoted to the teaching and practice of Yoga Science, AMI Meditation and its allied disciplines as Mind/Body medicine. In its holistic approach to wellness, AMI combines the healing arts of the East with the practicality of modern Western science. The American Meditation Institute offers a wide variety of online courses and webinars, and also publishes Transformation a bi-monthly Journal of Yoga Science as Holistic Mind/Body Medicine. Call (518) 674-8714 for a mail or email subscription. Leonard Perlmutter is available for interviews. Media Contact: Robert Washington 60 Garner Road Averill Park, NY 12018 Tel: 518-674-8714 Fax: 518-674-8714 By launching our freeze-dried salsas into additional Kroger stores, we can now offer our authentic Mexican salsas to consumers who crave fresh ingredients but desire a longer shelf life. Salsa Queen, makers of fresh, gourmet Mexican salsas and dips, recently received the largest freeze-dried salsa order on record, which will go into 300 Kroger locations in the Western United States, making Salsa Queen the largest freeze-dried salsa producer in the world. Consumers will soon be able to purchase preservative-free, freeze-dried salsas from their favorite Fred Meyer stores in Oregon, Idaho, Alaska and Hawaii, along with QFC (Quality Food Center) locations in Washington and Ralphs in California. With this order, the following freeze-dried flavors will be available in time for Cinco de Mayo (May 5): Zesty Cantina. Roasted Tomatillo. Red Chili. Mango Pineapple. By launching our freeze-dried salsas into additional Kroger stores, we can now offer our authentic Mexican salsas to consumers who crave fresh ingredients but desire a longer shelf life. Plus, these are ideal for camping, hiking and travel, so the timing is perfect with the upcoming summer season, said Jim Birch, Salsa Queens general manager. Our distribution partner, UNFI, was key in introducing these unique and amazing products to these Kroger chains. Were very grateful for our relationship with Kroger and the continued support they provide. Well also be announcing additional retail partners launching before Cinco, so this is just the tip of the iceberg. "The Kroger team at UNFI is excited to be the first in the market in providing this innovative and disruptive salsa, said Karen Moss, UNFI sales manager for Kroger. It is a great, versatile item; and piloting this segment of this brand during the Cinco De Mayo holiday and start of summer season is ideal. This product is great for parties, travel, camping, gifts and much more. Moss went on to say, It can be merchandised in many areas of the store. Working with the Salsa Queen team is always a pleasure. They are great partners. Their dedication to ensure success is in the forefront of all they do. Freeze-dried salsa allows for additional product placement beyond the traditional refrigerated section of the store. Additional merchandise selling points can now include the camping section, the Hispanic aisle and in the chip section. With this partnership, Salsa Queen brings its total locations offering salsa and dips to 1,300 stores across the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, as well as a growing number of international stores, with the farthest being in Finland. As Salsa Queen continues to expand into additional markets, more and more consumers are being introduced to the Salsa Queen gourmet product lineup. To find your nearest store carrying Salsa Queens freeze-dried salsas, visit the Salsa Queen store locator. To learn more about Salsa Queen or to order dips and salsas for your own store, please contact Jim Birch at jim@salsaqueen.com or 801-307-8336. About Salsa Queen Salsa Queen was started by a single mother to provide for her seven children. Salsas were initially made in their home kitchen, with all of the children helping to prep, fill and package. Since that humble beginning, Salsa Queen has grown rapidly and is now in nearly 1,300 stores across 30 states. All Salsa Queen salsas are preservative-free and bursting with big, bold and authentic flavors. The company is certified 100% woman- and minority-owned. For more information, visit salsaqueen.com. Car buyers in Raleigh, North Carolina, can now find affordable, high-quality pre-owned vehicles at Auction Direct USA. The dealership has recently expanded its inventory to include a wide selection of used cars priced under $5,000, providing customers on a budget with a fantastic opportunity to purchase a reliable vehicle without breaking the bank. Auction Direct USA is known for offering high-quality vehicles at competitive prices. The dealership carries a diverse range of makes and models, ensuring buyers have plenty of options. With the addition of used cars priced under $5,000, customers can find a reliable vehicle that fits their budget. All used cars at Auction Direct USA undergo a thorough inspection before being put up for sale, ensuring that they are in excellent working condition. Buyers can browse the selection of used cars under $5,000 online or visit the dealership to see the vehicles in person. Additionally, the dealership offers financing options to make the purchase even more affordable. The dealership is committed to providing exceptional customer service and making the car-buying process simple and stress-free. Their knowledgeable staff can always answer questions and guide customers. Individuals are advised to explore the official website at https://www.auctiondirectusa.com/ or contact the dealership at 844-678-8048. Alternatively, they can visit 7601 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27612. "The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank sent mortgage rates back down...will consumers continue to celebrate the downward move in mortgage rates, or will broader economic concerns push them back to the sidelines?" Ali Wolf Today, the experts at Zonda, the housing industrys foremost advisors, released the New Home Market Update report for February 2023. The spring selling season started with a bang. Many consumers on the sidelines have been enticed back to the market by deals provided by homebuilders. Others have come to terms with the state of the market and the idea that 3% mortgage rates are a thing of the past. Zondas new home sales metric captures this, with activity up 2.2% month-over-month in February following a strong January. Some of the hardest hit markets in the western U.S. are showing notable improvements, while sales in the east range from stable to strong. Housing demand showed real-time sensitivity to mortgage rates as they rose throughout February, with many builders reporting stronger demand in the former part of the month compared to the latter, said Ali Wolf, chief economist for Zonda. The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank sent mortgage rates back down, though, as investors piled money into government bonds. The new question is will consumers continue to celebrate the downward move in mortgage rates, or will broader economic concerns push them back to the sidelines? Sales activity continued upward trend in February Zonda's new home sales metric counts the number of new home contract sales each month and accounts for both cancellations and seasonality. This metric shows there were 626,627 new homes sold in February on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate. This was a gain of 2.2% from last month and a drop of 18.3% from a year ago. On a non-seasonally adjusted basis, 52,698 homes were sold, 18.6% lower than last year and 9.3% above the same month in 2019. A strong start to the spring selling season Total sales volume is influenced by both supply and demand. Zonda's New Home Pending Sales Index (PSI) was created to help account for fluctuations in supply by combining both total sales volume with the average sales rate per month per community. The February PSI came in at 117.7, representing a 24.9% decline from the same month last year but up 4.6% compared to last month. The index is currently 32.4% below cycle highs. The only market that grew relative to last year was Charlotte (+6.9%). The metros that performed the worst year-over-year were San Francisco (-51.0%), Salt Lake City (-45.7%), and Sacramento (-41.3%). On a monthly basis, some of the markets that were hit the hardest the earliest last year, Denver, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City, were the best performing in February. Denver increased 38.5% relative to last month. Home prices are up YOY but at a decelerated pace National home prices increased year-over-year across entry-level, move-up, and high-end homes. Prices rose 7.0% for entry-level to $336,364, 7.1% for move-up to $527,226, and 7.8% for high-end homes to $909,644. Supplementing our data with a monthly survey Zonda conducts, the majority of builders reported holding their prices flat month-over-month from January to February. Roughly 22% of builders lowered prices and 22% increased them. Incentives are still common in todays housing market given the lower levels of sales. 57.8% of active projects are offering to-be-built incentives, up slightly from last month. The average incentive dollar amount is $13,258 or 2.6% of the list price. Total community count has yet to find bottom There are currently 13,559 actively selling communities tracked by Zonda, down 4.1% from last year. On a month-over-month basis, the national figure slipped 2.0%. Total community count is 29.3% below the same month in 2019. Zonda defines a community as anywhere where five or more units are for sale. Riverside/San Bernardino (+19.7%), Phoenix (+10.4%), and Los Angeles/OC (+10.0%) grew community count the most year-over-year. Relative to last year, the biggest community count declines were seen in Baltimore (-20.9%), New York (-18.8%), and Atlanta (-16.9%). Community count in none of our select markets rose month-over-month, 4% were flat, and 96% fell. National quick move-ins (QMIs) totaled 27,752, up 225.6% compared to last year but 13.9% lower month-over-month. Total QMIs are 40.4% above 2019 levels. QMIs are homes that can likely be occupied within 90 days. In many cases, builders have been willing and able to offer more aggressive price cuts and/or incentives to help sell QMIs over the past few months, and the month-over-month drop captures the effectiveness. Further, QMIs have been preferred by some consumers looking to move now as inventory on the resale market remains constrained. Zondas survey of builders in February found that nearly 60% were either somewhat comfortable or comfortable with their QMI levels, while the balance were somewhat uncomfortable or uncomfortable. On a metro basis, all of Zonda's select markets increased QMI count year-over-year. The markets posting the biggest gains year-over-year were Phoenix, Tampa, and Raleigh. All three markets have seen QMIs rise 600%+ YOY. While the percent is high, its important to understand where the QMIs are within the market and at what price point. Matching the national trend, month-over-month QMIs were 4% lower in Phoenix, 24% in Tampa, and 21% in Raleigh. Jacksonville, Phoenix, and Sacramento have seen the most growth in QMIs compared to the same time in 2019, up 363.3%, 203.3%, and 169.8%, respectively. Methodology The Zonda New Home Pending Sales Index (PSI) is built on proprietary, industry-leading data that covers 60% of the production new home market across the United States. Reported number of new home pending contracts are gathered and analyzed each month. Released on the 15th business day of each month, the New Home PSI is a leading indicator of housing demand compared to closings because it is based on the number of signed contracts at a new home community. Zonda monitors 18,000 active communities in the country and the homes tracked can be in any stage of construction. The new home market represents roughly 10% of all transactions, allowing little movements in supply to cause outsized swings in market activity. As a result, the New Home PSI blends the cumulative sales of activity recently sold out projects with the average sales rate per community, which adjusts for fluctuations in supply. Furthermore, the New Home PSI is seasonally adjusted based on each markets specific seasonality, removes outliers, and uses June 2016 as the base month. The foundation of the index is a monthly survey conducted by Zonda. It is necessary to monitor both new and existing home sales to establish an accurate picture of the relative health of the residential real estate market. 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid is Now Available at Meridian Honda Meridian Honda is proud to announce that the 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid is now available for purchase at their dealership. To make owning a new Accord Hybrid more affordable, Meridian Honda is offering financing at an incredibly low rate of 3.9% APR. The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid is the perfect car for those who are looking for a stylish, reliable, and fuel-efficient vehicle. It features a sleek exterior design and a spacious interior packed with advanced technology and safety features that are sure to turn heads. One of the standout features of the 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid is its fuel efficiency. It has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of up to 48 mpg city and 48 mpg highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient cars on the market today. This means that customers can save money on gas while also reducing their carbon footprint. In addition to the financing, Meridian Honda is also offering a range of other deals and incentives for customers who purchase a 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid. These include cashback offers, trade-in deals and special lease offers. To schedule a 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid test drive online, customers can browse the dealerships website or contact the sales team by phone at 601-693-4651. Those interested in learning more about the 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid or taking advantage of the financing offer are encouraged to visit Meridian Honda at 503 Front Street Ext. Meridian, MS 39301. UMHS Class of 2023 graduate Dr. Zachary Vandeveer on Match Day "Congratulations to this years graduates on the best Match Day in our schools history.The quality of programs our students matched into is vast and impressive. We wish them all the best as they continue their journey to becoming highly skilled and compassionate physicians. The University of Medicine and Health Sciences, (UMHS), a small, mission-driven medical school with a commitment to student support and a legacy of successful residency placements in the United States and Canada, celebrated the culmination of four years of medical school with one of the most successful Match Days in the schools history. Graduating students secured residencies spanning 11 medical specialties across 24 states and territories, including multiple matches in California, Texas, Michigan, and Puerto Rico, and the schools first matches in Oregon and New Hampshire. In a message to students, UMHS President Warren Ross celebrated the 2023 Match Results, noting that students secured residencies in highly coveted programs at top-notch teaching hospitals. UMHS students entering this years Match earned residency positions in primary care specialties spanning internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, and surgery, as well as specialized programs including emergency medicine, pathology, anesthesiology, neurology, and diagnostic radiology. Congratulations to this years graduates on the best Match Day in our schools history, said Ross. The quality of programs our students matched into is vast and impressive, including our first residency at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, the Mayo Clinic in Florida, Tulane University, and Albert Einstein in Pennsylvania! Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance have paid off. Congratulations! Many of the students from UMHS have followed a non-traditional path on their journey to becoming a doctor and have overcome significant obstacles on their way to becoming practicing physicians. This years graduates faced additional hurdles since the Covid-19 pandemic erupted while many students were studying basic science on the UMHS campus on the island of St. Kitts. While the world went into isolation, the students continued their studies remotely, completed clinical rotations during multiple Covid surges, and persevered through challenging circumstances. The wide breadth of UMHS students achievements in acquiring residencies in unusually challenging times demonstrates the grit, determination, and medical aptitude of this graduating class, said Ross. We wish them all the best as they continue their journey to becoming highly skilled and compassionate physicians. To learn more about the UMHS Class of 2023 Match Day and to see the complete 2023 Match results please visit https://www.umhs-sk.org/match-day-2023. UMHS will also share Class of 2023 interviews on its blog, The UMHS Endeavour, and the UMHS YouTube channel. For additional updates with graduates sharing Match stories follow UMHS on Instagram and TikTok. About UMHS The University of Medicine and Health Sciences (UMHS), is a small, mission-driven medical school with a commitment to student support and a legacy of successful residency placements in the United States and Canada. UMHS was founded in 2007 by medical education pioneers Warren and Robert Ross to deliver a highly personalized school experience. Graduates of UMHS earn a Doctor of Medicine degree (MD) and qualify to practice medicine throughout the United States and Canada. Students begin their Basic Science studies in St. Kitts, West Indies, and complete their clinical training in the United States. With an unprecedented 96% student retention rate, the vast majority of students that begin their medical studies at UMHS go on to obtain residencies. For more information, visit https://www.umhs-sk.org/. PTI Fact Check: IEP wrongly mentions CPI instead of CPI (Maoist) in its Global Terrorism Index report; Incorrect reports screenshot shared on social media New Delhi, Mar 21 (Abhinav Gupta / Pratyush Ranjan PTI Fact Check): A screenshot of the worlds 20 deadliest terror groups of 2022 was shared on social media in which the Communist Party of India (CPI) was placed the twelfth position. The Institute of Economics and Peace released the report on March 16, headquartered in Sydney. In its investigation, the PTI Fact Check Desk found that the name of the CPI was mistakenly mentioned in the report instead of CPI (Maoist). The information with the correct name was later updated on the official website of IEP. The claim shared in the social media posts was misleading. Claim A Facebook user shared a photo which showed the Communist Party of India ranked 12th in the list of the worlds 20 deadliest terror groups. The user claimed that the CPI was mentioned in the Global Terrorism Index released by the Institute of Economics and Peace. Institute for Economics and Peace, in its latest Global Terrorism Index, lists the 20 deadliest terror groups of 2022. At 12, is the Communist Party of India, read the post shared on Mar 17. Here is the link and archive link to the post, and below is a screenshot of the same: Investigation The Desk started the investigation with a Google Reverse Image Search on the photo and found a couple of Twitter posts carrying the same picture with similar claims. The tweets can be seen here and here, and the archived posts can be viewed here and here, respectively. The Desk then conducted a customised Google search with the keyword worlds 20 deadliest terror groups 2022. The search results led us to a report by Hindustan Times on March 16. Here is the link to the report titled India among worst-hit but terror not a top concern to daily safety, and below is a screenshot of the same: The report listed the Communist Party of India (Maoist) as the 12th deadliest terror group in 2022, ahead of al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (13th) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (16th). The Maoists were responsible for 39 deaths and 30 injuries in 61 attacks last year, the report stated. Taking a cue, the Desk conducted another customised Google search with the keyword Global Terror Index Report 2023, IEP. The search results led to the official website of the Institute of Economics and Peace, where we found the said report. Here is the link to the PDF report, and below is a screenshot of the same: The Desk reviewed the 95-page PDF report titled Global Terrorism Index 2023 and found a similar list on the 13th page. 20 deadliest terror groups of 2022, read the listicle title, which mentioned CPI (Maoist) in the twelfth spot. Below is a comparison of the two lists the one shared in social media posts and the other presented on the official report on the IEP website. Notably, the CPI (Maoist) and all its affiliated organisations have been included in the list of banned terrorist organisations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967. During its investigation, the Desk also found a report by Premium Times a Nigerian media organisation which hyperlinked a similar PDF report as there on the official website of the IEP. Here is the link to the report and the PDF file. The Desk clicked on the hyperlink, which led to the report mentioning the Communist Party of India on the list of 20 deadliest terror groups of 2022. Below is a screenshot of the same: The Desk also found a report by Times of India, dated Mar 18, which quoted a representative of IEP stating that the CPI (Maoist) was mistakenly labelled as CPI in the report, which was later rectified. Here is the link to the report titled CPI in terror group list: IEP corrects report, uploads revised list. Below is a screenshot of the same: The report utilised Dragonflys Terrorism Tracker data and incorporated the terminology used in their database, which mislabelled the Communist Party of India as it did not include the correct (Maoist) addition. As soon as we were made aware, we immediately corrected the report to reflect the title of the Communist Party of India (Maoist), read a part of the report. Our data refers to a group called Communist Party of India Maoist. This is not the same entity as the Communist Party of India, which, as you note, is a legitimate political party and not a terrorist organisation. The confusion may have arisen by an omission or overlooking of the important Maoist part of the name in material somewhere along the line, Dragonfly told the TOI. In the next part of investigation, the Desk contacted the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), which acknowledged the error regarding the mislabelling of the party's name in the list. "The report utilises Dragonfly's Terrorism Tracker data, and incorporated the terminology used in their database which mislabelled the Communist Party of India as it did not include the correct (Maoist) addition. As soon as we were made aware, we took immediate action and corrected the report to accurately reflect the title of Communist Party of India (Maoist)," the IEP said in its response on the e-mail to PTI. It also shared with us the updated list, which can be viewed here. Subsequently, the Desk concluded that the IEP erroneously mentioned the Community Party of Indias name instead of CPI (Maoist) in its list of 20 deadliest terror groups of 2022, which was part of its Global Terrorism Index report. The organisation, in its updated information, rectified the error. Claim The Institute of Economics and Peace mentioned the Communist Party of India (CPI) as the twelfth rank in its list of 20 deadliest terror groups 2022. Fact The IEP mistakenly mentioned CPI instead of CPI (Maoist) in the latest Global Terror Index report. It, however, acknowledged the error and later released the rectified report with the correct name. Conclusion Several social media users shared a listicle mentioning the Communist Party of India (CPI) among the deadliest terror groups of 2022 in the latest Global Terror Index report issued by the Institute of Economics and Peace. The Desk found in its investigation that the IEP had erroneously mentioned CPI instead of CPI (Maoist) a banned organisation in its report. It later released updated information with the correct name. You can contact PTI Fact Check on WhatsApp Number +91-8130503759 and share any claim or social media post you think is essential to fact-check and want us to verify. After nearly three years of legal wrangling, the Internet Archives scanning and lending program finally got its day in court on Monday, March 20. And if Judge John G. Koeltls questions are any indication, the Internet Archive is facing an uphill battle. Over the course of a 90-minute hearing on the parties cross motions for summary judgment, Koeltl appeared skeptical that there was sufficient basis in law to support the Internet Archives scanning and lending of print library books under a legally untested protocol known as controlled digital lending, and unconvinced that the case is fundamentally about the future of library lending, as Internet Archive attorneys have argued. To say that this case is about the ability of a library to lend a book that it owns ignores whether the library has a right to copy wholesale the book, Koeltl offered at one point during an extended exchange with IA attorney Joseph Gratz. Does a library have the right to lend a book that it owns? Of course, the judge conceded. But the question at the heart of this case, he added, is "whether a library has the right to make a digital copy of a book that it owns and then lend that digital copy, which it has made without a license and without permission to patrons. To formulate the issue in this case as simply does the library have a right to lend a book that it owns belies the issue in the case, Koeltl said. The contentious copyright infringement suit was first filed on June 1, 2020, organized by the Association of American Publishers on behalf of four publisher plaintiffs (Hachette, HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, and Wiley). In its motion for summary judgment, lawyers for the publishers argue that the Internet Archive is guilty of illegally digitizing tens of thousands of in-copyright print books and making them available to readers worldwide. No case has held or even suggested that IAs conduct is a lawful fair use, the publishers argued. In its motion for summary judgment, the Internet Archive counters that its efforts to scan legally acquired physical books and lend the scanned editions in lieu of the print under conditions that mimic physical lending is protected by fair use. "The Internet Archive and the hundreds of libraries and archives that support it are not pirates or thieves. They are librarians, striving to serve their patrons online just as they have done for centuries in the brick-and-mortar world," the IA brief states. "Copyright law does not stand in the way of a librarys right to lend its books to its patrons, one at a time." Opening the days hearing, Elizabeth McNamara, arguing for the publishers, reiterated the plaintiffs position that the Internet Archives scanning and lending program has no basis in law. In short, CDL is built on a fallacy, McNamara told the court. No laws support this mass duplication and digitization of millions of books to distribute the entire world for the identical purpose that they were originally published, to be read. And for good reasonif this conduct was sanctioned, it would destroy the rights and controls of copyright holders. Disputing the defendants contention that there is no evidence of any net loss to the publishers from the IA's program, McNamara argued that the existence of a thriving licensed access library e-book market, and potential lost license fees, was sufficient to show harm. Because you dont like the price or you don't like the terms the answer to that is not that you steal," McNamara told the court. "That is basically the IAs answer, that we don't like that market, we don't want to pay it, it's not in our interest to pay it and so we're entitled to just duplicate your work without authorization and distribute it to the world. Well, that isn't the way the law works and its not the way we work in markets. To say that this case is about the ability of a library to lend a book that it owns ignores whether the library has a right to copy wholesale the book. Arguing for the Internet Archive, Gratz maintained that the scanning and lending of library books under CDL rules is a lawful extension of the librarys traditional mission and that the IAs creation of digital copies is transformative because the digital copy at issue is merely incidental to the loaning of a lawfully acquired corresponding physical book. Lending books by more efficient technological means does not offend the purposes of copyright," Gratz argued. "Instead, it more effectively furthers those aims. Gratz also argued that there is "no evidence of harm such that taking away CDL from a library will harm those libraries and their patrons with no countervailing economic benefits to the publishers, maintaining that the publishers did not lose "one dime" to the IA's scanning and lending program. But Koeltl peppered Gratz with questions throughout the hearing, appearing deeply skeptical that the Internet Archives fair use case was properly supported by case law, and unconvinced that the publishers market for library e-books was not impacted by libraries choosing to scan print books under CDL protocols. A library whether they hold a physical copy or not, has the ability to license an e-book from a publisher. Rather than pay that licensing fee to the publisher some libraries choose to make their own copy and to lend that copy. Why isn't it self-evident that that deprives the publisher of the fees that the publisher could otherwise obtain from licensing an e-book to that library? Koeltl asked. It is because with respect to the copies at issue in the CDL situation the question is not between OverDrive and nothing. The question is between physically lending a book to a particular patron, for which no payment would be due to a publisher, or digitally lending that book to the patron, Gratz replied, adding that to find harm there would need to be a reason to think that the publishers were worse off than the situation in which in which the fair use did not occur at all. In fact, library e-book lending has grown throughout the existence of the IA's scanning program, and actually surged during the height of the pandemic. Koeltl sounded largely unmoved, however. And in her closing rebuttal, McNamara reiterated the publishers' claim that "if CDL were given a green light" it would have a "a significant impact" not only on the library e-book market but on the consumer e-book market as well. "Because the basic economic principle and common sense is you cannot compete with free," McNamara said. At the end of the hearing, Koeltl declined to rule from the bench, and gave no timeline for his decision. If the court denies both motions for summary judgment, the case will head to trial. But lawyers told PW that with few fact disputes in the case it is expected that Koeltl will likely decide the case at least in part at this stage. PW's previous coverage of the case can be found here. Author Sim Kern kicked off a readathon on social media on March 20 to support trans rights. Running through March 27, the #TransRightsReadathon will spotlight books by trans authors to raise money for trans rights organizations. As of this writing, more than 2,100 participants have signed up using TikTok and Instagram to broadcast their reading. Some participants are also joining via Mastodon, Twitch, Twitter, and YouTube. Many participants are content creators, and Kern noted that some of BookToks most popular creators, including Starry Steph and Ezeekat, were some of the first participants to sign up, which was a big part of why this campaign blew up so quickly. Kern said they are excited to start seeing libraries and booksellers get into the action as well. Kern, who is the author of three novels, launched the readathon in direct response to recent legislative efforts that are proliferating across the country. I was feeling so much despair about the barrage of anti-trans bills being proposed across the U.S., they said. I think so many people, myself included, felt defeated and overwhelmed and not sure what to do. Then two experiences galvanized Kern into action. First, at a counterprotest at a Ron DeSantis rally in Houston, some of the organizers Kern was with decided to silently read books now banned in Florida outside the convention center that housed the rally. Conspicuous reading, Kern decided, felt like its own niche form of protest, and I wanted to do more of it. Later, Kern learned about a fundraiser, launched by the content creator Mercury Stardust, to donate $1 million to the organization Point of Pride. They were inspired. The pieces came together for me, they said. I wanted to organize my communitywhich is book people and publishing people onlinein the same way Mercury was. When they first proposed the idea on TikTok, the response was immediate and overwhelming. Kern described the fundraiser as decentralized, meaning that participants will set up their own individual fundraiser to support the organization of their choice. For participants who are unsure which organization to fundraise for, Kern recommends the Transgender Law Centers Trans Health Legal Fund. Kern said that TikTok is their favorite social media platform, and that theyve amassed a sizeable following by posting book-related content, but they dont know if their influence on the app has translated into sales. I have three books out with small presses, they said, and Ive sold maybe a handful of them through TikTok. While some indie authors have found overnight success by having their books going viral, Kern finds it difficult to compete with publishers who can distribute large runs of print advance reading copies to BookToks most powerful influencers. Still, Kern is a fan of whatever democratizing influence TikTok can exert. The #TransRightsReadathon is one such example of that democratizing effect. Want to get involved? Kern laid out how in four steps. First, sign up . Then, on social media, share that youre participating in the #TransRightsReadathon, along with which organization youll be supporting. Optionally, you can set up a fundraiser for your followers to donate to, or have them pledge their donations in the comments. You can even set your own fundraising goal (Kern thinks $100 is a good place to start). Finally, start reading! Kern encourages participants to read as many books by trans authors as you can, and post content about what youre reading using the hashtag. Kern is optimistic about the readathons fundraising potential. I think we can raise $100,000 for sure, they said. Though if this campaign keeps growing as steadily as it has been, I think we might blow that goal out of the water. WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. Virginia Bolshakova directs the Indiana Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP), which received $24.5 million in U.S. Department of Education funding in 2016. The program starts with cohorts of seventh graders and sees them through the first year of college or education beyond high school. Indiana GEAR UPs two main goals are to increase the number of students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education and to conduct research to better understand student STEM learning, persistence and entry into college and careers Currently the first cohort, the Class of 2022, is in its first year of postsecondary education, and the second cohort, the Class of 2023, is preparing to graduate from high school and begin college in the fall of 2023. Now in its seventh year, Indiana GEAR UP is led by a collaborative team of staff from the Purdue Universitys College of Education and the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. The program is working with students in nine partner school corporations and associated schools in Indiana and is part of the USDOE GEAR UP program. More information can be read on the Purdue University College of Education website. Media Contact: Brian Huchel, bhuchel@purdue.edu WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. A partnership with Purdue Global will offer first-rate educational opportunities with tuition reduction to Redington-Fairview General Hospital (Skowhegan, Maine) staff and their family members. Purdue Global is committed to helping our health care partners like Redington-Fairview General Hospital encourage educational and professional growth in their staff, said Melissa Burdi, Purdue Global vice president and dean of the School of Nursing. As an excellent health care setting for central Maine, we know the importance of online college programs for staff and family members, and we are committed to offering excellent academic education to Redington-Fairview. The Purdue Global School of Nursing offers an associate degree program, RN-BSN, six Master of Science in Nursing specialties, and Doctor of Nursing programs. Additional Purdue Global offerings include business, criminal justice, human services and psychology, among others. The partnership does not include Concord Law School, aviation or ExcelTrack programs. Redington-Fairview General Hospital staff and immediate family members (spouse, domestic partner, children, siblings and parents) will be afforded 20% tuition reduction for undergraduate programs, 14% tuition reduction for graduate programs and 10% tuition reduction for doctoral programs. At Redington-Fairview General Hospital we are excited to begin the partnership with Purdue Global, said Bethany Shalit, director of education. We pride ourselves on providing additional growth opportunities for our staff, and this relationship enhances our ability to do so. Writer/Media contact: Matthew Oates, 765-496-6160, oatesw@purdue.edu; @mo_oates Redington-Fairview General Hospital media contact: Bethany Shalit, 207-858-2402 Sources: Melissa Burdi, Bethany Shalit In just over two years, the company has signed eight different original formats dedicated to food, conceived, and produced directly by the Casta Diva creative team for Warner Bros. Discovery . The programming encompasses travel, challenges, environment and sustainability and green foods.Six-part Casa Carrara - Dolci in famiglia, (Carrara House Desserts with the Family - pictured), sees pastry chef Damiano Carrara opening the doors of his workshop and his home to viewers, showing his business and familys life. In each episode he makes new recipes and introduces new secrets. Also six episodes long, The Green Table features actor Vittorio Vaccaro discovering the most environmentally friendly agriculture farm in the north of Italy and prepares green dishes with the local products."The work of our division dedicated to TV productions is proceeding successfully with both satisfaction from the broadcasters and viewers, commented Fabio Nesi and Massimo Righini, CEO and chief creative officer at Casta Diva.Last year we reorganised the team with the entry, among others, of Francesco Gorgoni as head of creative team precisely to increase the production of original television formats, our real strong point, and within a few months we were able to conceive and produce new, fresh and original programmes. We are also continuing our relations with foreign production companies as this an additional stimulus to continue along this path and a confirmation of the quality of our offer.Other cooking shows produced by Casta Diva include Tarabaralla - Finche c'e dolce c'e Speranza (As long as there is a dessert there is hope); Ci vediamo al bar Sapori di Sicilia in sfida (See you at the Cafe Tastes of Sicily face off) a cooking competition among the best caffes in Sicily; two seasons of factual cookery C'e ciccia hosted by butcher Luca Terni, which will see its third season in 2023; Scarpetta d'Italia and Pazzi di Pizza ready for a second series; Lo stadio dei golosi, which will start in spring. Porterville, CA (93257) Today Mostly cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy this afternoon. High 73F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy. Low 44F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. On Feb. 14, The Red & Black published a story outlining UGAs history of failed attempts to introduce bike share programs as a viable source of transportation around campus, and cited student opinions on the most recent collaboration with Spin, a micro-mobility company that offers electric pedal-assist bikes. John Lankford, senior director of partnerships and policy with Spin, reached out to The Red & Black to discuss improvements to the program, and how Spin could better aid in its mission to provide efficient and environmentally friendly campus transportation. Just before the year 2000, Laura Carter and Andrew Rieger, members of the popular Athens based band, Elf Power, found a 1960s album by Elyse Weinberg in a thrift store bin. The pair had no idea that the find would lead to the start of their own record label, Orange Twin Records. The label has put out close to 60 albums over the past 20 years. While some dining halls like Bolton provide QR codes for some dishes, I propose that the nutrients and contents of all the meals served in any of the dining halls be provided to students by any means necessary, out of safety and convenience for the students. The Red & Black asked students about their personal dining hall experiences and whether they think displaying nutritional content information in dining halls is viable and effective. 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. ?? Hagamos conciencia por un trato digno! ? Al promover la igualdad de oportunidades y el desarrollo de las personas, lograremos que sean parte de una sociedad inclusiva, donde prime la justicia, empatia, humanidad y respeto sin distincion. #DiaMundialDelSindromeDeDown ??? pic.twitter.com/9YQCwqmpmz In this June 1, 2021 photo, a man holding a child pose for a photo in front of a large mural depicting Chinese President Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders at a public square at the base of the Potala Palace in Lhasa in western China's Tibet Autonomous Region. The ruling Chinese Communist Party looks set to embark on a Mao-style political campaign to tease out opposition to Xi Jinping and his personal brand of ideology, calling for nationwide opinion-gathering with a view to "rectification," analysts said on Monday. The Central Committee's general office, which runs the party on a day-to-day basis, called on party members in all regions and departments to mobilize as part of a nationwide drive to "rectify" the party's work, a phrase also used by late supreme leader Mao Zedong in the 1940s and 1950s to launch a series of purges within party ranks. Mao used "rectification" campaigns starting when the Communist Party was still fighting a civil war against the Kuomintang government of Chiang Kai-shek from its base in Yanan to correct "deviations" in party ideology. Under Xi, the move will likely herald a mass intelligence-gathering drive followed by purges of members unwise enough to voice discontent with the current political line, according to political commentators. "We must adhere to the party's mass line, come from the masses, go to the masses, enhance the relationship with the masses, sincerely listen to the voices of the masses, truly reflect the wishes of the masses, genuinely care about the sufferings of the masses, and consciously learn from the masses," the general office said in a directive published in the People's Daily newspaper on March 20. "We must persevere in overcoming difficulties, carry forward the spirit of struggle, strengthen our ability to fight and bravely venture into dangerous territory," it said. Privileged attitudes targeted According to the document, one focus of the campaign will be to "ensure the security of food, energy, the industrial supply chain, production [and] the supply of [pharmaceuticals]." Another will be "guiding news and public opinion [and] the comprehensive governance of the internet." "Bureaucratic thinking, privileged attitudes and behavior," will also be targeted, the directive said. "It will be necessary to go deep into grassroots units like rural areas, residential communities, enterprises, hospitals, schools, new economic organizations, and new social organizations ... to find gaps in our work," it said. In this Oct. 12, 2022 photo, Chinese President Xi Jinping is seen on screen and poster at an exhibition highlighting China's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic at the Museum of the Community Party of China in Beijing. (Ng Han Guan/AP) A current affairs commentator who gave only the surname Song for fear of political reprisals said the call to hear opinions and carry out research among "the masses," sounded much like the rhetoric put out under Mao in the late 1950s, which was used to identify people who disagreed with the party line, so they could be purged in "the spirit of struggle," now a buzzword under Xi. "Just like Mao Zedong tempted the snake out of the hole in 1957, they want dissenting voices to speak out through normal channels, so they can figure out who is unhappy with current policies," Song said. "Several leaders including [party ideologue] Wang Huning have emphasized the need for 'struggle' in recent speeches to the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference," he said. Everything is from top down Song said there is an extreme version of top-down governance now in place in China, following institutional reforms that have concentrated the day-to-day running of scientific and technological research, financial markets and data centers in the hands of the most powerful officials in China under the control of Xi. "Everything is governed by a single person -- everything is from the top down," Song said. "I don't think this will do China's economy or political environment any good at all." Current affairs commentator Chen Pokong said Xi has emerged victorious with a third and indefinite term in office following the 20th party congress last October and the National People's Congress annual session earlier this month. "The Xi faction seized power in a comprehensive way, establishing the dominance of a single faction, and the dictatorship of a single person," Chen wrote in a recent commentary for RFA Mandarin. "[They] broke with the system of term limits and collective leadership of the economic reform period in one fell swoop." Stalinist tactics Chen said Xi is extremely good at winning power struggles within the party. "Xi Jinping ... is extremely diligent when it comes to power struggles, devoting every hour in every day, every day in every week, month and year to tactics and power struggles without let-up," Chen wrote. "[He] employs Stalinist tactics to seize power ... installing his cronies in key positions of power over 10 years, including the general office, the party organization department, the central propaganda department, the ministry of state security and the ministry of public security, which fell under his control one after the other," Chen said. Xi set up a secret service bureau under his trusted ally Wang Xiaohong to monitor other political elders and hold them under house arrest, neutralizing opposition at the highest echelons before it even had a chance to emerge, he wrote. "By carefully selecting, arranging and rotating guards, secretaries, assistants, drivers, cooks, nurses and other personnel, he was able to achieve strict monitoring and control of political elders and his political rivals within the party," Chen said. He said Xi's power grab had been enabled by and inspired by the fall of jailed former Chongqing party chief Bo Xilai following rumors that he had been engaged in a coup plot along with jailed former security czar Zhou Yongkang. Hubei resident Sun Shuli said the party general office directive reads like the beginning of another political campaign. "It feels like they want to consolidate party power, ensure loyalty, and also to wage a political campaign," Sun told Radio Free Asia. Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster. The partys youth wing says having a degree shouldnt stop young people rolling up their sleeves. Job seekers approach the booth of an employer at a job fair in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, on Feb. 9, 2023. Amid an ongoing shortage of graduate jobs, the ruling Chinese Communist Partys propaganda machine has started telling young people they shouldnt be too picky about the work they do, even if they hold high-level qualifications from top universities. A March 16 joint social media post from the Communist Party Youth League and state broadcaster CCTV hit out at growing online complaints from highly qualified graduates about a lack of employment opportunities, as more than 11 million young people graduate this year only to face the prospect of grueling shift work in the gig economy. The complaints went viral on a recent social media hashtag referencing a scholarly antihero from a story by late revolutionary author Lu Xun after an unnamed graduate complained in a now-deleted post that he was stuck on a scholarly pedestal like Lu Xuns fictional character Kong Yiji, with no jobs available to suit his qualifications. The Youth League and CCTV post hit back, saying that the value of academic qualifications can only be realized when ones potential is fully explored in creative, practical activities. The reason why Kong Yiji fell into his predicament wasnt because of his learning, but because he couldnt let go of the airs of a scholar and was unwilling to change his situation through labor, the CCTV and Youth League post said. The scholars long gown can shackle the mind, and temporary difficulties do not equal a lifetime of failure, it said. It was picked up in copycat editorials and short videos following the same line, including one short video on Bilibili in which a young woman is shown making deliveries to a home and removing packaging, while musing that having a degree shouldnt shackle the mind. Graduating students wearing face masks attend a commencement ceremony at Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications in Chongqing, China, on June 22, 2022. Credit: cnsphoto via Reuters Life for cash The propaganda attempt immediately sparked further backlash, however. Why is Kong Yiji going viral? Not because young people cant let go of their airs, but because we produce more than 10 million highly educated college graduates every year, but without job opportunities for them in the current environment, Weibo user @FengLengMoshi wrote in a comment on the Youth League post. Some comments supported the government line, but many doubled down on complaints of a lack of good jobs after years of personal investment and sacrifice by themselves and their families to get them a university education. If turning screws [menial labor] made enough money to support a family and buy a home and car, I wouldnt hesitate to do it, wrote @GloryToKingBukharas. The problem is that it doesnt. Workers should be given the remuneration and respect they deserve we can take off the scholarly gown, but were not going to take off our pants as well, which is the respect and remuneration, wrote @gogoLing0103. Others cited Chinas poor industrial safety record. Turning screws can be fatal youre just exchanging your life for cash, @SNM_wind_20093 wrote. My dad used to transport coal in a power plant, and left due to illness at the age of 44. @even_home cited widespread exploitation in blue collar jobs. Unless youre in the big cities, there are a lot of companies that dont even offer basic social security or weekends, the user wrote, while @Lin Zhongshanmin quipped sarcastically: Why not just strip naked and sell ourselves, our skin, our organs!? People attend a job fair in Fuyang, Anhui province, China, on Jan. 29, 2023. Some online commenters are complaining about the lack of good jobs after years of personal investment and sacrifice to get them a university education. Credit: China Daily via Reuters The Youth League and CCTV post gave the example of a young man who had returned to his rural hometown to take up agricultural work, one among a generation of new farmers. Young people told Radio Free Asia that they are unwilling to sacrifice themselves for the governments attempt to kickstart the economy without relying on export manufacturing to drive growth. A Chinese student in Germany who gave only the nickname Jacob for fear of reprisals said the government is trying to whitewash the dire situation many highly educated young people find themselves in. [Higher education] is similar to a Ponzi scheme, making you struggle to succeed in the wrong environment, he said. In the end, you find that all your work has been for nothing. If anyone is unwise enough to believe this, then they will wind up much worse off than before, Jacob said. In the end, nobody is going to believe any of this stuff. Confused and angry Germany-based poet Yang Lian said many young people in China feel as if they dont have a future under Communist Party leader Xi Jinping. They no longer see any opportunities, so why wouldnt they be confused and angry? Yang said. Its going to be impossible for them to keep young people in line by brainwashing them given the current situation. He said the authorities should be grateful that young people were only reacting by lying flat, an internet buzzword referring to young peoples refusal to fight for jobs, cars, spouses or apartments, as they had done since economic reforms began in the 1980s. Food delivery riders chat with each other as they wait for their online orders outside a shopping mall in Beijing on March 21, 2023. Recently, food delivery drivers have taken a hit on their earnings. Credit: Associated Press Meanwhile, those who take the plunge into the gig economy are reporting a big drop in earnings, as delivery platforms including Meituan, Dada and SF Express slash rates for food delivery. Ive been doing food delivery for a few months now, and today Im completely broken for the first time, a delivery rider who gave only the surname Yu said in a social media video on Sunday. Current order volumes are only 25 per hour, and I have made just 100 yuan after ... 13 hours work, he said. That meant 80 yuan after deductions for the vehicle battery and rental. Chinas National Consumer Price Index rose by 1% year-on-year in February, 1.1 percentage points lower than for the previous month, while the Producer Price Index fell by 1.4% year-on-year, a fall of 0.6 percentage points from the previous month, indicating an ongoing deflationary recession despite attempts by the government to kickstart the economy through consumption. And there are scant opportunities in manufacturing, even for seasoned industrial workers, amid a widespread slump in orders triggered by three years of stringent lockdowns under Xi Jinpings zero-COVID policy. Apple supplier Foxconn has declined to renew the contracts of agencies supplying 8,000 dispatch workers and forced others to resign after just six months of work, according to social media posts from Foxconn workers. Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Matt Reed. Both Otarola and Cornejo coordinated the demands of authorities, mainly in the regions of Piura and Tumbes. Before the meeting, the Cabinet chief told the media that urgent measures will be taken to meet the needs in the country. "We have listened to all the demands from local authorities and neighbors," he remarked. The regions of Tumbes, Piura, and Lambayeque were hit by heavy rains since the beginning of this month due to the passage of Cyclone Yaku, which increased the flow of rivers and resulted in the activation of ravines. The rains caused floods, floodings, and the blockage of roads in several regions across the country. In light of this, the Government declared a state of emergency in various districts of some provinces in the regions of Piura and Tumbes and others, for 60 calendar days, in order to implement emergency measures and actions. El titular de la PCM, Alberto Otarola, se reunio en la @AutoridadRCC para coordinar los requerimientos que expusieron autoridades locales el ultimo sabado durante su inspeccion a la atencion de las emergencias en el norte del pais. pic.twitter.com/hak4UZifGZ A U.S. envoy contrasted China's backing for the Russian aggressor with Japan's support for the victims. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping attend a signing ceremony following their talks at The Grand Kremlin Palace, in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, March 21, 2023. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin held hours of talks in Moscow on Tuesday, vowing a deeper partnership between the two anti-western, nuclear-armed powers in meetings overshadowed by a surprise trip to Ukraine by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Wearing matching red ties on the second day of a state visit to show Chinese support for Russia in the face of Western sanctions over the invasion of Ukraine, Xi and Putin held a dramatic ceremony in the Kremlins ornate St. Georges Hall, meeting on a long red carpet under large national flags. Russian state news agency TASS reported that their informal meeting had lasted nearly four and a half hours, with a second, formal meeting to be held later Tuesday. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy walk during their meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, Tuesday, March 21, 2023. Credit: Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via Associated Press Putin said he and Xi had signed joint statements on plans for economic cooperation and on deepening their partnership, which has grown as Beijing and Moscow increasingly seek a united front against the U.S. and the West. Xi said he invited Putin to visit China later this year for a top-level meeting of Chinas One Belt, One Road initiative. A statement on Ukraine issued late on Tuesday reinforced a clear message of Chinese support for Russia in the conflict, despite Beijing's assertion of neutrality. "Russia welcomes China's readiness to play a positive role in a political-diplomatic settlement of the Ukrainian crisis and the constructive ideas set forth in the document drawn up by the Chinese side," said the statement, translated by Reuters news agency. "The Chinese side positively assesses the willingness of the Russian side to make efforts to restart peace talks as soon as possible," it said without elaborating. Japan PM in Kyiv As the Moscow meetings unfolded, Japan's Kishida, who will chair the Group of Seven summit in May, made his way by train to Kyiv for a meeting with Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The Japanese leader also visited Bucha, scene of an alleged massacre last year by Russian forces, and laid a wreath outside a church. "I really feel great anger at the atrocity upon visiting that very place here," Kishida said. Zelenskyy called Kishida "a truly powerful defender of the international order and a longtime friend of Ukraine," after they met in central Kyiv, according to Reuters. Local resident Volodymyr Alipov, 58, pets a dog amid the remains of his house destroyed last year by a Russian airstrike on the village of Tsyrkuny, Kharkiv region, Ukraine, Monday, March 20, 2023. The United States and its allies are wary of Chinese leader Xi Jinpings 12-point peace plan for Ukraine. Credit: Reuters Kishida's trip, the first by a post-war Japanese leader to a war zone, showed two very different European-Pacific partnerships, U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel tweeted on Tuesday. Kishida stands with freedom, and Xi stands with a war criminal, Emanuel said, referring to an arrest warrant issued Friday by the International Criminal Court, which wants to put Putin on trial for the abductions of thousands of children from Ukraine. Denying the abduction allegations, Vassily Nebenzia, a top Kremlin envoy to the United Nations, said in a briefing at the U.N. on Monday that Russia took the children because it wanted to spare them of the danger that military activities may bring, the Associated Press reported. Kremlin talking points The United States and its allies remain wary of Xi's 12-point peace plan for Ukraine, because it backs major Kremlin talking points and fails to call for the removal of Russian occupying troops from Ukraine's territory. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday warned against a ceasefire that left the conflict unresolved and would allow Russia to rearm and resume fighting at a time of its choice. "The world should not be fooled by any tactical move by Russia, supported by China or any other country, to freeze the war on its own terms," Blinken told reporters in Washington. Defending China's proposal from the podium in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin accused Washington of prolonging the conflict. "The U.S. should view objectively the efforts of China and the wider world to promote peace talks, rather than hold on to the Cold War mentality, still less be a factor in the protraction and escalation of conflict," he said. "What we call for boils down to supporting talks for peace," added Wang. They maintain that they were unaware of the contents packed in toothpaste tubes. Custom officers inspect toothpaste tubes filled with drugs as one of four Vietnam Airlines flight attendants, who carried the tubes in their baggage, looks on, at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Updated at 7:30 P.M. EDT on 03-21-2023 Vietnamese authorities have searched the homes of four flight attendants who say they unknowingly transported illegal synthetic drugs hidden in toothpaste tubes into the Southeast Asian country, Vietnamese state media reported Tuesday. But authorities did not find any illegal narcotics at the homes of Vietnamese Airlines flight attendants Nguyen Thanh Thuy, Vo Tu Quynh, Tran Thi Thu Ngan and Dang Phuong Van, crew members on a plane from Paris that landed in Ho Chi Minh City on March 16, according to The Ho Chi Minh City Law Newspaper. The flight attendants were carrying 154 toothpaste tubes containing 11.4 kilograms (25 lbs.) of tablets and white powder, which customs officers Tan Son Nhat International Airport identified as MDMA, commonly referred to as ecstasy, ketamine and cocaine. They were arrested at the airport, but Ho Chi Minh City police said Tuesday that they have not yet been charged. The four flight attendants told police they had contacted liaison points in France and Vietnam for the purpose of collecting and delivering the toothpaste tubes. Police also said the tubes passed through French customs successfully and that they have summoned one of the alleged contacts for questioning. After customs officials discovered the synthetic drugs during a security clearance check, the flight attendants said they agreed to transport the toothpaste tubes for an individual who approached them in Paris and paid them more than 10 million dong, or about U.S. $424, as a shipping fee. They also said they did not know the toothpaste tubes contained illicit narcotics. Ho Chi Minh City police said Thuy and Quynh each carried 31 tubes of MDMA and 2 tubes of ketamine. Ngan transported 780 grams of MDMA in her luggage, while Van carried over 2 kilos of MDMA and 2 kilos of ketamine and cocaine. A representative from Vietnams flagship airlines said the company was working closely with relevant government agencies to investigate the case and hold the perpetrators accountable in accordance with Vietnamese law as well as the airlines rules and regulations. From Jan. 1 to March 14, customs officials at Tan Son Nhat International Airport detected eight cases of drug trafficking and confiscated nearly 15 kilos (33 lbs.) of various illegal narcotics. Translated by Anna Vu for RFA Vietnamese. Edited by Roseanne Gerin and Matt Reed. Correction: An earlier version of this story misspelled the name of one of the flight attendants as Tran Thi Thu Nga. Journalist Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Russian-British dual national and one of the Kremlin's most vocal critics, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison by a Moscow court after a closed-door trial for treason and other offenses, sparking an international outcry and calls for his immediate release. The Moscow City Court, overflowing with reporters, diplomats, and supporters, handed down its 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. He denies the charges. After his sentence was pronounced, Kara-Murza, who reporters said sat almost motionless inside a glass cage in the courtroom while listening to the judge, proclaimed that "Russia will be free," an opposition slogan. "This sentence shows that they are so afraid of him and that they hate him so much for his consistency, for his courage, for his amazing bravery," Yevgenia Kara-Murza told a Washington Post conference. She added that her husband put his life on the line for a democratic Russia "where human rights are respected, where the government does not persecute its own citizens for opposing the official narrative." Russian news agencies quoted Maria Eismont, part of his defense team, as saying they would immediately appeal the judgement because of various legal violations. Another of Kara-Murza's lawyers, Vadim Prokhorov, said the case was "political revenge" and that the closed-door format was "absolutely illegal," as there were no secret documents presented at the trial. The British government immediately condemned the verdict and sentence, one of the harshest penalties to date against a Russian who has spoken out against the Kremlin's war against Ukraine, saying the case against the 41-year-old father of three was "politically motivated." It added in a statement that the Russian ambassador to the United Kingdom had been summoned and that British officials "will make clear that the U.K. considers Mr. Kara-Murzas conviction to be contrary to Russias international obligations on human rights, including the right to a fair trial." United Nations rights chief Volker Turk called on Russia to release Kara-Murza "without delay," while the European Union also condemned the sentence. "Today's outrageously harsh court decision clearly demonstrates yet again the political misuse of the judiciary in order to pressure activists, human rights defenders, and any voices opposing Russia's illegitimate war of aggression against Ukraine," EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said in a statement. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on the case when asked by reporters in Moscow. In August, Russian authorities added the charge of involvement in an "undesirable" foreign organization, and in October they added the treason charge for his public criticism of the Russian authorities in the international arena. Kara-Murza ended up being sentenced to 18 years for the treason charge, seven years for the spreading of false information, and three years for participating in the actions of an "undersirable" organization. Some of the sentences will run concurrently. Aleksei Navalny, another Kremlin critic who has been handed a lengthy prison sentence for what most analysts say are trumped-up charges in retaliation for speaking out against President Vladimir Putin and his policies, called the sentence "unlawful, shameless, and simply facsist." 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. 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 '70s, and the language used against him was reminiscent of the 1930s, when Soviet citizens were arrested on fabricated charges and put on show trials. Russia adopted a law criminalizing spreading "false information" about its military shortly after it sent troops into Ukraine on February 24, 2022. 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. 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. According to the human rights group OVD-Info, almost 20,000 Russians have been detained for anti-war protests since the Kremlin launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Several hundred people have had criminal cases opened against them for opposing the war in Ukraine, with some facing sentences of up to 15 years for offenses as slight as posting anti-war messages on social media. OVD-Info said in the next week alone, 53 "political criminal cases"are scheduled for the coming week. "The criminalization of criticism of government actions is a manifestation of fear, not strength," U.S. Ambassador to Russia Lynne Tracy said on the steps of the court building. "Vladimir Kara-Murza and countless Russians believe and hope for a future in which fundamental freedoms are respected in Russia. And we share these hopes. "Thirty years ago, Russia fought for the creation of democracy. Now this struggle has taken a sad turn," the Canadian ambassador to Russia, Alison Leclaire, said after the court session. 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 judge who chaired the trial and who read the ruling on April 17, Sergei Podoprigorov, was one of the first sanctioned by the United States under the Magnitsky Act 10 years ago. The British government also has already sanctioned him for "previous involvement in human rights violations." He was also the judge who approved the pretrial detention of the law's namesake, Sergei Magnitsky, a whistle-blowing Russian tax lawyer who died in a Moscow jail in November 2009, just seven days before the expiration of the one-year term during which he could be legally held without trial. Magnitsky, who accused Russian law enforcement and tax officials of a massive tax fraud scheme, was tried posthumously and convicted on tax evasion charges. The British government also has already sanctioned him for "previous involvement in human rights violations." The late U.S. Senator John McCain was a proponent of Kara-Murza's efforts, and he served as a pallbearer at McCain's funeral in 2018. SOPOT, Bulgaria -- Shortly after sunset on March 21, 2015, the skies above Bulgaria's biggest, and last remaining state-owned, armaments factory filled with the crackle and fury normally associated with a battlefield. The massive fire at the VMZ plant destroyed a large cache of weapons and ammunition and terrified residents of Sopot, central Bulgaria, and neighboring towns abutting the Balkan Mountains that stretch from Bulgaria's western border with Serbia to the Black Sea coast. Emil Kabaivanov, the mayor of nearby Karlovo, described fire plumes up to 200 meters high: "You could see things exploding in the air." Less than a month later, on April 14, there were more blasts and more damage at VMZ. Two weeks after that, a major Bulgarian arms dealer, Emilian Gebrev, fell into a coma, the victim of a poisoning that he alleges some state investigators still attribute to a bad salad and "other ridiculous claims." All three incidents were part of a string of unexplained explosions (and a poisoning) affecting Bulgaria's arms industry, beginning more than a decade ago and seemingly intensifying after Russia invaded and occupied Crimea in 2014 in the first phase of its expanding war to subdue Ukraine. WATCH: A special RFE/RL investigation looks into allegations of Russian sabotage, cover-ups by Bulgarian authorities, and whether Bulgarian arms depots are still at risk as Russia's war in Ukraine enters a second year. "Whether it's Russian involvement or someone else, I can't say," said Sopot's former mayor, Veselin Lichev. "But in your mind, its absolutely possible." Since 2014, the incidents -- some of which resulted in fatalities -- have coincided with Bulgaria's provision, alongside NATO allies, of munitions and other military equipment to Ukraine that has dramatically increased with Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine a year ago. Subsequent reports suggest VMZ was storing munitions to be sent to Ukraine through intermediaries such as Poland and the Czech Republic. Bulgaria's record of stalled or seemingly ham-fisted investigations has fed suspicions that authorities are reluctant to fully probe suspected Russian involvement. In some cases, damning evidence has emerged of Russian sabotage, and outside disclosures have forced Bulgarian officials' hand, prompting critics to suggest a dangerous pattern of cover-ups that could compromise domestic and Western security efforts just when Europe needs them most. "I am very worried," Martin Dimitrov, a former lawmaker with the pro-European Democratic Bulgaria alliance, told RFE/RL's Bulgarian Service recently, calling it "a matter of national security." "If we are letting people come into Bulgaria who commit sabotage and afterward don't face any consequences from the state," he said, "this sabotage will continue as long as there are no countermeasures, as long as we don't defend ourselves." Arms For Ukraine And A Mysterious Poisoning Dimitrov and former Defense Minister Velizar Shalamanov have called for a special parliamentary committee to oversee probes by the Prosecutor-General's Office into the blasts and investigate alleged cover-ups by Bulgaria's security services. "If we are vulnerable because there are people who haven't proven their integrity, that have a certain weakness that makes them favor foreign interests instead of Bulgarian interests, that means that we can expect these kinds of provocations again in the future," Dimitrov said. Critics such as Dimitrov say Bulgarian investigators have done little to try to find those responsible for the blasts and other attacks. Arms dealer Gebrev fell into a coma on April 28, 2015, after an unidentified phosphorus-organic substance was placed on the door handle of his car by a Russian agent, prosecutors would ultimately conclude. But for more than three years, investigators made little headway and blamed Gebrev's near fatal illness on an arugula salad contaminated with pesticide. It was only after British investigators linked the Gebrev episode to a suspect in the 2018 Novichok poison attack in Salisbury, England -- allegedly carried out by agents from Russia's GRU military intelligence -- that Bulgarian prosecutors had to publicly acknowledge he was probably the target of something more sinister. In 2020, Bulgarian authorities charged three Russian nationals in absentia in connection with the attempted assassination of Gebrev: Denis Sergeyev (aka Sergei Fedotov), Yegor Gordiyenko (aka Georgy Gorshkov), and Sergei Lyutenko (aka Sergei Pavlov). British police say they have evidence of Sergeyev's involvement in the 2018 poisoning of defected Russian spy Sergei Skripal in Salisbury allegedly carried out by GRU military intelligence operatives Anatoly Chepiga and Aleksandr Mishkin. "They were just forced by outside pressure, outside factors, to start this [investigation] with extreme reluctance," Gebrev said. WATCH: An analyst at investigative journalism outlet Bellingcat says gait-recognition technology could identify an alleged hit man caught on film in Bulgaria in 2015. In July 2022, following Russian President Vladimir Putins full-scale invasion of Ukraine months earlier, an ammunition depot belonging to one of Gebrev's companies, EMCO, went up in flames in the city of Karnobat, in eastern Bulgaria. Gebrev said publicly that he was "100 percent sure" Russian operatives were behind the Karnobat fire, though he later acknowledged to RFE/RL that he had no direct evidence to confirm this. It is also still unclear whether any of the munitions in Karnobat were destined for Ukraine. Former Bulgarian Prime Minister Kiril Petkov has estimated Bulgaria provided around one-third of the ammunition for Ukrainian defense forces in the early stages of Russia's invasion, which began on February 24, 2022. Gebrev speaks defiantly of the Bulgarian arms industry, which is a major manufacturer of ammunition for the kind of Soviet-era weapons that are widely used by the Ukrainian military. "The Bulgarian [arms] industry in past years and again now, with this mindless war going on, has proven how important it is," Gebrev said. "How many countries from the former Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact can pride themselves on preserving such an industry? They are very few." Then and now, he has alleged a cover-up by Bulgarian authorities. "Even now, there are people who work for the security service DANS (the State Agency for National Security) that, to this day, claim there was no poisoning, there was no terrorist act, that nothing happened," Gebrev said. "Even the chief prosecutor started talking about the arugula and other ridiculous claims." Forced Hand Nearly all of the fires and blasts at ammunition depots have gone unsolved or been chalked up by Bulgarian officials as accidents. But six years after the VMZ explosions, many of those same officials were forced to rethink those incidents. After the British disclosures and a Bellingcat open-source investigation identified the Russian GRU team linked to the Salisbury poisonings in the United Kingdom, the Czech government in 2021 accused Russia of "state terrorism" over a deadly explosion at an ammunition depot in Vrbetice, Czech Republic, in 2014. The two alleged GRU agents implicated by Czech authorities in the Vrbetice blast -- Aleksandr Mishkin and Anatoly Chepiga -- are the same accused by Britain in the Skripal poisoning together with Fedotov, whom Bulgaria has charged in Gebrev's poisoning. Some of the munitions that were destroyed in Vrbetice belonged to Gebrev and were reportedly of a caliber that suggested they were destined for use by Ukrainians rather than Czechs, although Gebrev denied they were intended for reexport. Travel records and other documents placed members of the purported GRU team in Bulgaria, too. The disclosures forced Bulgarian authorities to reopen their cases into Gebrev's poisoning and the VMZ fires. The Prosecutor-General's Office announced within days that it was investigating six suspected Russian agents who were in Bulgaria around the time of Gebrev's poisoning, the VMZ incidents, and explosions at two other Bulgarian arms depots, one of which was storing arms for Gebrev near the village of Lovnidol in north-central Bulgaria. A spokeswoman, Siyka Mileva, said a "significant amount of ammunition and explosives" destroyed in the November 2011 incident in Lovnidol was "intended for export to the Ministry of Defense in Georgia." Mileva added that "the purpose of the actions of the Russian citizens was to prevent the deliveries of special production" for Ukraine and Georgia, where Russia has a major military presence in two breakaway regions -- Abkhazia and South Ossetia --it recognized as independent countries after Moscow and Tbilisi fought a five-day war in 2008. Russian officials have denied any involvement in the Bulgarian and Czech incidents. At the April 2021 press conference, the Bulgarian prosecutors also announced that physical evidence concerning the VMZ blasts had been destroyed in a fire at an Interior Ministry building in 2015. Initial news reports suggested that a possible short circuit had triggered the fire at the building, previously known as the Institute for Special Technology. But at the press conference, prosecutors suggested it had been deliberately set. The forensics report on the fire concluded it "did not occur as a result of spontaneous combustion," prosecutors said. In the days before the May 31, 2015, fire that destroyed the evidence, two alleged GRU agents later charged in Gebrevs poisoning had left Bulgaria, according to details from travel records published by open-source sleuths at Bellingcat. The two alleged agents -- Gordiyenko (aka Gorshkov) and Sergeyev (aka Fedotov) -- crossed into Serbia from Bulgaria on May 29, 2015, and flew to Moscow from Belgrade on the same day, Bellingcat reported, several months before a possible link between the Sofia fire and Russian sabotage was made public by prosecutors. Since the press conference, the Bulgarian Prosecutor-General's Office has not issued any public statements about the investigation. 'They Don't Want The Truth To Come Out' One unsolved incident of explosions destroying a Bulgarian arms depot that prosecutors have not linked to possible Russian sabotage occurred more than a decade ago near the eastern Bulgarian town of Straldzha. Mitko Karakolev is still haunted by what happened at the Straldzha facility owned by the Bulgarian arms company Bereta Trading on June 5, 2012. Three people were killed, including Karakolev's former colleague whom he'd known since childhood, after fire and explosions tore through the arms depot. "No matter how many times I go around the facility, I won't be able to pull my friend from the rubble where we found him in pieces," Karakolev, who worked at the facility, told RFE/RLs Bulgarian Service. The force of the explosions were so powerful that many locals mistook them for an earthquake. More than 600 people in nearby villages were evacuated. Atanas Balakchiev, who was at a nearby cottage retreat called Lilac Hut, says he will never forget what he saw. "I honestly thought it was a nuclear war. I went out in front of the hut and turned in that direction and I saw something like a mushroom cloud after an atomic bomb. It was going up and up," Balakchiev said. The initial investigation said the disaster was sparked by workers who were disassembling a Dvina rocket warhead. The owner of Bereta Trading, Desislav Delev, was charged with negligence but acquitted in an initial trial. Prosecutors filed new charges, but more than 10 years after the deadly incident, there's still been no final verdict. Delev accuses prosecutors of failing to investigate the possibility of Russian sabotage. On the day of the explosions, a repair crew visited the facility to fix a broken security camera, he says. "They just don't want the truth to come out. They need someone to blame. It doesn't really matter if he's guilty or not," Delev said. A forensic report on the Straldzha incident obtained by RFE/RLs Bulgarian Service shows that the facility was storing weapons on behalf of the Bulgarian company Sage Consultants, which the Russian government blacklisted last year. Delev says the arms his company was storing on Sages behalf were destined for Georgia, a claim backed up by copies of permits published by the Bulgarian investigative outlet BIRD showing that Sage, which did not respond to RFE/RL's request for comment, was authorized to export weapons to the South Caucasus nation. One of the permits was issued two months before the blasts that tore through Delevs facility. "The fact that they put the company on this blacklist shows that [Russia] had a motive. There is a serious motive for this thing. And there is a lot of circumstantial evidence pointing in that direction," Delev said. The forensics report reviewed by RFE/RL noted evidence of "explosive fire" in each of the five warehouses Sage Consultants was using at Delevs facility, but the protective earth barriers around each warehouse were virtually undamaged. Delev said such destruction would be impossible if the incident had been triggered from a single location. "Basically, these bases are built so that there is no detonating effect between the warehouses. In order for this thing to happen, the earth barriers that are specially built around each warehouse must be destroyed," Delev said. "By simple logic, it transpires that there was some kind of interference, because everything was destroyed," he added. Accusations Of Foot-Dragging The calls by Dimitrov and ex-Defense Minister Shalamanov for a special parliamentary investigation into alleged cover-ups have so far gone unanswered. But other Bulgarian officials have raised questions about the authorities' years of silence and lack of transparency about their investigations. Bulgarian Prosecutor-General Ivan Geshev and his predecessor, Sotir Tsatsarov, have been accused by critics of stalling or thwarting investigations into possible Russian sabotage. "The prosecution is doing all it can to cover up the tracks, to hamper the investigation," another ex-defense minister, Boyko Noev, told RFE/RL's Bulgarian Service. He said that while Britain had hundreds of people investigating Skripal's Novichok poisoning, Bulgaria put just one or two investigators on the Gebrev case. "This is among the evidence that shows that the prosecution then and now, and the executive authorities during the government of [former Bulgarian Prime Minister] Boyko Borisov, didn't want the truth to come out," Noev said. "There are many reasons, including Russia's influence over the [Bulgarian] special services and the prosecution." Gebrev has accused Bulgarian authorities of refusal on multiple occasions to cooperate with friendly countries to investigate the GRU's alleged role in his poisoning. Noev and other critics point to a supplementary cooperation agreement that Tsatsarov signed with his Russian counterpart in 2017 during an unannounced visit as an indicator that "Russia's influence over our authorities and the prosecution is undeniable." Bulgarians are notoriously divided over NATO membership, and the country is widely regarded as one of the European Union's most Russia-friendly voices due in part to close historical, cultural, and economic ties. Polls show a majority of the country wants its leadership to take a neutral position on the current Russia-Ukraine war. The far-right, pro-Russian Revival party removed a Ukrainian flag from Sofia's City Hall building in May 2022 and has held rallies sympathizing with Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. And in a country mired in political instability as it prepares for its fifth national elections in just two years, support for pro-Russian parties grew in the last vote in October 2022. Former Defense Minister Shalamanov suggested there are officials in senior positions whose "interests are more connected to support for Russia and President [Vladimir] Putin than to Bulgaria's interests." Others, including Noev and Bulgarian-born investigative journalist Christo Grozev of Bellingcat, are more blunt, effectively accusing the Prosecutor-General's Office of obstruction. Grozev, who has reported extensively on GRU activities and is on a Russian Interior Ministry wanted list, alleged at a Bulgarian parliamentary hearing in January that authorities were withholding evidence of "probable" Russian sabotage in the ammunition-depot incidents. RFE/RL requested details of Bulgarian investigations into the blasts from the Council of Ministers and the State Agency for National Security through the country's freedom-of-information laws. Both requests were denied. The United States has imposed new sanctions on Iranian firms and individuals accused of procuring equipment used to make drones. The U.S. Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) coordinated with the FBI to designate four entities and three people in Iran and Turkey for allegedly buying equipment to be used for Irans drone and weapons programs. Irans well-documented proliferation of [drones] and conventional weapons to its proxies continues to undermine both regional security and global stability, Brian Nelson, undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, said in a news release issued on March 21. The United States will continue to expose foreign procurement networks in any jurisdiction that supports Irans military industrial complex," he said. Among those blacklisted in the new round of sanctions are the Iran-based Defense Technology and Science Research Center (DTSRC), its procurement firm Farazan Industrial Engineering, and two other firms along with the companies purchasing agents. The Treasury Department said this procurement network operates on behalf of Irans Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL), which oversees several firms involved in drone and ballistic missile development. U.S. defense officials say Iran is supplying Russia with drones, which have been used on civilians and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine as the Kremlin presses its invasion. The action follows OFACs designations on March 9 of a network based in China in connection with Irans drone procurement efforts, as well as several previous OFAC actions targeting Irans UAV manufacturers and their executives since September 2022. The individuals named are Amanallah Paidar, who has served as a commercial manager and procurement agent for the DTSRC; Murat Bukey, a procurement agent who has supported Paidar and his DTSRC-related procurement; and Asghar Mahmoudi, who has facilitated the supply of items, including marine electronics, to Paidar and the DTSRC, according to the OFAC. Bukey attempted to provide European-origin engines with drone and surface-to-air missile applications to Paidar and Farazan Industrial Engineering, OFAC said, adding that he separately sold more than 100 European-origin drone engines and related accessories worth more than $1 million to companies that likely shipped the items to Iran. The sanctions freeze any property held in U.S. jurisdiction by the three individuals and the entities. In addition, people in the United States who engage in transactions with those designated may themselves be exposed to sanctions, the Treasury Department said. With reporting by AP YEREVAN, MARCH 21, ARMENPRESS. Azerbaijan continues its blockade of Lachin Corridor Nagorno Karabakhs only road to the outside world - under fake environmental pretexts. Despite numerous calls by the international community to open the corridor, as well as the recent ruling by the International Court of Justice, Azerbaijan is still keeping the corridor blocked. Nagorno Karabakh is under blockade for already 100 days. Only the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Russian peacekeepers have access to Nagorno Karabakh and attempt to somewhat mitigate the worsening crisis. Azerbaijan is regularly trying to mislead the international community by showing the Red Cross and Russian peacekeeping vehicles as they pass along the corridor to advance its narrative that the road is open. However, these manipulations fail because the international community is calling for the immediate lifting of the blockade. The United Nations highest court the International Court of Justice (ICJ) - ordered Azerbaijan on February 22 to take all steps at its disposal to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions. The Lachin Corridor has been blocked by Azerbaijan since 12 December 2022. Member of the European Parliament Nathalie Loiseau from France says she cannot understand that only the ICRC and Russian troops are allowed to use the Lachin Corridor and that the world watches silently. In an interview with ARMENPRESS, MEP Loiseau emphasized that the blockade of Lachin Corridor must be immediately lifted and the UN Security Council must form a fact-finding mission and demand all UN humanitarian agencies to have access into Nagorno Karabakh. ARMENPRESS: It has now been 100 days since Azerbaijan blocked the Lachin Corridor, the only road connecting Artsakh/Nagorno Karabakh to Armenia and the rest of the world. The International Court of Justice ordered Azerbaijan to open the corridor, but Azerbaijan ignores the ruling. In this case, dont you think that there should be sanctions to force Azerbaijan to open the corridor? MEP Nathalie Loiseau: If one asks for sanctions, he or she must be certain they can be adopted. I dont know if the UN Security Council is ready for this. Strong links between Russia and Azerbaijan already prevented the UNSC from delivering a statement last year. But there is a new reality: the decision taken by the ICJ and the fact that Baku has so far disregarded it. ARMENPRESS: Does the international community consider it realistic to impose sanctions? And what has prevented the international community from doing this so far? What role can the European Parliament play in forcing Azerbaijan to end its policy? MEP Nathalie Loiseau: The UNSC should decide a fact-finding mission and demand that all humanitarian UN agencies can reach the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. I cannot understand that only the ICRC and Russian troops are allowed to use the Lachin Corridor and that the world watches silently. The European Parliament has voted two reports, one on Armenia and the other on Azerbaijan. I co-authored the report on Armenia and amended the one on Azerbaijan to ensure they dont contradict each other. The European Parliaments position is crystal clear: The blockade of the Lachin Corridor must stop. ARMENPRESS: As a result of the blockade, the people of Artsakh are facing a serious humanitarian crisis, there are widespread shortages of food, medicine and other essential supplies. With these actions Azerbaijan demonstrates its policy of ethnic cleansing of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. In this case, how do you imagine the solution of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue and guaranteeing the security of the Armenian people of Artsakh? MEP Nathalie Loiseau: It is time for confidence measures to take place, like the freeing of all war prisoners, the return of bodies of soldiers and civilians to their homeland, transparency on missing people and full protection of cultural heritage. Peace negotiations must be built on Helsinki principles. Within hours of the polls closing in Montenegro's presidential election on March 19, 36-year-old Jakov Milatovic was already declaring victory -- even though he hadn't won. That honor went to 61-year-old incumbent Milo Djukanovic, who has dominated politics in the Balkan coastal nation for decades and won the first round of the vote with 35.3 percent. But with other candidates quickly throwing their support behind Milatovic and limited avenues for Djukanovic to overcome voter fatigue ahead of next month's runoff, the upstart economist with the shiny new political party gushed with confidence. "I promised that we would succeed, and we succeeded," Milatovic told a crowd of supporters in Podgorica. "This is a victory for all those who were discriminated against in the previous 30 years, whose children left Montenegro, those who could have no justice. We'll send Djukanovic into political retirement on April 2." But analysts say the jury is still out on whether Milatovic and his suddenly ascendant Europe Now! movement will be as eager to follow through with pro-EU policies as they have been to tap into public frustrations with aging politicians, institutional stalemate, and stalled reforms. They caution that the movement's brand of populism could turn out to falter on tough issues facing one of the continent's newest democracies, including political divides over Serbian and Montenegrin identity, relations with Belgrade and the Serbian Orthodox Church, and Russian influence in the region. "A likely victory of Mr. Milatovic in the second round of the Montenegrin presidential election doesn't mean that we're going to have a pro-EU/NATO person as Montenegrin president," Vesko Garcevic, a former Montenegrin ambassador and professor at Boston University's Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies, told RFE/RL this week. Talking The EU Talk On election night, the partly Western-educated Milatovic sought to reassure pro-EU Montenegrins and outsiders concerned that questions of national identity and affinities for neighboring Serbia and Belgrade's ally Russia could hinder the country's ongoing European integration. Milatovic said he was a step closer to fulfilling his pledge that "I will be the one to bring the country into the EU." EU accession is an enduring desire for most Montenegrins since the country's application to join the bloc in 2008, two years after its independence from Serbia. But around one-third of Montenegro's residents identify as Serbs, and twice as many worship under a Serbian church that flexed its political muscles two years ago to oust Djukanovic's governing allies in favor of pro-Serbian parties. Whatever the bumps and detours along the way, Djukanovic has spent decades pursuing a policy of EU accession, on top of the NATO membership achieved in 2017. After the first round of voting, he described his first-place finish as providing a "tailwind" for his Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) and its agenda "to lead Montenegro down the European path." But it could as easily portend an end to Djukanovic's personal domination of national politics and further decline for his DPS, which governed continuously from 1991 to 2020. Veteran leader Djukanovic won the 2018 presidential election outright with 53 percent of the vote. Zlatko Vujovic, a professor of political science at the University of Montenegro, said that "the halo of the eventual winner over Djukanovic" could allow Europe Now! to swallow up voters from other parties. "This could affect a major restructuring of the political scene," he told RFE/RL's Balkan Service. Unknown Quantity A restructuring arguably began 2 1/2 years ago, when a handful of relatively disparate groups led by a pro-Serbian coalition narrowly defeated the DPS and its allies to win a one-seat majority in parliamentary elections. Milatovic became economy minister in the subsequent government, led by then-Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapic, a Serb and a staunch pro-Serbian and pro-Russian former academic. Two governments collapsed amid infighting over the next two years, and a caretaker government was left in charge until snap elections now slated for June 11. "There were a lot of protests against corruption and self-dealing and abuse of power under the previous government, and that's pretty widely felt," Kurt Bassuener, senior associate at the Berlin-based Democratization Policy Council, said. "But then what followed in the governments was not necessarily a cleanup to strengthen the institutions and strengthen rule of law, but rather to populate institutions with their people." The signs of political restructuring continued in 2022 with Europe Now!'s formation under leader Milojko Spajic and deputy leader and then-mayoral candidate Milatovic in June, buoyed by a surprisingly strong showing in local elections in October. Europe Now! won 41 of the 458 local legislative seats being contested in 14 municipalities including Podgorica. That was well behind the totals for Djukanovic's DPS party (110) and the pro-Serbian Democratic Front alliance (98) but a stunning showing for a party that only came into existence four months before. It also signaled public support for Spajic and Milatovic's efforts to spark economic rejuvenation and wage growth by carving away at direct financing of health care, among other steps. "The Europe Now! movement...has been offering voters things they want to hear: better salaries, a fight against corruption, and [criticism of] the political establishment," Garcevic said, "[but it] avoids all 'difficult issues' like relations with Russia, Serbia, or the role of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Montenegro." Garcevic suggested the movement's narratives "often resemble narratives of European populist and antiestablishment parties when they entered their political campaigns in their countries, like the Five Star Movement in Italy, but it doesn't necessarily mean that they are the same. Simply, we don't know yet." He also said it speaks volumes about the calcified political scene in Montenegro. "The fact that the candidate of a nonparliamentary party, formed just several months ago, won almost 30 percent of popular support and is likely to win the presidential election in Montenegro speaks about how much citizens need new policies and new political actors," Garcevic said. Vujovic suggests the movement's populist approach is likely to continue to win over voters until the snap elections in June but is unsustainable in the longer term, particularly in the Montenegrin context. "I think the expectations of the citizens far exceed even the promises made by the leaders of Europe Now! There is an unfounded optimism that wages will continue to rise, even though we do not have income in the budget to finance it," Vujovic told RFE/RL's Balkan Service. Alarm Bells There are other warning signs, too, particularly with respect to the issues of national identity and Serbian church influence, according to some observers. Krivokapic used the word "apostles" to describe his cabinet in the fragile government that he led immediately after his and other anti-Djukanovic groups won the 2020 elections. It was regarded by many as a provocative choice of words, since the Serbian Orthodox Church had led anti-government rallies and otherwise mobilized its faithful in Montenegro to help unseat the DPS out of revenge for a law on religion and faith that Djukanovic and the DPS had passed nearly a year earlier. Milatovic was also a stand-in after the February disqualification of his fellow Europe Now! leader Spajic as presidential candidate. It was no minor technicality that excluded Spajic but the disclosure amid an Interior Ministry investigation that Spajic had maintained Serbian residency for years and was suspected of holding dual citizenship. It was a notable miscalculation on an issue that remains central to Montenegrin identity and politics. "He doesn't look like a compromise candidate to a lot of people," Bassuener said of a recent visit to Montenegro. He noted the sensitivities among many Montenegrins regarding relations with the Serbian church and Serbs more broadly, including some Serbian government officials' willingness to endorse a "Serbian world" view, which echoes the "Russky mir," a pan-Slavic concept that denotes a core "world" of Russian culture and smaller, outlying cultures. The entire Balkan region is currently grappling with pro-Russian disinformation and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic's refusal to align his policies with EU-wide sanctions and other punishments for Russia's year-old invasion of Ukraine. "The mistrust toward Milatovic and Europe Now!, on the part of those who identify as Montenegrin and identify with Montenegrin statehood is profound," Bassuener said. "And he is seen by a lot of the folks that I talked to as the more-marketable-to-outsiders face of a 'Serbian world' approach to the region." Montenegrin sovereignty, independence, and social cohesion "have all been damaged under a static government for a very long time," he said, leaving the country especially "vulnerable to predatory action both internally [and] by an interested neighboring state that has an openly irridentist agenda not just towards Montenegro -- that [state] being Serbia -- and by Russia." Written and reported by Andy Heil with contributions by Milos Rudovic of RFE/RL's Balkan Service in Podgorica At the end of February, Ivan, who lives in the settlement of Volchikha in Siberia's Altai region, got a phone call from his best friend, a mobilized soldier named Andrei who was serving in Ukraine. Although the two had been in regular contact since Andrei was called up, it had been more than a week since they had last spoken. "I'll never forget that phone call," Ivan told RFE/RL. "It was the first time I'd heard his voice trembling: 'Man, I don't know how I survived. I'm the only one of my group still alive.' A grown man sobbed for nearly 10 minutes while he told how his comrades were killed before his eyes, including some who were just 20 years old." For several months, Russia and Ukraine have been locked in intense trench warfare along a front line of more than 120 kilometers in Ukraine's Donbas region, including cities whose names have become globally known, such as Bakhmut, Avdiyivka, and Maryinka. The fighting, which has involved waves of mobilized Russian soldiers and mercenaries from the ostensibly private Wagner military company being hurled against hardened Ukrainian fortifications, has been likened to the brutal, grinding engagements on the western front in World War I. Even Wagner's founder, the Kremlin-connected businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin, has called the Bakhmut offensive a "meat grinder." "He saw them die and could do nothing to help," Ivan said of his friend, Andrei. "He survived that meat grinder by some miracle. In fact, it was announced he'd won a medal, but he was only thinking about one thing -- how to get out of there." The Russian government has strictly limited reporting and information from the war zone. However, some accounts by mobilized Russian soldiers and their friends and relations back in Russia have begun trickling out, painting a picture of ill-trained and poorly equipped soldiers taking high casualties while storming Ukrainian positions. Because of the Russian government's track record of prosecuting those who have spoken out about the war, RFE/RL has concealed the identities of the persons in this report. 'Dead Or Abandoned' A woman from the Siberian city of Angarsk told RFE/RL that her mobilized husband, who telephoned from a hospital where he was being treated for shrapnel wounds, told her a story similar to Ivan's about an attack that left almost his entire unit dead. "He said that early on the morning of March 1, his group of 25 men was taken out by forces of the [Moscow-backed separatists in the Donetsk region] in two armored personnel carriers and dumped in an open field," the woman recalled. "And then [the separatist soldiers] just left. They were there without any support, in body armor you could put your finger through. They didn't even manage to look around before they came under heavy fire.... They were running for several hours under shellfire." "He knows about two other wounded men," the woman added. "All the others are either dead or abandoned there." Moscow has only acknowledged about 6,000 killed since it invaded Ukraine in February 2022, but the real figure is much higher. Western analysts put Russia's total military casualties at nearly 200,000 killed and wounded. Ivan says he wavered for some time before deciding to go public with details of his conversations with Andrei. In the end, however, he reasoned that "there was no point in being silent and waiting to see if everything would turn out OK." Nothing But Meat Andrei, 32, was called up in the fall of 2022, shortly after President Vladimir Putin announced a military mobilization in the wake of a stunning Ukrainian counteroffensive in the northeast that sent Russian forces reeling in confusion and resulted in the liberation of about 12,000 square kilometers. He served as a draftee in the Russian Army more than a decade ago. He spent the first three months after he was mobilized at a base in the western Siberian city of Omsk, Ivan says. "During that whole time, he fired one magazine of bullets," Ivan recounted. "They stood in formation and marched around." Next, his unit was sent to the Russian-occupied Ukrainian region of Crimea for "territorial defense." But only one month later, they were hurriedly sent to the partially occupied Zaporizhzhya region on the southern Ukrainian mainland. "There they spent a week sitting in trenches and then they were shipped in the direction of Vuhledar," Ivan said, referring to a coal-mining town in Ukraine's Donetsk region. "In Vuhledar, it was a concrete mess -- fortifications and trenches. Everyone knows the meat grinder there was outside Vuhledar in late February. The 155th Naval Infantry Brigade was literally mowed down there. My friend's company was seconded to them in a reorganization." Andrei spent a week in the trenches near Vuhledar, enduring intense fighting, Ivan says. "There were no real defenses," he said. "The artillery cover was sporadic, and it was often unclear which side was firing at them. They often fired on their own troops." It was after that fighting that Ivan received the phone call that shook him to the core. "I understood from what he said that his commanders regarded the men as nothing but meat," Ivan said. "They would tell them, 'Good going' and 'You are beating the enemy,' but in reality they used them to provide cover for their own soldiers and whenever someone asked questions or complained, they got a baton across the face and were sent back into the attack." 'My Brigade Doesn't Exist' After that phone call, Andrei's unit was sent to more intense fighting near Avdiyivka, on the outskirts of the city of Donetsk. "On March 3, they were thrown into an attack against a fortified road near Avdiyivka," Ivan said. "Then I didn't hear from him for 10 days." "He called on March 13, directly from the front," Ivan added. "The call lasted seven minutes. I never heard such horror in anyone's voice before in my life -- 'My brigade doesn't exist -- it is just gone.'" "The boys were sent into the attack with just their rifles," he said. "There was no covering fire. No medical help. Many of them died from lack of care. Wounded soldiers were left on the field. Only the lightly wounded were helped. The commanders were afraid of losing any heavy weaponry.... Soldiers were forced at gunpoint to attack. The officers openly said: 'You are just meat for us and nothing more. You can forget about the medals and bonuses you were promised. You simply don't exist.'" WATCH: Current Time reporter Borys Sachalko was with a Ukrainian frontline unit as reports came in of Russian troops advancing toward it. Using an armored personnel carrier, a rocket launcher, and small arms, the Ukrainians held the line. Andrei complained that Russian forces were often shelled by their own artillery. "The front lines are very close, 100 to 150 meters," Ivan explained. "I can only suppose that either the 'artillerymen' were just mobilized guys who didn't know how to use their weaponry or that the guys who were directing fire were themselves mobilized guys without real experience. But something is definitely wrong there." In mid-March, Ivan heard from Andrei again. He said that of the 300 men who had traveled with him from Omsk, he believed only three survived. Ivan quoted Andrei's words as he remembered them: "I came here to defend my motherland. But it turns out that I am just dying in a foreign land. And the guys who came with me have died in this foreign land for God only knows what." Andrei told him, Ivan said, that it was a "complete disaster" there and that he intended to refuse to fight anymore. "He said he didn't know what would happen to him after he refused," Ivan told RFE/RL. Back in the Altai region settlement of Volchikha, Andrei's wife and small child are waiting for him, as is his mother. His wife told RFE/RL she regularly writes to the local military commission seeking information about her husband's unit. She has been repeatedly told it is currently assigned to "territorial defense" in areas controlled by the Russian military. Written by Robert Coalson based on reporting by RFE/RL's Siberia.Realities YEREVAN, MARCH 21, ARMENPRESS. March 21 marks the 100th day since Azerbaijan began its illegal blockade of Nagorno Karabakh by closing the Lachin Corridor. Azerbaijan has so far ignored calls and demands from the international community, as well as the World Courts order to open the Lachin Corridor the only road connecting Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) with Armenia and the rest of the world. Furthermore, Azerbaijan continues its aggressive policy and escalates the situation along the border with Armenia and around Nagorno Karabakh. The United Nations highest court the International Court of Justice - ordered Azerbaijan on February 22 to take all steps at its disposal to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions. ARMENPRESS spoke to Dr. Alexander Krylov, the Chief Research Fellow at the Institute of World Economy and International Relations of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IMEMO). Krylov said that although the international community is morally condemning the closure of the Lachin Corridor, it is still unclear what kind of mechanisms could be used for opening it. He said that the Russian peacekeepers deployed in Nagorno Karabakh dont have a policing mandate, which has led to a complicated situation affecting the peaceful population. Krylov projected that a stable tense situation will persist and it could periodically escalate not only in Nagorno Karabakh but also along the international border with Armenia, but it wont lead to an all-out war. The analyst said that Azerbaijan is successfully applying the salami tactics. ARMENPRESS: Mr. Krylov, it has now been 100 days since Azerbaijan started the blockade of Lachin Corridor, which has led to a humanitarian crisis in Nagorno Karabakh. Azerbaijan is ignoring demands by the international community, as well as the International Court of Justice order on opening the corridor, and moreover it continues its aggressive policy. How would you comment on this? What should the international community do in order for the Lachin Corridor to be opened? Krylov: It is clear that a moral condemnation by the international community is taking place, but it is unclear what the mechanism for unblocking the Lachin Corridor could look like, because the Western colleagues are limited to condemning. Russia maintains a peacekeeping contingent in the conflict zone, however the contingents mandate doesnt provide for policing functions. And here the Azerbaijani leadership is not using its military, but rather the possibility of implementing actions through its staged civil activists. Everyone understands that the civilian activists are staged, but the Russian peacekeepers dont have a policing mandate, a mandate to disperse demonstrations, protests and so on. On the other hand, according to the mandate of the Russian peacekeepers, their function is to separate the conflicting parties, but under the trilateral statement Azerbaijan has to provide security of Lachin Corridor and ensure transport activities. Initially this was all written vaguely, but if we recall 9th of November [2020], when in conditions of military operations it was necessary to quickly achieve and end to hostilities, it is understandable that there was no time for developing it at that time. Thats why the Armenian side, naturally, has discontent with the Russian contingent, which is basically controlling the Lachin Corridor, but controlling means not allowing the resumption of hostilities, but at the same time it cant obstruct the staged civilian actions. But at the same time Azerbaijan has discontent as well, because the trilateral statement envisages the withdrawal of Armenian Armed Forces from the territory of Nagorno Karabakh, but the Defense Army of Nagorno Karabakh continues to exist. And Azerbaijan announces that the Russian peacekeepers ought to either disarm or expel them, move to Armenia. But here the issue is again that Russian peacekeepers dont have policing functions. Thus, this is a very complicated situation, and the peaceful population gets mostly affected by this, and they are now in a very difficult condition. ARMENPRESS. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on March 16 that Armenia hopes the Russian peacekeepers will fully implement their functions in Nagorno Karabakh, but if they are unable to do so then Moscow ought to apply to the UN Security Council and warn about the threat of mass killings facing the civilian population in Nagorno Karabakh. Do you think Russia should ask the UNSC to intervene? Krylov: Imagine if the Russian leadership were to express itself in the same spirit like the Armenian leadership. It is a bit strange here. In any case, perhaps we should think more about what the Armenian leadership can do. The Armenian leadership has been recently saying that it is not interfering in the internal issues of Karabakh because thats not its business. And thus, the Karabakh topic isnt being raised during the talks for normalization of relations with Azerbaijan. There was a different stance in the past following the war. Nonetheless the Armenian leadership was saying that the peace treaty must include a clause about the status of Nagorno Karabakh. The capture of bordering regions, important strategic heights, the blockade of Nagorno Karabakh and maintaining border tensions are all part of Azerbaijans intentional policy, and the new administrative division of Karabakh became a very interesting manifestation of this. As Aliyev announced, the name Nagorno Karabakh shouldnt be used, it no longer exists, while the border is drawn as Azerbaijan declares the Karabakh economic region. Theres no Aghdam region, but two regions are added in the country with Azerbaijani population. Understandably now everything will be done to break up the economic ties between Nagorno Karabakh and Armenia. And thats whats being done. The Armenian leaderships task is to maximally internationalize the issue, involve new actors here, activate the old actors the US and the EU. And here we see that the collective West has basically presented numerous peacekeeping initiatives but they didnt lead to any result. For example, the latest trip of Rasmussen. He is the former NATO Secretary General. He came, looked, and then what? Nothing. This is a demonstrative action without a real content. Actually, from the very beginning of the Karabakh conflict the Western policy has been aimed at limiting Russias influence in South Caucasus and pushing it out from the South Caucasus, rather than resolving the conflict and taking into account the interests of the parties. And now we see that the Western policy is pursuing the same goals, because if a peaceful resolution has been achieved based on the trilateral statement, then Russia stays in the South Caucasus, something our Western colleagues strongly dislike, therefore they are doing everything to derail the peace process. We see that thats why an escalation is taking place. ARMENPRESS: What kind of a solution to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict do you see? Krylov: There are two ways a military solution and a peaceful solution, basically like its been from the beginning. Now, if the parties are unable to agree they resolve the issue on the battlefield or find some kind of a peaceful resolution. Theres a third way, that the foreign actors impose their will and dictate their will upon the conflicting parties. Now it is difficult to imagine someone be it Russia or the collective West dictating terms to Azerbaijan which has won the war, and Turkey, because they are actually acting as a united front. And I dont imagine the development of events in that way. Therefore, we can expect the stable tensions to continue with trends of further escalation not only in Karabakh but also along the borders of Armenia. ARMENPRESS: Now there are already reports on Azerbaijan amassing troops. Is there a likelihood of an all-out war? Krylov: An all-out war is less likely to happen because if it were to take place in Karabakh like in 2020 it would inadvertently be a clash with Russian peacekeepers and subsequently a war with Russia, thus we can expect that this entire tension will continue within the framework of orchestrated border clashes, which Azerbaijan is fulfilling very successfully. This is called the salami slicing tactics. They are successful in doing it, while Armenia can still respond with effective countermeasures against this strategy, but this requires the relevant armed forces. And if we analyze Prime Minister Pashinyans latest statement, we see that he doesnt view the military readiness level of Armenia to be high for withstanding such provocations. He said that a fifth column within the Armenian army contributed to the loss in the second Karabakh war, and that fifth column is likely still functioning judging by the continuing arrests of servicemen. Therefore, the situation is extremely unfavorable and requires great attention. ARMENPRESS: What actions should Russia take? Are Russias actions effective enough for establishing peace in the South Caucasus? Krylov: Russias potential possibilities shouldnt be overestimated. I mean the Russian diplomacy is doing everything possible through peaceful means. Unfortunately, in this situation, in the Ukrainian context and on the backdrop of the conflict with the collective West it is extremely difficult for Russia, and it is highly important for Russia not to add new fronts, including in South Caucasus. Thus, it is clear that Moscow is acting very carefully, and perhaps it wouldve been less constrained and wouldve displayed more decisiveness in some other conditions, but now the main task is to avoid a second front in the Caucasus. So, the Russian diplomacy is doing everything it can. It can negotiate and convince personally Recep Tayyip Erdogan or Ilham Aliyev. But as you see, thus far such methods failed to lead to the unblocking of Lachin Corridor. We hope that nonetheless pressure will be applied not only from Moscow but also Western countries. The Armenian diplomacy must be more active here in order for Armenias Western allies who announce that they care for the Armenian nation and Armenian statehood to display more determination in pressuring Baku and Ankara. But you see that now the Azerbaijani energy resources are highly important for the EU, everyone has their limitations, their interests in the international arena, therefore in this sense Armenia is now in a very difficult state. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal Delhi Budget for the year 2023-24 was slated to be presented on Tuesday NEW-DELHI: The Delhi government's response to the news of the Home Ministry approving the Delhi budget has come to the fore. The Delhi government said, "We have received information through the media that the MHA has approved the budget for Delhi. But we are waiting for the official approval." On the other hand, sources in the Lieutenant Governor's office said on Tuesday that the Ministry of Home Affairs has approved the budget of the Delhi government and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has been informed about it. This statement came after a dispute between the Center and the Delhi government on the issue. Advertisement Delhi Finance Minister Kailash Gahlot said that the budget file has again been sent to the Union Home Ministry for approval. It is worth mentioning here that the budget of the Delhi government for the year 2023-24 was slated to be presented on Tuesday. Earlier today, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him not to stall the Delhi budget. The central government has stalled the presentation of the budget for the financial year 2023-24 in the Delhi Legislative Assembly on Tuesday. In a news channel programme, Kejriwal on Monday accused the Center of "outright hooliganism", saying it was the first time in the country's history that a government's budget had been frozen. AAP has shared a video on social media platform Twitter. Advertisement After Kejriwal criticized Central govt, sources in the home ministry said that the ministry has sought an explanation from the AAP government as its budget proposal made more provision for advertisements. There is fragmentation and little budget allocated for infrastructure and other development initiatives. "The AAP government has not yet responded to our queries," said a source in the ministry. Sources in the 'AAP' government have termed these allegations as false. They claimed that the total budget is worth Rs 78,800 crore, of which Rs 22,000 crore has been proposed for infrastructure and only Rs 550 crore has been earmarked for advertisements. Rahul Gandhi Rahul Gandhi said that false allegations have been made against him. NEW-DELHI: The ruling BJP is demanding an apology from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his recent statement regarding Indian democracy in Britain. Meanwhile, the former Congress president has once again written a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and has sought time to speak in the House. Rahul Gandhi has asked the Lok Sabha Speaker for permission to speak in the House citing the rules. Rahul Gandhi said that false allegations have been made against him. Advertisement Notably, uproar has been going on for 7 days in the Lok Sabha over demand of an apology from Rahul Gandhi. On the other hand, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said that Rahul Gandhi is not a member of the House (Rajya Sabha). There is no question of apologizing. About Rahul Gandhi's Speech in Britain..... It is worth mentioning here that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi delivered a lecture at Cambridge University in Britain. During the speech, he has accused the central government-led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The video of the university lecture has been released by senior Congress leader Sam Pitroda on his YouTube channel. In this video 'Rahul Gandhi talks on many issues like Bharat Jodo Yatra, Indian Democracy, Media, Judiciary'. Rahul Gandhi gave his opinion regarding the praise and criticism of the policies of the Modi government. Advertisement Rahul Gandhi said, "Perhaps giving gas cylinders to women and opening people's bank accounts is a good step. Such a step cannot be called wrong. But I think Modi is destroying the fabric of India. They are imposing such an idea on India, which India cannot accept. Rahul said, India is a union of states. There is religious diversity in India. Sikhs, Muslims, Christians are all in India, but Modi treats them as second class citizens. I do not agree with this. When your opposition is so fundamental, it does not matter which two, three policies you agree with. Rahul said this in response to a question in which he was asked, "Can you tell about the good policies of Narendra Modi which are in the interest of India?" Advertisement Rahul Gandhi delivered a lecture on the topic 'Learning to Listening' to the students at Cambridge University. He said, "The media and the judiciary are under control. I have Pegasus on my phone. Many politicians also have Pegasus in their phones. Several intelligence officers told me to be careful while talking on the phone as my phone was being recorded. Several criminal cases have been registered against me, which cannot be classified as crimes." He added, "We traveled in pairs from Kanyakumari to Kashmir. A large number of people participated in the yatra. During this journey, I understood that the place near me should be safe so that those who join the journey feel safe. When I reached Kashmir the security guard came and said - You cannot travel in Kashmir as you can be attacked with hand grenades. Then we talked among ourselves and started our journey to Kashmir. We saw thousands of people participating in the yatra carrying the tricolor. Then an interesting thing happened. A man came to us. He pointed to some boys and told that they were fanatics. Those shaved heads turned to me, I looked at them. But he could not do anything. This is the power of listening to people and non-violence." YEREVAN, MARCH 21, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian Church has asked the UN, the European Union and world leaders to take action to achieve Azerbaijans compliance with the World Court ruling ordering it to open the Lachin Corridor on the 100th day of the blockade. The Supreme Spiritual Council issued a statement on the 100th day of the Berdzor (Lachin) Corridor Blockade: It is with deep sadness that we state it is already the 100th day that the authorities of Azerbaijan, with the intensifying manifestations of anti-Armenian policy, have blocked the Berdzor (Lachin) corridor connecting Artsakh to Armenia. The physical and psychological pressures, violence and terrorist acts carried out regularly by Azerbaijan against the Armenian population of the Republic of Artsakh deepen the catastrophic humanitarian situation. Contrary to the efforts of the peacekeeping personnel stationed in Artsakh, as a result of the criminal actions of the Azerbaijani authorities, the rights to life, treatment, movement and other fundamental rights of the people - children, women and elderly - are being violated. We highly appreciate the decision of the International Court of Justice of the United Nations regarding the removal of the blockade of the Berdzor (Lachin) corridor by Azerbaijan. We welcome the urge of the Assembly of the European Parliament urging the authorities of Azerbaijan to implement the decision of the International Court of Justice of the United Nations. We express our confusion that despite the strong demands of the international community and its competent and influential structures to open the road, the blockade continues to this day. We urge the structures of the UN, the European Parliament and the European Union, heads of state and religious leaders, to achieve the execution of the judgment of the International Court by Azerbaijan with consistent efforts and ensure the safe and normal life of the Artsakh population. Toleration of such a blatantly disrespectful approach by Azerbaijan to the decision of the International Court of Justice will intensify the humanitarian crisis, will create new dangers for the lives of more than 120,000 people of Artsakh, will create an unforgivable precedent of grossly circumventing the resolution of international courts, at the same time causing a deep disillusionment with international justice. Our Holy Apostolic Church, having priority over the salvation and safety of human lives, will consistently protect the realization of the right of self-determination of the people of Artsakh, based on the principle of independence for the sake of salvation and safety, the statement reads. The United Nations highest court the International Court of Justice (ICJ) - ordered Azerbaijan on February 22 to take all steps at its disposal to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions. The Lachin Corridor has been blocked by Azerbaijan since 12 December 2022. HC HC ordered to produce Amritpal Singh within a week CHANDIGARH: 'Waris Punjab De' chief Amritpal Singh's legal advisor Imaan Singh Khara has filed a habeas corpus petition in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which was heard today and a response has been submitted by the Punjab government. Giving information about this, Advocate Imaan Singh Khara said that the High Court is not convinced of the information given by the police. According to him, the High Court is not convinced that someone who has so many cases registered and the police of the entire Punjab is behind him, can escape. Advertisement Advocate said that the High Court thinks that this is a story created by the police. This is why, the court has ordered the police to produce Amritpal Singh next week. He further said that Amritpal Singh's father has received information from many eyewitnesses that Amritpal has been detained by the police, many videos of which are also going viral. He said that during the next hearing, he will present the news, videos etc which are running in the media on the basis of evidence. The next hearing in the case is scheduled to be held on March 27. Tarsem Singh (Amritpal Singh's Father) Police is creating stories and registering false cases against Amritpal Singh: Tarsem Singh CHANDIGARH: A hearing was held today in the High Court regarding the Amritpal Singh case and the Punjab government has submitted its response in which they said that the NSA has been invoked against Amritpal Singh. In this regard, Amritpal Singh's father Tarsem Singh interacted with the media and said, "We are afraid that Amritpal Singh's life is in danger. It can't be possible that the other accused got caught and Amritpal Singh escaped. I don't know why he is not being brought forward." Advertisement Talking further, Tarsem Singh said, "The police is creating stories and registering false cases against Amritpal Singh. We wanted to file a petition in the High Court before but our house was sealed." Answering the question, Tarsem Singh said that his brother Harjit Singh had surrendered to the police on his request. He added, "We are not fugitives. We fear that Amritpal Singh is already in police custody and his life is in danger." Australian Police Released Photos of Six Accused in January 29 Violence Incident Such Attacks will not be tolerated in the country: Australian PM Anthony Albanese VICTORIA: Australia's Victoria Police has released pictures of 6 Khalistan supporters who committed violence during the 'Khalistan Referendum event' on January 29. "During the fight, several people used a flag pole as a weapon, injuring several people... One group even burnt an Indian flag," police said. According to the police, several people were seriously injured in the incident. The Melbourne East Neighborhood Policing Team has appealed to the people for public assistance. Two persons were arrested on the same day and investigation is ongoing to identify the remaining persons, police said. Advertisement Investigators have released images of six people. Police have issued a 1800 333 000 number and an email www.crimestoppersvic.com.au to share information related to the accused. The Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese said that such attacks will not be tolerated in the country. YEREVAN, MARCH 21, ARMENPRESS. The US Department of State published a report on the human rights situation in Armenia, in which it also referred in detail to the atrocities committed by Azerbaijani servicemen during the September aggression against Armenia. The report mentions that there are credible reports that during the September conflict, Azerbaijani forces committed unlawful killings involving summary executions of Armenian soldiers in Azerbaijani custody. It is noted that the International Committee of the Red Cross studied the cases of missing persons as a result of the conflict with Azerbaijan. It is noted that after the 2020 war, 203 people (including 20 civilians) are considered missing, and 3 military personnel are considered missing as a result of the September 13-14 conflict. The US State Department also addresses the illegal execution of 7 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijani servicemen, which, according to the Human Rights Watch NGO and investigative journalists of Belingat, was filmed in mid-September 2022. The report also mentions the cases of inhumane treatment of the bodies of Armenian female servicemen during the September conflict, attacks on civilian infrastructure by Azerbaijani forces, targeting of emergency vehicles. The report also presents cases of violations of human rights in Armenia, including the use of force by the security forces, bad conditions in prisons, arbitrary arrests, and restrictions on freedom of speech. You can read the full report here. YEREVAN, MARCH 21, ARMENPRESS. The "Civil Contract" faction has nominated Anahit Manasyan, Deputy Prosecutor General of the Republic of Armenia, as a candidate for Human Rights Defender. The faction made that decision at the recent session, ARMENPRESS reports, the head of the faction Hayk Konjoryan told the journalists. According to Konjoryan, the faction approached this issue very seriously and considered various candidates. "We have tried to find the best candidate and we consider that Mrs. Manasyan with her professional abilities, past path and principles is the candidate who can be a human rights defender," he said. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz does not rule out that the conflict in Ukraine may be a prolonged one. March 21, 2023, 09:36 Scholz sees prolonged conflict in Ukraine STEPANAKERT, MARCH 21 , ARTSAKHPRESS: "We have to be prepared for the fact that it can take a long time," DPA quoted Scholz as saying in Dusseldorf on Monday, Tass informs. According to the German leader, the West should continue to support Kiev. "Ukraine must be able to defend its integrity and independence," Scholz added. The German chancellor said he did not expect the war in Ukraine to end any time soon in an interview with Handelsblatt on March 16. However, he then said it was hardly possible to predict the future course of hostilities. March 21 marks the 100th day since Azerbaijan began its illegal blockade of Nagorno Karabakh by closing the Lachin Corridor. Azerbaijan has so far ignored calls and demands from the international community, as well as the world courts order to open the Lachin Corridor the only road connecting Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) with Armenia and the rest of the world. Furthermore, Azerbaijan continues its aggressive policy and escalates the situation along the border with Armenia and around Nagorno Karabakh. March 21, 2023, 11:07 Analyst weighs in on Azeri salami tactics against Armenia and why Russia isnt breaking blockade of NK STEPANAKERT, MARCH 21 , ARTSAKHPRESS: The United Nations highest court the International Court of Justice - ordered Azerbaijan on February 22 to take all steps at its disposal to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions. ARMENPRESS spoke to Dr. Alexander Krylov, the Chief Research Fellow at the Institute of World Economy and International Relations of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IMEMO). Krylov said that although the international community is morally condemning the closure of the Lachin Corridor, it is still unclear what kind of mechanisms could be used for opening it. He said that the Russian peacekeepers deployed in Nagorno Karabakh dont have a policing mandate, which has led to a complicated situation affecting the peaceful population. Krylov projected that a stable tense situation will persist and it could periodically escalate not only in Nagorno Karabakh but also along the international border with Armenia, but it wont lead to an all-out war. The analyst said that Azerbaijan is successfully applying the salami tactics. Mr. Krylov, it has now been 100 days since Azerbaijan started the blockade of Lachin Corridor, which has led to a humanitarian crisis in Nagorno Karabakh. Azerbaijan is ignoring demands by the international community, as well as the International Court of Justice order on opening the corridor, and moreover it continues its aggressive policy. How would you comment on this? What should the international community do in order for the Lachin Corridor to be opened? It is clear that a moral condemnation by the international community is taking place, but it is unclear what the mechanism for unblocking the Lachin Corridor could look like, because the Western colleagues are limited to condemning. Russia maintains a peacekeeping contingent in the conflict zone, however the contingents mandate doesnt provide for policing functions. And here the Azerbaijani leadership is not using its military, but rather the possibility of implementing actions through its staged civil activists. Everyone understands that the civilian activists are staged, but the Russian peacekeepers dont have a policing mandate, a mandate to disperse demonstrations, protests and so on. On the other hand, according to the mandate of the Russian peacekeepers, their function is to separate the conflicting parties, but under the trilateral statement Azerbaijan has to provide security of Lachin Corridor and ensure transport activities. Initially this was all written vaguely, but if we recall 9th of November [2020], when in conditions of military operations it was necessary to quickly achieve and end to hostilities, it is understandable that there was no time for developing it at that time. Thats why the Armenian side, naturally, has discontent with the Russian contingent, which is basically controlling the Lachin Corridor, but controlling means not allowing the resumption of hostilities, but at the same time it cant obstruct the staged civilian actions. But at the same time Azerbaijan has discontent as well, because the trilateral statement envisages the withdrawal of Armenian Armed Forces from the territory of Nagorno Karabakh, but the Defense Army of Nagorno Karabakh continues to exist. And Azerbaijan announces that the Russian peacekeepers ought to either disarm or expel them, move to Armenia. But here the issue is again that Russian peacekeepers dont have policing functions. Thus, this is a very complicated situation, and the peaceful population gets mostly affected by this, and they are now in a very difficult condition. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on March 16 that Armenia hopes the Russian peacekeepers will fully implement their functions in Nagorno Karabakh, but if they are unable to do so then Moscow ought to apply to the UN Security Council and warn about the threat of mass killings facing the civilian population in Nagorno Karabakh. Do you think Russia should ask the UNSC to intervene? Imagine if the Russian leadership were to express itself in the same spirit like the Armenian leadership. It is a bit strange here. In any case, perhaps we should think more about what the Armenian leadership can do. The Armenian leadership has been recently saying that it is not interfering in the internal issues of Karabakh because thats not its business. And thus, the Karabakh topic isnt being raised during the talks for normalization of relations with Azerbaijan. There was a different stance in the past following the war. Nonetheless the Armenian leadership was saying that the peace treaty must include a clause about the status of Nagorno Karabakh. The capture of bordering regions, important strategic heights, the blockade of Nagorno Karabakh and maintaining border tensions are all part of Azerbaijans intentional policy, and the new administrative division of Karabakh became a very interesting manifestation of this. As Aliyev announced, the name Nagorno Karabakh shouldnt be used, it no longer exists, while the border is drawn as Azerbaijan declares the Karabakh economic region. Theres no Aghdam region, but two regions are added in the country with Azerbaijani population. Understandably now everything will be done to break up the economic ties between Nagorno Karabakh and Armenia. And thats whats being done. The Armenian leaderships task is to maximally internationalize the issue, involve new actors here, activate the old actors the US and the EU. And here we see that the collective West has basically presented numerous peacekeeping initiatives but they didnt lead to any result. For example, the latest trip of Rasmussen. He is the former NATO Secretary General. He came, looked, and then what? Nothing. This is a demonstrative action without a real content. Actually, from the very beginning of the Karabakh conflict the Western policy has been aimed at limiting Russias influence in South Caucasus and pushing it out from the South Caucasus, rather than resolving the conflict and taking into account the interests of the parties. And now we see that the Western policy is pursuing the same goals, because if a peaceful resolution has been achieved based on the trilateral statement, then Russia stays in the South Caucasus, something our Western colleagues strongly dislike, therefore they are doing everything to derail the peace process. We see that thats why an escalation is taking place. What kind of a solution to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict do you see? There are two ways a military solution and a peaceful solution, basically like its been from the beginning. Now, if the parties are unable to agree they resolve the issue on the battlefield or find some kind of a peaceful resolution. Theres a third way, that the foreign actors impose their will and dictate their will upon the conflicting parties. Now it is difficult to imagine someone be it Russia or the collective West dictating terms to Azerbaijan which has won the war, and Turkey, because they are actually acting as a united front. And I dont imagine the development of events in that way. Therefore, we can expect the stable tensions to continue with trends of further escalation not only in Karabakh but also along the borders of Armenia. Now there are already reports on Azerbaijan amassing troops. Is there a likelihood of an all-out war? An all-out war is less likely to happen because if it were to take place in Karabakh like in 2020 it would inadvertently be a clash with Russian peacekeepers and subsequently a war with Russia, thus we can expect that this entire tension will continue within the framework of orchestrated border clashes, which Azerbaijan is fulfilling very successfully. This is called the salami slicing tactics. They are successful in doing it, while Armenia can still respond with effective countermeasures against this strategy, but this requires the relevant armed forces. And if we analyze Prime Minister Pashinyans latest statement, we see that he doesnt view the military readiness level of Armenia to be high for withstanding such provocations. He said that a fifth column within the Armenian army contributed to the loss in the second Karabakh war, and that fifth column is likely still functioning judging by the continuing arrests of servicemen. Therefore, the situation is extremely unfavorable and requires great attention. What actions should Russia take? Are Russias actions effective enough for establishing peace in the South Caucasus? Russias potential possibilities shouldnt be overestimated. I mean the Russian diplomacy is doing everything possible through peaceful means. Unfortunately, in this situation, in the Ukrainian context and on the backdrop of the conflict with the collective West it is extremely difficult for Russia, and it is highly important for Russia not to add new fronts, including in South Caucasus. Thus, it is clear that Moscow is acting very carefully, and perhaps it wouldve been less constrained and wouldve displayed more decisiveness in some other conditions, but now the main task is to avoid a second front in the Caucasus. So, the Russian diplomacy is doing everything it can. It can negotiate and convince personally Recep Tayyip Erdogan or Ilham Aliyev. But as you see, thus far such methods failed to lead to the unblocking of Lachin Corridor. We hope that nonetheless pressure will be applied not only from Moscow but also Western countries. The Armenian diplomacy must be more active here in order for Armenias Western allies who announce that they care for the Armenian nation and Armenian statehood to display more determination in pressuring Baku and Ankara. But you see that now the Azerbaijani energy resources are highly important for the EU, everyone has their limitations, their interests in the international arena, therefore in this sense Armenia is now in a very difficult state. United States Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA) is collecting signatures on a U.S. House letter calling out newly appointed US Senior Advisor for Caucasus Negotiations Louis Bono for ruling out U.S. sanctions against Azerbaijan for its 100-day blockade of Artsakh/Nagorno Karabakh, the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) reported. March 21, 2023, 11:16 Congressman Adam Schiff calls out Caucasus envoy Louis Bono for ruling out sanctions against Azerbaijan STEPANAKERT, MARCH 21 , ARTSAKHPRESS: On March 8th of this year deep into the second month of Azerbaijans blockade, Bono, on his first official trip to the region as Special U.S. Advisor, stated publicly: This is not a time for sanctions Sanctions would be counter-productive. Its not even under consideration at this point. The Schiff-led Congressional letter addressed to Bono states, in part: We are deeply concerned by your reported comments during the trip ruling out the use of economic and diplomatic sanctions against Azerbaijan for their clear aggression. It was reported that you stated, this is not a time for sanctions its not even under consideration at this point. As 120,000 innocent people remain deprived of their basic rights in Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) for a third month, due to a blockade that the International Court of Justice (World Court) has ordered Azerbaijan to lift, this is not the time to take any tools off the table. In closing, the signatories affirm that: The United States, the President of the United States, the U.S. State Department, and entire Administration must use all tools at its disposal to ensure the safety of the people of Artsakh, now and in the future, including cessation of financial support to Azerbaijan and imposition of sanctions. Indian origin executive Laxman Narasimhan officially assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer of global coffee giant Starbucks, joining the growing cohort of business leaders originally hailing from India at the helm of global corporations. In September last year, Starbucks had announced that Narasimhan would become the companys next chief executive officer and a member of the Starbucks Board of Directors. Following the global search for the new leader of Starbucks to succeed company founder and now former CEO, Howard Schultz, Narasimhan joined Starbucks as incoming CEO on October 1, 2022 after resettling from London to the Seattle area. Laxman Narasimhan has assumed the position of chief executive officer and will join the companys board of directors, Starbucks said in a statement. Narasimhan will lead Starbucks Annual Shareholder Meeting on March 23. As he ascends into the role, Narasimhan will continue engaging the leadership team, sharing his early learnings and perspectives and assessing opportunities for the company as they chart a path forward, the company said. Narasimhan, the former CEO of UK based consumer health, hygiene and nutrition multinational Reckitt Benckiser, brings to Starbucks nearly 30 years of experience leading global consumer goods businesses and advising retail, grocery, restaurant and e-commerce companies. The company said over the past five months, he has embarked on a unique immersion experience, travelling to work with employees in over 30 stores, manufacturing facilities and in support centres around the world, earning his barista certification along the way. I am humbled to officially step into my role as Starbucks chief executive officer, leading our incredible team of more than 450,000 green apron partners around the world, the statement quoted Narasimhan as saying. He said the foundation laid by Schultz building from scratch an iconic global brand fuelled by a lasting passion to uplift humanity is truly astounding, "and I am honoured to have the opportunity to build on this deep heritage. "As a human connection business, we have endless possibilities to deliver for our partners, our customers, our investors and our communities through every cup and every connection. I am excited to work alongside our partners worldwide to unlock the boundless future of Starbucks. With his appointment, Narasimhan joined the growing list of Indian origin CEOs at the helm of global giants, including Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai and IBM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Arvind Krishna. Indra Nooyi had served as PepsiCos CEO for 12 years before stepping down in 2018. Former Mastercard CEO Ajay Banga was last month nominated by US President Joe Biden to lead the World Bank. Narasimhan holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the College of Engineering, University of Pune, India. He also has a Master of Arts in German and International Studies from The Lauder Institute at The University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Business Administration in Finance from The Wharton School of The University of Pennsylvania. Starbucks said that it has unveiled a company wide reinvention strategy and continues to deliver on more than USD 1 billion in investments in retail partners and stores for prioritised areas such as increased pay and sick time accrual, new financial well being benefits, modernised training and collaboration, store innovation and equipment and the celebration of coffee. Independent Starbucks Board of Directors chair Mellody Hobson said in the statement that Narasimhans intensive immersion into the business coupled with his extensive experience as a proven brand builder, innovator and operator have uniquely prepared him to lead Starbucks into its next phase of growth. This immersion has bolstered Laxmans understanding of Starbucks culture and values. In this time of learning and listening, he has already won the hearts and minds of our partners around the world, Hobson said. Previously, Narasimhan has served as an executive in numerous leadership roles at PepsiCo, including as global chief commercial officer, where he was responsible for the companys long term growth strategy and commercial capabilities. Prior to PepsiCo, he spent 19 years at McKinsey & Company, where he advised companies across the retail, consumer goods, and healthcare industries in the US, Asia, and India. He is a board member of the Brookings Institution, a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, a member of the UK Prime Ministers Build Back Better Council and a member of Verizons Board of Directors, according to the Starbucks. The southern Indian state of Karnataka has authorised an 80 billion rupee ($967.91 million) funding in the state by a unit of Taiwan's Foxconn (2317. TW). The government stated in an announcement that the investment will result in the creation of 50,000 jobs. Foxconn, the world's largest contract electronics manufacturer, has been in discussions with Indian states but has not announced any investment plans so far in Karnataka. Foxconn did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for confirmation on the investment. The Apple (AAPL.O) supplier had won an order to make AirPods and planned to build a facility in India to manufacture the wireless earphones, two people with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters last week. Apple has been shifting production away from China after the country's strict COVID-related restrictions disrupted the manufacturing of new iPhones and other devices in the country. The tech giant is also looking to avoid a hit to its business due to tensions between Beijing and Washington. Ugadi, the Telugu and Kannada New Year, is a festival of great significance for South Indian communities. It is celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra month, which falls around late March or early April. The festival is known for its vibrant colours, aromatic smells, and sumptuous food. It marks the beginning of a new year, a time to celebrate new beginnings, new hopes, and new dreams. Ugadi is celebrated with much fervor and enthusiasm across South India. It is a time when families come together, old grudges are forgotten, and new relationships are forged. The festival is not just about food, festivities, and fun, but it is also a time to introspect, reflect and renew our lives. Rituals and Customs of Ugadi The preparations for Ugadi begin weeks in advance. Homes are cleaned and decorated with vibrant rangolis made of coloured powders, flowers, and mango leaves. It is believed that the rangolis invite good fortune into the home and bring positivity and harmony to the household. On the day of Ugadi, people wake up before dawn to take an auspicious oil bath. The bath is a symbol of purification of the body, mind, and soul. It is believed that the bath washes away all the negativity, leaving behind a renewed spirit and a fresh start. After the bath, people dress up in new clothes and adorn themselves with fragrant flowers. Ugadi Pachadi- The six tastes of life The highlight of Ugadi celebrations is the preparation of the Ugadi Pachadi. It is a traditional dish that is made by combining six different flavors, sweet, sour, salty, bitter, tangy, and spicy, to represent the different emotions of life. The dish is a reminder that life is a blend of different emotions and experiences, and we must accept them all. The sweet taste of jaggery represents happiness, while the sourness of tamarind represents sorrow. The saltiness of salt represents fear, the bitterness of neem flowers represents sadness, the tanginess of raw mango represents surprise, and the spiciness of green chili represents anger. The Pachadi is a visual representation of the various aspects of life, and it teaches us to embrace life with all its ups and downs. It is said that the first thing one should taste on Ugadi is the Pachadi as it is believed to have a lasting impact on the rest of the year. Reading the Panchangam Another significant aspect of Ugadi is the reading of the Panchangam, an astrological almanac that predicts the events of the year ahead. The predictions are made based on the position of the sun, moon, and other celestial bodies. It is believed that the reading of the Panchangam brings good luck and prosperity to the household. People eagerly wait for the predictions as it gives them an insight into the future and helps them plan their lives accordingly. Wearing new clothes and seeking blessings from elders Apart from the Pachadi and Panchangam, Ugadi is also known for its traditional attire. Women dress up in traditional silk sarees while men wear traditional dhoti and kurta. The attire adds to the festive spirit, and it is a visual reminder of the rich cultural heritage of South India. On Ugadi, it is customary to wear new clothes and seek blessings from elders. It is a way of showing respect and gratitude towards the older generation, and seeking their blessings for a happy and prosperous year ahead. This tradition also symbolizes the idea of new beginnings and starting afresh. Traditional music and dance performances Ugadi is also a time to celebrate through music and dance performances. Traditional dance forms like Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam, and Kathak are performed by professionals and enthusiasts alike. The music and dance performances are a way of celebrating the rich cultural heritage of South India. Ugadi Celebrations Across South India Ugadi celebrations vary from state to state, with each region having its unique customs and traditions. In Karnataka, people celebrate Ugadi by preparing holige, a sweet dish made of lentils and jaggery. The dish is also known as Obbattu or Puran Poli, and it is relished by people of all ages. In Andhra Pradesh, Ugadi is celebrated by preparing Bobbatlu, a sweet stuffed bread made of lentils and jaggery. The dish is offered to the deity before consuming it. In Tamil Nadu, Ugadi is celebrated with great pomp and show, and it is a time when people come together to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of South India. The festival is not just about rituals and traditions but also about spreading love, joy, and positivity. Reflecting on the Message of Ugadi The essence of Ugadi lies in the renewal of life, and it teaches us to embrace change and to look forward to new beginnings. It is a time to forget the past and to move forward with a renewed spirit. Ugadi is a reminder that life is a beautiful journey filled with different emotions and experiences, and we must cherish every moment of it. Finally, we can conclude that Ugadi is a festival that celebrates the spirit of new beginnings, new hopes, and new dreams. It is a time to let go of the past and to embrace the future with open arms. The festival teaches us to be grateful for the blessings in our lives, to accept the different aspects of life, and to look forward to new opportunities. As we celebrate Ugadi 2023, let us take a moment to reflect on our lives, to renew our spirits, and to spread love and positivity to those around us. Happy Ugadi to all! The development of technology brings new specialties to the labor market, which are necessary for the promotion of the fashion industry in the digital space. Opening new horizons for students, Istituto Marangoni Miami offers a curriculum for obtaining a Master Digital Communication degree. Digitally Oriented Fashion Marketing Bachelor Today, it is already hard to imagine a fashion brand that would not interact with its audience through various Internet platforms, including social media. That is why marketers should comprehend the laws of digital marketing for successful brand promotion. The student must learn many useful digital communication skills and master the art of attracting customers: Delivering information in an optimal format through multiple communication channels; Effectively working with targeted advertising and retargeting; Converting target audience into leads; Learning from the actions of competitors and industry leaders; Evaluating the effectiveness of a marketing campaign, and much more. Where Can Bachelors in Fashion Management Find Jobs? With an MSc in Digital Communication https://www.istitutomarangonimiami.com/masters-programs/master-digital-communication, students become valuable professionals who provide a link between a fashion brand and its target audience. They are the intermediaries who can bring new fashion trends to the general public and direct an interested audience to promising fashion houses. By mastering the skills of digital communication, fashion managers learn to connect more closely with potential consumers through the digital environment. This knowledge will be essential for planning and organizing marketing campaigns. Specialists in fashion management can choose to work both for specific brands and for digital media, which provide their platform for various fashion houses and widely cover all the processes taking place in the fashion industry. Here are just a few of the areas that are open to the student with an MSc in Digital Communication: Content creator Communication specialist Digital manager Brand manager Social media specialist Benefits ?of Obtaining a Bachelor in Fashion Business at Istituto Marangoni Miami By enrolling in any educational program at Istituto Marangoni Miami, you will become part of a fashion community with almost a century-long history. Due to the high quality of education, the institute is included in the top five educational institutions in the world, which train specialists for the fashion industry. The best fashion experts in the world consider it an honor to give lectures and conduct training at the Istituto Marangoni Miami. And this means that you will have the opportunity to get acquainted with the legends of the fashion world. The extra-curricular life of students is very rich because they live in Miami, where even the atmosphere is filled with creativity. And the proximity of the ocean gives powerful inspiration, thanks to which you can reach incredible heights in your favorite profession! By choosing the MSc in Digital Communication, you will enter a profession that is acutely needed in the fashion industry. It will open the doors to many exciting projects and introduce you to the most interesting and creative people. The Armenian Church has asked the UN, the European Union and world leaders to take action to achieve Azerbaijans compliance with the World Court ruling ordering it to open the Lachin Corridor on the 100th day of the blockade. March 21, 2023, 14:30 Armenian Church urges UN, EU and world leaders to achieve Azerbaijani compliance with ICJ ruling STEPANAKERT, MARCH 21 , ARTSAKHPRESS: The Supreme Spiritual Council issued a statement on the 100th day of the Berdzor (Lachin) Corridor Blockade: It is with deep sadness that we state it is already the 100th day that the authorities of Azerbaijan, with the intensifying manifestations of anti-Armenian policy, have blocked the Berdzor (Lachin) corridor connecting Artsakh to Armenia. The physical and psychological pressures, violence and terrorist acts carried out regularly by Azerbaijan against the Armenian population of the Republic of Artsakh deepen the catastrophic humanitarian situation. Contrary to the efforts of the peacekeeping personnel stationed in Artsakh, as a result of the criminal actions of the Azerbaijani authorities, the rights to life, treatment, movement and other fundamental rights of the people - children, women and elderly - are being violated. We highly appreciate the decision of the International Court of Justice of the United Nations regarding the removal of the blockade of the Berdzor (Lachin) corridor by Azerbaijan. We welcome the urge of the Assembly of the European Parliament urging the authorities of Azerbaijan to implement the decision of the International Court of Justice of the United Nations. We express our confusion that despite the strong demands of the international community and its competent and influential structures to open the road, the blockade continues to this day. We urge the structures of the UN, the European Parliament and the European Union, heads of state and religious leaders, to achieve the execution of the judgment of the International Court by Azerbaijan with consistent efforts and ensure the safe and normal life of the Artsakh population. Toleration of such a blatantly disrespectful approach by Azerbaijan to the decision of the International Court of Justice will intensify the humanitarian crisis, will create new dangers for the lives of more than 120,000 people of Artsakh, will create an unforgivable precedent of grossly circumventing the resolution of international courts, at the same time causing a deep disillusionment with international justice. Our Holy Apostolic Church, having priority over the salvation and safety of human lives, will consistently protect the realization of the right of self-determination of the people of Artsakh, based on the principle of independence for the sake of salvation and safety, the statement reads. The United Nations highest court the International Court of Justice (ICJ) - ordered Azerbaijan on February 22 to take all steps at its disposal to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions. The Lachin Corridor has been blocked by Azerbaijan since 12 December 2022. San Mateo, CA (94402) Today Cloudy skies this morning will become partly cloudy this afternoon. High 57F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Showers early, then partly cloudy overnight. Low near 45F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%. Thank you for visiting the Daily Journal. Please purchase an Enhanced Subscription to continue reading. To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account. We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription. A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much! Takeover target Mincor Resources has told its shareholders to wait for a better offer after mining billionaire Andrew Forrest lobbed a $760 million bid for one of Western Australias biggest nickel producers. Shares in the Perth-based Mincor shot up 41 per cent, or 43 cents, to $1.47 a share on Tuesday, well above the $1.40 a share offer put on the table by Forrests privately owned Wyloo Metals. Wyloo Metals is part of Tattarang, the vehicle for Andrew Forrests private investments. Credit: Bloomberg Nickel, long used in steel alloys, is also a vital component in the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries and has been touted as a crucial metal to help decarbonise the global economy. Mincor chief executive Gabrielle Iwanow said its nickel sulphide assets near Kambalda in WAs Goldfields region had value for both miners and processors involved in battery and critical minerals. Retail giant Woolworths is muscling into virtual healthcare by making telehealth appointments with doctors, naturopaths and dietitians available through its wellness platform, HealthyLife. Patients will be able to log on to HealthyLife and make a same-day booking with a general practitioner via a partnership with ASX-listed digital health company Global Health. Users will be connected to a third-party platform featuring doctors across the country who have availability in their schedules for virtual consultations. Bulk-billing is not available for the service, and a 15-minute doctors appointment costs $45. Bookings are also available with an accredited dietitian or nutritionist for $115, while virtual naturopath consultations are free. Of An Age (MA) 100 minutes To say that Australian writer-director Goran Stolevskis new film is taking a forensic approach to love doesnt come near to describing its efforts to get inside the hearts and heads of its main characters. Stolevski and his cinematographer, Matthew Chuang, have an obsession with the close-up. The faces under the cameras eye are minutely examined with no blush, blemish, tear or tremor left unrecorded. Elias Anton (left) and Thom Green do more than survive the intensity of the cameras scrutiny in Of an Age. Credit: Focus Features via AP The action begins in the northern suburbs of Melbourne in 1999. Serbian-born Nikola (Elias Anton), or Kol as his Australian friends have nicknamed him, is a teenager graduating from high school when we first meet him. Hes about to compete in the year 12 ballroom final, but something has gone horribly wrong. His dance partner, Ebony (Hattie Hook), a dedicated party girl, has wound up stranded at a distant beach after a heavy night out. Panicked and hungover, she orders Kol to get hold of her older brother and his car and pick her up. The Portable Door (PG) 115 minutes With its magic and wizardry and people walking through walls, this might seem like a derivative of Harry Potter, but that would be a disservice to the author. British lawyer Tom Holt has been hobnobbing with goblins for almost 40 years. He published his first fantasy novel in 1987, 10 years before H. Potter arrived. His work rate is astonishing sometimes two books a year many of them riffing on characters from classic stories or mythology, with added political satire. Dennis Tanner (Sam Neill) and Paul Carpenter (Patrick Gibson) in JW Wells & Co Back Office in a scene from The Portable Door. Credit: Stan Holts 2003 novel took its cue from The Sorcerer, an 1887 comic opera by WS Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan. Gilberts story deployed an old English firm of family sorcerers called JW Wells and Co. Tom Holt took up the firm name for The Portable Door, the story of two bright young interns who enter this same firm, not knowing there is magic involved. There are now six other books in this series. How this came to be an Australian film with an Australian director (Jeffrey Walker) and a largely Australasian cast, is another mystery, but less important. The fantasy genre, more than most, is portable. The film opens with aerial shots of London to establish the location, but Im guessing most of the sets were on the Gold Coast. The Jim Henson Company collaborated on the project, which attracted some Australian government funding, triggered by COVID. AMP, one of the oldest financial institutions in Australia, has for years been trying to engineer a turnaround after a major fall from grace. It has been a tough slog for shareholders, who have seen the value of their stock fall about 80 per cent in the past five years. Lately, however, the company has argued its making significant progress, and last month it backed up the talk by paying its first regular dividend since 2019 (there was a special dividend in 2020). Is this a sign things might finally be turning a corner for long-suffering shareholders? Under new chief executive Alexis George, AMP has set about narrowing its focus to a few key areas: superannuation, financial advice, banking and wealth management platforms. Credit: Kathleen Adele AMP was perhaps the most high-profile casualty of the 2018 banking royal commission, which exposed deep-seated problems in the wealth management and superannuation industries. The turmoil of the commission led to a new management team being installed, including former chief executive Francesco de Ferrari, but he did not last long in the job. There were further changes in company strategy in 2021 when he resigned, and was replaced by current CEO Alexis George. Artsakh is under Azerbaijani blockade for 100 days. Although, by and large, Artsakh has been under a blockadea diplomatic, political, moral blockadefor several decades. David Babayan, adviser-representative-at large of the Artsakh President, said this in an interview with NEWS.am. March 21, 2023, 14:37 Artsakh is under Azerbaijan blockade for 100 days but by and large, for several decades. David Babayan STEPANAKERT, MARCH 21 , ARTSAKHPRESS: "But we will endure, for sure. Azerbaijan now does not take into account at all the norms of morality, international law; it simply conducts a cynical policy. And this is further confirmed by the statement of the environmentalist who announced to the whole world official Bakus policy that they will turn us into kebabs. On the one hand, 100 days is not a long period, on the other hand, every minute is an eternity. But we have to endure because the question here is our future, whether we will be worthy to be called people, Armenians, and just people. Any test that is given not only to a person, but also to a people; it is given by God so that it can be overcome. We are obligated to overcome [it] because this is the mission of each of us, and of the people in general. It is a pity that the international community is indifferent to the suffering of Artsakh. But this does not mean that the virus will not creep to other places if it is not stopped now. We are under a blockade, but we have no place to retreat," said Babayan. Azerbaijan has closed the Lachin corridor since December 12, 2022 under the guise of "environmental action." The passing of this corridor is currently allowed exclusively for the Russian peacekeepers and the International Committee of the Red Cross. Today marks the 100th day of this blockade of Artsakh. The great American judge Oliver Wendell Holmes wrote, The most stringent protection of free speech would not protect [a person] falsely shouting fire in a theatre and causing a panic. This is the answer to those who say that neo-Nazis should be free to demonstrate at public rallies. It also explains why our current vilification laws are inadequate and need reform. No rational person will deny that Nazism was a very great evil. It was a so-called doctrine that denied the right of others to exist, and advocated for their destruction. The tall, blue-eyed and blond Aryans were the master race. Groups who the Aryans disliked were designated as subhuman and targeted for mass destruction. Five Indigenous Australian university students will have the opportunity to complete an internship with NASA under a new program being supported by the United States and Australian space agencies. The National Indigenous Space Academy was launched in Adelaide on Tuesday and will provide for selected students to travel to NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California for a 10-week program. As part of their internships, the students will be partnered with a NASA JPL scientist or engineer mentor and will also contribute to the laboratorys ongoing missions. The program will create a pathway for Indigenous students to participate in projects such as robotics, robot perception control, and Artificial Intelligence. West Australian Premier Mark McGowan says Chinese President Xi Jinpings meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin this week is a good thing if Xi is part of global efforts to stop the war in Ukraine. McGowan waded into the geopolitical debate when asked by reporters in Perth on Tuesday about Xis three-day visit to Russia this week ahead of his own visit to China next month. WA Premier Mark McGowan. Credit: Hamish Hastie The premier conceded he did not know the circumstances of Xis visit to Russia but offered comment anyway. I dont know the circumstances but there may well be efforts internationally to end the war in Ukraine, I would encourage China to be a part of that. I would encourage the Chinese leadership to be a part of that, he said. Private and Catholic schools will receive $50 million over the next year for new classrooms, upgrades and infrastructure projects if the Coalition is re-elected. An assessment of election costings by the independent Parliamentary Budget Office showed the government has allocated funding for independent schools to help build new teaching spaces and maintain facilities as the states private schools report surging enrolments. Non-government schools will receive $50 million over the next year for classroom upgrades and building projects under a re-elected Coalition government. Credit: iStock The investment to be split between private and Catholic schools will be allocated through the Building Grants Assistance Scheme and will extend the current funding arrangements for another year. Independent schools across the state have seen an influx of students as parents increasingly opt for a private education for their children, with enrolments soaring in low and mid-fee schools in Sydneys newer suburbs. I dont have the ability to exclude Mr Hopwood from my workplace ... in the interests of staff I have invited them to work from home. We are in a very unenviable position and a difficult situation. Those who wish to work from the office, in York Street, Sydney, can do so whilst controls are being arranged, he said. On Tuesday, Ducie told the Herald : We dont have the power to stand him down. I am passionate about looking after the staff and I am frustrated about not being able to take stronger action. It is a complication of the structure of Legacy. Hopwood issued an Open Letter of Apology to all staff on March 9, in which he acknowledged the rumblings of discontent and unease among some staff over the last several months. Clearly my office has been central to a lot of this, the letter reads. Hopwood said there had been much debate and conversation over the issue, which has in the main taken all our focus of [sic] what we are all here for. Hopwood told the Herald on Tuesday he denied all the complaints, except for a couple where it was alleged that I used familiar language. I admit that I have a robust management style and that some staff, particularly junior staff, may be offended by some of my actions and/or directive language, Hopwood said. Whilst it was alleged that I inappropriately touched a female employee, I have strongly denied that it occurred. Anyone who knows me will know that I just do not behave like that. Sydney Legacy President Steve Hopwood (second from right) at a Liberal campaign function for Maria Kovacic. Hopwood managed Kovacics 2022 campaign for the seat of Parramatta. Credit: Internet I have never harassed, bullied or intimidated in any workplace. Hopwoods mea culpa to staff followed the investigation by Dentons, arising from 16 separate complaints. One of the allegations of inappropriate touching allegedly occurred early in Hopwoods tenure. He was given a warning by Ducie. The second complaint of touching relates to an incident of an alleged bottom grope of a female employee at a Christmas party in 2022, which Hopwood strongly denies. Legacy Club Services is the company that provides services to Sydney Legacy, an autonomous club of volunteers which is a member of the national body, Legacy Australia. Legacy Club Services employs about 45 mostly female staff in the York Street office. Hopwood has been president of Sydney Legacy since July last year, but is also a player in NSW factional politics. He is an ally of NSW Liberal Party President Maria Kovacic, and ran her campaign for parliament in the seat of Parramatta at the 2022 federal election. Kovacic lost to Labor MP Andrew Charlton. There is no suggestion she has any knowledge of the complaints against Hopwood. At the start of the investigation, Ducie instructed Hopwood to work from home, but once the investigation was concluded, Hopwood returned to his office in York Street but was told he could not deal directly with staff. On February 6, Ducie reminded employees they were unable to communicate directly with the President of Sydney Legacy Club; all correspondence, both verbal and written, are to be conducted through [executive assistant] Annie de Haan or me. A month later, Ducie emailed again with further details of the sexual harassment investigation. When I spoke to you last Wednesday, I informed you that I had decided to apply a mandatory work from home action for the central office staff, he wrote on March 6. You may recall that I said that I did this to make sure that the workplace was healthy and safe for all staff. That does not mean that everyone was, or is, at risk. Ducie said the complaints were quite personal and he wanted to protect the privacy of complainants. However, in general terms, the nature of the complaints relates specifically to harassment and workplace bullying, which includes sexual harassment, and have been specific and particular incidents, Ducie wrote. Ducie reminded staff that Legacy Australias harassment and bullying policy applies to all Legacy representatives, including paid staff and Legatees, who are volunteer members. He told employees he was removing the requirement for all staff to work from home but said those who feel uncomfortable returning to the workplace due to the complaints raised are encouraged to continue working from home. My decision to apply the mandatory work from home action was in the interest of assuring that the workplace was safe for all, Ducie told staff. Your safety is paramount, and I will continue to carefully manage the environment until such time as I am satisfied that it is universally safe and comfortable for all. Days after this communication, Hopwoods Open Letter of Apology was sent to all staff on March 9. I would like to communicate a note of unreserved apology if any of my past personal actions, or language, have been viewed as untoward, unwelcome and unwarranted by members of the LCS [Legacy Club Services] staff, I sincerely regret that, Hopwood wrote in the letter. There was not, never has been, and never would be in the future, any intent or action of this nature by me. The Legacy Discrimination, Bullying and Harassment Policy states that sexual harassment will not be tolerated. It also says a persons intention is not relevant in determining whether harassment has occurred. Unlawful harassment is unwelcome, uninvited and unreciprocated behaviour which causes another person to be offended, humiliated or intimidated, the policy states. The fact that no offence was intended does not mean that harassment has not occurred. In the apology letter, Hopwood made clear his desire to move on. I trust we can all now get back to delivering the services to our beneficiaries in the manner that Sydney Legacy has been doing for nearly 100 years, he wrote. The letter sent a shock wave through the office, according to one person with knowledge of the matter. This is one of the presidents of an organisation that was founded on a promise made from one Digger to another to look after the missus and the kids. It is abominable, the person said. According to the 2020-2021 annual report of Legacy Australia, more than 40,000 widows are enrolled with Legacy nationwide. The organisation also cares for 850 children and 314 families of veterans, and it looks after 1107 Legacy beneficiaries with a disability. Legacy Australia was contacted by the Herald but did not respond. Legacy Australia is governed by a board of eleven and receives sponsorship funds from the Australian Defence Force, Bunnings and arms manufacturers Thales and Northropp Grumman. Its patron is Governor-General David Hurley. A NSW Labor government would for the first time reveal the full extent of Sydneys multibillion-dollar tolling deals including any potential compensation to motorway giants as part of its plans to reform the citys road network. The opposition has campaigned heavily on the financial burden of Sydneys patchwork of tollways, arguing it represents a confluence of the Coalitions privatisation agenda and the cost-of-living crisis gripping the state. NSW Opposition Leader Chris Minns says a Labor government will make details of the citys tolling deals public. Credit: Anna Kucera Labor leader Chris Minns has promised to table to parliament key details of the lucrative agreements between the state government and the private sector if he wins Saturdays election, as part of his plan to reform tolling. During its 12 years in office, the Coalition government has sold the tolling concessions for several major motorways to consortiums led by international road operator Transurban, generating billions of dollars for the states coffers. Health Minister Mark Butler says he will not give in to demands for vapes to be sold freely like cigarettes, despite a push from the Nationals and industry lobby groups who say regulated retail sales are the only way to curtail Australias pervasive black market. The Therapeutic Goods Administration will hand a review to the federal government this week after canvassing thousands of submissions about Australias prescription-only model for e-cigarettes, which allows smokers to purchase vapes with a doctors prescription but prohibits general use. Butler has estimated there are more than 2 million vapers in Australia, and most go online or to corner stores to purchase illegal flavoured vapes imported from China that contain nicotine. The bootleg market has flourished with limited law enforcement and enabled thousands of children and teenagers to freely take up the habit. As the government prepares to act on the problem, the medical community has heightened its calls for tougher restrictions and more policing to strengthen the prescription model. Australia and New Zealand should make good on their rhetoric of being part of a Pacific family by creating a European Union-style common market in which people could move and work freely across the region, Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa says. Fiame, who will meet with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra on Wednesday, acknowledged her idea was very contentious but said it was time to discuss how to deepen integration in the Pacific, a region she described as the epicentre of contemporary global geopolitics. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese greets Samoa Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa at the Pacific Islands Forum last year. Credit: AFP. Regarded as one of the most senior Pacific leaders, Fiame was tight-lipped on whether her nation supported Australias plan to acquire nuclear-powered submarines, saying the issue was none of my business. Fiame said she had recently returned from Europe, where the common market allows the free movement of goods, capital, services, and people across national borders. Xis stance unsettles some in Chinas elite. It shreds the countrys claim to be pursuing a foreign policy rooted in respect for sovereignty, and undermines a guarantee it made in 2013 to help Ukraine if it were threatened with nuclear attack. It makes Chinese attempts to cleave Europe from the US much harder. Chinese strategists are clear-eyed, too, about Russias unpredictable politics and dismal economic prospects. Arming it would expose China to severe sanctions from the US and the European Union, its two biggest trading partners, hobbling efforts to revive its economy. Talk of a new Cold War would harden into reality. Yet Xis calculations are dominated by his conviction that China is locked in a long-term confrontation with America that might lead to a war over Taiwan, which it claims as its territory. In that context Russia still represents an indispensable source of energy, military technology and diplomatic support. A Russian defeat in Ukraine would embolden America and its allies. If Putins grip on power slipped, instability on Chinas vast northern border with Russia could follow. Worst of all, it could usher into the Kremlin a pro-Western leader tempted to help America to contain Chinese power, in a mirror image of Chinas own strategic shift in the 1970s. Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) meets with Russian President Vladimir at the Kremlin on Monday. Credit: Kremlin/AP That is the nightmare for China, says Li Mingjiang, an expert on Chinese foreign policy at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. In Xis eyes America represents the greatest potential threat, and China has no other big power on its side to help resist Western economic or military pressure. Russia is the only option, he says. Its the same logic as in the Cold War, when Mao saw the Soviet Union as Chinas No.1 enemy, and decided to pursue rapprochement with the United States. Xis strategic considerations are underpinned by a personal connection with Russia. His father, Xi Zhongxun, was a prominent revolutionary who later oversaw the Soviet experts who helped build up Chinese industry in the 1950s. As vice-premier, the elder Xi visited Moscow in 1959. He returned full of admiration, bearing Soviet-made toys that delighted his six-year-old son. The younger Xis interest in Russia seems to have deepened during the seven years he spent in a remote village to which he was sent at the age of 15 in 1969, during the Cultural Revolution. The books he read are still displayed there, including War and Peace, a selection of Lenins writings, an account of Soviet battles in World War II and How the Steel Was Tempered, a socialist-realist novel about a man who fights the Germans, joins the Bolsheviks and becomes an ideal Soviet citizen. Loading Xi was not alone in his regard for Russia. Senior Chinese military officers developed close ties with their Russian counterparts after Western governments placed arms embargoes on China over the crushing of pro-democracy protests around Tiananmen Square in 1989. (They remain in place.) Since then, China has bought tens of billions of dollars worth of Russian weapons. Attitudes towards Washington within Chinas military leadership hardened after American warplanes bombed the Chinese embassy in Belgrade in 1999, during the Kosovo conflict. (America apologised, insisting it was a mistake.) In the decade before Xi took power in 2012, he also appears to have been influenced by leftist academics and fellow princelings (as offspring of Communist Party leaders are known) who became disillusioned with the West, especially after the financial crisis in 2007-09. Inspired by Putin, then near the height of his power, they began to see Russia as a potential partner and to question Chinese historians conclusions that the Soviet Union collapsed owing to problems dating back to Stalin. Instead, they blamed Mikhail Gorbachev and his liberalising reforms. By the time Xi assumed office, he and his advisers were already bent on closer alignment with Russia. He chose Moscow for his first trip abroad, and hinted there that the two countries would work together against the West. Loading Our characters are alike, he told Putin. Xi has since met him some 39 times, far more than any other leader, apparently bonding over common disdain for democracy and fears of American encirclement. Sneak attack Some of the shine may have come off the pairs relationship after Putins scheming last year. In February 2022, just before Russia invaded Ukraine, he visited Xi in Beijing for the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics, and the two sides declared that their partnership had no limits. Whatever the pair discussed, Chinese officials appear to have been wrong-footed by the scale of the invasion: they had no prepared talking points or plans to evacuate Chinese citizens. Soon after the war began, Chinas vice-foreign minister responsible for Russia was transferred to the radio and television administration. Chinese perceptions of Russian military prowess have also changed since the war began. Russian successes in Crimea, Georgia and Syria had convinced Chinese generals that Putin was a great strategist with an effective army. Drills between the two countries armed forces have focused on interoperability. Recent Chinese military reforms have replicated those in Russia. But Chinese commanders have been shocked by Putins miscalculations over Ukraine and the lacklustre performance of Russian soldiers and weaponry. Disillusion is not confined to military types. In December Feng Yujun, a prominent Russia expert at Fudan University, in Shanghai, made a scathing speech in which he noted that Russia had annexed millions of square kilometres of Chinese territory between 1860 and 1945. The Soviet Union then forced China to distance itself from the West and pushed it to enter the Korean War, in which countless Chinese troops were killed, he argued. Modern Russia, he went on, had not accepted its weakness relative to China and was obsessed with rebuilding its empire. The weakest party in the China-America-Russia triangle always benefits the most, he concluded. Chinese soldiers arrive at a railway station to participate in war games drills, in Grodekovo, Primorsky Krai, Russia in August. Credit: Russia DM/AP Such views are now common among Chinese scholars and business figures familiar with Russia. But their impact on decision-making is limited in a system that depends increasingly on the will of one man. Late last year, some Western officials expressed hope that China was starting to distance itself from Russia, especially after Putin promised to address Chinese questions and concerns about the situation in Ukraine when he met Xi in Uzbekistan in September. Those hopes grew stronger after Xi and other senior Chinese officials, without explicitly mentioning Putins nuclear sabre-rattling over Ukraine, voiced disapproval of any such threat or attack. The statements coincided with a diplomatic push by Xi to repair some of the damage to his economy and international relations after a long self-imposed isolation to counter COVID-19. For a while, Xi appeared keen to try to reduce tensions with the US. That approach seemed to gain momentum when he met President Joe Biden in Bali in November. Both men said they would try to find areas of potential co-operation. But that attempt at detente ground to a halt in February after Washington shot down a high-altitude Chinese balloon that it said was part of a global surveillance operation. Chinese officials have been frustrated, too, by their lack of progress in undermining support for NATO within Europe. US President Joe Biden (right) with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Bali in November. Credit: AP Beyond the diplomatic to-ing and fro-ing there is little hard evidence that China is distancing itself from Russia. In 2022 Russian exports of crude oil and gas to China rose, in dollar terms, by 44 per cent and more than 100 per cent respectively. Chinese exports to Russia increased by 12.8 per cent. Chinese shipments of microchips which are used in military as well as civilian kit, and which the West has tried to deny to Russia more than doubled. Some Chinese companies have even provided items for direct military use, such as satellite images, jamming technology and parts for fighter jets although only in small quantities. Some of these deals may pre-date the war, or involve entities already under American sanctions. China has also continued to take part in joint military drills with Russia. In November Chinese and Russian strategic bombers flew on a joint patrol over the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea, and landed on each others airfields for the first time. On the first anniversary of Russias invasion of Ukraine in February, Russian, Chinese and South African warships were exercising together in the Indian Ocean. And on March 15 Russia, China and Iran began joint naval drills in the Gulf of Oman. Double or nothing Rather than downgrade the relationship Xi appears to be strengthening it, while exploiting Russias miscalculations in Ukraine to tilt the balance of power in his favour. It is easy to see why. Xi has won access to discounted energy supplies. And he has almost certainly extracted an assurance that Putin will back him diplomatically in a war over Taiwan. He has also gained leverage to seek high-end Russian military technology, such as surface-to-air missile systems and nuclear reactors designed to power submarines and to press Putin to withhold or delay supplies of similar items to other Russian customers that have territorial disputes with China, such as India and Vietnam. Russia could also help upgrade Chinas nuclear arsenal, or work on a joint missile-warning system. Loading Recently Xi appears to have doubled down. Two days before the anniversary of Russias invasion he sent Wang Yi, his top diplomat, to meet Putin in Moscow. There, Wang said Chinas strategic partnership with Russia was as firm as Mount Tai and pledged to work with Russia to strengthen strategic co-ordination, expand practical co-operation and defend the legitimate interests of both countries. One expected item on the agenda for Xis visit will be Russias proposal to build a new gas pipeline to China that would divert supplies once earmarked for Europe. Even as Beijing extracts concessions its officials will be anxious to keep Xis hands clean, especially after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin on March 17, accusing him of war crimes. Having been surprised once by the scale of Russias invasion, officials in Beijing will be keen to ensure that there is no big new offensive or egregious attack on civilians while their boss is in Moscow. Recalling Bidens surprise visit to Kyiv during Wangs trip to Moscow, they will also be wary of any American counter-moves. Xis proposed call with Zelensky, long advocated by European and American officials, may improve the optics of his trip, especially if the Ukrainian leader makes positive noises about Chinas peacemaking potential. But Xi probably has little immediate interest in mediation. The Iran-Saudi deal was brewing for some time before China stepped in, and elsewhere its record as an intermediary is poor. The six-party talks it hosted for years over North Korea came to nothing. Likewise, efforts to broker peace in Afghanistan and Myanmar. Chinese officials also calculate (correctly) that neither Russia nor Ukraine wants peace talks currently, as both believe they can make advances on the battlefield. Xis peace posturing is thus more about burnishing his international image while undermining Americas, and positioning China to take advantage of whatever emerges from the war. Loading As for Russias request for lethal weapons, China is most likely undecided. Americas allegation that China is mulling sending arms may be more of a pre-emptive public warning than evidence of imminent action. Chinese officials deny any such plans exist. But China may see another opportunity to gain leverage. In public statements and private discussions its officials increasingly draw a link with Americas provision of weapons to Taiwan. Why does the US ask China not to provide weapons to Russia while it keeps selling arms to Taiwan?, asked Qin Gang, Chinas new foreign minister, at his debut news conference on March 7. According to published data, since the blockade of the only road connecting Artsakh to Armenia and the world, 422 people have been reunited with their families with the efforts of the ICRC mission. March 21, 2023, 17:02 During the blockade of Artsakh, 422 people reunited with their families. ICRC provides data STEPANAKERT, MARCH 21 , ARTSAKHPRESS: "Artsakhpress" has learnt from the ICRC official website. More than 200 people were transferred to the Republic of Armenia in order to continue treatment in the medical facilities there. Those treated are returning. Medicines and infant formulas have been transported for the health sector. Since January, ICRC has distributed around 3,500 food and hygiene parcels to rehabilitation centers, care facilities for indigent elderly, child care and protection boarding schools, hospitals and pregnant women. Twenty years ago, the United States, with support from the United Kingdom, Australia, and Poland, launched an invasion of Iraq with the goal of preventing Saddam Husseins regime from developing or using weapons of mass destruction. Within weeks, coalition forces took control of Baghdad and toppled the Iraqi government. Watch the video feature in the player below. However, despite repeated claims from the US and its allies before the invasion, no evidence of WMDs or programs to develop them was found in Iraq. Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping discuss peace proposal for Ukraine Were sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. Were working to restore it. Please try again later. Dismiss ~Seniors Rights Webinar hosted by USM on March 21 and 22 at 11.30 AM~ More than 15.000 participants of human rights organizations, social organizations, academia, and governmental and intergovernmental organizations from all continents will meet in Buenos Aires to reflect on the advances and challenges in the realization of human rights, the reduction of inequalities, the promotion of equity and social inclusion. From Monday, March 20th till Thursday 24th the III World Forum on Human Rights will be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The III World Forum on Human Rights has as its objective to look for alternatives for a more just and equal world for all people! The first world forum on human rights was held in Brazil (2013) and the second in Morocco (2014). The forum is organized by the UNESCO International Center for the Promotion of Human Rights (CIPDH-UNESCO 2023), the Human Rights Secretariat, the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, and the Argentina Presidency. The four-day forum consists of conferences, debates, and special cultural and artistic activities which will be held simultaneously in four venues in Buenos Aires the capital of Argentina. There will be around 1000 activities organized by almost 920 organizations and institutions divided among 26 different themes. To name a few areas: Environment and Sustainable Development, Discrimination, Xenophobia and Racism, Education and human rights, Migration, and Human Mobility, Women Gender and Diversities, Labor and Human Rights, Older Persons, and Human Rights. USM will host Regional Webinar with two panels on Older Persons and Human Rights During this III World Forum on Human Rights, the Coordination of Civil society organizations of Latin America and the Caribbean on Aging and Old Age (CORV) will organize two panels on Seniors Rights. To facilitate the seniors of the Latin American and Caribbean region affiliated with the CORV network and the seniors of the Anguilla, Saint Martin North and South organizations in particular, the University of Saint Martin (USM) will host a regional webinar with translation in English on Tuesday, March 21 and Wednesday, March 22, 2023, starting at 11.30 AM and ending at 4.00 PM. USM will facilitate this webinar in close cooperation with the CORV network and the St Maarten Anti-Poverty Platform (SMAPP). Last year the University of Saint Martin collaborated twice with the CORV network and the St Maarten Anti-Poverty Platform (SMAPP) by hosting a one-day webinar on The Protection of Human Rights of Older Persons in Anguilla, Sint Maarten, and Saint Martin (Feb 26, 2022) and a two-day Latin American and Caribbean regional webinar on Eradication of Poverty and Realization of All Human Rights of Seniors (Sept 10 and 24, 2022). Everyone interested to participate in the webinar can register online for free by clicking on: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UyhXEJt2S--0ZReMfVvUcA or by entering Zoom Webinar ID: 813 5136 5722 Passcode: 632105 III World Forum on Human Rights USM WEBINAR ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND OLDER PERSONS PROGRAM DAY 1 Tuesday, March 21 from 11.30 am 16.00 pm Poverty And Older Persons In Latin America And The Caribbean From Human Rights Perspective 11.30 12.00 Entry of online participants and panelists WELCOME TO CORV_USM WEBINAR 12.00 - 12.10 CORV coordinator lic. Lucio Diaz Dumenez (Chile) 12.10 - 12.20 UNESCO St Martin SG Marcelia Henry MEd (St Martin) 12.20 - 12.30 USM president Dr. Antonio Carmona Baez / USM dean Wycliff Smith MEd 12.30 - 12.40 SMAPP co-coordinator Claire Elshot BEd (San Martin) 12.40 - 12.55 Embajador CORV drs Raymond Jessurun (San Martin) 12.55 - 13.00 coordinator CORV ARG Jorge Plano (Argentina) at the World Forum in Buenos Aires CORV 2022 REGIONAL MEETING OUTCOME ON SENIORS RIGHTS 13.00 - 13.30 Informe Luz CORV 2022 lic. Alejandro Reyes (Chile) 13.30 - 13.45 Declaracion politica 2022 lic. Sonia Andrade (Ecuador) BREAK 13.45 14.00 connecting with Buenos Aires for CORV Panel 1 PANEL 1 Poverty and older persons in Latin America and the Caribbean in human rights perspective 0 - 15.30 Panelists will be: Sonia Andrade Tafur (Ecuador), Rosely Lorenzato Reis (Brazil), Raymond Jessurun (St Martin), Alejandro Reyes Cordova (Chile) CONCLUDING REMARKS DAY 1 15.30 - 16.00 Afterthoughts III World Forum on Human Rights USM WEBINAR ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND OLDER PERSONS PROGRAM DAY 2 Wednesday, March 22 from 11.30 am 16.00 pm Political Leadership Of Older Persons From A Human Rights Perspective 11.30 12.00 Entry of Participants PANEL 2 12.00 13.30 Political leadership of seniors from a human rights perspective Panelists in session 2 will be: Jorge Plano (Argentina), Emilio Espin Amprimo (El Salvador), Lucio Diaz Dumenez (Chile), Xiomara Floydel Ponce (Honduras), Stella Sanchez Mendoza (Uruguay) BREAK 13.30 13.45 DISCUSSION 13.45 14.45 Discussing (part 1) BREAK 14.45 15.00 15.00 -15.30 Discussing (part 2) CLOSING 15.30 15.35 CORV coordinator Lic Lucio Diaz 15.35- 15.40 UNESCO St Martin SG Marcelia Henry MEd 15.40 15.45 USM president Antonio Carmona Baez 15.45 15.50 SMAPP co-coordinator Claire Elshot 15.50 - 16.00 Embajador CORV drs Raymond Jessurun The following link provides more information about this UNESCO-sponsored human rights forum https://fmdh23.org/world-forum-on-human-rights-2023/ PHILIPSBURG:--- On Saturday 18 March 2023, A Betta Place Foundation and Angelique Romou hosted the 1st Women in Leadership Gala. This auspicious Black Tie Red Carpet fundraising event was top notch from the decor, the ambiance, the food, the poised attendees, and the stellar Speakers, Panelists, and entertainers, was led by the mistress of ceremony Ms. Diandra Marlin, who did an amazing job throughout the evening. She opened the event by introducing Pastor Ms. Torana Granston who opened in prayer, followed by the amazing young violinist Ms. Tefari Preevo-Francisco who played the St. Martin Song on Violin, and the first four speakers, MP Angelique Romou, who did the welcome for the Women in leadership Gala (WILG), the Honorable Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs, who gave the opening remarks, Lisa Hanna MP of Jamaica gave the keynote address and Ms. Harsha Parchani, a young St. Maarten Electrical Engineer who works for Microsoft in Silicon Valley. The first 3 speakers spoke about the importance of women uplifting each other, being your sisters keeper, recognizing that everyone is an individual with special individual talents, identifying ones own potential, believing in ones dream and the importance of women passing on knowledge and preparing the next generation for success, it was emphasized that anyone who did not see the benefit of passing on the knowledge and experience they gained to their successors, thereby enabling them to be the next in line, the next leaders were setting up the future development of their country for failure, it was also explained how women lead differently because they lead with foresight, inclusivity, compassion and are able to bring everything full circle. Harsha Parchani who was brought to St. Maarten by MP Romou was there to talk about Young Girls and Women in STEM, Science, and Technology. Engineering and Math, honoring the main cause of the fundraising which was to raise funds for women's initiatives, such as accumulating funds to send 2 girls to a STEM Summer Program. Harsha spoke about the challenges that women face in the industry but also highlighted the wealth of knowledge women bring to the field and encouraged young girls to enter this mainly male-dominated industry. She also discussed innovative ways that STEM could actually play a major role in the development of St. Maarten. The evening continued with the Moderator for the evening Ms. Riddhi Samtani, also a young dynamic St. Maartener, who moderated the two panels. The first was the political panel, with the theme Womens representation in Politics: The achievements and Challenges with panelists Minister of Justice Ms. Anna Richardson, Minister of Education and Social Development, Ms. Dee-Ann Kentish Rogers of Anguilla, Commissioner of Government Ms. Alida Francis from St. Eustatius and Ms. Bernadetts Davis, 2nd vice president of the Collectivite of St. Martin Nord. These ladies spoke about how their mothers and grandmothers influenced their careers and spoke the truth about having a seat at the table and still being judged differently than a man for example by being stern in decision-making and not settling for less. The biggest takeaway was the encouragement given to all women who envisioned contributing and being involved in charting the course of the future development of their country by getting into politics. The Corporate panels theme was Breaking through the Glass Ceiling: How to Achieve Career Success As a woman. The panelists were Ms. Brenda Wathey, Ms. Mayling Chun, Ms. Ichel Moeslikan, and Ms. Ida Zin-Ka-Ieu, these ladies shared their experiences on the rise to the top, and when asked what advice they would give women, the main topic of the evening was not to tear other women down but to uplift, inspire and motivate them along the way, they explained that too many times women were the ones who brought down and ridiculed other women and said that this must stop in order for all women to advance in their own right. This jam-packed evening of women motivating and inspiring each other also saw some great entertainers in the likes of Ms. Clara Reyes, Ms. Shanella James, Ms. Malaika Maxwell, Ms. Shakiya Arrindell, Ms. Natisha Hanson, and the youngest Ms. Tamillia Chance. The ladies performed beautiful renditions of songs that uplift women. Angelique also recognized women who she considered to be deserving of Humanitarian awards. Ms. Asha Stevens received the humanitarian award in Education for all her years of forging the advancement in Education and for assisting and building others along the way as the director of the Hillside Christian Schools. Ms. Avril Gumbs received the Humanitarian award for Community Service, for all her years of serving the elderly and caring for children in need in St. Maarten. Ms. Maria Chemont received the humanitarian award for her many years in Nursing and for being that community caregiver, and for continuing her service and lending her hands to take care of so many even in retirement. As the evening came to a close the MC thanked all who contributed to the success of the evening and Angelique also gave special recognition to the men who attended the Gala in support of women, and then the harmonious 6 entertainers brought the house down with a beautiful arrangement of Im every woman. All the women and men who attended the 1st women in Leadership Gala had an exciting and thought-provoking evening. All the women were inspired, motivated, and in awe of the stories and advice passed on to them from fellow women in the room. Ultimately all women and men walked away saying that this event was engaging, encouraging, progressive, and optimistic for them, inspiring them to aspire to achieve everything within their power and beyond. The Betta Place Foundation and MP Angelique Romou said they were now tasked with engaging the secondary schools to identify girls who will be interested in attending the camp and then they would choose 2 girls to attend. They also thanked all participants, the organizing committee, everyone who came out, and all who supported the 1st Women in Leadership fundraising Gala in one way or the other and said God spare their lives the second promises to be even better than the first. DCM Day: Web3 and The Future of Media Geneva, Switzerland, Mar 17, 2023 (ACN Newswire) DCM Swiss, a Digital Content Marketplace, is excited to announce a special event taking place during the Open Geneva Innovation Festival on March 17th at 2:30 PM CET. DCM DAY will focus on the exciting topic of Web3 and the Future of Media, exploring the latest developments and innovations in this rapidly-evolving field. The event will be held at FAdAration des Entreprises Romandes GenAve, 98 Rue de Saint-Jean, GenAve, GE, 1201. DCM DAY promises to be a must-attend event for anyone interested in the future of media, including media professionals, entrepreneurs, technologists, investors, and anyone curious about the impact of Web3 on the media industry. The event will feature a panel discussion rich in diverse perspectives for the Future of Media and Web3, featuring Egor Plotnikov from DCM Swiss, Alex Fedosseev from 1World Online, Florian Ducommun from Disruptive Company, and Nathalie Kazzi from Blue Tree Advisors. \We are excited to bring together leading experts and thought leaders to share their insights, ideas, and vision for the future of media in the age of Web3,\ said Egor Plotnikov, COO & ITO Lead at DCM Swiss. \As the media industry continues to evolve rapidly, it is crucial to stay on top of the latest developments and innovations. We are thrilled to offer this unique opportunity to engage with experts and explore the exciting possibilities of Web3 for media professionals and enthusiasts alike.\ The panel discussion will cover a range of topics related to Web3 and the Future of Media, including the potential of blockchain technology for media distribution, the impact of NFTs on the media industry, and the role of decentralized finance in funding media projects. The panelists will also explore the challenges and opportunities facing the media industry in the age of Web3, and share their predictions for the future of media. As Open Geneva partners, DCM is thrilled to offer Festival participants a chance to explore NFT technology. By downloading an NFT in the form of a QR code, participants can easily access Festival events and enjoy special offers from local partners like cafes, bars, bakeries, and wine cellars. This unique opportunity to engage with NFT technology is just one of the many exciting offerings available during and after the Innovation Festival by Open Geneva. DCM DAY promises to be an informative and engaging event, providing attendees with a unique opportunity to learn from and connect with leading experts and thought leaders in the field of media and Web3. Don\-t miss this opportunity to explore the exciting possibilities of Web3 for the future of media. For more information about DCM DAY and to register for the event, please visit the eventbrite. About DCM Swiss: DCM, also known as the Digital Content Marketplace, is a blockchain-based platform that operates both as a protocol and an application. It provides a decentralized media ecosystem that allows creators, publishers, and advertisers to interact in a single environment. About Open Geneva: Non-profit association Open Geneva promotes and stimulates open innovation in the Greater Geneva area by bringing together a community of more than 3500 innovators, bringing their ideas to life, communicating their projects and supporting their development in the fields of art, science, technology, and society. Media Contacts: DCM Suisse Anna Elitzur Director of Partnerships Anna.elitzur@dcm-swiss.com Uranium Energy Corp Appoints Trecia Canty to the Board of Directors Uranium Energy Corp (NYSE American: UEC, the aCompanya or aUECa https://www.commodity-tv.com/ondemand/companies/profil/uranium-energy-corp/ ) is pleased to announce the appointment of Trecia Canty to the Companya?s Board of Directors. Trecia Canty has over 25 years of experience in finance, strategic transactions, corporate governance, compliance, enterprise risk and ESG and has extensive energy industry experience, including exploration and production, public utilities, pipelines and related businesses in the United States and Canada. A Ms. Canty is presently the Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary and a member of the Executive Committee of PBF Energy Inc. (NYSE: PBF), a Fortune 200 company that is one of the largest independent petroleum refiners and suppliers of unbranded transportation fuels, heating oil, petrochemical feedstocks, lubricants and other petroleum products in the United States. A Ms. Canty has been recognized by a number of professional distinctions including recognition in the Lawyers of Color Power List in 2020, inclusion in the Women Inc. 100 Top Corporate Counsel list in 2019 and recognition by Black Enterprise Magazine in its Most Powerful Women in Business in 2019. Amir Adnani, CEO and President, stated, aWe are delighted to welcome Trecia Canty to our Board of Directors. Trecia brings a wealth of experience that will be invaluable in supporting our ongoing growth strategy.a 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 in the United States and high-grade conventional projects in Canada. The Company has two production-ready ISR hub and spoke platforms located in South Texas and Wyoming. A 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: (866) 748-1030 Fax: (361) 888-5041 E-mail: info@uraniumenergy.com Stock Exchange Information: NYSE American: UEC WKN: AAJDRR ISN: US916896103 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. Green Shift Closes Acquisition of the Rio Negro Hard Rock Lithium Project and Appoints New Executive Chairman Green Shift Commodities Ltd. (TSXV: GCOM), (aGreen Shifta, aGCOMa or the aCompanya https://www.commodity-tv.com/ondemand/companies/profil/green-shift-commodities-ltd/ ) is pleased to announce that is has closed the previously announced acquisition (the aAcquisitiona) of LFP Resources Corp. (aLFPa), a privately owned Canadian exploration company, which holds an aggregate of approximately 300,000 hectares (aHaa) of prospective lithium ground in Rio Negro, Chubut, and NeuquAn Provinces in Argentina (the aRio Negro Projecta or aProjecta) with the option to acquire approximately 200,000 additional Ha. Key aspects of the acquisition include: Early Mover Advantage a GCOM is one of only a handful of companies pursuing lithium pegmatite opportunities in Argentina, a premier lithium mining jurisdiction. Large and Prospective Land Position a The Project covers over 500,000 Ha with 19 separate pegmatite bodies identified with assay results from 60 rock chip samples, taken during prior exploration of the Project, ranging from 0.6% Li2O to 4.1% Li2O, averaging 2.0% Li2 Technical Team in Place a New Executive Chairman, Peter Mullens, brings over 20 years of experience in Argentina and will be leading an in-country expert team that has over 150 years of experience in Argentina with a focus on Lithium. Work Programs Commencing Immediately a Programs to include, trenching, mapping and sampling known pegmatites as well as prospecting for new occurrences on the balance of the Project area. Additional Opportunities Being Pursued a Based on the teama?s extensive experience, additional lithium opportunities have been identified and are being evaluated for possible acquisition with the goal of building out a robust portfolio of projects. Pursuant to the Acquisition, GCOM acquired all the outstanding shares of LFP for consideration of an up-front payment of USD$75,000 and the issuance of 17,500,000 common shares of GCOM (aCommon Sharesa), at a deemed price of C$0.14, being the closing price of the Common Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange (the aTSXVa) on the day immediately prior to closing of the Acquisition. In addition, as a result of the Acquisition, GCOM has the right, but not the obligation, pursuant to two separate option agreements, to acquire an additional approximately 200,000 Ha of prospective lithium ground in Rio Negro, Chubut, and NeuquAn Provinces in Argentina for US$50,000 (being US$25,000 under each option agreement). Trumbull Fisher, CEO and Director of GCOM, commented, aWe are thrilled to announce the successful acquisition of the Rio Negro Lithium Project in Argentina. This marks a significant milestone for GCOM as we continue to execute our growth strategy and expand our presence in the lithium sector. With the potential to unlock approximately 500,000 hectares of lithium-rich land, we are excited about the prospects and past sample results that this project presents, and we look forward to commencing exploration activities imminently.a Appointment of Mr. Peter Mullens as Executive Chairman GCOM is also pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Peter Mullens as Executive Chairman and a Director of the Company. Dr. Richard Spencer, the current Chairman of the Board of Directors will stay on as a Director of the Company. Mr. Fisher commented, aWe are privileged to welcome Peter Mullens as Executive Chairman. Peter played a key role in bringing this project to GCOM and we are excited to leverage his extensive technical expertise, in combination with our dedicated Argentine technical team. With this appointment and Dr. Richard Spencer remaining on the Board, our team is poised to deliver exceptional growth during one of the most critical stages in the global energy transition.a Mr. Mullens is a seasoned geologist with 35 years\- experience across a wide range of commodities and countries. He worked as a mine geologist at Broken Hill Australia from 1983 to 1987 and with Mt. Isa Mines in Queensland from 1987 to 1997. He was appointed district manager for Argentina, and subsequently Central America, from 1994 to 1997, exploring for gold and base metals. Following this, he was based in Lima, Peru and consulted to the mining industry. Mr. Mullens joined Laramide Resources and Aquiline Resources in 2002. Both companies were successful with Mr. Mullens being responsible for the acquisition of key projects in Argentina for Aquiline, which subsequently led to the buyout by Pan American Silver in 2009 for CAD $645 million. At Laramide, Mr. Mullens was VP Exploration and Director playing a key role in helping to identify and acquire the Westmoreland and Homestake projects in Queensland and the USA, respectively. Laramide was ranked the #1 company on the TSXV in 2005. Mr. Mullens was also a founder and director of Lydian Resources which discovered the 5 million-ounce Amulsar gold deposit located in Armenia. Peter Mullens, Executive Chairman of GCOM, commented, aI am excited to come on as Executive Chairman of Green Shift following the closing of Rio Negro. Argentina has exceptional potential for both brine and hard rock lithium discovery and production. I look forward to helping guide the Company towards a successful future.\ In connection with Mr. Mullensa? appointment, the Company has granted 500,000 stock options to Mr. Mullens pursuant to the terms of the Company\-s share-based incentive plan. Each option is exercisable to acquire one common share of the Company at an exercise price of C$0.22 for a period of five years, subject to the approval of the TSXV. The Rio Negro Project The Rio Negro Project consists of approximately 500,000 Ha of staked and granted claims stretching through the provinces of Chubut, Rio Negro and NeuquAn (Figure 2). The Property covers a large portion of an intrusive belt known to host lithium mineralization in pegmatites. Historic work on granitic stocks in the Mamuel Choique (aMCa) (Figure 1) area by the Argentine State in the 1960a?s identified 19 separate pegmatite bodies where assay results from 60 rock chip samples ranged from 0.6% Li2O to 4.1% Li2O, averaging 2.0% Li2O. GCOM has not independently verified these reported grades and therefore they cannot be relied upon until these areas have been resampled. Over 800 structures (possible pegmatite bodies) have been mapped through satellite image interpretation in the MC pegmatite field. This work showed that the identified structures have a total strike length of over 100 km. A recent field visit confirmed the existence of many of the target structures identified on satellite imagery. Many of the trenches sampled by the State in the 1960a?s are still open and accessible for resampling in the planned exploration program. GCOM plans to mobilise field crews to Rio Negro to commence its three-month Phase 1 exploration program immediately. The plan of work consists of prospecting, rock chip sampling and trenching on the highest priority areas located in the Rio Negro Project. The use of a LIBS (Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy) analyzer provides a real-time estimate of lithium grade and therefore is an invaluable tool for the field teams to assess potential and prioritize targets for further work. After estimation of grade by the LIBS analyzer, the field teams then channel sample the priority areas for determination of lithium grade by an independent, certified laboratory. Official assays typically take approximately 6 weeks at certified labs. The Phase 1 work program is expected to focus on areas surrounding the township of Comallo in Rio Negro Province. Qualified Person The scientific and technical information contained in this news release was reviewed and approved by Peter Mullens (FAusIMM), Executive Chairman of the Company, who is a aQualified Persona in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. About Green Shift Commodities Ltd. Green Shift Commodities Ltd. is focused on the exploration and development of commodities needed to help decarbonize and meet net-zero goals. The Company is developing the Berlin Deposit in Colombia. Apart from uranium, for clean nuclear energy, the Berlin Deposit contains battery commodities including nickel, phosphate, and vanadium. Phosphate is a key component of lithium-ion ferro-phosphate (aLFPa) batteries that are being used by a growing list of electric vehicle manufacturers. Nickel is a component of various lithium-ion batteries, while vanadium is the element used in vanadium redox flow batteries. Neodymium, one of the rare earth elements contained within the Berlin Deposit, is a key component of powerful magnets that are used to increase the efficiency of electric motors and in generators in wind turbines. The Company recently acquired the district scale Rio Negro Project in Argentina. This Project represents an exciting opportunity to unlock the potential of over 500,000 Ha of land, known to contain hard rock lithium pegmatite occurrences that were first discovered in the 1960s but have seen little exploration since. For further information, please contact: Trumbull Fisher, CEO, Green Shift Commodities Ltd. E: tfisher@greenshiftcommodities.com Tel: (416) 917-5847 Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes certain aforward looking statementsa. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intensions for the future, and include, but not limited to, statements with respect to: the completion of future exploration work and the potential metallurgical recoveries and results of such test work; the future direction of the Companya?s strategy; and other activities, events or developments that are expected, anticipated or may occur in the future. These statements are based on assumptions, including that: (i) the ability to achieve positive outcomes from test work; (ii) actual results of exploration, resource goals, metallurgical testing, economic studies and development activities will continue to be positive and proceed as planned, (iii) requisite regulatory and governmental approvals will be received on a timely basis on terms acceptable to Green Shift (iv) economic, political and industry market conditions will be favourable, and (v) financial markets and the market for uranium, battery commodities and rare earth elements will continue to strengthen. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in such statements, including, but not limited to: (1) changes in general economic and financial market conditions, (2) changes in demand and prices for minerals, (3) the Companya?s ability to source commercially viable reactivation transactions and / or establish appropriate joint venture partnerships, (4) litigation, regulatory, and legislative developments, dependence on regulatory approvals, and changes in environmental compliance requirements, community support and the political and economic climate, (5) the inherent uncertainties and speculative nature associated with exploration results, resource estimates, potential resource growth, future metallurgical test results, changes in project parameters as plans evolve, (6) competitive developments, (7) availability of future financing, (8) the effects of COVID-19 on the business of the Company, including, without limitation, effects of COVID-19 on capital markets, commodity prices, labour regulations, supply chain disruptions and domestic and international travel restrictions, (9) exploration risks, and other factors beyond the control of Green Shift including those factors set out in the aRisk Factorsa in ourA Management Discussion and Analysis dated May 2, 2022 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 and other public documents available on SEDAR 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. Green Shift assumes no obligation to update such information, except as may be required by law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. The moment a frightened young Australian boy and his family were attacked by aggressive monkeys at a popular Thailand beach has been caught on camera. Couple Riley Whitelum and Elayna Carausu, who have a large following for their travel content while sailing around the world, were exploring Monkey Beach on Ko Phi Phi Don island with their two young sons when the incident occurred. Mr Whitelum and his sons Lenny and Darwin had spotted a group of monkeys on the sand when one started rummaging through their bag containing wallets, phones, cameras and a passport. An Australian family of four were on Monkey Beach in Thailand when the dad had to protect his one-year-old from being attacked by monkeys. Source: YouTube/Sailing La Vagabonde Not wanting to lose the bag, the dad confidently strides towards the monkey who snaps into defensive mode and jumps at the man. Looking over at one-year-old Darwin, the monkey then starts creeping towards him, forcing Mr Whitelum to quickly shield his son behind him, but not before the monkey strikes again. Picking up his crying son who fell over during the frightening confrontation, they retreat into the water, which is what's recommended to do. "It was scary, they couldve scarred him for life," a friend says in the video, speaking about the young boy. The couple confessed to "not doing (their) research" when heading to the beach, which is a habitat for the monkeys long-tailed macaques. Monkey Beach is also known for its monkey attacks, which can be deadly. Aussie man gets into a 'punch up' with a group of monkeys When the monkeys continued to go through the bags, Mr Whitelum made his way back where he took a swing at the animals to try and scare them off. "I've been in a punch up with a dozen monkeys," he said in the video. He described how he "felt bad for punching a monkey" to his partner, who rushed out of the water when she heard screaming at the shore. "I'm not kidding babe... they went for Darwin," he said. Story continues Local doctors see people daily for monkey bites While Darwin got out unscathed thanks to his dad, the incident didn't come without its casualties Mr Whitelum being bitten on the finger. Not having any tetanus or rabies shots, the man then had to endure several, passing out from the pain during the process. While fighting off a monkey, Riley Whitelum suffered a bite, which he had to get a number of vaccination shots for. Source: YouTube/Sailing La Vagabonde "I've never had a rabies shot so I need five, or more, in my wound. Then another five over the next 20 days," he said in the video. The doctors the couple spoke to in the video said they get two people a day come in for monkey bites. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play. AUBURN Sitting with a group of Cayuga Community College students, State University of New York Chancellor John King asked questions, listened and took notes. King visited CCC's Auburn campus on Monday, the latest stop on a statewide tour of SUNY's 64 campuses. He with the college's leadership, including CCC President Brian Durant, before touring the school. Along the way, King had questions for students. After visiting the nursing lab, he spoke to a class of nursing students. He asked them about legislation that would allow students to receive 30% of their training in simulated laboratories like the one at CCC. The consensus: The simulated labs offer different scenarios and a closely guided experience. King also stopped at the CCC library to learn more about the college's tutoring program. After introducing himself to faculty and staff, he sat with a group of students to gather feedback. With SUNY's boss as their audience, the students had a lot to say, from why they chose to attend CCC (affordability was a common reason) to what they would improve (several students said they wanted to see more food options). Some said they wanted more in-person class offerings, noting that several math classes are online. King's main takeaway from his visit to CCC was that the college has "a really strong culture of student support." "The students feel it," he said. "They appreciate the relationships they have with faculty members, the small class sizes, the attention that they're getting." Durant was happy to welcome King to CCC. "It's a great day to be able to put Cayuga's best foot forward and really helping to develop a relationship with the new chancellor as we begin our work together," he said. King was named SUNY chancellor in December. While he is new to the job, he is not new to New York. A Brooklyn native, he served as state education commissioner from 2011 to 2014. After leaving the state Education Department, he joined the U.S. Department of Education. In the final year of President Barack Obama's term, he served as education secretary. Since being appointed to lead New York's state university system, King has visited several campuses, including Onondaga Community College in neighboring Onondaga County. What SUNY offers, he says, is diversity. "If you want to become a nurse, we have a program for you. If you want to go into cybersecurity, we've got a program for you," he said. "If you're not sure what you want to do and you want to figure out your path, we've got a place for you at SUNY." King has a busy week. After visiting CCC on Monday, he stopped at Tompkins Cortland Community College. On Tuesday, he will tour Herkimer County Community College and SUNY Cobleskill. The much anticipated CTV original drama, Sullivans Crossing, premiered last night with a strong hour of drama that provided viewers with just enough information to hook them in and keep them wanting more. The show is based on the best-selling book series by Robyn Carr, and features a star-studded cast that includes former teen heartthrob Chad Michael Murray, best known for his role in the WBs One Tree Hill'' and Gilmore Girls alum Scott Patterson. Canadas own Morgan Kohan rounds out the cast as Maggie Sullivan, an esteemed Boston neurosurgeon who has her life turned upside down when a scandal leaves her professional and personal life in shambles. Attempting to pick up the pieces, Maggie decides to leave the big city and returns to her roots in Sullivans Crossing, a rural camp town in Nova Scotia, where her estranged father, Sully Sullivan (Patterson) still lives. Viewers who grew up in a small community will be able to relate to the allure of the big city, and the desire of wanting to escape townie life for the bright city lights. Maggie was afforded the opportunity to make her big city dreams come true by her wealthy step-father, Walter (Peter Outerbridge). Thanks to his generosity and her mothers similar desire for a bigger and better life, Maggie was able to attend a top medical school and achieve her dreams of becoming a neuro-surgeon at Boston Commonwealth Hospital. Based on appearances, Maggie had it all- a successful career and a steady relationship with her boyfriend Andrew (Allan Hawco). As Maggie is being presented the Rising Neurosurgeon award at a gala in her honour, she is stunned as the police swarm in and arrest her and her boss. The details of the arrest were not yet shared with viewers, however we do learn later in the episode that the charges against her were dropped. Despite that, however, her reputation has been tarnished and with no place else to go, Maggie heads back to her hometown of Sullivans Crossing, where she will attempt to put her life back together. Maggie quickly learns that although not much has changed at Sullivans Crossing, it is not as easy to blend back into the community that she once called home. Small town folk have a strong sense of community, and although she is welcomed back with open arms by the town elders, others are not as delighted by her return. It is revealed that Maggie has not kept in contact with her friends from the Crossing, and it is clear that they feel as though Maggie forgot all about them when she created her new life in the big city. Although they are kind to her, they arent willing to embrace her presence right away and it is evident that Maggie will have to spend time repairing those severed relationships. When Maggie is invited to a town barbecue, she realizes just how much she has missed, and the memories and feelings that she left behind are brought to the surface. Overwhelmed with her new reality, Maggie decides to go back to Boston, until she receives a phone call from her lawyer, informing her that she is being sued by the family of a deceased patient for negligence. He advises her to keep a low profile, forcing her to remain at Sullivans Crossing where she will have no choice but to face her past as she attempts to rebuild her life. Another lost soul has also made Sullivans Crossing home. Chad Michael Murray portrays Cal Jones, a mysterious man who has been helping Maggies father, Sully, around the campground. Although not much was revealed about his character just yet, it is clear that he is also trying to escape his past, laying low in small town Nova Scotia. Maggie and Cal do not get off to a great start, he had no idea Sully even had a daughter and she writes him off as a desperate man hitting on the new girl. There is definite chemistry between the two, however, and it will be interesting to see how much Cal will affect Maggies attempts to forge a new path for herself. With so many unanswered questions, viewers will want to keep watching as the story develops. So much is yet to be unraveled about each character and a lot of important backstory, such as the reason for Maggie and Sullys estrangement, are yet to be revealed. It will be interesting to see how closely the show follows the book series, but even if it doesnt, the one-hour drama is heartwarming and relatable and has the potential to be a strong presence on the CTV line-up. Although the show is currently airing exclusively in Canada, Fremantle media will be broadcasting the show to other regions soon. For now, Id love to hear my fellow Canadians thoughts on the pilot: What looming questions do you have? How will Maggie manage to deal with her past while putting the pieces of her life back together? Let me know your thoughts by commenting below and follow me on Twitter @MiddleofCanada. Welcome To SpoilerTV We bring you a comprehensive and up to date spoiler service on all the major US TV shows and Movies. You can find specific show content by clicking the menu system at the top of the screen. We scour the Internet for spoilers as well as posting our own exclusive spoilers (Scripts, Casting Calls, Set Photos etc) as well as recaps and other fun articles and polls. We hope you enjoy your stay. With Gasgoo Daily, we will offer daily important automotive news in China. For those we have reported, the title of the piece will include a hyperlink, which will provide detailed information. Beijings 2022 new energy vehicle retail volume jump 17.1% YoY Driven by the new energy vehicle (NEV) replacement subsidies and other policies, Beijings 2022 annual retail sales of NEVs increased 17.1% from a year ago, according to the Statistical Communique on the National Economy and Social Development of Beijing in 2022. Han; photo credit: BYD SERES kicks off presale of Landian E5 hybrid electric SUV On March 21, Huaweis automaking partner SERES kicked off presale of the E5 hybrid electric SUV, which was under SERES Landian brand. Coming with two trim levels, the presale price of the Landian E5 stand between 139,900 yuan and 151,900 yuan. The new SUV will be officially on the market on March 30. All-new Lynk & Co 05 hits market The all-new Lynk & Co 05 will be officially launched tonight. As a facelift of the existing model, the new Lynk & Co 05s appearance has been slightly adjusted with an upgraded 8155 chip installed for onboard intelligence. The all-new Lynk & Co 05 is equipped with NOA driving assistance function for the first time. Moreover, the EM-P trim of the model is equipped with the Lynk E-Motive intelligent electric hybrid system. Geely Automobile's 2022 annual revenue hits new high Geely Automobile Holdings Limited (Geely Automobile) achieved a 45.6% year-on-year surge in annual revenue in 2022, according to the yearly financial report the company released today. FAW Bestune ships 117 NAT electric vehicles to Mexico Chinese major auto group FAW Group announced that a ship carrying 117 units of the Bestune NAT electric vehicles (EVs) set sail to Mexico from Lianyungang city, Jiangsu Province. Nullmax, Kankan Tech to jointly promote intelligent driving technology application Chinese autonomous driving tech developer Nullmax inked a strategic cooperation agreement with Kankan Tech, a local optical image solution provider, in a bid to promote the scale application of intelligent driving technologies. Chinese battery maker EVE Energy breaks ground on two factories in Huizhou On Mar. 17, EVE Energy celebrated the beginning of the operation at its 30th and 31th factories, which are located in Huizhou city, Guangdong province, according to a post on the Chinese battery makers WeChat account. Kia aims to get 40% of annual China sales from EVs by 2030 Kia Corporation (Kia) on Mar. 20 launched a mid-to-long-term strategic blueprint set for the Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) market, with three heavyweight vehicle models displayed at the same time. Sally Doty, director of the Office of Broadband Expansion and Accessibility in Mississippi, spoke to the Starkville Rotary Club on Monday. Authorities at the western Nadlac II Border Crossing Point apprehended 28 people from Bangladesh and Egypt who tried to illegally cross the border in Hungary, hidden in a truck carrying pallets. The a 42-year-old Ukrainian driver was going to Austria. "During the verifications, our colleagues have established that the persons are citizens of Bangladesh and Egypt, aged between 19 and 40 years," the Arad Border Police reported on Tuesday. The migrants entered Romania legally on the basis of their personal documents. The Ukrainian truck driver is being investigated for smuggling migrants, and people hidden in the truck are being investigated for attempted fraudulent crossing of the state border.AGERPRES The amount of 10 million EUR allocated to Romania to support farmers affected by the influx of grain from Ukraine is derisory and I asked Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski to reanalyze the calculation formula, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Petre Daea told AGERPRES on Tuesday. "I argued at the Council, in the discussion with the European Commissioner for Agriculture, that the amount is small for Romania. It is a derisory amount. He explained to us the constraints he has, justifying that the Commission's decision was to grant only 56 million EUR from the total crisis reserve of 450 million EUR. A very small amount for the needs of the six countries, but of which only three received. Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia did not receive a single cent. For now, these are the amounts. However, I have requested to review the calculation formula and it was agreed that it will be analyzed together with the established Romanian experts ever since September 26, 2022, led by Achim Irimescu from the Permanent Representation of Romania to the European Union," Petre Daea stated. The MADR official argues that this was the proposal discussed on Monday, March 20, in Brussels, at the meeting of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council, a proposal that will be submitted to the 27 member states for approval during a technical meeting on March 30, 2023, told Agerpres. He mentioned that he was the first minister in the Council of Ministers who raised the issue of activating the crisis reserve at the meeting he had with the Commissioner for Agriculture on September 26. "I explained to him what are the consequences of the war in Ukraine regarding the grains imported in Romania, seriously affecting the Romanian farmers who were unable to capitalize on the production obtained and the maintenance of grain in stock and the lack of liquidity for the execution of specific works. Monthly, from October 2022 I raised this issue to the Council of Ministers. In January, at the Council meeting, together with Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, I presented an information on the situation of farmers in countries close to the conflict. The Commissioner assured that he will activate the crisis reserve, presenting in particular the extremely difficult situation of Romania," Petre Daea pointed out. The European Commission announced on Monday that it wants to use a crisis reserve to support farmers in Poland, Romania and Bulgaria, in a total amount of 56.3 million EUR, financed from the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reserve, to compensate for "economic losses because of the increase in grain and oilseed imports" coming from Ukraine "and limiting the impact of market imbalances." Thus, it was proposed to allocate an amount of 29.5 million EUR to Poland, 16.75 million EUR to Bulgaria, and 10.05 million EUR to Romania. In addition, the EC authorizes the three countries to double these amounts through state aid. Last week, several farmers' organizations requested a real support mechanism for farmers, as a result of the grain transit from Ukraine, taking into account that the amount of 10 million EUR, the compensation from the Commission, does not cover the damage caused. "The Romanian farmers refuse these derisory amounts, as a sign of protest," representatives of the Pro Agro National Federation argued. The Border Police informs in a statement sent to Agerpres on Tuesday that, during Monday, 69,747 people entered Romania through the border points, of which 7,078 were Ukrainian citizens. About 141,960 people, Romanian and foreign citizens, with more than 41,400 means of transport, passed the control formalities through the border points throughout the country, both inbound and outbound. The police found 51 illegal acts (23 crimes and 28 misdemeanors) committed by both Romanian and foreign citizens, and the value of the contravention fines applied amounts to over 19,400 RON. Goods were seized for confiscation in the amount of approximately 356,100 RON. On Monday, 14 foreign citizens who did not meet the conditions provided for by law were not allowed to enter the country and six Romanian citizens were not allowed to leave for various legal reasons. Chief of Defence Staff, general Daniel Petrescu, is visiting the Italian Republic from 21 to 23 March at the invitation of his counterpart, admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, informs a press release of the Ministry of National Defence (MApN) sent to AGERPRES on Tuesday. The regional security situation, the strengthening of bilateral relations, the collaborative development of defence capabilities through the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), as well as the implementation of NATO measures aimed at strengthening the deterrence and defence posture on the allied eastern flank are among the topics of the two military officials' agenda. General Daniel Petrescu's programme includes visits to the Italian Army Headquarters - Palazzo Esercito, Centre for Defense Higher Studies - Centro Alti Studi per la Difesa, Joint Operations Headquarters - Comando Operativo di Vertice Interforze and to representative companies in the Italian defence industry. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On Mar. 17, EVE Energy celebrated the beginning of the operation at its 30th and 31th factories, which are located in Huizhou city, Guangdong province, according to a post on the Chinese battery makers WeChat account. Involving an investment of over 3.1 billion yuan ($450.405 million) and covering an area of 176,000 square meters in total, the projects of the said two factories will focus on producing power batteries with a planned production capacity of 12.5GWh. They also target a yearly production value of over 9.6 billion yuan ($1.395 billion) and expect to serve 184,000 all-electric vehicles annually. Photo credit: EVE Energy To be specific, the 30th factory, which works on producing prismatic lithium-iron batteries, saw its groundbreaking take place in Dec. 2021 and construction completed in Dec. 2022. The 31th factory is built to manufacture prismatic ternary lithium batteries with its construction beginning in June 2022 and be fulfilled only eight months after the groundbreaking. EVE Energy has already invested roughly 7 billion yuan ($1.017 billion) in building an international new energy eco-industrial park at the starting area of China-Korea (Huizhou) Industrial Park. Currently, the companys 28th, 29th, 30th, and 31th plants at the location have already gone into operation, and relevant supporting factories are expected to start production in May this year. On Feb.7, EVE Energy signed an agreement to launch a power & energy storage battery production project in Chengdu city, the capital of Chinas Sichuan province, according to Chengdu Fabu, the WeChat account of Chengdu's government. Under the project, around 10 billion yuan ($1.453 billion) would be poured to build a new power and energy storage battery manufacturing base with an annual production capacity of 20GWh. Besides, the company broke ground on its super factory in Jingmen city, Hubei province on Feb. 1, which features a designed annual battery production capacity of 60GWh. In the Danube Delta, the prohibition of fishing for pike perch, European perch and makerel species has begun, and the Northern pike specimens can be caught by recreational fishermen/athletes only in the "catch&release" system, according to the Order on the establishment of the periods and areas of prohibition of fishing this year adopted by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Environment. The prohibition of fishing for pike perch and perch species began on Monday, March 20th, and fishermen will be able to catch specimens of these species again starting with June 8, when the prohibition for commercial, recreational/sport and family fishing in natural habitats and in Romanian border waters ends. This week has also begun the prohibition of commercial, recreational/sport and family fishing of the Black Sea shad and mackerel species, fish that live in the Black Sea and climb the Danube for reproduction and whose catching is forbidden on sectors of the river.AGERPRES The Ministry of National Defense (MApN) requested the approval by the Parliament for the initiation of the awarding procedures for several endowment programs targeting SHORAD - VSHORAD weapon systems, infantry fighting vehicles - MLI, battalion-level 155mm caliber howitzer systems, medium-range, and short-range infrared air-to-air missiles. The joint standing bureaus decided on Tuesday to forward the request to the parliamentary defense committees, told Agerpres. "The endowment programs envisage the operationalization of the capability targets assumed within the NATO and EU defense planning process in order to achieve the objectives of the Program regarding the transformation of the Romanian Army until the year 2040. Thus, through the endowment programs, equipment with a military purpose and systems of armament in support of some categories of Army forces, for achieving flexible force structures, with a wide spectrum of capabilities specific to the 21st century, with means to ensure their survival in the tactical field, with mobility and extensive situational knowledge and a power of increased fire", the MApN request reads. The Euroins company is fully covered and has enough assets to continue making payments in the next three weeks even if it has no income, said Monday, in a press conference, the chairman of Eurohold, Assen Hristov. "The value of the remaining assets in the company is approximately 300 million RON as of March 17 and we have 120 million RON in claims from the Guarantee Fund to recover. We also have almost 30 million RON in real estate, another 30 million RON to be recovered in one or two months, and various other claims. The conclusion is: even if the value of the technical reserves increases, Euroins Romania is fully covered, the reinsurance contract works starting from January 1," he stated. He added that despite this situation, the Financial Supervisory Authority (ASF) decided not to recognize the reinsurance contract with EIG Re and to revoke the license of Euroins Romania, "which can be interpreted as an illegal action with intent". According to Eurohold, ASF does not recognize the reinsurance contracts of Euroins Romania, but decided that the company's reserves must be increased by several million RON, "without taking into account any of the actuarial assumptions". The chairman of Eurohold also mentioned that on March 17, 2023, when the license was lifted and the state of insolvency of the company was announced, there were 40 million RON (about 8 million euros) in Euroins accounts and receivables, amounts that had to be recovered from the broker, another 70 million RON. "So in total almost 24 million euros. The company's daily expenses are 5.5 million RON for the payment of damages and on average 1 or 1.5 million RON for expenses," Hristov pointed out. According to the ASF chairman, Nicu Marcu, the collaboration with Euroins was extremely difficult, because they did not provide documents and information, which is why the controls were arranged almost monthly. The Council of the Financial Supervisory Authority decided on Friday to withdraw the operating authorization of the Euroins Romania company, noting the signs of the company's state of insolvency. Later, the management of Eurohold argued that the decision of the Financial Supervision Authority regarding Euroins represents "a hostile takeover of the assets of the branch in Romania" and announced that it will start the process of contesting the decision regarding the bankruptcy procedure.AGERPRES The Secretary of State for the relation with Parliament and the quality of life of the staff within the National Defence Ministry (MApN), Eduard Bachide, met on Tuesday at the headquarters of the ministry with a delegation led by Latvian Speaker of the Saeima Edvards Smiltens, who is on a visit to Romania. According to the MApN, within the meeting there was an exchange of view on topical issues, with an emphasis on the security situation provoked by the war in Ukraine, the two countries sharing common concerns regarding the security developments in the region, as well as similar interest within NATO and the EU, told Agerpres. "During the talks, the two high officials underscored the need for further coordinated efforts at the allied level in view of strengthening the collective defence and deterrence position on NATO's Eastern Flank," according to a press release of the Defence Ministry. The two officials welcomed the progress made in the implementation of the Strategic Compass, the efforts towards the implementation of its objectives, highlighting the need to strengthen the defence and security dimension of the EU, in full complementarity with NATO. Within the meeting, the state of bilateral relations was reviewed, the existing potential for their development being pointed out, the parties reiterating the availability of expanding and strengthening cooperation in the area of defence by including new areas of collaboration and organizing activities for the benefit of both parties. Tens of thousands of pages of sheet music with notes placed neatly on music sheets, which made them stand in the historical southwestern region of Banat from 1680 until the making of Greater Romania salon music in the mansions of yesteryear, and found a temporary place in a personal archive in Munich of the Banat musician Franz Metz, born in Darova. Organist, musicologist historiographer and conductor, researcher in the field of musical historiography in the Danube space, especially in the historical Banat, one could say about Franz Metz that he is the Romanian with German roots, but also the German with Romanian origins settled in Munich after 1990, who wants to do something for western city of Timisoara, for music. Franz Metz told AGERPRES that his rich archive of manuscripts, autographs and other musical documents would best find their place in a music museum, in Timisoara, where they could be researched and seen by the public. "It is an old idea of many musicians from Banat. Knowing that I am in charge of the history of Banat and Timisoara music and I have in Munich a very important archive, the South-East European Music Archive, specialized in the historical Banat, since 2000, three years ago, when I visited Remus Georgescu, he asked me to whom I leave all my manuscripts, works, my records, that I do not trust even the large state institutions and we do not have in Timisoara an adequate place to have them we keep? Then I went to the son of the great composer Eugen Cuteanu, who told me the same thing, that he is older and must give up these values. I've also discussed the problem with Professor Damian Vulpe, with other families of musicians, with Peter Oschanitzky. We know that in Timisoara there was in the 90's a small museum of music, of Cornel Suboni, in Lugoj we had the House of Music, but it no longer exists, in Sannicolau Mare there is also the Bartok Bela Collection, inside the Nako Castle, and gradually a valuable, very interesting thematic has accumulated. In Timisoara, several families of famous musicians worked, such as Novacek, Schwach," says composer Franz Metz. The musician recalled that Timisoara in today's Romania used to be the most important center for making musical instruments: here were built violins, wind instruments, pianos, organs, harpsichords. Metz says he was contacted by many people whose families emigrated in the 70s-80s, but especially after the 90's, with "the notes of the grandfather or the chaplain from the village or the city" and "gave me packages with musical notes of the grandparents. I took documents from 20-30 musical personalities, families from Israel, Austria, Germany. Thus, this enormous archive in Germany was formed, which became inconspicuous in order to preserve everything. There are over 70,000 musical autograph documents, from 1680, taken over from before the liberation from the Ottoman occupation, but also from the XVIII-XIX centuries," Metz reveals. Franz Metz is driven by a creed: music begins where words have no place. It is a specific fact of Banat. "In 1846, a teacher from Timisoara published a book of Banat songs, Banater Liederbuch, in five languages: Romanian, Serbian, Bohemian, German and Hungarian. And that's the turn for a Romanian song. It is typical of Timisoara. No one gave him orders to publish something like that. Visiting or attending the breweries in Timisoara, in the evening, he noticed that at a neighbouring table people begin to sing drunken people songs, the Serbs. But the others do not understand the text, and in 10 minutes they begin to sing raising glass songs in Hungarian. The idea of publishing Banater Liederbuch in a common language of music was born. Something pragmatic: let's feel good and understand the neighbour's raising glass song. It's simple things, human things, and that's always been the spirit of Timisoara, because that's how we feel, that's how we want it to be and that's how it has to be, not because someone imposes on us. That spirit was kept in Timisoara for many centuries, until today and I hope that it has not yet been lost," the musician says. In his approach, Franz Metz recently held, in Timisoara, a bilingual Romanian-German conference dubbed "Timisoara in the History of Universal Music", in which he spoke about this topic, highlighting through piano performances, together with the PhD student conductor of the Faculty of Music of the West University of Timisoara, Andreas Schein, the atmosphere in the musical soirees of yesteryear, from the Banat salons. In the conference held in Timisoara, Franz Metz presented premises for an exposition of the musical values of the city in a future Museum of Music or the House of Music, since the musical history of Timisoara and the inhabitants of this metropolis would deserve such an institution.AGERPRES Parliament is to issue an advisory for the appointment of four deputies of the Ombudsperson because the current mandates expire on 17 April. On Tuesday, Ombudsperson Renete Weber sent to the Joint Standing Bureaus of Parliament a letter informing that the mandates of deputies Zsolt Molnar, Ionel Nicolae, Ioan Ganfalean, Ecaterina Mirea end on 17 April, told Agerpres. According to the document, the proposals for these mandates for the next five years are the following: * Zsolt Molnar - for the area of human rights, equal opportunities between men and women, religious cults and national minorities; * Cynthia Carmen Deaconescu - for the area of family rights, young people, pensioners, disabled people; * Ioan Ganfalean - for the defense area, protection and promotion of children's rights - Child's Ombudsman; * Emil Mihai Pasolea - for the area of property, work, social protection, taxes and fees. The proposals were sent by the Joint Standing Bureaus to the Judicial Committees of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, and the deadline to issue an advisory is ten days. On an official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday, Romania's President Klaus Iohannis had talks with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the vice-president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates, ruler of the Emirate of Dubai. According to a press statement released by the Romanian Presidential Administration, Iohannis reconfirmed the importance and excellent ties with the United Arab Emirates, highlighting the solidity of the political dialogue and the recent intensification of economic and sectoral co-operation. He emphasised the objective of consolidating this positive trend of bilateral relations in numerous sectors of strategic interest for both countries, also supported by documents signed during the visit, told Agerpres. The two high-ranking dignitaries reviewed the areas of priority interest for the two countries, namely energy, including renewable sources, education, agriculture, transport infrastructure, digital connectivity, civil protection and cyber security. Iohannis presented the Three Seas Initiative and mentioned that he will host this year in Bucharest a summit of this initiative, inviting companies from Dubai to the Business Forum that will be organised on that occasion. The Emirati official expressed appreciation for the very good relations between the two countries in terms of political, diplomatic and sectoral dialogue, as well as business and interpersonal contacts. He also showed interest in contributing to their consolidation. Iohannis congratulated the vice president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates on an initiative to organise COP28, the UN conference on climate change, and on the interest shown in sustainability issues. Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum lauded Romania for its biodiversity and water reserves. The two high-ranking officials agreed that Romania and the United Arab Emirates will cooperate in the areas of sustainable development and education for sustainable development. Save Romania Union (USR) and the Right Force lawmakers have challenged with the Constitutional Court (CCR) a law under which the staff of the National Integrity Agency (ANI) receive a pay bonus of up to 25% for neuropsychic overload. According to a press release from USR, the law passed last week. At the same time, there is also a law in the process of being adopted which would grant pay raises to staff of the Agency for Payments and Intervention for Agriculture (APIA) and the Payment Agency for Rural Development and Fishing (AFIR), according to USR, told Agerpres. "Not a week without an attempt to increase revenues for a public institution. All without any logic, without performance criteria, without knowing how much it costs us and, above all, why? This new attempt by the coalition of price increases is unconstitutional and we expect CCR to issue a decision accordingly," says USR lawmaker Cristian Seidler. USR adds that, in order to increase the pay of ANI employees by up to 25%, the Social Democratic Party - National Liberal Party (PSD-PNL) coalition used a bill that regulates to the salary of special university directors, "only that the amendment regarding the bonus for neuropsychic overload was introduced after the adoption of the law" by the Senate. "Therefore, in our challenge submitted to CCR, USR and the Right Force point to the violation of the principle of bicameralism. At the same time, the violation of the principle of legality is mentioned as the voted legislative proposal is unjustified and unfounded, and its statement of reasons (that is, the substantiating document) is non-compliant in terms of legislative technical rules in both its form and substance. It should also be mentioned that the new increase is added up to the two already applied to ANI: a bonus for the management of classified data and information (15%) and another bonus for harmful work conditions." The Royal Family of Romania mourns the death of the great soprano Virgilia Zeani and affirms that the artist, "a legend of the world lyric stage", was one of the leading names in 20th century opera music. "A legend of the world lyric stage, the Romanian Virginia Zeani was one of the leading names in 20th century opera music. She was gifted by God with an unparalleled talent, perfectly mastered her profession and was a model of civic spirit, patriotism and faith," the Royal Family said in a Facebook post. "In the early 2000s, Queen Anne met Virginia Zeani in the United States on a fundraising tour for the Margareta of Romania Royal Foundation. Later, when the great soprano returned to Romania in 2011, King Mihai bestowed on her the Royal Decoration Nihil Sine Deo at the Elisabeta Palace. On that occasion, Virginia Zeani presented to King Mihai the Romanian royal passport with which she left the country and which she kept all her life. Virginia Zeani was awarded, in absentia, at the Royal Peles Castle, in 2016, with the Order of the Crown of Romania in the rank of Commander. In recent years, she has been with the Queen and the Crown only in thought and heart, from afar. A true legend in her own time, Virginia Zeani remains, from here on, an untouchable peak of Romanian art of all times. Her Majesty Margareta, the Custodian of the Romanian Crown, sends her condolences and deepest sympathy to the bereaved family," the Royal House also announced. "From now on Virginia Zeani will sing in heaven! Throughout her career, soprano Virginia Zeani has been warmly celebrated for her exceptional qualities of theatrical dynamism, vitality and sensitivity. Her voice demonstrated great flexibility, delivered with remarkable technical skill, extending from warm to high range notes. Zeani sang with impeccable phrasing, great intensity and striking dramatic conviction. (...) May God bless her among the righteous!" the Greek Catholic diocese of Oradea Mare said on Tuesday. Soprano Angela Gheorghiu said that "the world has lost one of its most glorious artists". "Noble soul, exceptional artist, a true, authentic DIVA! Our great Virginia Zeani has passed away. I'm very sad! But also very happy that I had the opportunity to know personally this legend of international lyricism! I love her!," said soprano Elena Mosuc.AGERPRES Vrancea County Council (CJ) President Catalin Toma represents Romania's delegation to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe, which takes place in Strasbourg from March 21 to 23, the county institution informs on Tuesday. "The President of the Vrancea County Council, Catalin Toma, is participating these days in Strasbourg, France, as President of the Romanian delegation to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe (CLRAE) of the Council of Europe, which is taking place from March 21 to 23, 2023, at the European Parliament headquarters and the Palace of Europe. Tuesday saw the opening of the 44th session of the Congress by President Leendert Verbeek, followed by debates and speeches by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe and the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe," reads a press release of the Vrancea County Council sent to AGERPRES. According to the county administration, Catalin Toma participated on Tuesday in a workshop on the revision of the European Urban Charter, as well as in a debate on the role of local and regional authorities in education. On Wednesday March 22, the President of Vrancea County Council will participate in the opening session of the Chamber of Regions and in the debates on regional strategies for environmental protection and regional interests represented by the lower chambers of national parliaments. He will also take part in the plenary session of the Congress, where debates will be held on sustainable development goals, the future of the Council of Europe and the Congress' contribution to the organisation of the 4th Summit of Heads of State, which will take place in Iceland, May 16-17, 2023. On the agenda of Thursday, March 23, Catalin Toma will address the plenary session of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe, as president of the Romanian delegation, on the Monitoring Report on the implementation of the European Charter of Local Self-Government in Romania, prepared by the European rapporteurs following last year's visit to Romania. The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe is a pan-European political assembly made up of 648 local elected members, representing more than 150,000 local authorities from 47 European countries. Its mission is to promote territorial democracy, improve local and regional governance and strengthen the autonomy of local authorities. CYBERSPACEAdult website SINematica.com has officially relaunched under the deal it signed in February with Adult Empire Cash. The site offers the entire SINematica library, as well as exclusive weekly updates all in 4K Ultra UHD, plus a bonus monthly MVP area. Based in Dublin and London, the label often shoots in southwest France, or across the border in Spain to benefit from the fantastic forest views and diverse outdoor locations. SINematicas motto is Chasing Light, and it describes its approach to content creation as "stylish, timeless and edgy with a very hardcore touch." 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Affiliates can sign up to promote SINematica.com at adultempirecash.com or by contacting [email protected]. ZURICH Days before a hastily convened press conference late on Sunday that would make the worlds front pages, Switzerlands political elite were secretly preparing a move that would jolt the globe. While the nations central bank and financial regulator publicly declared that Credit Suisse was sound, behind closed doors the race was on to rescue the nations second-biggest bank. The chain of events, led to the erasure of one of Switzerlands flagships, a merger backed by 260 billion Swiss francs ($280 billion) of state funds and a move that would upend global finance: favoring the banks shareholders to the detriment of bond investors. The events that unfolded in the landlocked nation long a bastion of political neutrality that has secured its standing as a safe-haven favorite for wealthy elites go against one of the key lessons of the 2008 financial crisis. The rescue concentrates even greater risks into one banking behemoth, UBS Group AG. What is more, making bondholders cushion the blow to stock investors from the UBS-Credit Suisse tie-up rattled lenders, pushing up their borrowing costs in a threat to world economic growth. The Swiss National Bank declined to comment while the finance ministry did not respond to a request for comment. Battered by years of scandals and losses, Credit Suisse for months had been battling a crisis of confidence of its own making. In a matter of days its demise was sealed. Soon after news broke on March 12 that the United States would step in to guarantee all the deposits of two mid-sized lenders struggling to keep up with demands for cash, the spotlight was on Credit Suisse and how it would maintain depositor confidence. Customers had already pulled $110 billion from the Zurich-based bank in the last three months of 2022, outflows that it was fighting to reverse. A rainmaker who brokered a number of European bank rescues during the financial crisis, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that after seeing the U.S. banking collapses there was little doubt UBS would be called upon to shore up Credit Suisse. The banker on March 13 rang up UBS warning the worlds biggest wealth manager that it should prepare to receive a call from Swiss authorities. By Wednesday, two days later, Credit Suisse was swept up in a full-blown crisis. Comments by the chair of Saudi National Bank, Ammar Al Khudairy, who said that he could not invest further in the Swiss bank sent Credit Suisse shares into a tailspin. It mattered little that Credit Suisses biggest investor also reiterated confidence in the lender. Theyre a globally systemically important bank so ... monitored on a daily basis, he told Reuters. Theres no surprises like you would have in a middle-sized bank in the US. Its a completely different ecosystem. Significant deposit outflows followed, the source who would go on to advise UBS on the merger told Reuters, declining to put a number on them. In banking center Zurich and Bern, the Alpine states capital, pressure was building. Yet as the discussions to salvage Credit Suisse got underway, Swiss regulators FINMA and the Swiss National Bank said that the problems of certain banks in the USA do not pose a direct risk of contagion for the Swiss financial markets, conceding, however, that they would fund the bank with unlimited access to funding. Credit Suisse too was conveying stability. The bank told Reuters on Thursday that its average liquidity coverage ratio, a key measure of how much cash-like assets the bank has, did not change between March 8 and March 14, despite the global banking crisis. Swiss Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter, a former translator and teacher just months on the job, told the Sunday media conference that additional support for Credit Suisse had been agreed but held secret for fear of panicking people with a succession of emergency announcements. She said was in close contact with U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and British finance minister Jeremy Hunt. Both countries have large Credit Suisse subsidiaries employing thousands. There was far less communication with the European Central Bank in Frankfurt, said one person familiar with the matter. Credit Suisses arms in Luxembourg, Spain and Germany were far smaller. European regulators were, in particular, worried that the Swiss could impose losses on bondholders a radical step that they did take, as the costs of a rescue spiraled for taxpayers. They did this on their own, said the person, asking not to be named, describing the outcome as a big surprise. A spokesperson for FINMA said that although it laid emphasis on Britain and the U.S. because of the scale of Credit Suisses business in those countries, it had also informed European authorities. Not everyone, however, was kept in the dark. Saudi investors, with roughly a 10% stake in the bank, put pressure on the Swiss, warning that they could take legal action if they did not recover some of their ill-fated investment, said another person with knowledge of the matter. Saudi National Bank did not immediately respond to a request for a comment The money had to come from somewhere, said one of the officials involved in the negotiations. The Credit Suisse board, interested in preserving some unity in an increasingly fractious setting, stood behind them, and argued for a payout to shareholders, said the person. Regulators too wanted to avoid a wipeout for shareholders that would have resulted in the winding up of the bank, potentially a bigger headache for the nation and a loss of face just hours after standing by Credit Suisse. In the end, the Swiss agreed, choosing to wipe out 16 billion of francs of bonds, compensating shareholders with 3 billion francs and turning a key principle of bank funding on its head namely, that shareholders rather than bondholders take the first hit from a bank failure. It marks an ignominious end for an institution founded by Alfred Escher, a Swiss magnate affectionately dubbed King Alfred I, who helped build the countrys railways. Credit Suisse banks many Swiss companies and citizens including finance minister Keller-Sutter. On Sunday, as a panel of Swiss officials and executives announced the deal, they were unrepentant. This is no bailout, Keller-Sutter told journalists. Thomas Jordan, the central bank chief, defended the package, as necessary to counter any wider shock. The taxpayer in this scenario has less risk, said Keller-Sutter. The bankruptcy would have been the highest risk because the cost to the Swiss economy would have been huge. Still, markets are reeling from the extraordinary turn of events. When you are a bank for billionaires, deposits can fly away very quickly, said one of the people involved. You can die in three days. Ben, the Andean bear from the St. Louis Zoo who gained notoriety in February by escaping twice from his habitat, is heading for sunnier skies. On Tuesday, zoo officials announced that after considering Bens specific and unique personality, he is moving to the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Texas. That zoo, near South Padre Island, has a long history of working with Andean bears, and the habitat there has something the one here does not: a moat. We looked at all options, Regina Mossotti, the St. Louis Zoos vice president of animal care, said Tuesday. We love Ben. Hes such a character, the team that has taken care of him has fallen in love with him. Hes so fun, hes so playful we would love to be able to keep him here. Ben is 4 years old, about 280 pounds, and yes, smarter than the average bear. Ben first escaped his enclosure Feb. 7, and was found just outside his habitat on the public path at the Rivers Edge area and recaptured about 40 minutes later, before the zoo opened for the day. He had managed to tear apart clips that attached stainless steel mesh to the frame of a door. Zoo workers then added zip tie-like attachments made of stainless steel that had 450 pounds of tensile strength, but on Feb. 24, Ben managed to escape through those. That time, the zoo was open, and he was again on a public path, but was captured and transported back to his habitat within 45 minutes. Even though the St. Louis Zoos habitat met species standards and the staffers cared for Andean bears in the past (with no escapees), they knew Ben was unique. So while trying to figure out what to do next, they consulted with members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Andean Bear Species Survival Plan, the AZA Bear Taxon Advisory Group and the Wildlife Conservation Societys Queens Zoo in New York. Ben was born at the WCSs Queens Zoo and was on loan from there; he arrived in St. Louis in 2021. Ben now lives in a nonpublic area of the St. Louis Zoo, where he can move indoors and out, and even splash in a pool. New pictures released of Ben Tuesday show him playing with a large, white plastic barrel and licking peanut butter off a ball. Theres no set date for his departure, but he is moving soon, a spokeswoman said. Hes getting positive reinforcement training to help him become comfortable with the crate he will travel in for his journey to Texas. A representative from the Queens Zoo flew to the Gladys Porter Zoo and looked at the habitat to determine it was a good fit, and St. Louis Zoo officials looked at photos. The Gladys Porter Zoo had been looking for an Andean bear since theirs passed away, said Steve Bircher, the St. Louis Zoos curator of carnivores. That bear, Monco, died in June 2022 at the age of 34. Several months before, a video of Monco taken at the Texas zoo went viral online and people thought he looked malnourished and distressed. The zoo responded with its own video, assuring that Monco was healthy and safe, and and exceeded the life expectancy of such bears, which is about 20 years. That zoo has had up to three Andean bears living there at a time, and is hopeful it will get another bear, a female, within the year. Walter Dupree, the curator of mammals at the Gladys Porter Zoo, said his zoo is ready for Ben. Were confident its going to be good for Ben. Its proved itself over the years, Dupree said of the habitat. He said the moat, about 8 feet deep, is in the front of the exhibit. Monco used to enjoy jumping into it and swimming all day long on a hot day, he said. They are adding a wire to the top of the 16-foot wall alongside the moat that will give a mild shock in case Ben climbs up it. Were not putting it anywhere he can get to it unless he pushes, said Dupree. This isnt the Gladys Porter Zoos only experience with a determined bear. In 2014, a black bear named Oscar briefly escaped from its enclosure and slipped into a pool with some seals. The habitat was reinforced. Bircher said the St. Louis Zoo has cared for all eight species of bears for more than 100 years. Andean bears are solitary by nature, and sometimes siblings can live together, Bircher said. Ben has a brother, but he is from a different litter. While consulting with other experts in the field, they were surprised Ben could escape. It was a learning experience for us, he said. Everyone will go back and look at their facilities and their barriers and make sure they are safe and secure. Andean bears are now listed as a vulnerable species, which mean they face a high risk of extinction in the wild, and their dramatic decline is due to deforestation. Experts believe fewer than 18,000 of them survive in the wild. Adults can relive old memories or make new ones of prom at a dance emceed by longtime St. Louis radio host Johnny Rabbitt. Prom dresses are encouraged, and wear that old powder-blue tux if you dare to the St. Louis Public Library on March 31. The event, which includes drinks and appetizers along with dancing to vintage tunes, will support the library's upcoming exhibit, PROM Magazine: Where did you go to high school?" PROM was published in St. Louis from 1947 to 1973 and featured news from local public, private and parochial schools. (Maybe that's where the iconic question about high school was promoted?) "Teenager" wasn't even a commonly used word in the U.S. until after World War II, when interest in young people and their lives took off. The library says: "The exhibit will explore the publications start as post-war capitalism targeted at young consumers, its revolutionary use of student reporters, and its emphasis on celebrating the high school years with social events, sports, and fashion." The prom event costs $60 per person ($40 for library friends members), and attendees must be 21 or older. The library spells out the St. Louis-themed appetizers as "Toasted Ravs, pork steak sliders with Mauls BBQ sauce, St. Louis-style pizza, veggies and Mayfair dressing, gooey butter cookies and TUMS!)" No need to spike the punch, because it already will be. Fun and traditional photos will be taken and two community volunteers will be voted Prom Royalty (choose here). Tickets are available through the library; the event is 7:30-9:30 p.m. at the beautiful and historic Central Library, 1301 Olive Street. Pitch clocks and Willson Contreras won't be the only new features at Busch Stadium this season. Mission Taco Joint announced Wednesday it is joining the vendor lineup at Busch Stadium this season. Mission will occupy the concession stand in Section 150 behind home plate. Mission has won acclaim for its tacos and other Mexican-via-California dishes since opening its original location in 2013 in the Delmar Loop. The restaurant now has five locations in St. Louis (although one is closed until further notice due to a fire) as well as two in Kansas City, Missouri. At Busch, Mission will feature two exclusive tacos: the "Hot Corner" Chicken with shredded chicken, buffalo sauce and celery-seed ranch; and the Regular Taco, with ground beef, beans and taco sauce in a crisp corn tortilla. Mission's mango shrimp taco with habanero aioli and vegan soft taco with faux ground beef will also be available, as will nachos with chile-crusted fries and queso. Busch Stadium and the Cardinals are synonymous with St. Louis so its a proud moment for Mission Taco Joint to have a presence there," owners and brothers Adam and Jason Tilford said in a statement. JEFFERSON CITY Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey said Monday his office will file an emergency regulation to limit access to gender-related care for minors. The new rules will require an 18-month waiting period, 15 hourlong therapy sessions and treatment of any mental illnesses before Missouri doctors can provide that kind of care to transgender children, Baileys office said. The move appeared to sidestep the Republican-led Legislature, which has debated, but not passed, legislation to restrict transgender health care for minors, including puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgeries. As of late Monday, the attorney generals emergency regulation had yet to be filed with the secretary of states office, said JoDonn Chaney, spokesman for Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft. Baileys announcement came as state lawmakers returned to work Monday after a one-week spring break and hundreds of supporters of anti-transgender health care legislation gathered in the Capitol Rotunda for a rally. The rules, which are likely to face a court challenge, were met with derision from a statewide group advocating for LGBTQ people and from parents of children receiving care at the Washington University Transgender Center at St. Louis Childrens Hospital, which has come under fire after a report last month by a former employee, Jamie Reed, alleged substandard care at the clinic. We consider this regulation a gross and reprehensible action that puts the health, wellness, and very lives of transgender and gender-expansive youth at risk, PROMO, a Missouri organization advocating for LGTBQ rights, said in a statement. Alison Maclean of Kirkwood, whose 12-year-old son is being treated at the Transgender Center, said, This is completely based in ignorance, and said the regulation is perpetuating misinformation. A news release from Baileys office describes gender transition interventions as experimental. Among other things, the emergency regulation would require the patient to receive a full psychological or psychiatric assessment, consisting of not fewer than 15 separate, hourly sessions over the course of not fewer than 18 months to determine, among other things, whether the person has any mental health comorbidities. The regulation would require any existing mental health comorbidities of the patient to have been treated and resolved prior to gender transition interventions. Patients would also need to be screened for autism and would need to be evaluated at least annually to make sure the patient is not experiencing social contagion with respect to the patients gender identity. Bailey, in a statement, said he was sticking up for children: I am dedicated to using every legal tool at my disposal to stand in the gap and protect children from being subject to inhumane science experiments. In response, PROMO said, Gender-affirming care is not experimental but a lifesaving and lifegiving standardized path of health care backed by every major medical association in the United States. Baileys lack of medical expertise shows, said Dr. Colleen McNicholas, chief medical officer of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri. Scientific evidence shows and the medical community agrees that gender-affirming care is safe, effective and life-saving. Politifact, in a fact-check published in January, called mostly false a claim that all gender affirming care for children is 100% experimental. There are zero long-term studies on the effects the drugs and surgeries will have on them. Other St. Louis-area parents with transgender children sharply criticized Baileys action. Its absolutely horrifying that the attorney general would think he is better informed than medical professionals and parents who absolutely have the best interest of their children in mind, said Jennifer Goldring of St. Louis County, the mother of a 16-year-old son on testosterone. Im terrified of what this means for my child and his mental health if he cannot get the gender-affirming care he needs. Goldring said she was unsure whether the order would affect her son, as he is already on testosterone, but would consider moving if that meant getting him the care he requires. We would have to figure it out, she said. Susan Halla, national board president of TransParent, said she wasnt surprised by Baileys action. I think theyre threatened that theyre not going to get these bills through, she said. Halla, who lives in south St. Louis and is the mother of a 22-year-old son who was treated by the Transgender Center, accused Bailey of fearmongering and using misleading and false information. We will continue to fight this, she said. Its disappointing that they continue to rely on lies and false information to garner votes for their reelection campaign. Bailey, a Republican, took office in January after his appointment by Gov. Mike Parson. He said he is running for a four-year term in 2024. Chuck Hatfield, a Jefferson City attorney and former aide to former Attorney General Jay Nixon, a Democrat, cast doubt on Baileys action. Its a creative strategy, and I dont know that its going to hold if somebody takes him to court, he said. He called doing an emergency regulation unusual and said thats supposed to be reserved for, you know, actual emergencies immediate threat to public health or safety. Julie Flory, vice chancellor of marketing and communications for Washington U., said the university will review the regulation once it is filed. We take the care and safety of our patients very seriously, Flory said in an email. Our focus remains on our commitment to providing compassionate, family-centered care to all of the patients and families we serve. After convening after 4 p.m., senators returned to debate on health care for transgender minors. Instead of debating legislation sponsored by Republican Sen. Mike Moon, R-Ash Grove, who has feuded with GOP leadership, senators were debating legislation by Sen. Holly Rehder, R-Sikeston, that would also restrict transgender athletes and health care. Debate stretched late into the evening. Post-Dispatch reporter Colleen Schrappen and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Updated at 8 p.m. More coverage 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 The Metro East areas newest member of the U.S. Congress has opened some new offices, including one in the St. Louis area. U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski, D-13th District, now has opened a regional office in downtown Belleville, as well as ones in Champaign, Decatur and Springfield. Budzinski, a former adviser to Gov. J.B. Pritzker, was elected in 2022. Her district includes parts of Madison and St. Clair counties. For this first term, she has secured seats on the Agriculture and Veterans Affairs committees. Providing excellent constituent services is the most important part of my job as a member of Congress, and that starts with having a presence in our communities, she said in a statement. Budzinskis office in Belleville is at 1 South Church Street, suite 500-B. The telephone number is 618-212-7333. Staffers are available to meet with constituents from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Appointments can be made by going to budzinski.house.gov/meeting-request. ST. LOUIS A 1-month-old infant was found dead early Monday in what police described as a "supposed sudden death." Police were called at 6 a.m. Monday to a home in the 3900 block of Greer Avenue, in the city's Greater Ville neighborhood, because the girl was unresponsive. She was pronounced dead at a hospital. Police said the infant had no outward signs of trauma, but the department's child abuse unit is investigating. No other details were available Tuesday. ST. LOUIS A man was shot and killed early Tuesday in the city's Fountain Park neighborhood. ShotSpotter alerted police around 2:30 a.m. that shots had been fired in the 1100 block of Walton Avenue, according to a police report. Police said they found "a large quantity" of shell casings there. Then, officers were called to a single-car crash about half a mile away at Page Boulevard and Euclid Avenue. The car had rolled over and had several bullet holes, police said. Police found a man on the street outside a vehicle, police wrote. He had been shot and officers believe he may have been ejected from the car during the crash. He died at a hospital. Officers had not identified him as of Tuesday evening. WASHINGTON It seemed like a good idea at the time: Red-state Democrats like Missouris Claire McCaskill facing grim reelection prospects would join forces with Republicans to slash bank regulations demonstrating a willingness to work with President Donald Trump while bucking many in their party. That unlikely coalition voted in 2018 to roll back portions of a far-reaching 2010 law intended to prevent a future financial crisis. But those changes are now are being blamed for contributing to the recent collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank that prompted a federal rescue and stoked anxiety about a broader banking contagion. The rollback was was leveraged with a lobbying campaign that cost tens of millions of dollars and drew an army of hundreds of lobbyists into the effort. It also was seeded with ample campaign contributions. The episode offers a fresh reminder of the power that bankers wield in Washington, where the industry spends prodigiously to fight regulation and often hires former members of Congress and their staff to make the case that they are not a source of risk to the economy The bottom line is that these banks would have faced a tougher supervisory framework under the original ... law, but Congress and the Trump regulators took an ax to it, said Carter Dougherty, a spokesman for Americans for Financial Reform, a left-leaning financial sector watchdog group. We can draw a direct line between the deregulation of the Trump period, driven by the bank lobby, and the chaos of the last few weeks. President Joe Biden has asked Congress for the authority to impose tougher penalties on failed banks. The Justice Department and the Securities and Exchange Commission have started investigations. And congressional Democrats are calling for new restrictions on financial institutions. But so far there is no indication that another bipartisan coalition will form in Congress to put tougher regulations back in place, underscoring the banking industry's continued clout. That influence was on full display when the banking lobby worked for two years to water down aspects of the 2010 Dodd-Frank law that had placed weighty regulations on banks designed to reduce consumer risk and force the institutions to adopt safer lending and investing practices. Republicans had long looked to blunt the impact of Dodd-Frank. But rather than push for sweeping deregulation, Sen. Mike Crapo, an Idaho Republican who led the Senate banking committee, hoped a narrowed focus could draw enough support from moderate Democrats to clear the Senates 60-vote filibuster threshold. Crapo broached the idea with Democratic Sens. Jon Tester of Montana, Joe Donnelly of Indiana and Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota all on the ballot in 2018 as well as Mark Warner of Virginia. By the fall of that year, the bipartisan group met regularly, according to a copy of Testers office schedule posted to his Senate website. A lobbying strategy also emerged, with companies and trade groups that specifically mention Crapo's legislation spending more than $400 million in 2017 and 2018, according to an Associated Press analysis of the public lobbying disclosures. The bill was sold to the public as a form of regulatory relief for overburdened community banks, which serviced farmers and smaller businesses. Community bankers from across the U.S. flew in to Washington to meet repeatedly with lawmakers, including Tester, who had 32 meetings with Montana bank officials. Local bank leaders pushed members of their congressional delegation when they returned home. While many Democrats, including Rep. William Lacy Clay, D-St. Louis, warned that the move was a slide back into the deregulated climate that led to the financial crisis of 2008, McCaskill called it a commonsense fix for the over-regulation of small banks and credit unions whove had their hands tied on lending to Missouri customers who want to buy a house, or start a business. Republicans had few reservations. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, R-St. Elizabeth, was a primary House sponsor; U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner, R-Town and Country, was a co-sponsor, saying the bill, by lessening the burdens unfairly put on community banks, credit unions, and the customers they serve, ... would ensure that hard-working Americans will finally have the access to credit that they deserve. But the measure also included provisions sought by midsize banks that drastically curtailed oversight once the Trump Fed finished writing new regulations necessitated by the bills passage. Specifically, the legislation lifted the threshold for banks to be considered too big to fail a designation that carries a strict regimen of oversight, including mandatory financial stress testing. That component, which effectively carved large midsize banks out of more stringent regulation, has come under new scrutiny in light of the failure of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, whose executives lobbied on behalf of the 2018 rollback. The lobbyists were everywhere. You couldnt throw an elbow without running into one, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat who vehemently opposed the bill, told reporters last week. Campaign checks were written. Ads were cut. Mailers went out. As a reward for their work, Heitkamp ($357,953), Tester ($302,770) and Donnelly ($265,349) became the top Senate recipients of money from the banking industry during the 2018 campaign season, according to OpenSecrets, a nonpartisan group tracking money in politics. Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer freed members to vote for the bill, a move intended to bolster the standing of vulnerable moderate incumbents. But the move also bitterly divided the Democratic caucus, with Warren singling out the moderates as doing Wall Streets bidding. In the hours before the bill passed the Senate with 17 Democratic votes, Heitkamp took to the chamber floor to inveigh against the diatribe, hyperbole and overstatement from opponents of the bill. Tester, meanwhile, huddled with executives from Bank of America, Citigroup, Discover and Wells Fargo, who were there on behalf of the American Bankers Association. The American Bankers Association, which helped lead the push, later paid $125,000 for an ad campaign thanking Tester for his role in the bills passage, records show. Less than a month after the bill was passed out of the Senate, Tester met Greg Becker, the CEO for the now-collapsed Silicon Valley Bank, according to his schedule. Becker specifically lobbied Congress and the Federal Reserve to take a light regulatory approach with banks of his size. Lobbyists with the firm the Franklin Square Group, which had been retained by Silicon Valley Bank, donated $10,800 to Tester's campaign, record show. Heitkamp was the only member of the group invited to the bill signing ceremony, beaming alongside Trump. Later, Americans for Prosperity, the grassroots conservative group funded by the billionaire industrialist Koch brothers, ran an online ad commending Heitkamp for taking a stand against her party. In an interview, Heitkamp pushed back against suggestions that the legislation was directly responsible for the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank. She acknowledged, however, that there was an open question about whether new rules put in place by the Fed after the measure was signed into law could have played a role. Im willing to look at the argument that this had something to do with it, Heitkamp said, adding: I think you will find that (the Fed) was engaged in some level of some supervision. Why that didnt work? Thats the question that needs to be resolved. In a statement issued last week, Tester did not directly address his role in the legislation, but he pledged to "take on anyone in Washington to ensure that the executives at these banks and regulators are held accountable. Cam Fine, who led the Independent Community Bankers of America trade group during the legislative push, said the overall the bill was a good piece of legislation that offered much needed relief to struggling community banks. But like any major piece of legislation that moves through Congress, final passage hinged on support from a broad coalition of interests including those of Wall Street and midsize banks. Was it a perfect piece of legislation? No. But theres an old saying in Washington: You cant let the perfect be the enemy of the good, said Fine. Many of the moderate Democrats who supported the measure did not fare as well. Of the core group who wrote the bill, only Tester won reelection. Others from red states who supported it, including McCaskill and Bill Nelson of Florida, lost. Tester will be on the ballot again in 2024. Last week he was in Silicon Valley for a fundraiser. One of the events sponsors was a partner at a law firm for Silicon Valley Bank. Sweet reported from New York. Associated Press writer Kevin Freking and the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report. As everyone awaits the possible indictment of former U.S. president Donald Trump, Stephen A. Smith has weighed in to claim this benefits Trump by allowing him to dominate headlines. In recent days, Trump has summoned his supporters by promoting the fact that might be the first former president in United States history to be criminally indicted. Trump stated he expects to be arrested this week on charges related to campaign finance violations. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has been investigating whether Trump falsified business records to cover a $130,000 payment made to porn star Stormy Daniels during his 2016 presidential campaign. On the latest episode of his Know Mercy podcast, Stephen A. Smith put his desire to be recognized for being able to hold political conversations on display by breaking down Trumps looming indictment in detail. This benefits Trump, Smith declared. Youre not getting the former President of the United States to end up being incarcerated because they paid harsh money to a former lover that happened to be a porn star. Its not gonna happen! And I for one am getting sick and tired of all of this stuff, theres one investigation after another about him. When are you going to get him on something?! I mean really get him?! Instead of quietly bracing to be criminally indicted, Trump has used the legal matter to rile his supporters as he fires up his 2024 presidential campaign. The U.S. Constitution does not consider a criminal record as means to disqualify a presidential candidate. Trump will use his potential criminal record to further conspiracy theories by running on the platform that the deep state has conspired against him to protect corrupt globalism. At the end of the day, its playing right into his hands, Smith continued on his podcast. Youre Donald Trump, what did you just do? You stole the headlines. You galvanized your base and youve got the speaker of the House and other Republican officials scared to go against you. And those who are brave enough to do so are going to be forced and compelled to come out front and center and acknowledge their opposition to you. Which in your eyes, if youre Donald Trump, means that you will then get to jeopardize their positions within the House or the Senate of the United States of America, you weed them out, or theyre forced and compelled to be complicit with you so they can keep their seats. Smith agrees that no one is above the law but recognizes no one is below it either. He says portraying Trump as a criminal might be playing right into the narratives the former president uses to feed his supporters. It might be disgusting, it might be heinous and intolerable, certainly difficult to stomach, Smith acknowledged. But it is politics, and the reality of the situation is that Donald Trump has shown hes pretty astute at it, in terms of drawing attention to himself, coming up with labels and derogatory names about his opponents that ultimately resonate and catch fire. [Know Mercy] JEFFERSON CITY Legislation to limit transgender athletes and restrict gender-related health care for minors won initial approval Tuesday morning in the Missouri Senate over Democratic opposition. After returning from behind closed doors at about 7:15 a.m., lawmakers quickly approved the bills and adjourned. Theyll need one more affirmative vote each before heading to the House. The measures would ban transition-related surgeries for minors, which are rare, and bars physicians from knowingly providing puberty blockers or hormone therapy to minors for the purpose of a gender transition. But, key changes to the health care restrictions include a grandfather clause for patients taking puberty blockers or hormone therapy before Aug. 28, 2023, when the law would take effect. NATIONWIDE PUSH BY GOP The bills that received initial approval in the Missouri Senate on Tuesday reflect a national push led by Republicans to restrict transgender health care, drag shows, bathroom access and how LGBTQ topics are discussed in schools. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly last week vetoed a Kansas bill to ban gender-affirming care for transgender minors, setting up a hotly contested fight in the Republican-controlled Legislature to override her. Georgia lawmakers passed a ban on Tuesday. At least seven states have already enacted restrictions or bans on gender-affirming care for transgender minors: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Mississippi, Tennessee, Utah and South Dakota. Federal judges have blocked enforcement of laws in Alabama and Arkansas, and more than 20 states are considering bills this year to restrict or ban care. Iowa and Arkansas lawmakers last week also passed bills to ban transgender people at public schools from using restrooms that correspond with their gender identity. Wyoming on Monday became the 19th state to ban transgender athletes from playing on girls or womens sports teams after the Republican governor opted not to veto the legislation. Associated Press And restrictions on puberty blockers and hormone therapy for minors would expire Aug. 28, 2027, unless the Legislature approves another law, according to the latest draft. Restrictions on transgender athletes that would require them to play on the team matching the sex on their birth certificate would also expire Aug. 28, 2027, absent additional legislative action. The latest health care bill also excludes a prohibition against referring patients to other doctors for gender-affirming care. Passage followed tense debate Monday night into Tuesday morning that at times devolved into shouting. Debate began shortly after 4 p.m. Monday, with Republicans returning to the priority legislation immediately after their annual weeklong spring break. The limits were the subject of a rally in the Capitol Monday by a group of activists who support the Republican effort, which has been implemented in some form by GOP legislatures in a number of states. The extended filibuster was the first in the Senate this year after Majority Leader Cindy OLaughlin, R-Shelbina, had worked to avoid late night debates in her first session as the Senates chief traffic cop. While surgeries for minors are rare, blockers can be used when a child hits puberty. Hormone therapies can follow. During one exchange that grew heated, Sen. Denny Hoskins, R-Warrensburg, asked Sen. Karla May, D-St. Louis, whether it was OK for a 13-year-old boy to cut off his penis? It is up to that parent to make that decision, May responded. Oh my Lord! Oh my Lord! Really? Hoskins said. That parent and that child and that doctor is making that decision, May said. Earlier, May had said I think thats a little drastic and radical and I dont even know if thats happening when Hoskins mentioned popping off their genitals. May, who was among Democrats taking on hourslong shifts of debate to keep the issue from being voted on, asked Hoskins what he would recommend to parents of a child with gender dysphoria. Try to be loving, caring, and understanding, listen to them. Go to some counseling and find out ... what the real issue is, Hoskins said. You dont think that theyve done that? May asked. Hoskins question mirrored a claim by Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis last year that theyre literally chopping off the private parts of young kids. The governors office provided two examples to Politifact of teen surgeries: a 15-year-old in California who received chest surgery and Jazz Jennings, a reality TV star who received genital reassignment surgery at 17. Hoskins comments drew scorn from Sen. Greg Razer, D-Kansas City. Nobodys genitals are getting cut off, Razer said. Youre trying to scare people and divide people. Stop. Were talking about kids here. This is the crap they said about people like me for decades, said Razer, who is gay. They cant say it about me anymore or they would be. So now theyre going after another group, but this time theyre kids. Theyre kids theyre going after. Theyre using kids as political pawns and that burns me up, he said. Razer said this isnt the end. He asserted Republicans would soon seek to punish as child abusers parents of children receiving care in question. We know what next years bill is, Razer said. Parents of trans kids: dont come to the Capitol with your kids. Dont tell these people who you are. The Democratic stalling on the Republican-led initiative came amid infighting among GOP lawmakers, who control the chamber by a 24-10 margin. Before leaving on their spring break, senators debated Sen. Mike Moons bill to restrict transgender care. But when senators returned Monday, GOP leadership moved to debate legislation by a rival legislator, Sen. Holly Rehder, R-Sikeston, that also included limits on transgender athletes. Moon, R-Ash Grove, criticized the bill for containing multiple subjects in violation of the state constitution. Moon, who has repeatedly feuded with the leadership of OLaughlin and Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden, offered a series of technical amendments to Rehders bill, ensuring hed get some of the last words if and when the package came up for a vote. But when senators returned after their break it appeared Moon got his way on separating the bills: his legislation would pass as a standalone bill, separate from the restrictions on athletes. The action in the Senate came as Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey said Monday his office will file an emergency regulation to limit access to gender-related care for minors. The new rules, which could be challenged in court, would require 18 months of therapy and would require that any of a patients mental health comorbidities be treated and resolved before receiving care in question, among other requirements. JEFFERSON CITY The Missouri House approved an anti-vaccination measure Tuesday that could tie the hands of health professionals to address future pandemics. The proposal, sponsored by Republican Rep. Bill Hardwick of Waynesville, would bar governments from being able to mandate a COVID-19 vaccine or future potential medical technologies like microchips placed under someones skin. The measure would require private employers, including small business owners, to provide exemptions to any vaccination requirements if an employee has a sincere religious belief about the health benefits of a vaccine. Hardwick, who is among a number of Republicans who complained about personal freedom during the height of the local, state and national response to a rapidly spreading disease, also said children would not have to be vaccinated in order to go to school under his legislation. There also would be exemptions for health care workers and facilities if approved. I feel like its the right thing to do, said Hardwick, who unsuccessfully pushed for a similar plan last year. Hardwick said he believes some people lost their minds in the scramble to deal with the coronavirus. The renewed push comes after more than 23,000 Missourians died from complications related to the respiratory virus. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reports that 464 people currently are hospitalized with COVID-19. Rep. Ashley Aune, D-Kansas City, called the proposal absolutely insane. We have got to be able to, as business owners, make those decisions for ourselves, Aune said. Business groups also oppose the measure. The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry said businesses should decide on their vaccination policies. Missouri has a free enterprise system, so we do not believe that government should be intervening in businesses legal right to require vaccines in the workplace. Every employer is different, and theyre going to know best how to run their business, said Kara Corches, vice president of governmental affairs for the Missouri Chamber. Every lobbying group in the state of Missouri is opposed to this bill, Hardwick acknowledged. Rep. Barbara Phifer, D-Kirkwood, said the law will remove flexibility needed to respond to the threat of a major disease outbreak. What concerns me is what happens with the next pandemic, Phifer said. There are times when we have to be nimble. The measure needs another vote in the House before moving to the Senate for further debate. The legislation is House Bill 700. WASHINGTON Donald Trump will try to turn any indictment to his advantage by stoking anger among core supporters over what they see as the weaponization of the justice system, though it may also push more Republicans tired of the drama around him to look for another presidential candidate. A Manhattan grand jury could bring charges as soon as this week against the former Republican president for alleged hush money payments made to porn star Stormy Daniels during his 2016 presidential campaign. Trump has denied having an affair with Daniels, whose legal name is Stephanie Clifford. While the prosecution of a former president is unprecedented in U.S. history and places Trump in legal peril, it will likely be viewed by his most loyal supporters as politically motivated and only harden their determination to back him in the 2024 Republican primary, party officials, strategists and political analysts told Reuters. I think this will strengthen the resolve of his supporters, said Ford OConnell, a Republican strategist who represented Trump in many media appearances during the 2020 presidential campaign. But to win the partys nomination, Trump will likely have to broaden his support beyond the 25%-30% of the Republican electorate generally thought to be in his corner no matter what, especially if the field of Republican candidates narrows in the coming months. An indictment could make it difficult for him to broaden his appeal. Larry Sabato, director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia, said some Republicans could be swayed by the charges to back Florida Governor Ron DeSantis or another potential candidate without Trumps legal baggage, which has grown considerably since he left the White House in 2021. Its not good for Trump, the question is how bad for Trump it is, said Sabato. There could be multiple indictments ... it begins to add up to a major problem. Trumps campaign has accused the Manhattan District Attorneys office, as well as prosecutors pursuing separate cases against him in Georgia and at the federal level, of doing the bidding of Democrats out to stop his reelection campaign. People close to Trump said his campaign would seek to frame the indictment as proof that all prosecutions - including his two impeachments in Congress are unjustified attempts by the Deep State to undermine him and his supporters. Trump will have more social media outlets to get his message across after YouTube became the latest platform to reinstate him on Friday. Trump was cut off from YouTube, Facebook and Twitter following the Jan. 6, 2021, attack by his supporters on the U.S. Capitol. He has now been reinstated on all three, giving him a powerful megaphone to rally his base, as he did effectively during his 2016 White House run. It is unclear how Trumps rivals for the Republican nomination will approach the indictment, although several have already made clear they view any attempt to charge Trump as politically motivated. Sam DeMarco, chair of the Republican Party in Pennsylvanias Allegheny County, said candidates will likely allude to the need for less drama without explicitly calling Trump out. DeSantis got a taste of that on Monday when he criticized what he said was the politicization of the Manhattan DAs office but also took a veiled swipe at his rival. Trump responded aggressively with an innuendo-filled post on his Truth Social platform. Teflon Don DeMarco said Republicans would view the Manhattan indictment as political, given that federal prosecutors reviewed the Daniels case in 2018 and decided not to charge Trump, although it is Justice Department policy not to indict a sitting president. Republicans would take a similar view of any charges arising out of the ongoing investigation in Fulton County, Georgia, into Trumps effort to overturn his 2020 loss to Democrat Joe Biden there, said DeMarco, who plans to vote for DeSantis should he run. Trump has defied predictions of his demise numerous times since he launched his bid for the White House in 2015. Sometimes called Teflon Don for his record of skirting accountability, Trump once bragged that he could gun down someone in the middle of Manhattan and not face consequences. Trump defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton in 2016 despite the emergence of the infamous Access Hollywood tape in which he made vulgar comments about women. And in 2018, when he was president, he paid no apparent political price for the Stormy Daniels affair, even as his lawyer went to prison for arranging the payments and pointed the finger at Trump. Trump remains the front-runner in the 2024 Republican field, with the support of 44% of Republicans in a Reuters/Ipsos poll completed on Monday, ahead of DeSantis 30% support. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey deserves the court challenge hes almost certain to get for construing the GOP-manufactured controversy over youth gender dysphoria as a state emergency. Sorry folks, there are no raging flood waters or forest fires. No viral plague. No rioting in the streets. Theres no emergency of any kind. State Republicans are simply trying to gin-up controversy over social issues as a substitute for governing. This is not to suggest that medical treatment involving gender-dysphoric youths doesnt deserve regulatory attention. In fact, the Missouri Legislature is performing its job at this very moment, debating a law that could codify and tighten regulations for doctors when administering gender-related medical care for minors. Such regulations might or might not be warranted, but it is the Legislatures exclusive responsibility to make that determination. It is the job of the state attorney general to assist in enforcing those laws. But one thing should be absolutely clear to all involved: The attorney general doesnt get to write his own laws, then unilaterally enforce them. State lawmakers should be among the loudest protesting this usurpation of their authority especially by a newly appointed attorney general who wasnt even elected to his post. But tribal loyalties being what they are in GOP-controlled Jefferson City, the likelihood of a legislative challenge seems remote. Bailey is only a few months into his job and, state constitution be damned, is grabbing for all the power (and headlines) he can ahead of his planned election bid in 2024. Citing his desire to protect Missouri minors from an undefined social contagion and an unsourced skyrocketing number of gender transition interventions, Bailey announced Monday he would impose emergency regulations to include an 18-month waiting period for minors seeking gender-dysphoria care. They would have to undergo 15 hours of therapy sessions plus be evaluated for mental illness and autism before Missouri doctors could begin gender-transition treatment. Bailey has no known medical background or experience dealing with youth gender dysphoria, and its unclear where he got his medical advice before devising these rules. He does, however, have a law degree, which should have informed him about the constitutional restrictions on his own powers. The state constitution mentions the word emergency 40 times, always in the context of gubernatorial powers or a request by the governor for the Legislature to declare an emergency, such as during an enemy attack. Neither the constitution nor Missouri state code mention any power by the attorney general to invoke emergency powers. Bailey does appear correct, however, about a spreading social contagion one specific to the attorney generals office. Before seeking treatment, he might want to consult his predecessors: current U.S. Sens. Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt. Symptoms include acute inflammation of the ego, delusions of grandeur, and visions of legal powers that exist only in the sufferers mind. Urban (city and town) combat in Ukraine has revealed additional factors that were not noted in recent (2020) updates of MOUT (Military Operations on Urbanized Terrain). Ukraine operations so far have revealed aspects of urban combat that had not been experienced before and now had to be added to the long list of things to deal with. First of all, there was not a lot of bypassing cities and towns in Ukraine. Both sides found themselves forced to defend or fight for control of key towns that were essential to maintaining supply lines. Both sides never had enough artillery ammunition and aircraft bombs to simply level a contested urban area. There are also important differences between Russian and Ukrainian troops. The Ukrainians are better trained and have higher morale than the Russians. The Ukrainians are defending their home land while the Russians are invaders and use a lot of reluctant troops, including convicts and mercenaries. When the Ukrainians go on the offensive they can surround towns and starve their less-motivated opponents into surrendering. When defending a town, the Ukrainians conduct a more effective defense that keeps Ukrainian casualties down and increases Russian losses. Experience so far shows that the Russians lost six or seven times more troops than the Ukrainians in these situations. Worse, the Russian progress is very slow and the Ukrainians see this as a way to weaken Russian ability to continue the war. Those heavy casualties make it even more difficult for the Russians to obtain new troops. Urban warfare in Ukraine may be considered a unique situation, but that is often the case in any period of sustained urban fighting. Ukraines NATO allies are updating their approach to urban warfare because of the experience in Ukraine. NATO thought they had a current update of urban combat before the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. By late 2021 NATO had updated its procedures on urban fighting. At the time the new Russian Threat to NATO was quite different from the Cold War version, there was still the possibility of ground combat. The Russians no longer had 30 first rate combat divisions stationed in eastern Germany and the Russian army was, for the first time, smaller than the American army in peacetime. To make matters worse, the Americans also have better equipment, better training and more combat experience. One thing had not changed. While the Russian ground forces were unlikely to reach western Europe, they were a very real threat to eastern European NATO members. The most vulnerable are the three Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania) and Poland. One thing these NATO members have in common with the original NATO members to the west is the nature of their urban areas. The Baltics and Poland feature lots of new construction since the 1990s, and most of their population now lives in urban areas. This annoys the Russians, who have done less well economically since 1991. Attacking the Baltics or Poland will mean a lot of urban warfare. NATO is very familiar with urban warfare and appreciates what the Russians would be up against. NATO has long considered MOUT a major issue even after the end of the Cold War and after the post-2001 fighting, especially in Iraq. In the future, it was expected that there would be more fighting in urban areas, which means lots of sturdy buildings and narrow streets. The importance of MOUT was noted back during the 1980s when it was realized that a war with the Soviet Union in Europe would involve a lot more fighting in built-up (urban) areas than in the open. That was discovered when a staff study revealed that West Germany was rapidly urbanizing and the construction was largely cement and steel, creating structures that made better bunkers for defenders. Back then NATO was preparing to play defense against an expected Russian invasion. About the same time, Russian planners noted the same urbanization trends in West Europe and realized that there was nothing similar in Russian occupied East Europe, which made the Russians more vulnerable to a NATO counter-offensive. What was discovered after 2010 was that these two trends merged in Eastern Europe with a lot of the most difficult combat taking place in newly built urban areas. A lot, if not most, of the growth in urbanization took place in areas that were most likely to be future combat zones. A few years before the Cold War ended, the U.S. Army Center for Lessons Learned (CALL) was established so U.S. commanders could use it to determine what works in combat and what doesn't based on past (decades or last week) experience. This is more important than ever in the 21st century, where urban combat and counter-insurgency conflicts dominate, and new technologies appear at a rapid rate. In urban warfare and counter-insurgency, the potential for mistakes to be made is exponentially larger than in conventional, large-scale warfare. Another major problem with urban warfare has been having a decent place to train for it. The West solved this problem but the Russians could not because of budget problems. The U.S. Army and Marines began building training areas for MOUT at great expense. What drives the cost up is the need to install equipment so you can video most of the action, the better to critique the troops after they win, lose or are "killed." And special building materials are used to allow the use of low power training bullets and practice hand grenades. While having these facilities is great for the units that can be brought in, there is still the hassle of shipping infantry units to them. One solution to the cost and availability problem is portable urban combat trainers called "Mobile MOUT." Shipping containers were converted to modules that can be endlessly reconfigured for training. The containers are 2.44 meter (8-feet) wide by 2.75 meter (9-feet) high by 6.1 meter (20-feet long) and have movable walls that allow quick reconfiguration for whatever MOUT training is desired. The containers can also be joined side-by-side, or stacked to create multi-story buildings. There are also reconfigurable stairways (open or enclosed), allowing the troops to learn to deal with the tricky business of fighting up and down stairwells. The containers can be covered with brick, stucco, cinder block or other facades to enhance realism. Plywood interior lining is realistic and enables the use of short-range (low power) training ammunition for live-fire scenarios. You can do a lot of training with just one or two containers, or build your own little town with up to 30 or 40 buildings composed of 100 or more containers. All the containers come equipped with cameras, microphones, motion detectors, smoke and smell generators. Everything is recorded in a digital format, both video and audio, for the after-action critique. For this, two containers can be put together, with one providing a control room in the rear and the other a 30-seat theater, featuring large screen displays, in front. The first two of these MOUT training containers were sent to Afghanistan by 2003. There were actually a lot of MOUT operations in Afghanistan, as Special Forces or infantry stage raids on compounds suspected of harboring Taliban or al Qaeda fighters. Each MOUT training container cost about $140,000 (if you bought a 15-container set). As a result of all this realistic training, both the Army and Marines developed new tactics for MOUT battles, and needed the specialized training areas to teach the troops how it's done, and to work on improving current tactics and maintaining skills. One thing learned in Afghanistan was that you can't have too much practice when it comes to MOUT. It's a tricky business, with ample opportunity for getting ambushed, and for friendly fire losses. You must have well thought out, combat proven, drills, and the troops must be well practiced in their use. This led the Marines to spend $15 million on expanding its MOUT facilities at Camp Lejune, North Carolina. The expansion area contains 75 buildings, most of them constructed to allow for repeated urban warfare training. The new facility was ready by late 2009. The Army and Marines spent several hundred million dollars over five years to construct these urban training areas. Even in Afghanistan, a lot of the fighting gets done in, or around, buildings. To get troops ready for this kind of combat, you need training areas that mimic the urban terrain that will be encountered in the battle zone. It turns out that with the revived emphasis on fighting modern combat forces and using MOUT, combat experience is invaluable for defending as well as attacking. The American solution is not to fight in the city like the Germans and Russians did in Stalingrad. Even during World War II, the Americans realized they had the firepower (bombers and artillery) to level any city that refused to surrender. This was how ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) was driven out of Mosul and Raqqa. Even when forced into a MOUT situation, the Americans developed weapons, like tanks specially equipped for MOUT, and heavy use of smart bombs, guided missiles and GPS guided artillery shells. This last weapon was key to the 2017 defeat of ISIL in Raqqa, their capital in eastern Syria. The Kurds provided the ground forces but the U.S. supplied air support and, more importantly, a battery of 155mm howitzers firing GPS guided shells. There were several batteries (each with six towed howitzers) that were rotated into Syria for this support work. Some of those howitzers fired so many shells that the barrels wore out. The city fighting was most intense towards the end but all those precision weapons kept Kurd casualties down (about a thousand dead) while ISIL lost at least 3,000 dead and were forced out of the city. The Russians learned the same lesson in Chechnya. In the early 1990s, they attempted to take the capital city (Grozny, or dread in English) and failed because the Chechens went full MOUT on them. The Russians came back in 1999 and took Grozny after turning the city into a pile of rubble. That took months and the Chechens could not expect NATO or anyone else to reinforce them. The eastern European NATO members noted this with great interest, as did Chechnya southern neighbor Georgia. While independent after the Soviet Union fell apart in 1991, Georgia got into a border dispute with Russia that resulted in a brief Russian incursion in 2008. The Russians were described as overrunning the country in a few days''. The Russians did not. They occupied the bits of Georgia they wanted and did not advance on the Georgian capital which the Russians knew would be stubbornly defended by crazy Georgians. Josef Stalin was a Georgian and is still a national hero in Georgia, not because he ruled the Soviet Union for three decades but because he got so many Russians killed. Russian military planners are also well aware that NATO countries have a lot more practical experience in MOUT and can afford to build realistic MOUT training facilities. Estonia, the most likely target for a Russian attack, has access to all this, as well as unofficial assistance from its non-NATO neighbors (especially Finland, but also Sweden). That unofficial aid will be most valuable getting the video evidence of Russian activities out to the world. Its not just vampires that cannot operate in daylight, although in East Europe there are legends of a type of vampire that can, so there you are. India feels more capable in opposing China because of growing Indian economic power. Indian GDP nearly doubled in the last decade; from $1.7 trillion in current dollars to over $3.5 trillion now. This made India the fifth largest economy, surpassing Britain ($3.2 trillion) and France ($3.2 trillion). The rest of the top five are the U.S ($21 trillion), China, Germany ($4.1 trillion) and Japan ($4 trillion). Chinese GDP growth is slowing although in the last decade it more than doubled from $6.1 trillion to $18.3 trillion. Over three decades of spectacular economic growth in China resulted in the Chinese GDP becoming over fourteen times larger than it was in 1989. In that same period the U.S. GDP doubled. After World War II India had a larger GDP than China and never felt the same urgency as China to modernize and expand its economy. But India has not been as effective in keeping up with the Chinese military in terms of modernization. Indian threats to oppose Chinese military moves carry little weight with the Chinese or anyone else who analyzes the situation. Actions have consequences and, in this case, it means China can push India around on their mutual border. China intends to keep pushing until it regains its claimed lost territories. Currently the Indian GDP growth rate is increasing faster than Chinas. The Indian defense budget does not benefit and military modernization plans remain on hold as the politicians try to figure out how to enrich themselves from all the additional money now available for spending. China notices this and is encouraged to push ill-equipped and supported Indian troops back from the border. India also backs Russia in its invasion of Ukraine. Other nations that support the Russian invasion have a lot in common with Russia as they tend to be aggressive and warlike dictatorships or those with ideological or economic reasons to back Russia. These supporters also include Belarus, Eritrea, China, Iran, Mali, Myanmar, Nicaragua, North Korea and Syria. All these supporters agree that the West is a problem for them and Russia. Even before the 2022 invasion, Russia insisted that its operations in Ukraine were part of an effort to defend Russia from growing NATO efforts to destroy Russia. Afghanistan Resists Pakistani Control Disagreements between the Pakistani and IEA (Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan) governments over how to deal with the TTP (Pakistani Taliban) have resulted in the TTP remaining safe in their Afghan camps while launching attacks across the border in Pakistan. This is mainly because of political surprises in Afghanistan. Pro-Pakistan officials in the IEA government complain about how they have lost control of government policy. Pakistan believed that once the IEA took over the pro-Pakistan members of the IEA government would give Pakistan their long-desired control over the Afghan government. That might have happened except for the fact the official leader of the Afghan Taliban, Mullah Hebatullah Akhundzada, is unpopular with many Taliban faction leaders, in part because Akhundzada was seen as a figurehead and his chief deputy, the head of the Haqqani Network, is actually in charge. That was true but the secret was that Akhundzada only acted as a figurehead because he had to operate from the Pakistan sanctuary in Quetta, a city just across the border from the Afghan province of Kandahar, where many of the original Taliban came from. Kandahar was where Akhundzada went after the IEA replaced the IRA (American backed-Islamic Republic of Afghanistan) in mid-2021. Once back in Afghanistan, Akhundzada could exercise his power as the official head of the Taliban and do so without potentially lethal pressure from Pakistan. The Pakistanis underestimated how widespread the hatred of Pakistan was in Afghanistan, even among the many Afghan Taliban who seemed to maintain a pro-Pakistan attitude. Pakistan believed this would neutralize the many Afghan Taliban factions who had openly expressed their opposition to Pakistan interference in Afghanistan. Mullah Akhundzada was a highly respected Islamic scholar who rarely commented on his political beliefs. The Pakistani ISI (military intelligence service) that created the Taliban in the mid-1990s and managed them ever since misjudged Akhundzadas silence on his attitude towards Pakistan. This was seen as agreement with or neutrality towards the ISI and Pakistan in general. Akhundzada had widespread support in Afghanistan while the pro-Pakistan IEA officials who were appointed while the Taliban were still in Quetta had little such support. When Akhundzada overruled Pakistan-backed IEA officials, it was clear he was no longer a figurehead. Akhundzada was not a rigid religious fanatic either. When he imposed a ban on womens higher education in December 2022, he paid attention to the reaction of most Afghans and agreed to lift most of the restrictions. Akhundzada understands he is responsible to what Afghans, not the ISI, want. This revelation means a lot of problems for the ISI and the Pakistan military, who are in trouble with Pakistan voters and elected officials who are closing in on curbing the independence of the Pakistan military. The militarys policy towards Afghanistan played a minor role in this but the revelation that the Afghans hate the Pakistani military as much as most Pakistanis do will have implications for the future of the Pakistan military. Inside Afghanistan, the pro-Pakistan Haqqani government officials are being told to not criticize IEA leader Akhundzada openly because that might lead to more anti-Pakistan violence inside Afghanistan. Another Afghan problem with Pakistan is that Pakistanis tend to take their Islam very seriously. This is part of a larger problem because since the founding of Pakistan in 1947 there has been frequent and continuing sectarian, religious and ethnic violence. Religion continues to be a major cause of violence. Attacks are carried out between different sects of Islam, primarily Shia and Sunni but there are other sects that attract violent attention. There is even violence between identical religious/ethnic groups because those who lived in Pakistan before 1947 dont get along with those who fled Indian anti-Moslem violence in 1947 and settled in Pakistan. Most Moslem Indians stayed in India in 1947 and India currently has more Moslems than Pakistan. There is religious violence on both sides of the border but it is worst in Pakistan, whose name translates to Land of the Pure. Afghans, in contrast, tend to be more tolerant. The exception is radical Afghan Moslems like the original Taliban. Their radical attitudes were the result of the Taliban being created by the Pakistani military in the mid-1990s. This left a lethal legacy as clashes in northwest Pakistan between Pakistani troops and Islamic terrorists continues. To a lesser degree, violence occurs in the southeast (Baluchistan) with Baluchi separatists. Afghans and Pakistani elected officials blame the Pakistani military for causing the separatist and religious violence and the resulting economic problems. While Pakistanis complain of their Afghan problem the Afghans are more justified complaining about a much more active and damaging Pakistani problem. Inside Pakistan the major problem is the excessive power of the Pakistani military. Even though Pakistan military spending, at $11 billion a year, is the lowest in the region, the Pakistani military is a major political power, with veto power over any decisions the elected government makes. This contributed to the current economic problems and that has Pakistan facing bankruptcy. While the Pakistani military budget is only four percent of GDP, that is the highest percentage of GDP for military spending in the region. Active duty and retired military officers have a lot of control over the national economy and exercise a form of corruption that aims to take care of the military first and anything else second. This arrangement has been under attacks since the Pakistani debt crises began in 2019. The generals can, literally, blame it all on foreign bankers and largely infidel (non-Moslem) ones at that. The IMF (International Monetary Fund) is reluctant to loan Pakistan any more money because of its excessive defense spending and lack of progress in getting wealthy Pakistanis to pay taxes. There are also accusations of financing Islamic terrorism. The IMF warned that if charges that Pakistan is allowing Islamic terrorists to raise and move cash out of the country are verified, Pakistan would have more problems obtaining foreign loans. The terrorism funding charges are evaluated by the FATF (Financial Action Task Force) which threatened to put Pakistan on the gray list and will escalate to the black list if Pakistan does not make effective efforts to block Pakistan based terrorist groups from using the international banking system to finance their violence. Pakistan reduced the illegal financing activity coming out of Pakistan and by 2019 FATF took Pakistan off the gray list. Being on the gray list leads to being put on the black list and that would mean Pakistan would have some financial problems because of the resulting international banking restriction. Without IMF assistance Pakistan would slide into financial collapse. That would hurt all Pakistanis, including the military. Indian Communist Violence Fades For 2022 Indias communist Maoist rebels ranked 12th out of 20 terrorist groups worldwide. Total deaths caused by the Maoists in 2022 were 98, which is down from 147 in 2021. There were 414 terrorism related deaths in India during 2022.These included Islamic terrorists in northwest India (Kashmir) and tribal rebels in the northeast. The Maoists operate in eastern India, and the areas where they are active have shrunk considerably over the last decade because of energetic government efforts to eliminate them. In 2020, there were 588 deaths in India from all forms of terrorism, compared to 621 in 2019 and 940 in 2018. In 2020 54 percent of the dead were in Kashmir, which was higher than usual. Most years non-Islamic terrorist violence accounts for most of the violence but in 2020 leftist (Maoist) rebels in eastern India only accounted for 41 percent of the deaths with the five percent caused by tribal separatists in the northeast. The decline in Maoist activity began in 2009 when India assigned 75,000 additional police to deal with the Maoists. Initially this did not increase Maoist losses, but did result in more dead policemen. The Maoists did lose many of their rural camps and, in general, were forced to devote more time to security and less to attacking the government or extorting money from businesses. As always, the government has failed to effectively address the social and economic problems in the countryside, where feudalism and corruption are rampant. These problems provide the Maoists with recruits, and support from many of the locals. Eventually the government did address the local social and economic problems and this is what deprived the Maoists of areas where they could operate. The police efforts continued and now the Maoists are only active in a small portion of eastern India, where they are more concerned with surviving than expanding or attacking the police. Civilians in Maoist infested areas are less afraid of providing police with information about Maoist movements or joining pro-government militias to resist Maoist operations. It also became easier to recruit Maoist members to become active informants. These spies are paid monthly and the sudden affluence of their families often alerts Maoist leaders to the presence of police informants. While details about informants are kept secret, the losses suffered because police had inside information is often obvious. The Maoist decline has demoralized leftist leaders, who have not been able to come up with any way to halt or reverse the losses. Maoists are a radical faction of the once mighty Indian communist party. Many Indian communists were slow to understand why all those East European communist governments, including Russia, collapsed between 1989 and 1991. Despite that many Indians still support communism, but not the violent, ineffective and increasingly unpopular Maoists. Kashmir Pakistan has been fighting India for eighty years in an undeclared war to gain control over Kashmir. This led to the use of Islamic terrorists in Kashmir and India in general. The Pakistani military adopted this approach in 1979 when the military leadership decided that nothing else would work and perhaps the military created and controlled Islamic terrorism would be the solution. It wasnt and led to more Islamic terrorism inside Pakistan. The Islamic terror groups based in Pakistan continue to create violence in Indian Kashmir. Since then, Pakistani terrorist training camps have proliferated just across the border in the third of Kashmir occupied by Pakistan since 1948. Back then the newly created nations (India and Pakistan) disagreed over who should get Kashmir. By the terms of the agreement that created the two new nations, Kashmir belonged to India. In the first of many pointless disputes with India, Pakistan attacked, seeking to grab all of Kashmir using tribal warriors. The Indians responded and halted the Pakistani advance but did not escalate the war further by trying to push the Pakistanis out of the third of Kashmir they had taken. For over 70 years Pakistan has continued fighting to take all of Kashmir. This effort has backfired with chronic Islamic terrorist violence in Pakistan and the military demanding, and getting, more money to handle the Kashmir crisis they created. In the last few years Pakistan has increasingly attacked Hindus living in southern Kashmir. There are several Hindu shrines in this area and Hindus continue to live there because of that and the continued visits by Indians from all through India visiting these shrines. Most of the Kashmir population is Moslem and the Moslems are tired of all the Pakistan sponsored violence. Economically, India is much better off than Pakistan and Indian Moslems want to preserve that situation in Kashmir. Pakistan can still recruit some young Indian Moslems in Kashmir to the cause of defending Islam, but that does not provide enough manpower to threaten Indian rule. In the end, economics prevails and the Pakistani economy is getting weaker while India visibly prospers, even in Kashmir. March 20, 2023: Pakistan accuses the IMF of delaying agreement on a new financial bailout loan because Pakistan refuses to spend less on their nuclear weapons program. The IMF didnt put it that way but did point out that the IMF loan would not work as intended unless Pakistan reduced spending on the military, and that includes the nuclear weapons program. March 19, 2023: In Pakistan the military continues trying to weaken the growing political opposition to the political power the military has amassed since the 1950s. Failing to kill or imprison former prime minister Imran Khan, the military is now going after powerful politicians who support Khan. Major opposition to military political power is coming from Imran Khan and his many followers. Khan was a popular prime minister who was ousted from power because of failure to solve the economic problems and for not getting along with the military. Khan blamed the military for most of the economic problems and organized major protests against the military after he was ousted from office. That led to a failed assassination attempt on Khan last November and a growing list of accusations; mainly about corruption or terrorism. He was wounded and soon back on his feet organizing and leading protests. There are national elections in mid-2023 where Khan is a candidate and currently appears to have a good chance of regaining his job as prime minister. The coalition that replaced Khan is trying to get Khan imprisoned for corruption or terrorism. The corruption charges are suspect because Khan was wealthy before entering politics and got elected in part because he wanted to reduce the corruption in government. This usually brings accusations of corruption from political opponents who are obviously and notoriously corrupt. There are fears that all this may escalate into a major revolution. The military is not an innocent bystander in all this because the military is one of the most corrupt government entities in Pakistan. It was the military that was responsible for Pakistan encouraging Islamic terrorism and seeking to control neighboring Afghanistan. At this point the military is seen as a curse upon Pakistan. While the military is willing to use force to maintain its position, a growing number of military personnel recognize the military as a major part of the problem. Dismantling the toxic legacy of the military wont be easy. For decades the military and its ISI (Inter-services Intelligence) promoted Islamic terrorist groups and the enacting of the harshest blasphemy laws found in any Moslem country. ISI is supposed to be mainly about military intelligence but also performs like the CIA, FBI and KGB. ISI has a department that handles domestic terrorism against anyone considered troublesome to the army. These people are threatened or killed. The military using the ISI in this way is a major reason for growing opposition to the military. Meanwhile, Pakistan is bankrupt and considered a terrible credit risk. The IMF is trying to arrange a last-chance financial rescue package but many of the nations that supply the cash for IMF loans are hesitant to trust chaotic Pakistan with more IMF money. March 18, 2023: In southwest Pakistan (Baluchistan) police raided a location intelligence indicated was where munitions were stockpiled by local terrorists. This proved to be accurate and a large quantity of weapons, ammunition and bomb making materials was seized. There were als0 some completed bombs, apparently for use in the growing number of attacks in the province. March 16, 2023: India has approved the purchase of $8.5 billion in new weapons for the army, navy and air force. All of these weapons must be made in India. This could be a major problem because many Indian developed and manufactured weapons are considered substandard or even unusable by the military. Despite this, since 2014 the government has been obsessed with making India less dependent on imported military technology. Increased efforts to develop a domestic weapons development and production capability have failed. In response to this the government made it more difficult to import needed weapons that Indian firms were unable to develop and build. The new $8.5 billion procurement package is the first in a five year program that will obtain about $130 billion of new weapons and equipment. The government is aware of the problems with Indian made weapons and is trying to address the structural problems that have given government organizations a monopoly on weapons development and prevented commercial firms from developing military equipment. India is also trying to reduce the power of government weapons development and production operations that have never been able to compete with foreign defense manufacturers. A major goal of local procurement is to decrease reliance on Russia, which is still the largest supplier of military equipment. At the same time India is the second largest (after Saudi Arabia) importer of weapons in the world and the largest customer for Russian military exports. India has been buying less from Russia since the 1990s. Since the 1960s Russia supplied more and more, often over 80 percent, of Indian weapons imports. In the last decade that has fallen to fifty percent and continues to decline. The second part of the program to reduce weapons imports is to make it easier for Indian firms to meet the needs of the Indian military. The government issued a list identifying specific weapons and items of military equipment that must be procured locally. Making it mandatory to buy locally has been tried before and led to some spectacular failures, so much so that the government authorized the emergency FTP (Fast Track Procurement) procedures in 2004. With FTP the military could unilaterally buy some items from foreign suppliers. It was assumed that FTP would eliminate the most embarrassing problems with getting the military weapons desperately needed. It was also believed that government efforts to clean up the corruption and other problems with the military procurement process would soon make FTP unnecessary. That did not happen. FTP is still around to allow the immediate purchase of essential military items without the usual political and procurement delays that can add years, sometimes a decade or more, to obtaining needed items. The new Buy Indian policy slows down the use of FTP even though FTP is still needed because the current confrontation with better equipped Chinese forces on the northern border makes it obvious that all the Chinese weapons and equipment is Chinese-made and clearly more modern. It was understood that the new Buy Indian mandates would make it more difficult to use FTP. The Indian Air Force believes it will not be able to replace aging jet fighters with local designs in time. The air force will shrink while the politicians come up with more ways to block efforts to fix the problem. This refusal to face reality and actually solve procurement problems is crippling the Indian military. Meanwhile more Indians ask why China developed a world-class weapons development and production capability in the last few decades while India has not? Mainly its about corruption and decades of India making it difficult for Indians to start and operate profitable firms that could produce consumer goods as well as military equipment. The United States became the largest economy in the world over a century ago by encouraging this entrepreneurship. Many other nations, including those in Europe and East Asia (Japan, South Korea and China) followed that example. India has a hard time catching up because its bad procurement procedures are considered useful by a lot of politicians and senior government officials. March 15, 2023: In northwest Pakistan (South Waziristan) soldiers attacked a TTP safehouse near the border and killed the eight TTP Islamic terrorists inside. Two civilians also died in the crossfire. March 14, 2023: In eastern Pakistan (Lahore) police were prevented from arresting former prime minister Khan, because a crowd of 200 Khan supporters surrounded the home and prevented police from entering. Police used tear gas and a water cannon in an effort to disperse the crowd. That failed, even though four of the protesters were injured. March 10, 2023: Pakistan has been shipping weapons (including 44 T-80UD tanks) and munitions (mainly 155mm artillery shells) to Ukraine. All this is paid for by NATO nations. Since the 1990s, Pakistan has been a regular purchaser of weapons from Ukraine. Pakistan is also donating non-military aid to Ukraine. March 6, 2023: In southwest Pakistan (Baluchistan) a suicide bomber on a motorcycle exploded next to a police truck, killing ten policemen and wounding twelve. February 23, 2023: In northeast India (Arunachal Pradesh) police located and aided a camp near the Burma border used by local tribal rebels. The rebels escaped but weapons, ammunition and other equipment was seized and the camp burned down. The rebels belonged to ENNG (Eastern Naga National Government), which operates on both sides of the border. Operations against ENNG are complicated by China, which backs the current military government in Myanmar (Burma). India has a 1,4oo kilometer border with Burma in the northeast and long had problems with tribal separatist rebels there, on both sides of the border. India finally worked out peace deals with all their rebels before the pro-India elected government in Burma was ousted in February 2021. The Burmese army war with northern tribes resumed because the army is seen as the main reason for all the corruption and illegal Chinese economic activity in the north. Since then, there has been a lot more fighting in northern Burma and a lot of refugees fleeing to India. The Indian government has ordered border police to turn away or forcibly return such refugees to Burma. Local state governors refuse to enforce those orders, if only because so many of the refugees have kin in India. Many of the refugees belong to the same tribe that straddles the border. A lot of non-tribal Burmese entered as well and India sought to stop those refugees to avoid more trouble with China. The state governors protected these refugees as well. In some cases, separatist tribal gunmen in India used force to block Indian government efforts to curb the flow of refugees. The federal government has not escalated this dispute, in part because the local resistance is an adequate excuse for allowing the Burma refugees in despite protests from China. The Myanmar military government is sustained by China, which provides all the fuel, bombs, shells and other munitions needed to keep the fight going. Burmese troops are reluctant to fight when they encounter armed resistance, which continues in the tribal areas. The urban rebels are slowly arming but still depend on a lot of demonstrations by unarmed protestors. So far the army and police have killed over 2,000 people and imprisoned over 15,000. Aside from China, most nations in the region want the military government to free the elected and appointed officials of the overthrown government. Without Chinese support the Burmese generals could not have sustained their coup and might not even have attempted it without assurances of Chinese support. India and other nations bordering China see the Burma coup as a threat. February 22, 2023: An Indian firm has purchased the port operations at the Israeli coastal city of Haifa. The Indian firm will invest in improving the port infrastructure and operations. This Indian investment is part of the growing economic activity between India and Israel. This includes a free trade agreement between Israel and India. In 2021 trade between India and Israel totaled $6.3 billion and keeps growing. Israel has become a major supplier of modern weapons to India and has a lot more non-military tech to offer. A lot of trade deals regarding tech involve a lot of negotiations because of the Indian bureaucracy. Free trade agreements eliminate a lot of those hassles, especially those that involve tech transfer to India or establishing manufacturing operations in India for Israeli products. That has led to the ability of Israeli firms to open manufacturing operations inside India that produce the most modern Israeli weapons. These are used by Israeli forces as well as the Indian military and export customers approved by India and Israel. India is a huge market for all manner of Israeli advanced tech and new trade agreements allow new Israeli civilian and military goods to be manufactured in India. In the past Indian law made it difficult for foreign manufacturers to operate in India without surrendering some patent rights. Changes in those laws have eliminated some of those problems. February 20, 2023: Pakistan is facing growing competition from China as Afghanistans largest trading partner. China is increasing its trade with Afghanistan. In December 2022 China imported $9.1 million worth of Afghan goods while selling Afghanistan $59 million worth goods. At this rate China will become Afghanistans second largest trading partner, after Pakistan. February 19, 2023: In northwest Pakistan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) at the Torkham border crossing near the Khyber Pass, there was gunfire that caused the busy border crossing to be closed for at least five days, and maybe more because of the inability of IEA and Pakistan agreeing on who is allowed to travel from Afghanistan to Pakistan. February 9, 2023: India was warned by UN security experts that in Afghanistan, ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) affiliate, ISK (Islamic State Khorasan) is planning attacks on the embassies of India, China and Iran in the Kabul Green Zone. This is part of the ISK effort to prevent the IEA (Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan) from establishing diplomatic and economic relations with foreign nations. Most nations are still reluctant to establish an embassy in the IEA controlled Kabul. Proximus extends partnership with ThinkAnalytics to power its new Pickx UX Proximus continues to enhance its Pickx IPTV and OTT service. As Belgiums largest telco with 1.7 million TV customers, Proximus is using Think360 on all platforms: Android TV and other STBs, Apple TV, and mobile. ThinkAnalytics and Pickx will drive furth London, UK( ) Proximus, Belgiums leading digital service provider with 1.7 million TV customers, has extended its partnership with content discovery and viewer lifecycle management leader ThinkAnalytics to power its Pickx IPTV and OTT service across all platforms including Android TV and other deployed STBs, Apple TV, as well as iOS and Android mobile devices. Raphael De Beys, TV Platforms and Chapter Area Lead at Proximus, said, Having worked closely with ThinkAnalytics over five years, we are pleased to extend our successful partnership. Think360 delivers advanced search and content discovery as we focus on increasing user satisfaction and loyalty on Pickx. We have already seen the power of how personalized recommendations drive viewers to content, increasing engagement, and we look forward to Think360 delivering deeper levels of personalization and a truly dynamic user experience. Since its 2020 launch, Pickx has been honored with several prestigious industry awards, including winning the CSI Award for Best TV User Experience 2020 and the UX Award at VideoTech Innovation Awards 2021. Richard Dowling, SVP Consulting at ThinkAnalytics commented, Our continued collaboration with Proximus is powering one of the most intuitive and intelligent user interfaces available today. Not only does the service feature linear TV, YouTube and popular streaming services such as Netflix, but it also allows viewers to create their own virtual TV channel, based on Think360s recommendations. With our advanced AI, machine learning and voice search capabilities underpinning Pickx, combined with editorial curation and A/B testing, we ensure that Proximus can react quickly to viewing trends resulting in increased engagement. For over 15 years ThinkAnalytics has grown to become the leader in content discovery and viewer lifecycle management. Viewers interests and previous viewing behaviour are analyzed using advanced AI and machine learning techniques to help them find new content they want to watch quickly and easily. Customers see a strong uplift in viewer engagement and satisfaction following deployment, as well as increased ARPU. The ThinkAnalytics content discovery platform is complemented by editorial curation and real-time big data analytics made possible by the ThinkInsight platform. About Proximus Proximus Group (Euronext Brussels: PROX) is a provider of digital services, communication and ICT solutions operating in the Belgian and international markets. Proximus aims to build the #1 gigabit network for Belgium, combined with technology assets that enable digital ecosystems, while fostering an engaging culture and empowering ways of working. These exceptional strengths pave the way to deliver long-term value for stakeholders; they allow Proximus to contribute to an inclusive and sustainable digital society, delight customers with an unrivalled experience and achieve profitable growth both locally and internationally. In Belgium, Proximus core products and services are offered under the Proximus, Mobile Vikings and Scarlet brands. The Group is also active in Luxembourg, under the brand names Tango and Telindus Luxembourg, and in the Netherlands through Telindus Netherlands. The Groups international carrier activities are managed by BICS, a leading international communications enabler, one of the key global voice carriers and the leading provider of mobile data services worldwide. With Telesign, the Group also encompasses a fast-growing leader in authentication and digital identity services, serving the worlds largest internet brands, digital champions and cloud native businesses. With 11,634 employees, the Group realized an underlying Group revenue of EUR 5,909 million end-2022. For more information, visit www.proximus.com & www.proximus.be. About ThinkAnalytics ThinkAnalytics is a world leader in AI-based content discovery and viewer analytics with its Think360 product suite, which enables video service providers, studios, broadcasters and media companies to deliver personalized experiences to their users. Delivering content discovery and viewer insights to over 85 service providers serving approximately 450 million subscribers in 43 languages with 8 billion recommendations per day, ThinkAnalytics is the largest independent content discovery platform. Customers include Liberty Global, Vodafone, Deutsche Telekom, DirecTV Latin America, HBO Max, Sony Bravia, Bell Canada, BritBox International, Crunchyroll, Astro, Intigral, MBC, OSN, Proximus, Rogers, Sky Mexico, Tata Play and TELUS. Proven results show a significant uplift in viewer engagement, reduced churn and lower operation costs. Its complementary ThinkAdvertising solution creates contextual intelligence about viewers for hyper-targeted audience segmentation by blending first-party behavioral data with enriched metadata to create new advertising revenues. ThinkAnalytics boasts an Emmy Award for Technology and Engineering for excellence in engineering creativity. Privately held, ThinkAnalytics is jointly headquartered in Los Angeles and London. Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc., (NYSE: MAA) today announced the appointment of Deborah H. Caplan to the Board of Directors effective March 21, 2023. She will serve as an independent director until the 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The appointment fills the vacant seat following a previous director's departure to pursue other opportunities on December 31, 2022, and maintains the size of the Board of Directors at twelve. Ms. Caplan was also appointed to the Compensation Committee. Claude B. Nielsen, Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee stated that "As part of our ongoing succession planning, we initiated conversations with Deb in October 2022 regarding potential service on the MAA board. She was then formally appointed to the board in March 2023. She brings a myriad of valuable expertise to strengthen and broaden our board's oversight responsibilities, particularly related to all areas of human capital and workforce initiatives, real estate transactions, strategy and crisis management. We are pleased to be presenting her as a director nominee for shareholder approval at our annual shareholder meeting." Ms. Caplan has served as Executive Vice President of Human Resources and Corporate Services, (which includes corporate real estate), for NextEra Energy, Inc., a leading clean energy company, since 2013. Ms. Caplan initially joined NextEra Energy, Inc. as Vice President of Integrated Supply Chain through Florida Power & Light Company, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy, Inc., and then served as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Florida Power & Light Company from 2011 to 2013. Prior to joining NextEra Energy, Inc., Ms. Caplan served as the Senior Vice President of Global Operations for Vendor Financial Services for GE Capital at General Electric Company, previously serving in various leadership roles for GE Aircraft Engines in Manufacturing and New Product Development. Ms. Caplan holds a Bachelors of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan, a Masters of Science in Manufacturing Engineering from Boston University and is a certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt. Commenting on the appointment, H. Eric Bolton, Jr., Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, said "Deb's extensive operational and customer service background, acumen in overseeing geographically-dispersed operations, and service in a highly regulated industry provides her with great insight and ability to manage the challenges and opportunities in the multifamily industry. Further, her leadership at a leading clean energy company, in addition to her culture and human capital expertise adds valuable guidance to our ESG strategy. We are excited to add her breadth of knowledge and diverse perspective to our board as we navigate our evolving industry, execute on our strategy and drive higher value for all of our stakeholders at MAA." Ms. Caplan's public board experience includes her past service on the board of Terminix Global Holdings, where she served as the Chairman of the Compensation Committee. She serves as a member of the National Petroleum Council, an oil and natural gas advisory committee to the U.S. Secretary of Energy, and also serves on numerous other boards and councils including the HR Policy Association and the International Women's Forum. After rain and accelerated snowmelt caused flooding and forced evacuations in the Sedona area last week, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a flood watch ahead of another round of winter weather bound for northern Arizona. The flood watch goes in effect for areas below the Mogollon Rim including Oak Creek, Sedona and Camp Verde midday on Tuesday and is slated to last through Wednesday evening. Concurrently, the NWS has also issued a winter weather advisory effective for Flagstaff, Williams and the Grand Canyon area until Tuesday afternoon. This latest round of snowfall is being driven by a complicated system off the west coast, said Mark Stubblefield of the NWS. While this storm system is expected to bring a lot of moisture, Stubblefield explained that it will fluctuate in temperature and type of precipitation. Between Tuesday and Wednesday, northern Arizona should expected to see precipitation shift back and forth between snow and rain. The uncertainty is when it is going to change over to rain and then back to snow, Stubblefield said. But what we know for certain is that we're going to get quite a bit of moisture with this storm system and quite a bit of wind. This moisture is expected to present as 2-6 inches of snow in the Flagstaff and Grand Canyon area, with as much as a foot of snow in areas above 7,000 feet. At lower elevations, flooding remains the primary concern. Additional rain on snow will lead to enhanced flood risk, NWS officials stated in a briefing. Residents are warned to expect minor roadway ponding, with flowing water in sensitive drainages, as well as localized rockslides possible in canyons and steep hillsides. A lot of the smaller rivers and drainages could easily flood, Stubblefield said. Stream swells are forecast to be slightly less than that observed in conjunction with the flooding around Mar. 15, but still significant. For example, on Mar. 15, Oak Creek near Sedona surged to a height of 10.54 feet. With this coming storm, the forecast surge in the same area is 9.76 feet. A contributing factor to this flood risk is accelerated snowmelt brought on by rainfall on snowpack of which northern Arizona still has plenty. As of Monday morning, snowpack across the Verde River Basin measured at 228% of its median peak. In the San Francisco Peaks, snowpack measured at 197% of its median peak. However, with a continued pattern of rain-on-snow, all that moisture may not necessarily do the watersheds much good. According to Stubblefield, the overall pattern of this winter means its likely that a good amount of the current snowmelt is running off northern Arizona watershed rather than soaking into them. The soil was wet in the late fall, and then it froze, and we got all the snow on top of that, Stubblefield said. So the ground especially in the higher elevations is not quite ready to absorb much moisture, because down a little bit its still frozen. Additional rain on that just flows right off. Looking ahead into the week, the chance for snow persists through Saturday, with drier conditions beginning Sunday and lasting into the middle of next week. Beyond that, the chance for more storm activity through the end of March and into April remains high. We're still going to be in this storm track, Stubblefield said. But its still too early to determine if these are going to be really high precipitation producers. Lowndes brings over 25 years of integrated financial services experience to Angeles Wealth, specializing in developing technology, compliance, trading, and risk management solutions SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Angeles Wealth Management, LLC, a national wealth management firm serving generationally wealthy families, is pleased to announce the hiring of Edward Lowndes as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Compliance Officer. Operating out of Angeles Wealths Santa Monica office, Lowndes will oversee compliance protocols and lead the continued evolution of the firms comprehensive wealth management platform, which is targeted to the unique needs of ultra-high-net-worth families, trusts, estates and their related philanthropic entities. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230321005335/en/ Angeles Wealth Management announces the hiring of Edward Lowndes as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Compliance Officer who will oversee compliance protocols and lead the continued evolution of the firms comprehensive wealth management platform. (Photo: Business Wire) With the addition of Lowndes, Angeles Wealth adds decades of experience in wealth management operations, risk management and technology implementation. In his new role, Lowndes will optimize Angeles Wealths operational infrastructure to support the firms continued growth, including the ongoing buildout of its personalized discretionary portfolio and private wealth platform. Welcoming an executive of Eds caliber to Angeles Wealth is a proud moment in our history and will advance our efforts to support wealthy families in their unique missions, said Jonathan Foster, President and CEO of Angeles Wealth. Ed will play a pivotal role in helping us scale the firm, building on our existing strong trajectory to further expand private wealth services, including trust and estate solutions, for the families we serve. Before joining Angeles Wealth, Lowndes was Chief Operating Officer at First Foundation Advisors, the private wealth management affiliate of First Foundation Bank managing $5 billion in client assets. In this role, Lowndes was responsible for developing and implementing various operational strategies. Prior to his time at First Foundation Advisors, Lowndes held operations and risk management roles at Brandes Investment Partners, BNY Mellon Lockwood, The Vanguard Group, and Prudential Securities. "Angeles Wealth is one of the most entrepreneurial, innovative firms Ive come across in my years in the industry, said Lowndes. Im thrilled to join this focused, client-centric team dedicated to providing first-class investments and service. Jon brought me in as he knows full well that you cannot have hypergrowth without investing in and optimizing infrastructure and operations. I look forward to this exciting leadership challenge. In the past year, Angeles Wealth has continued to scale its private wealth team, announcing the hires of Senior Managing Director Ann Deaton, who opened the firms office in Houston, and Managing Director of Capital Markets and Wealth Advisory Morris Clothier. More recently, the firm elevated Chloe Wohlforth to Partner. Over the past five years, Angeles Wealths annualized assets have increased 40 percent, and while equity markets fell nearly 20 percent in 2022, the firms assets increased more than 11 percent. For more information about Angeles Wealth Management and its sophisticated, customized, global investment solutions and wealth management services, please visit our website. About Angeles Wealth Management Angeles Wealth Management is a national, SEC-registered wealth management firm serving generationally wealthy families. Providing ultra-high-net-worth families with comprehensive wealth advice and institutional-quality investment solutions typically available to large institutional investors, the firms private wealth clients gain access to an institutional caliber investment process and opportunity set by investing alongside its affiliate, $36B AUA Angeles Investment Advisors, an advisor to prestigious endowments, foundations, and institutions. Angeles Wealth works with the families its serves to understand their unique needs, including generational planning, family dynamics and charitable goals. Founded in 2011, Angeles Wealth is headquartered in Santa Monica, and has offices in New York City, Chicago and Houston. For more information, follow us on LinkedIn or visit our website. Disclosures 1) Angeles Wealth Management, LLC is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about Angeles Wealth Management's investment advisory services can be found in its Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request. 2) Angeles Investment Advisors, LLC is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about Angeles Investment Advisors' investment advisory services can be found in its Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request. 3) Assets includes assets under management and assets under advisement. Assets under advisement refers to assets on which our firm provides advice or consultation but for which our firm either does not have discretionary authority or does not arrange or effectuate the transactions. Assets under advisement could also be those which we monitor for a client on a nondiscretionary basis, where we may make recommendations but where the client is the party responsible for arranging or effecting the purchase or sale. 4) The opinions expressed are those of Angeles Wealth Management Investment Team. The opinions referenced are as of the date of publication and are subject to change due to changes in the market of economic conditions and may not necessarily come to pass. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230321005335/en/ StreetCred PR [email protected] Will Ruben [email protected] 847-208-8289 Jimmy Moock [email protected] 610-304-4570 Source: Angeles Wealth Management, LLC The Avetta Support Center Team wins Gold and Silver Stevies in the Contact Center of the Year and Customer Service Department of the Year categories OREM, Utah & HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Avetta, the leading provider of contractor prequalification software, announces that its Support Center Team has won a Gold Stevie Award for Contact Center of the Year for Technology Industries and a Silver Award for Customer Service Department of the Year for Computer Software companies in the 17th annual Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. The Avetta Support Center Team was recognized in the categories for companies with more than 100 customer service employees for improving satisfaction scores and reducing customer wait times. Customer satisfaction has risen to a score of 8 or more while wait times are at industry-leading levelsless than 1 minute. Stevie judges commended the company for its investment in customer-first culture, processes, capabilities, technology and trainingpointing out Avettas above-par industry standard numbers for an organization of its scale. Avettas 250 contact center employees understand the why; Their service to our 500+ enterprise companies and 125,000+ suppliers across 120+ countries is essential to the companys powerful visionmaking sure workers get home from their jobs safely, every day, said Richard Parke, SVP, Global Supplier Services at Avetta. We are honored by Stevies recognition of our commitment to Customer Delight and leveraging customer feedback to create sustained and continued improvement for our clients health, safety and sustainability compliance programs, Parke notes. The Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service are the worlds top honors for customer service, contact center, business development and sales professionals. The Stevie Awards organizes eight of the worlds leading business awards programs, also including the prestigious American Business Awards and International Business Awards. More than 2,300 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry in 49 nations and territories were considered in this years Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Winners were determined by the average scores of more than 170 professionals worldwide on seven specialized judging committees. The nominations we received for the 2023 competition illustrate that business development, customer service and sales professionals worldwide, in all sorts of organizations, have continued to innovate, thrive and meet customer expectations, said Stevie Awards president Maggie Miller. The judges have recognized and rewarded their achievements, and we join them in applauding this year's winners for their continued success. Winners were announced during a gala event attended by more than 400 professionals from around the world at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Friday, March 3. Details about the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service and the list of Stevie winners in all categories are available at www.StevieAwards.com/Sales. The Support Center Team was also recently named a 2022 Service Excellence Up and Comer in the 2022 International Service Excellence Awards (ISEA), presented by the Customer Service Institute of America (CSIA) and the International Council of Customer Service Organizations (ICCSO). To learn more about Avetta, visit https://www.avetta.com/. About Avetta The Avetta contractor prequalification SaaS platform helps clients manage supply chain risk and their contractors to become more qualified for jobs. For hiring clients in our network, we offer the worlds largest supply chain multi-risk management network to manage contractor safety, sustainability, worker competency and performance, and business and financial risk. We perform contractor prequalification and worker competency management across major industries, all over the globe, including construction, energy, facilities, high tech, manufacturing, mining and telecom. For contractors in our network, our audit and verification services help lower their safety incidents rate by 47%. As a result, nearly 50% of members find additional job opportunities within the first year of joining. In addition, our contractors receive privileged access to the Avetta Marketplace, where dozens of partners offer special discounts for business services like insurance and work gear. Avetta serves 500+ enterprise companies and 125,000+ contractors across 120+ countries. Visit https://www.avetta.com/ for more information. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230320005621/en/ SnappConner PR Mark Fredrickson, +1 801-806-0161 [email protected] Avetta Kendra Lamer [email protected] Source: Avetta LONDON & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Campbell Lutyens and J.P. Morgan are pleased to announce the establishment of a strategic collaboration to jointly offer their advisory services on single-asset and concentrated multi-asset continuation fund secondary transactions. The offering will enable clients to benefit from Campbell Lutyens and J.P. Morgans global, market leading secondary and Investment banking advisory practices, respectively. The proposition combines J.P. Morgans global top-tier investment banking services with Campbell Lutyens leading global placement and secondary advisory platform, creating a best-in-class global offering for single-asset and concentrated multi-asset continuation funds. It will be available for clients across all regions and sectors in which Campbell Lutyens and J.P. Morgan both operate. The offering provides access to Campbell Lutyens secondaries expertise focused on fund structuring and capital raising from secondaries and institutional investors along with J.P. Morgans M&A services, industry expertise and capital raising capabilities. We are delighted to be working with J.P. Morgan and believe that our combined capabilities and experience offer a compelling proposition in the secondary advisor market, said Immanuel Rubin, head of European and Asia Pacific secondary advisory and Gerald Cooper, head of North American secondary advisory at Campbell Lutyens. Our clients will now have the option to benefit from the resources and expertise of both of our franchises when seeking to complete these types of complex secondary transactions. The secondaries market is a fast growing and important market for our private equity and infrastructure clients globally, said Anu Aiyengar, Global Head of Mergers & Acquisitions at J.P. Morgan. Through our unique collaboration and complementary skillsets, we will be able to provide our clients with a comprehensive and differentiated service offering for their continuation fund projects. Campbell Lutyens has advised on more than US$125 billion of secondary transaction volume, completing over 290 successful secondary portfolio sales and advisory mandates. Its secondary advisory practice includes more than 50 professionals across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. About Campbell Lutyens Campbell Lutyens is a global and independent private markets advisor, providing fund placement, secondary advisory and GP capital advisory services to leading fund managers and investors. With specialist knowledge in private equity, infrastructure, private credit and sustainable investing, the firm has a team of 220 operating from offices in London, Paris, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Charlotte, Hong Kong and Singapore. www.campbell-lutyens.com About J.P. Morgan J.P. Morgans Corporate & Investment Bank is a global leader across banking, markets and securities services. The worlds most important corporations, governments and institutions entrust us with their business in more than 100 countries. With $28.6 trillion of assets under custody and $649.7 billion in deposits, the Corporate & Investment Bank provides strategic advice, raises capital, manages risk and extends liquidity in markets around the world. Further information about J.P. Morgan is available at www.jpmorgan.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230321005614/en/ For further information, please contact: Campbell Lutyens: Aarti Iyer Head of Communications Tel: +1 647 619 1076 E-mail: [email protected] J.P. Morgan: Patrick Burton Head of Marketing & Communications, EMEA Tel: +44 20 7134 9041 E-mail: [email protected] Source: JPMorgan Chase & Co. J.P. Morgan MONTERREY, Mexico--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Cemex has an existing contractual relationship with Calica, a Mexican subsidiary of Vulcan Materials, for the use of a marine terminal located in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo. This private agreement between both companies began more than 20 years ago, and since then, Cemex has continuously used the terminal to transport cement products. Since late 2022, Cemex has had difficulties accessing the terminal and facilities where Cemexs assets and products are located. After months of negotiations and failure to reach agreement with Calica, Cemex filed a lawsuit before a local Civil Court, which granted injunctive relief granting CEMEX access to the terminal and allowing Cemex to continue its operations while the legal proceeding is pending. Calica disregarded the injunctive order by the judge allowing Cemex to access the facility. As a result, Cemex sought and obtained further relief from Calicas contempt of a court order. As part of the proceedings, the Quintana Roo State Prosecutor's Office granted Cemex injunctive relief and a legal warrant to access the property and continue operating. In both cases, all parties were officially notified of the injunctive relief and warrant. In light of these rulings and the applicable law, on March 14, the competent authorities enforced the relief and warrant to allow Cemex to reenter the property and reestablish its operations at the terminal. CEMEX assumes no obligation to update or correct the information contained in this press release. This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. CEMEX intends these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements in the U.S. federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements reflect CEMEXs current expectations and projections about future events based on CEMEXs knowledge of present facts and circumstances and assumptions about future events, as well as CEMEXs current plans based on such facts and circumstances. These statements necessarily involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from CEMEXs expectations. The content of this press release is for informational purposes only, and you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. CEMEX is not responsible for the content of any third-party website or webpage referenced to or accessible through this press release. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230320005684/en/ Analyst and Investor Relations - Monterrey Fabian Orta +52 (81) 8888-4327 [email protected] Analyst and Investor Relations - New York Scott Pollack +1 (212) 317-6011 [email protected] Media Relations Jorge Perez +52 (81) 8259-6666 [email protected] Source: Cemex A Year in Water Recaps Company Progress on World Water Day ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- New data from a global survey conducted and commissioned by Ecolab, a global sustainability leader offering water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services, has revealed high consumer expectations for the role of companies in water access and conservation. The Water, Sustainability and Climate Change survey consulted thousands of consumers across eight different countries. The survey revealed: 74% of consumers believe businesses should make conserving water a high or essential priority; Just 25% of consumers believe companies are taking the right amount of action to conserve water; and More than 60% of consumers said that they or a family member have had trouble accessing drinking water. Speaking from the historic U.N. Water Conference at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, Ecolab Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Christophe Beck said, Consumers are sending a message loudly and clearlyif business leaders arent prioritizing water stewardship, they arent doing enough. Ecolabs work this past year to help protect the resources vital to life shows that its possible to advance sustainability and business growth goals all at once. Each year on March 22, World Water Day elevates water and sanitation issues. The theme for 2023 is Accelerating Change and urges continued progress towards U.N. Sustainable Development Goal 6. To mark the occasion, Ecolab highlighted the companys leadership role across a full year of change and progress. Highlights from the companys Year in Water include: Accelerating change through the power of water is core to Ecolabs purpose to improve the health of people, planet and business around the world. The company shares its expertise in smart water use with customers to help them reduce, reuse and recycle water in their operations. In addition to supporting effective water use, Ecolabs solutions help customers use energy more efficiently, reduce waste and cut greenhouse gas emissions in order to advance a more sustainable future. To learn more about how Ecolab works with customers to help solve the worlds most complex problems amid a changing landscape, visit www.ecolab.com/expertise-and-innovation/people-planet-business-health. About Ecolab A trusted partner for millions of customers, Ecolab (NYSE: ECL) is a global sustainability leader offering water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services that protect people and the resources vital to life. Building on a century of innovation, Ecolab has annual sales of $14 billion, employs more than 47,000 associates and operates in more than 170 countries around the world. The company delivers comprehensive science-based solutions, data-driven insights and world-class service to advance food safety, maintain clean and safe environments, and optimize water and energy use. Ecolabs innovative solutions improve operational efficiencies and sustainability for customers in the food, healthcare, life sciences, hospitality and industrial markets. www.ecolab.com Follow us on LinkedIn @Ecolab, Twitter @Ecolab, Instagram @Ecolab_Inc and Facebook @Ecolab. (ECL-C) View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230322005042/en/ Kyle Kapustka 612-708-4304 [email protected] Source: Ecolab Inc. SAN DIEGO & GLENDORA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- EDF Renewables North America today announced a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Southern California Public Power Authority (SCPPA) for the energy and renewable attributes related to the 117 megawatts (MWac) /148 MWdc Sapphire Solar project. Sapphire Solar is guaranteed to begin delivery of carbon-free electricity to SCPPAs Participating Members, Anaheim, Pasadena and Vernon, by December 31, 2026. In addition to the solar production, SCPPA reserves the option to a 59 MWac x 4-hour battery energy storage system. Sapphire Solar, located in Riverside County on private land, expects to create approximately 250 jobs during the construction phase with more than $253 million generated in new tax revenue over the operating life for taxing entities. Sapphire Solar will generate clean energy while minimizing impacts to wildlife, habitat, and other environmental resources. We are very pleased to build upon our successful partnership with SCPPA, initiated in 2010, and most recently with the 2018 Desert Harvest II transaction, to bring more renewable energy online in support of their decarbonization commitment for member communities, said Sohinaz Sotoudeh, Vice President West Origination and Power Marketing for EDF Renewables. We look forward to future opportunities to further advance carbon-free energy for California. Sapphire Solar will supply 117 MWac of solar capacity and a 59MWac/236 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) to our growing renewable and energy storage resource mix, commented Michael Webster, Executive Director of SCPPA. This project will help our Participating SCPPA Members meet and exceed renewable energy and resource adequacy requirements, while at the same time minimizing costs and maintaining reliability. In addition to its economic benefits for Riverside County, the project is expected to generate 375,800 MWh of clean energy annually, enough to meet the consumption of over 58,000 average California homes1. This is equivalent to avoiding over 266,000 metric tons of carbon (CO) emissions annually which represents the greenhouse gas emissions from over 57,000 passenger vehicles driven over the course of one year2. EDF Renewables, one of the largest renewable developers in North America, is committed to providing solutions to meet our customers carbon-reduction goals. With 35 years of experience and 16 gigawatts of wind, solar, and storage projects developed, EDF Renewables provides integrated energy solutions from grid-scale power to electric vehicle charging. 1 According to U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2021 Residential Electricity Sales and U.S. Census Data and typical transmission assumptions. 2 According to U.S. EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies calculations and typical transmission assumptions. EDF Renewables North America is a market leading independent power producer and service provider with 35 years of expertise in renewable energy. The Company delivers grid-scale power: wind (onshore and offshore), solar photovoltaic, and storage projects; distribution-scale power: solar and storage; asset optimization: technical, operational, and commercial expertise to maximize performance of generating projects, and onsite solutions, through the Companys PowerFlex subsidiary, offering a full suite of onsite energy solutions for commercial and industrial customers: solar, storage, EV charging, energy management systems, and microgrids. EDF Renewables North American portfolio consists of 16 GW of developed projects and 13 GW under service contracts. EDF Renewables North America is a subsidiary of EDF Renewables, the dedicated renewable energy affiliate of the EDF Group. For more information visit: www.edf-re.com. Connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230321005754/en/ Sandi Briner, +1 858-521-3525 [email protected] Source: EDF Renewables North America EXCELSIOR, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Excelsior Energy Capital (Excelsior), a leading independent North American renewable energy and energy transition investor, today announced the first close of its second flagship fund, Excelsior Renewable Energy Investment Fund II LP ( Fund II), with total capital commitments of $502 million, equal to two-thirds of the target $750 million fund size. Fund II will continue to invest equity in middle-market wind, solar and storage projects and businesses across North America, in addition to select energy transition infrastructure outside of core renewables. The first close was led by five existing limited partners in Excelsiors first flagship fund, Excelsior Renewable Energy Investment Fund I, LP (Fund I), along with two new limited partners. Excelsior officially launched the fundraise last fall, receiving strong support and interest from global institutional investors. To have closed on two-thirds of our target in just five months is a very encouraging start to our Fund II fundraise, especially in this environment, remarked Chris Moakley, Managing Partner of Excelsior Energy Capital. The progress speaks to the trust and confidence bestowed in Excelsior by our limited partners and is an indication of the performance of our Fund I portfolio and the incredible work of our team, added Alex Ellis, Partner at Excelsior Energy Capital. With Fund I near fully committed, Excelsior expects to close on the initial Fund II investments in the upcoming quarter. The Fund II pipeline is comprised of over 6.5 gigawatts of solar, solar plus storage and standalone battery storage projects totaling $1.3 billion in potential investment opportunity. Fund II is expected to hold a final close in 2023. Sidley Austin LLP served as legal counsel for Excelsior on the transaction, led by Counsel Shannon Thompson and supported by Daniel Applebaum. Probitas Partners, DBJ Securities and The Trinity Group provide placement agent services for Fund II. About Excelsior Energy Capital Excelsior Energy Capital is a renewable energy and energy transition valued-add infrastructure fund focused on middle-market investments across North America. The Excelsior management team brings over 70 years of combined experience and a comprehensive set of strategic, financial, legal and operational expertise, making Excelsior Energy Capital a valuable partner for developers and operators, and a trusted manager for investors. For more information about Excelsior Energy Capital, visit http://www.excelsiorcapital.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230321005934/en/ Alex Ellis [email protected] Source: Excelsior Energy Capital In Cooperation with U.S. Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks, MD (R-IA) and Nanette Barragan (D-CA), Event to Review the HELP Copays Act (H.R. 830) UPPER NYACK, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Global Healthy Living Foundation (GHLF), an international, patient-centered, nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for people with chronic illness, in partnership with the Association of Women in Rheumatology and the AIDS Institute, will host on Thursday, March 30, 2023 a Congressional Briefing on copay accumulator programs, the focus of the HELP Copays Act (H.R. 830). Copay accumulator programs are used by insurance companies to prevent any charitable copay assistance provided by biopharmaceutical manufacturers from counting toward a patients deductible or maximum out-of-pocket expenses, forcing patients to pay for their treatment twice. First, patients pay at the pharmacy with the funds from their copay card. They pay again when the copay card has been depleted and their deductible, supposedly, has not been met. These programs most often impact chronic disease patients taking specialty drugs because those products have the highest out-of-pocket costs, have well-funded out-of-pocket support programs, and lack generic or biosimilar medication substitutions. Patients surprised by these programs, buried in their insurance plans fine-print, may find that the medication prescribed by their health care provider is suddenly unaffordable. While sixteen states have passed laws to prevent co-pay accumulator programs, federal law is needed to ensure all patients are protected. GHLF research demonstrates that these laws do not increase health insurance premiums. Members of the media are invited to attend this event with advanced RSVP. Event: Congressional Briefing on Copay Accumulator Programs and the HELP Copays Act (H.R. 830) When: Thursday, March 30, 2023, 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. (ET) Where: Capitol Visitors Center, HVC-215 Speakers: Stephanie Ott, MD, Co-Chair of Advocacy, Association of Women in Rheumatology Steven Newmark, JD, MPA, Director of Policy and General Council, Global Healthy Living Foundation JP Summers, Patient Advocate, Community Outreach Manager, Global Healthy Living Foundation Stephanie Hengst, Manager of Policy & Research, the AIDS Institute RSVP: https://bit.ly/CopayAccumulatorCongressionalBriefing About Global Healthy Living Foundation The Global Healthy Living Foundation is a U.S. based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit, international organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for people with chronic illnesses (such as arthritis, osteoporosis, migraine, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, and cardiovascular disease) by advocating for improved access to health care and amplifying education and awareness efforts within its social media framework. GHLF is also a staunch advocate for vaccines. The Global Healthy Living Foundation is the parent organization of CreakyJoints, the international, digital community for millions of people living with arthritis and their supporters worldwide who seek education, support, activism, and patient-centered research in English, Spanish, and French. Our ArthritisPower (ArthritisPower.org) patient registry has more than 40,000 consented patients who participate in best-in-class patient-reported outcomes research. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, GHLF started a Patient Support Program, informed by a patient council made up of people living with a wide range of chronic illnesses, that now serves more than 46,000 subscribers. Via CreakyJoints, GHLF also hosts PainSpot (PainSpot.org), a digital risk-assessment tool for musculoskeletal conditions and injuries, eRheum (eRheum.org), for telehealth and virtual-care support, and a constantly refreshed library of podcasts via the GHLF Podcast Network. GHLF never asks the public for donations. Visit ghlf.org for more information. Find us online: Global Healthy Living Foundation: ghlf.org CreakyJoints Canada: CreakyJoints.ca CreakyJoints: CreakyJoints.org CreakyJoints Espanol: CreakyJoints.org.es CreakyJoints Australia: CreakyJoints.org.au Facebook: facebook.com/CreakyJoints & facebook.com/GlobalHealthyLivingFoundation Twitter: @GHLForg, @CreakyJoints, #CreakyChats Instagram: @creaky_joints, @creakyjoints_aus, @creakyjoints_esp TikTok: globalhealthylivingfnd YouTube: @GHLForg, @CreakyJoints LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/ghlf View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230321005834/en/ Jessica Daitch Phone: 917-816-6712 Email: [email protected] Source: Global Healthy Living Foundation Milestone affirms KBI and Selexis SAs Geneva cGMP site is operational and running successfully GENEVA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- KBI Biopharma, Inc. (KBI), a JSR Life Sciences company, today announced that late in 2022, it successfully released its inaugural First In Human (FIH) manufacturing batch in compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) standards in its recently expanded Geneva mammalian cell manufacturing facility. The swift execution of this important milestone demonstrates the capabilities in cell line development (CLD) and biologics manufacturing of KBI and Selexis, allowing clients to accelerate clinical research timelines. In July 2022, KBI and Selexis announced the completion of the fully integrated, 8,733 square-meter site combining Selexis Cell Line Development services and KBIs development and manufacturing services. This milestone comes only five months after starting operations at the combined facility. Delivering this first batch affirms KBIs commitment to helping pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies across the world achieve their manufacturing goals, said Mike Landau, Chief Operating Officer of KBI and Selexis. KBI and Selexis are leading CDMO and cell line development partners, supporting researchers in their efforts to provide groundbreaking therapies for patients in need. ProMIS Neuroscience had a great experience with the Geneva KBI team in developing the process and producing cGMP clinical trial drug substance on time. The KBI team consistently collaborated with ProMIS in an integrated and strategic manner that produced the drug substance with the required quality attributes and exceeded expectations on yield. We are looking forward to our next engagement, said Gavin Malenfant, Chief Operating Officer of ProMIS Neurosciences Incorporated. The Geneva KBI and Selexis facility features integrated services including CLD services, analytical formulation services and clinical manufacturing, all under one roof. KBI and Selexis partner with biopharma leaders in developing treatments for a variety of therapeutic areas. About KBI Biopharma, Inc. KBI Biopharma, Inc., a JSR Life Sciences company, is a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) providing fully integrated, accelerated drug development and biologics manufacturing services and expertise to life science companies. With each of its 500+ client partners, KBI works closely to personalize and rapidly accelerate drug development programs. Built upon a foundation of world-class analytics capabilities and extensive scientific and technical expertise, KBI delivers robust process development and clinical and commercial cGMP manufacturing services for mammalian, microbial, and cell therapy programs. Recognized for quality manufacturing, KBI helps partners advance drug candidates into the clinic and to the market. KBI serves its global partners with eight locations in Europe and the USA. More information is available at www.kbibiopharma.com. About Selexis SA Selexis SA, a JSR Life Sciences company, is a global leader in mammalian cell line development, with best-in-class modular technology and highly specialized solutions that enable the life sciences industry to rapidly discover, develop, and commercialize innovative medicines and vaccines. Our global partners are utilizing Selexis technologies to advance more than 160 drug candidates in preclinical and clinical development and the manufacture of ten commercial products. As part of a comprehensive drug development process, Selexis technologies shorten development timelines and reduce manufacturing risks. More information is available at www.selexis.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230321005069/en/ KBI Biopharma, Inc. Company Inquiries Leah Farmer KBI Biopharma, Inc. [email protected] KBI Biopharma, Inc. Media Inquiries Blair Ciecko CG Life [email protected] Source: KBI Biopharma, Inc. MELBOURNE, Australia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Charles River Development, a State Street company, announced that Krungsri Asset Management Co Ltd. (Krungsri Asset), a leading Thai asset management firm and long-term client, has transitioned their front office operation to Charles Rivers cloud-based platform. Krungsri Asset uses the Charles River Investment Management Solution (Charles River IMS) for their mutual, private, provident, and property funds supporting equity, fixed income, and derivative asset classes. Transitioning to cloud delivery and services in Charles River IMS has enabled us to modernize our operating model and deliver the most up-to-date capabilities to our portfolio management, trading and compliance teams, said Prasert Impornrugee, chief technology officer, Krungsri Asset. The solution supports our investment operations and frees up internal resources to focus on our business priorities all while managing costs with predictable technology and support spend. Charles River has a long history of partnering with clients in Thailand and continues to support our growing client base across the Asia Pacific region, said Martin Hofmeyr, director of Asia Pacific operations for Charles River Development. Our platform helps firms like Krungsri Asset achieve their goals by better controlling costs and leveraging the latest capabilities our platform provides at the scale they need. About Krungsri Asset Management Krungsri Asset Management Co., Ltd. (Krungsri Asset) is a leading asset management company in Thailand, offering a comprehensive range of products and services including mutual funds, private funds, provident funds, property funds and management of investment in future contracts. The Company was founded in 1996 as Ayudhya Jardine Fleming Co., Ltd (AJF), changing its corporate name to Krungsri Asset Management Co., Ltd in 2011. With the support of Bank of Ayudhya, a parent bank who is a member of MUFG (a global financial group), Krungsri Asset has consistently grown with total assets under management (AUM) of 540,691 million Baht (as of 31 December 2022). Krungsri Asset offers a wide array of funds made available through multiple distribution channels to reach all client segments including Bank of Ayudhya 600+ branch network, as well as selling agents under various categories including banks, securities, mutual fund brokerage securities, and Fintech companies. Krungsri Asset is committed to the delivery of unrivalled products, outstanding services, and stable returns to our clients. For more information, please visit www.krungsriasset.com. About Charles River, A State Street Company Investment, wealth and alternative managers, asset owners and insurers in over 30 countries rely on Charles River IMS to manage USD ~$48 Trillion in assets. Together with State Streets middle and back office services, Charles Rivers cloud-deployed front office technology forms the foundation of State Street Alpha. Charles River helps automate and simplify the investment process across asset classes, from portfolio management and risk analytics through trading and post-trade settlement, with integrated compliance and managed data throughout. Charles Rivers partner ecosystem enables clients to access the data, analytics, application and liquidity providers that support their product and asset class mix. We serve clients globally with more than 1,250 employees in 11 regional offices. (Statistics as of Q4 2022) About State Street Corporation State Street Corporation (NYSE: STT) is one of the world's leading providers of financial services to institutional investors including investment servicing, investment management and investment research and trading. With $36.7 trillion in assets under custody and/or administration and $3.5 trillion* in assets under management as of December 31, 2022. State Street operates globally in more than 100 geographic markets and employs approximately 42,000 worldwide. For more information, visit State Street's website at www.statestreet.com. *Assets under management as of December 31, 2022 includes approximately $59 billion of assets with respect to SPDR products for which State Street Global Advisors Funds Distributors, LLC (SSGA FD) acts solely as the marketing agent. SSGA FD and State Street Global Advisors are affiliated. 2023 State Street Corporation - All Rights Reserved State Street Corporation, One Lincoln St, Boston MA 02111 Information Classification: General 5474056.1.1.GBL View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230320005655/en/ Media Kellie Smith [email protected] +61 3 8628 0100 ext: 1171 Source: Charles River Development PHOENIX Shannon Castellano and Travis Methvin should have spent this weekend seeing world-famous waterfalls on the Havasupai Tribe Reservation in northern Arizona. Instead, the two friends from San Diego spent Friday night along with 40 other hikers camped out on a helipad. But sleep was elusive because tribal members warned that an emergency services helicopter could potentially land anytime during the night. Yeah, so we didnt really sleep, Castellano said Saturday while driving to a hotel in Sedona. I just kept one eye open really and one ear open ... You just do not expect any of that to happen. So, I think Im still in shock that Im not even there right now. Tourists hoping to reach the breathtaking waterfalls on the reservation instead went through harrowing flood evacuations. The official Havasupai Tribe Tourism Facebook page reported Friday that flooding had washed away a bridge to the campground. An unknown number of campers were evacuated to Supai Village, with some being rescued by helicopter. The campground is in a lower-lying area than the village of Supai. Some hikers had to camp in the village. Others who werent able to get to the village because of high water were forced to camp overnight on a trail. But floodwaters were starting to recede as of Saturday morning, according to the tribe's Facebook post. Visitors with the proper permits will be allowed to hike to the village and campground. They will be met with tribal guides, who will help them navigate around creek waters on a back trail to get to the campground. Tourists will not be permitted to take pictures. The back trail goes past sites considered sacred by the tribe. Meanwhile, the tribe said in its statement that it has all hands on deck to build a temporary bridge to the campground. Abbie Fink, a spokesperson for the tribe, referred to the tribe's Facebook page when reached for comment Saturday. Methvin and Castellano decided to leave by helicopter Saturday rather than navigate muddy trails with a guide. Despite losing money on a pre-paid, three-day stay, Methvin says they can still try to salvage their trip. Having only received permits last month, he feels especially sad for hikers they met with reservations from 2020. They waited three years to get there, Methvin said. At least we have the ability to go do something else versus having that whole weekend ruined. It sucks, but its making lemonade for us. From Supai to Sedona, several areas of northern Arizona have been slammed this week by storms. The resulting snow combined with snowmelt at higher elevations has wreaked havoc on highways, access roads and even city streets. The flooding of the Havasupai campground comes as the tribe reopened access last month to its reservation and various majestic blue-green waterfalls for the first time since March 2020. The tribe opted to close to protect its members from the coronavirus. Officials then decided to extend the closure through last year's tourism season. At the beginning of this year, President Joe Biden approved a disaster declaration initiated by the Havasupai Tribe, freeing up funds for flood damage sustained in October. Flooding at that time had destroyed several bridges and left downed trees on trails necessary for tourists and transportation of goods into Supai Village. Permits to visit are highly coveted. Pre-pandemic, the tribe received an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 visitors per year to its reservation deep in a gorge west of Grand Canyon National Park. The area is reachable only by foot or helicopter, or by riding a horse or mule. Visitors can either camp or stay in a lodge. Castellano is already planning to try to get a permit again later this year if there are cancellations. We just want to see i in all its glory, not muddy falls, she said. Results provide rationale for combining modern needle-free administration and plasmid DNA vaccines and therapeutics. GOLDEN, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- PharmaJet, a company engineering precision delivery systems that may overcome the challenges of nucleic acid vaccine delivery, today announced that its partner, Scancell, a developer of novel immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases, reported positive results from their Phase 1 COVIDITY clinical trial. The trial was conducted at the University of Cape Town Lung Institute in South Africa to assess the safety and immunogenicity of their COVID-19 DNA candidate vaccines, SCOV1 and SCOV2. The vaccines were exclusively administered using the PharmaJet Tropis and Stratis needle-free precision delivery systems. The results from the trial were highly encouraging, inducing neutralizing antibody and T cell responses with no safety concerns. Administration with PharmaJets devices was well received by study participants. This new set of human data adds to the growing evidence indicating that this modern needle-free administration technology is an increasingly viable option to enhance plasmid DNA vaccine immune response. Professor Lindy Durrant, Chief Executive Officer, Scancell, commented, We are encouraged by these results. The trial validates that AvidiMab-modified immunotherapies boost immune responses and PharmaJets Needle-free Injection Systems are effective in delivering our ImmunoBody-generated drug candidate. Our plans are to include PharmaJet Needle-free precision delivery systems in future trials with our immuno-oncology projects. Chris Cappello, President and CEO, PharmaJet, said, We are pleased by our collaboration with Scancell and we look forward to potentially contributing more as an advanced administration partner. Our precision delivery systems have demonstrated improved immune response for multiple DNA and RNA vaccines1 and our intradermal administration platform played a critical role in the commercialization of the worlds first plasmid DNA vaccine2. We operate at industrial scale, and we are able to rapidly deploy our systems for all stages of a clinical program as well as for the commercialization of vaccines developed in combination with our injection systems. For more information about PharmaJet visit https://pharmajet.com. Refer to Instructions for Use to ensure safe injections and to review risks. 1 Improved DNA Vaccine Delivery with Needle-Free Injection Systems 2 https://pharmajet.com/pharmajet-partner-zydus-cadila-announces-emergency-use-authorization-approval-for-worlds-first-plasmid-dna-covid-19-vaccine/ About PharmaJet PharmaJets vision is to enable greater access to life-saving vaccines and pharmaceuticals globally. We are committed to helping our partners realize their research and commercialization goals while making an impact on public health. PharmaJet Needle-free precision delivery Systems provide increased vaccine effectiveness, a preferred patient and caregiver experience, and a proven path to commercialization. They are also safe, fast, and easy-to-use. The Stratis System has U.S. FDA 510(k) marketing clearance, CE Mark, and WHO PQS certification to deliver medications and vaccines either intramuscularly or subcutaneously. The Tropis System has CE Mark and WHO PQS certification for intradermal injections. They are both commercially available for global immunization programs. For more information visit https://pharmajet.com. Follow us on LinkedIn. About Scancell Scancell is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company that is leveraging its proprietary research, built up over many years of studying the human adaptive immune system, to generate novel medicines to treat significant unmet needs in cancer and infectious disease. The Company is building a pipeline of innovative products by utilizing its four technology platforms: Moditope and ImmunoBody for vaccines and GlyMab and AvidiMab for antibodies. Adaptive immune responses include antibodies and T cells (CD4 and CD8), both of which can recognize damaged or infected cells. In order to destroy such cancerous or infected cells, Scancell uses either vaccines to induce immune responses or monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to redirect immune cells or drugs. The Companys unique approach is that its innovative products target modifications of proteins and lipids. For the vaccines (Moditope and ImmunoBody) this includes citrullination and homocitrullination of proteins, whereas its mAb portfolio targets glycans or sugars that are added onto proteins and / or lipids (GlyMab) or enhances the potency of antibodies and their ability to directly kill tumor cells (AvidiMab). For further information about Scancell, please visit: https://www.scancell.co.uk/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230321005001/en/ Nancy Lillie [email protected] 1-888-900-4321 Option 3 Source: PharmaJet TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rupert Resources (Rupert or The Company) is pleased to report drilling from its 2022-23 exploration program at its multi-million ounce Ikkari gold discovery at the 100% owned Rupert Lapland Project in Northern Finland and provides further project updates. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230321005638/en/ Figure 1. Location of new drilling at Ikkari. Block model displayed as per November 2022 Resource update using a 0.5g/t cut-off grade in the open pit and 1.0g.t cut-off outside the open pit In November 2022, the company published a preliminary economic assessment (PEA) for the project demonstrates the potential for a 24-year life of mine (LoM) at an average annual production of 200,000 troy ounce (oz) gold. After-Tax Net Present Value (NPV) (5% discount) of $1.6 billion with unlevered Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 46% and payback after two years, assuming a gold price of $1,650 per oz. An expected lowest quartile all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of $759/oz is outlined over LOM, and $596/oz during the open-pit operation. Low sensitivity to cut-off grade and low initial strip ratio is also detailed. (see November 28, 2022 press release and footnotes 1&2). Highlights from infill drilling results (figure 1) aimed at further upgrading areas of inferred resources at Ikkari include: #122190 52.6m of 2.3g/t from 515m in the east adding confidence to the inferred resources at this depth #122206 25.3m of 3.2g/t Au from 291m and 141m of 3.6g/t Au from 322m (figure 2a) in the central portion of the deposit. The intercept extends to 100m below the open pit considered by the PEA, confirming the continuity of high-grade mineralisation. (figure 2a) in the central portion of the deposit. The intercept extends to 100m below the open pit considered by the PEA, confirming the continuity of high-grade mineralisation. #122214 15.4m of 5.4g/t Au from 341m, 35m of 1.9g/t Au from 370m and 15m of 3.3g/t Au from 448m also in the centre of the deposit #122221 27m of 2.9g/t Au from 452m in the west of the deposit #123001 27m of 3.7g/t Au from 128m and 22m of 2.3g/t Au from 234m in the east of the deposit Significant results to date, outside of the current block model include: #123003 6m of 74.1g/t from 361m including 1m of 445g/t, suggesting high-grade mineralisation potential in the west #122269 14m of 1.5g/t from 816m, including 1m at 11.2g/t (figure 2b), 230m below the deepest intercept on this section and a 160m step-out west from the closest hole at a similar depth (#121036: 44m of 1.0g/t from 797m including 12m of 2.4g/t from 823m, see press release dated September 13, 2021) James Withall, CEO of Rupert Resources commented, We are now at the mid-point of the 2022/23 drilling campaign with winter conditions allowing drilling of Ikkari at depth. Initial results confirm the exceptional continuity of the Ikkari resource and the potential for resource expansions in the west and at depth. We have also identified further mineralisation 7km east from Ikkari along the main regional structure on our land package at Koppelo. 2022-2023 exploration program The 2022/2023 work program commenced in August 2022 and is planned to include up to 72,800m of drilling. Around 30,000m has been allocated to Ikkari infill and project drilling with the balance divided equally between Ikkari extension, potential satellites; and regional exploration across Ruperts 634km2 land position, targeting additional discoveries of scale. Rupert is currently focused on near-term resource additions at Ikkari to ensure these can be included in future economic and environmental assessments and the eventual permitting application for the Project. Whilst drilling is possible year-round, winter drilling conditions are favourable for drilling deeper holes and prospective targets on softer ground. The results reported today continue to show the consistent mineralisation over broad widths that is a unique characteristic of the Ikkari deposit. Since the initial inferred resource was defined in September 2021, closer spaced infill drilling has steadily increased confidence in the resource. The goal of the next resource update, planned in the second half of 2023, will be to further increase resources in the indicated category and grow the overall footprint of the deposit. Recent regional exploration has focussed to the east of the Ikkari and Heina discoveries along structures subparallel to the main regional ENE structural trend (figure 4) focussing on a series of base of till anomalies coincident with geophysical features of interest. Whilst drilling to date remains limited, results at Koppelo (figures 3 & 4), located 7km east northeast of Ikkari have yielded 3.1m of 5.3g/t Au from 21m in #122161 and 3m of 3.3g/t Au in #122162. Mineralisation in these holes is associated with albitised quartzites, similar in appearance to those present within the Ikkari deposit, and again provides supporting evidence of Rupert Resources ongoing methodical exploration approach. Project updates Appointment of Study Manager Work is commencing on the Pre-feasibility Study for the Ikkari project and the Company has hired an experienced Study Manager, Andre van Wageningen to join the team. Andre, a Mining Engineer who also holds an MBA, brings over 20 years of experience across Canada, Sweden and Finland. He is based at our office in Sodankyla and will lead the study team. Following his appointment, the Company has issued in accordance with and subject to the terms, conditions and restrictions of the Amended and Restated Equity Incentive Plan (the Plan) effective November 9, 2022, 51,546 performance share units (PSUs) and 91,575 share options (Options). The PSUs will vest according to certain corporate and individual performance objectives and each PSU will convert into up to one common share of the Company, or the cash equivalent thereof, subject to the level of achievement of such performance objectives. The Options were granted on March 2, 2023 with an exercise price of $4.85 per share, being the closing price of the Companys shares on the TSX on March 1, 2023. The Options are exercisable for a five-year period from the date of grant, with 1/3rd of the options vesting after 12 months, 1/3rd after 24 months and the remainder after 36 months. Following the award of the Options, there are 6,092,575 share options outstanding under the Plan, representing 3.0% of the issued and outstanding shares, together with a total of 332,397 performance share units. Pahtavaara mine environmental bond Following submission of a revised long term closure plan for the Pahtavaara Mine in late 2019 and further updates to this in 2021, the Company has received notice from the Regional State Administrative Authority that it is seeking to increase the environmental bond for Pahtavaara beyond the amount provided for on the Companys balance sheet of $6.2million as of November 30, 2022. The new bond provision of EUR14.2million assumes the requirement to source moraine material from outside of the current mining permit area and place this over all existing waste structures to a thickness of up to 80cm. The Companys proposed closure plan considered three options varying from a low CO2 emission design through to the use of 30cm of moraine cover sourced from the mine site and similar to the historic closure permit. The company is in the third year of trials to show the efficacy of direct seeding of the tailings facility, which makes up 74% of the area of total waste structures at Pahtavaara, and has a permit granted to continue these trials until the end of 2024. Results to-date have demonstrated the potential for this to be suitable low impact long-term closure solution. Furthermore, a new extensive mine waste characterisation test-work program commenced in Q3 2022. The Company is considering an appeal and will continue to liaise with the relevant authorities to arrive at the optimal long-term solution to plan for mine closure in line with industry best practice and an updated closure plan proposal will be submitted following further work. Preliminary Economic Assessment Ikkari Project NI 43-101 amended and restated. After the filing of the NI 43-101 on January 10th 2023, the company requested a formal review of the documents by the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) to ensure compliance in future filings. Non-material changes were requested to the list of Qualified Persons along with additional commentary for clarification within sections 12, Data Verification and 14 Mineral Resource Estimates. The changes do not affect the economic analysis, conclusions or recommendations and the revised documents have now been re-filed on SEDAR. Figures & tables Figures and tables featured in the Appendix at end of release, include: Figure 1. Location of new drilling at Ikkari Figures 2a and 2b. Cross sections showing new drilling at Ikkari Figure 3. Gold discoveries made by Rupert Resources in Central Lapland Figure 4. Plan map of Koppelo Drilling Table 1. Collar locations of new drill holes at both Ikkari and Koppelo Table 2. New Intercepts from new drilling at Ikkari Geological interpretation Ikkari was discovered using systematic regional exploration that initially focused on geochemical sampling of the bedrock/till interface through glacial till deposits of 5m to 40m thickness. No outcrop is present, and topography is dominated by low-lying swamp areas. The Ikkari deposit occurs within rocks that have been regionally mapped as 2.05-2.15 billion years (Ga) old Savukoski group greenschist-metamorphosed mafic-ultramafic volcanic rocks, part of the Central Lapland Greenstone Belt (CLGB). Gold mineralisation is largely confined to the structurally modified unconformity at a significant domain boundary. Younger sedimentary lithologies are complexly interleaved, with intensely altered ultramafic rocks, and the mineralized zone is bounded to the north by a steeply N-dipping cataclastic zone. In general, alteration and structure appear to be sub-vertical, with lithologies generally dipping ~70 degrees north. The main mineralized zone is strongly altered and characterised by intense veining and foliation that frequently overprint original textures. An early phase of finely laminated grey ankerite/dolomite veins is overprinted by stockwork-like irregular siderite quartz chlorite sulphide veins. These vein arrays are often deformed with shear-related boudinage and in situ brecciation. Magnetite and/or haematite are common, in association with pyrite. Hydrothermal alteration commonly comprises quartz-dolomite-chlorite-magnetite (haematite). Gold is hosted by disseminated and vein-related pyrite. Multi-phase breccias are well developed within the mineralised zone, with early silicified cataclastic phases overprinted by late, carbonate- iron-oxide- rich, hydrothermal breccias which display a subvertical control. All breccias frequently host disseminated pyrite, and are often associated with bonanza gold grades, particularly where magnetite or haematite is prevalent. In the sedimentary lithologies, albite alteration is intense and pervasive, with pyrite-magnetite ( gold) hosted in veinlets in brittle fracture zones. Review by Qualified Person, Quality Control and Reports Dr Charlotte Seabrook, MAIG, RPGeo., Exploration Manager of Rupert, is the Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 responsible for the accuracy of scientific and technical information in this news release. Samples are prepared by ALS Finland in Sodankyla and assayed in ALS laboratories in Ireland, Romania or Sweden. All samples are under watch from the drill site to the storage facility. Samples are assayed using fire assay method with aqua regia digest and analysis by AAS for gold. Over limit analysis for >10 ppm Au is conducted using fire assay and gravimetric finish for assays over >100ppm Au. For multi-element assays, Ultra Trace Level Method by HF-HNO3-HClO4 acid digestion, HCl leach and a combination of ICP-MS and ICP-AES are used. The Companys QA/QC program includes the regular insertion of blanks and standards into the sample shipments, as well as instructions for duplication. Standards, blanks and duplicates are inserted at appropriate intervals. Approximately five percent (5%) of the pulps and rejects are sent for check assaying at a second laboratory. Base of till samples are prepared in ALS Sodankyla by dry-sieving method prep-41 and assayed for gold by fire assay with ICP-AES finish. Multi-elements are assayed in ALS laboratories in either of Ireland, Romania or Sweden by aqua regia with ICP-MS finish. Rupert maintains a strict chain of custody procedure to manage the handling of all samples. The Companys QA/QC program includes the regular insertion of blanks and standards into the sample shipments, as well as instructions for duplication. About Rupert Resources Rupert Resources is a gold exploration and development company listed on the TSX Exchange under the symbol RUP. The Company is focused on making and advancing discoveries of scale and quality with high margin and low environmental impact potential. The Companys principal focus is Ikkari, a new high quality gold discovery in Northern Finland. Ikkari is part of the Companys Rupert Lapland Project, which also includes the Pahtavaara gold mine, mill, and exploration permits and concessions located in the Central Lapland Greenstone Belt of Northern Finland (Pahtavaara). The Company also holds a 20% carried participating interest in the Gold Centre property located adjacent to the Red Lake mine in Ontario. Neither the TSX Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. 1Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements This press release contains statements which, other than statements of historical fact constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements with respect to: results of exploration activities and mineral resources. The words may, would, could, will, intend, plan, anticipate, believe, estimate, expect and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made, and are inherently subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other known and unknown factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. These factors include the general risks of the mining industry, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in the Company's annual Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended February 28, 2022 available here. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. 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 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. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. 2November 2022 Preliminary Economic Assessment and resource estimate for the Ikkari and Pahtavaara Projects. The Mineral Resource estimate included in the Preliminary Economic Assessment (Study or PEA is reported according to the clarification criteria set out in the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and Petroleum Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Reserves (CIM Definition Standards). These standards are internationally recognized and allow the reader to compare the Mineral Resource with that reported for similar project. The results of the PEA will be set forth in an independent technical report prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101) which will be filed on SEDAR under the Companys profile within 45 days of the date of this news release. Readers are cautioned that the PEA is preliminary in nature and is intended to provide an initial assessment of the projects economic potential and development options. The PEA mine schedule and economic assessment includes numerous assumptions and is based on both Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources. Inferred Resources are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the PEA results will be realized. Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. Additional exploration will be required to potentially upgrade the classification of the Inferred Mineral Resources to be considered in future advanced studies. The Mineral Resource estimate for the Project is reported in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101) and has been estimated using the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) Estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves Best Practice Guidelines. The independent and qualified person for the Mineral Resource Estimates as defined by NI43-101 is Brian Wolfe, Principal Consultant, International Resource Solutions Pty Ltd. These are mineral resources not mineral reserves as they do not have demonstrated economic viability. Results are presented in situ. Ounce (troy) = metric tonnes x grade / 31.103475. Calculations used metric units (meters, tonnes, g/t). Any discrepancies in the totals are due to rounding effects. The effective date of the 2022 Mineral Resource Estimate for Ikkari is 28 November 2022. The Mineral Resource Estimate at Ikkari is calculated using the multiple indicator kriging (MIK) method and is reported both within a designed open pit and as a potential underground operation outside that. The Mineral Resource Estimate at Ikkari is reported using a cutoff grade of 0.5g/t Au for mineralisation potentially mineable by open pit methods and 1.0g/t Au for mineralisation potentially extractable by underground methods. The potential open pit mine and cut off-grade is calculated using a gold price at $1650 per ounce, 5% mining dilution, 95% Au recovery. Open pit mining costs at $2.5/t, process costs at $11.3/t, other costs (including co-disposal, water and closure) at $4.0/t and G&A, including royalties and refining at $3.2/t. The calculated cutoff grade is rounded up to 0.5g/t for reporting. The underground cutoff grade is calculated at underground mining cost $21.8/t and underground mining dilution at 8% based on sub level caving. The calculated underground cutoff grade is rounded up to 1.0g/t as the resource is not constrained within mineable shapes. The effective date of the 2022 Mineral Resource Estimate for Pahtavaara is 28 November 2022 and the is calculated using the multiple indicator kriging (MIK) method. The Mineral Resource Estimate is reported both within a designed open pit and as a potential underground operation outside that. The Mineral Resource Estimate at Pahtavaara is reported using a cutoff grade of 0.5g/t Au for mineralisation potentially mineable by open pit methods and 1.5g/t Au for mineralisation potentially extractable by underground methods. The potential open pit mine and cut off-grades are calculated using a gold price at $1650 per ounce, 20% mining dilution, 89% Au recovery, and a mining cost at $2.6/t. process cost at $10.2/t (concentration at Pahtavaara and transport to Ikkari), other costs (including TSF costs and closure) at $1/t and G&A including royalties and refining at $3.1/t. The calculated cutoff grade is rounded up to 0.5g/t for reporting. The underground cutoff grade is calculated at an underground mining cost $49.6/t and underground mining dilution at 10% based on long hole open stoping. The calculated underground cutoff grade is rounded up to 1.5g/t for reporting. The effective date of the 2022 Mineral Resource Estimate for Heina Central is 28 November 2022 and is calculated using the ordinary kriging (OK) method. The Mineral Resource Estimate is reported both within an optimised open pit and as a potential underground operation outside that. The Mineral Resource Estimate is reported at a 0.5g/t Au cutoff grade for mineralisation potentially mineable by open pit methods and at 1.2g/t Au for mineralisation potentially extractable by underground methods. The potential open pit mine and cutoff grade are calculated using a gold price at $1650/oz, 5% mining dilution, 78% Au recovery. Open pit mining costs at $2.5/t, process costs at $10.01/t (concentrate production at Heina and transport to Ikkari), other costs (including TSF and closure) at $3.20/t and G&A including royalties and refining at $1.66/t. The calculated open pit cutoff grade is rounded up to 0.5g/t for reporting. The underground cutoff grade is calculated at underground mining cost $30/t and underground mining dilution of 5%. The calculated underground cut of grade is rounded up to $1.2g/t for reporting. The Heina Central deposit also contains potentially recoverable copper. At the 0.5g/t Au cut-off grade for mineralisation potentially mineable by open pit methods Heina Central also contains 12,000 tonnes of in situ copper. At the 1.2g/t Au cut-off grade for mineralisation potentially mineable by underground methods, Heina Central also contains 1,800 tonnes of in situ copper. No economic value is applied to the copper content when designing the optimised open pit or calculating the potential cut-off grade at Heina Central. APPENDIX Table 1. Collar locations of new drill holes Hole ID Prospect Easting Northing Elevation Azimuth Dip EOH (m) 122176 Ikkari 454504.6 7496735.5 232.5 334.9 -62.5 218.8* 122190 Ikkari 454371.7 7496642.6 232.7 336.8 -54.6 641.6 122195 Ikkari 454222.8 7496582.0 229.6 335.0 -59.9 821.8 122204 Ikkari 454137.9 7496576.7 227.0 334.1 -60.8 682.6 122206 Ikkari 454177.8 7496685.3 225.8 334.4 -55.0 540.8 122214 Ikkari 454230.8 7496660.3 227.6 334.7 -55.1 550.3 122221 Ikkari 454182.5 7496574.8 228.3 335.0 -50.0 482.2 122230 Ikkari 454453.2 7496845.4 226.7 334.4 -50.3 297.4 122246 Ikkari 454299.4 7496608.0 232.0 334.6 -57.4 469.3* 122253 Ikkari 454605.0 7496710.0 236.0 332.4 -61.9 818.8 122269 Ikkari 453849.5 7497119.0 224.7 155.0 -65.0 886.8 123001 Ikkari 454304.2 7496786.6 226.0 335.0 -54.0 281.7 123003 Ikkari 453740.3 7496959.0 225.9 156.9 -55.1 554.6 123004 Ikkari 454212.9 7496697.6 226.6 335.0 -55.0 252.0 123006 Ikkari 453664.5 7497013.1 227.9 155.0 -50.0 639.0 121101 Koppelo 459292.3 7499145.6 131.5 159.3 -50.3 131.5 121102 Koppelo 459278.9 7499182.3 218.2 160.2 -49.7 122.8 121106 Koppelo 459999.0 7499534.1 228.4 161.9 -50.1 197.3 121110 Koppelo 459797.0 7499459.7 227.2 159.2 -50.5 200.3 121111 Koppelo 459521.9 7499847.5 216.9 339.1 -44.5 138.1 122003 Koppelo 459629.1 7498997.1 214.6 158.0 -49.3 251.3 122006 Koppelo 459719.9 7499076.8 216.1 337.6 -51.3 199.9 122009 Koppelo 460137.5 7499621.1 224.5 158.6 -50.5 204.0 122159 Koppelo 460120.2 7499667.8 224.2 160.0 -50.0 71.6 122161 Koppelo 460153.9 7499576.4 225.1 158.2 -49.6 152.4 122162 Koppelo 460101.7 7499718.5 224.8 164.6 -50.6 166.9 122163 Koppelo 460235.8 7499560.2 222.7 159.1 -50.2 152.6 122164 Koppelo 460239.6 7499450.9 221.7 159.7 -49.9 275.2 122165 Koppelo 460072.0 7499657.7 225.4 158.7 -50.1 158.7 122257 Koppelo 459476.3 7500051.8 217.2 159.5 -49.9 176.4 122258 Koppelo 459984.8 7499866.2 219.7 159.7 -55.5 248.1 122259 Koppelo 460642.2 7499618.0 215.6 198.9 -55.1 188.1 *Hole abandoned earlier than planned depth due to technical problems Table 2. New Intercepts from Ikkari Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Grade Au (g/t) 122176 NSI 122190 515.0 567.6 52.6 2.3 Including 515.0 518.0 3.0 7.7 Including 535.0 536.0 1.0 12.3 Including 555.0 558.0 3.0 7.2 122195 454.0 456.0 2.0 14.7 532.5 546.0 13.6 1.7 Including 532.5 533.0 0.5 11.2 Including 542.0 543.0 1.0 10.1 617.0 628.0 11.0 2.2 122204 284.0 309.0 25.0 0.9 336.0 371.0 35.0 0.9 Including 341.0 342.0 1.0 9.5 421.0 434.5 13.5 2.0 449.0 469.0 20.0 2.2 475.0 503.0 28.0 1.4 Including 502.0 503.0 1.0 14.0 122206 291.0 316.3 25.3 3.2 322.0 463.0 141.0 3.6 Including 360.0 362.0 2.0 24.1 Including 390.0 392.0 2.0 19.1 Including 401.0 402.0 1.0 10.1 Including 425.0 429.0 4.0 10.5 122214 223.0 232.5 9.5 3.0 321.0 329.0 8.0 4.2 341.0 346.4 5.4 15.4 Including 343.6 345.0 1.4 46.5 370.0 405.0 35.0 1.9 Including 375.0 377.0 2.0 9.4 Including 386.0 388.0 2.0 9.9 422.0 432.0 10.0 2.5 448.0 463.0 15.0 3.3 Including 450.0 451.0 1.0 10.7 Including 462.0 463.0 1.0 15.2 122221 452.0 479.0 27.0 2.9 Including 471.0 473.0 2.0 14.3 122246 NSI 122253 232.0 234.0 2.0 32.6 Including 232.0 233.0 1.0 64.7 313.0 324.0 11.0 1.9 Including 319.0 321.0 2.0 7.9 122269 399.0 426.0 27.0 1.1 Including 411.0 413.0 2.0 7.5 816.0 830.0 14.0 1.5 Including 827.0 828.0 1.0 11.2 123001 128.0 155.0 27.0 3.7 Including 130.0 131.0 1.0 64.2 191.0 206.0 15.0 2.6 Including 205.0 206.0 1.0 26.0 234.0 256.0 22.0 2.3 Including 255.0 256.0 1.0 11.7 262.0 270.0 8.0 2.7 Including 267.0 268.0 1.0 13.2 123003 201.0 213.0 12.0 2.1 361.0 367.0 6.0 74.1 Including 364.0 365.0 1.0 438 480.0 489.0 9.0 3.8 Including 483.0 484.0 1.0 21.0 123004 NSI 123006 167.0 169.0 2.0 13.5 Including 168.0 169.0 1.0 25.6 556.0 558.0 2.0 17.0 579.0 602.0 23.0 0.9 Including 579.0 584.0 5.0 2.3 No upper cut-off grade has been applied. 0.4g/t Au lower cut-off applied, a maximum of 5m internal dilution has been allowed when calculating intercepts and only intercepts with gram-meters greater than 20gm are presented here. Italic intervals indicate intercepts including within the wider intercept. Unless specified, true widths cannot be accurately determined from the information available. Bold intervals referred to in text of release. Refer to https://rupertresources.com/news/ for details of previously released drilling intercepts. EOH End of Hole. NSI No significant intercept. Table 3. New Intercepts from Koppelo Target Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Grade Au (g/t) 121101 28.3 30.2 1.9 1.1 121102 29.0 41.0 12.0 0.5 Including 39.6 41.0 1.4 1.8 121106 12.8 13 0.2 NSI 121110 40.0 41.0 1.0 0.6 108.0 109.0 1.0 0.4 121111 NSI 122003 NSI 122006 NSI 122009 15.0 19.0 4.0 0.5 41.0 42.0 1.0 1.0 61.0 62.0 1.0 0.7 125.0 126.0 1.0 0.9 122159 17.0 18.0 1.0 0.4 27.0 28.0 1.0 0.6 39.0 45.0 6.0 1.3 Including 39.0 41.0 2.0 3.6 61.0 62.0 1.0 0.6 122161 12.0 13.0 1.0 3.0 21.0 24.1 3.1 5.3 Including 23.0 24.1 1.1 10.6 48.0 51.0 3.0 0.4 Including 48.8 49.7 No recovery 122162 34.0 37.0 3.0 3.3 Including 35.0 36.0 1.0 8.1 48.0 50.0 2.0 0.9 80.0 81.0 1.0 2.9 98.0 99.0 1.0 3.3 157.0 158.0 1.0 0.5 163.0 164.0 1.0 0.5 122163 NSI 122164 NSI 122165 46.0 48.0 2.0 1.8 55.0 56.0 1.0 0.6 62.0 63.0 1.0 0.4 129.0 130.0 1.0 0.8 147.0 150.0 3.0 0.8 122257 170.0 171.0 1.0 0.5 122258 118.0 120.0 2.0 1.4 130.0 138.0 8.0 1.7 152.0 157.0 5.0 1.0 122259 NSI No upper cut-off grade has been applied. 0.4g/t Au lower cut-off applied, a maximum of 3m internal dilution has been allowed when calculating intercepts. All intercepts greater than 0.5m are shown here. Italic intervals indicate intercepts including within the wider intercept. Unless specified, true widths cannot be accurately determined from the information available. Bold intervals referred to in text of release. Refer to https://rupertresources.com/news/ for details of previously released drilling intercepts. EOH End of Hole. NSI No significant intercept. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230321005638/en/ For further information: James Withall Chief Executive Officer [email protected] Thomas Credland Head of Corporate Development [email protected] Rupert Resources Ltd 82 Richmond Street East, Suite 203, Toronto, Ontario M5C 1P1 Tel: +1 416-304-9004 Web: http://rupertresources.com/ Source: Rupert Resources Experienced sales and business leader will drive new opportunities for customer and partner success across the region and beyond NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Telstra has appointed Nitin Tikku as Vice President of Global Business Development for Telstra Americas, responsible for leading the company's strategic business development and growth initiatives across the region and beyond. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230321005519/en/ Nitin Tikku joins as Vice President of Global Business Development for Telstra Americas focused on growing business in the Americas and beyond. (Photo: Business Wire) Tikku brings more than 20 years of experience to his new role, with a successful record of driving revenue growth, leading sales teams, managing strategic relationships and identifying high-potential new business opportunities. Nitin joins us at the right time, with organizations viewing network infrastructure as an essential means for delivering connectivity and enable enterprise transformation, said Noah Drake, President and Managing Director, Telstra Americas. His experience and leadership will help us build relationships will help us maximize new growth areas and drive innovation. Prior to joining Telstra, Tikku held technical and sales leadership roles where he successfully designed, secured and managed multi-million-dollar contracts with U.S. federal government agencies, global system integrators and Fortune 500 companies. Most recently, he held the position of Senior Director of Sales at AT&T, responsible for the business management and growth of one of AT&Ts largest customers, a global system integrator. Enterprises are reevaluating every aspect of their operations to identify new efficiencies and methods of offering customers and employees a world-class experience and, as a result, they require new connectivity and infrastructure options, said Tikku. Telstra is uniquely positioned to meet this constantly evolving demand with a diverse mix of technologies and products. Tikku holds a bachelors degree in electrical engineering from Drexel University, and a masters degree in management of information technology from the University of Virginia. About Telstra Telstra is a leading telecommunications and technology company with a proudly Australian heritage and a longstanding, growing international business. We have been operating in the Americas for over 25 years and provide data and IP transit, internet connectivity, network application services such as unified communications and cloud, and managed services to more than 500 businesses in 160 cities in the region. Our products and services are supported by one of the largest fiber optic submarine cable systems reaching Asia-Pacific and beyond, with licenses in Asia, Europe and the Americas, and access to more than 2,000 points-of-presence around the world. Through our unparalleled network reach and reliability as well as market-leading customer service and expertise, we connect businesses in the Americas to some of the worlds fastest growing economies, including China, Southeast Asia, North Asia, and Australia. For more information, please visit www.telstra.com/americas. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230321005519/en/ FOR TELSTRA: Jim Hughes, Bubble Agency (USA) T. +1 323 397 7077 E. [email protected] Tom Di Nome, Bubble Agency (USA) T. +1 914 514 0024 E. [email protected] Source: Telstra BlackBerry (NYSE: BB) announced Tuesday that the Canadian software company has entered into an agreement to sell substantially all of its non-core patents and patent applications to Malikie Innovations for a combination of cash at closing and potential future royalties in the aggregate amount of up to $900 million. Under the terms of the agreement, BlackBerry will receive $170 million in cash on closing and an additional $30 million in cash by no later than the third anniversary of closing. BlackBerry will also be entitled to receive annual cash royalties from the profits generated from the BlackBerry patents. Royalty payments to BlackBerry will initially be capped at $700 million, subject to an annual cap increase of an amount equal to 4% of the remaining portion of the $700 million that has not been paid to BlackBerry as of the date of the increase. Malikie's costs will also be capped in the calculation of profits generated. "We're extremely pleased to have executed this agreement with KPI, whose industry-leading expertise and experience positions them well to realize the patent portfolio's potential and enhance returns for BlackBerry," said John Chen, Executive Chairman & CEO, BlackBerry. "This transaction, once complete, will further strengthen our balance sheet while simplifying our business and enabling increased focus on our core IoT and Cybersecurity opportunities." "We are very excited to have completed this transaction with a partner of BlackBerry's calibre, and we look forward to getting to work to maximize returns from this portfolio," said Angela Quinlan, Managing Director, KPI. Approximately 32,000 patents and applications relating primarily to mobile devices, messaging and wireless networking will be sold in the transaction. The deal excludes patents and applications that are necessary to support BlackBerry's current core business operations. It also excludes approximately 120 monetizable non-core patent families relating to mobile devices, as well as all existing revenue generating agreements. Shares of BB are up 3.88% in pre-market trading on Tuesday. By Michael Elkins | [email protected] Scorpio Tankers Inc. (NYSE: STNG) announced today that it has entered into a new time charter-out agreement. Summary of New Time Charter Total Daily Fixed Estimated Type Term TC Rate Revenue Start LR2 - with Scrubber Three Years $40,000 $43.8 Million April 23 About Scorpio Tankers Inc. Scorpio Tankers Inc. is a provider of marine transportation of petroleum products worldwide. Scorpio Tankers Inc. currently owns, lease finances or bareboat charters-in 113 product tankers (39 LR2 tankers, 60 MR tankers and 14 Handymax tankers) with an average age of 7.2 years. Additional information about the Company is available at the Company's 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, including the conflict in Ukraine, 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 Scorpio Tankers Inc.James Doyle Head of Corporate Development & Investor RelationsTel: +1 646-432-1678Email: [email protected] Source: Scorpio Tankers Inc. Reuters reports Tuesday, citing people with knowledge of the matter, that BYD has reduced shifts at two auto assembly plants in China. According to three of the sources and an internal memo sent earlier this month, BYD, which outsells Tesla (NYSE: TSLA) in China, asked some of the workers at its Xian plant, its biggest manufacturing hub, to work only four days a week in a factory running two eight-hour shifts per day BYD also reduced shifts at its Shenzhen plant, which makes its Han sedans, from three shifts per day to two per day, four people with knowledge of the development said. According to Reuters, BYD did not give a reason for the reduced shifts in its planning memo. One of the people said BYD was throttling back on production in the face of weaker industry-wide demand in China since the start of the year. Local Chinese authorities have also been rolling out buyer subsidies to drive demand and some of these programs have started to extend to automakers to encourage manufacturing. On Tuesday, the Xian government announced that to encourage local EV production, it would give a 2,000 yuan reward per vehicle for every car produced over 2022 levels to a maximum of 10 million yuan ($1.45 million) per automaker. It also announced subsidies for EV purchases. BYD produced 5,749 cars in January and February on average per day, 22% fewer than its average daily output in October and November. Also, retail sales, based on insurance registration data, showed slower growth of 66%. To drive demand, BYD began offering discounts for its best-selling Yuan Plus and Seal EVs in March. The company also launched refreshed versions of its Han sedan and Tang crossover last week. By Michael Elkins | [email protected] FILE PHOTO: Model Y cars are pictured during the opening ceremony of the new Tesla Gigafactory for electric cars in Gruenheide, Germany, March 22, 2022. Patrick Pleul/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Just over one-third of Americans would consider buying an electric vehicle for their next model, a new Reuters/Ipsos poll found. The seven-day poll completed on Monday found 34% of all respondents would consider an EV, while 31% said no. Among Democrats 50% said they would consider an EV, while 26% of Republicans and 27% of independents said they would consider. There are now more than 80 EV models for sale in the United States. EVs represented nearly 6% of all U.S. sales in 2022, with EV sales up by more than 60% last year. President Joe Biden wants 50% of all new vehicles sold in 2030 to be EV or plug-in hybrid models. Tesla Inc is the leading EV maker in the U.S., but other top-selling models include Ford Motor Co's Mustang Mach-E SUV, General Motors Co's Chevrolet Bolt and Hyundai Motor's Ioniq 5. The poll found 56% of respondents would be willing to pay no more than $49,999 for an EV. In August, the Biden administration won a significant expansion of $7,500 electric vehicle tax credits and other battery and EV manufacturing incentives to shift the industry toward electric models but EVs are still often significantly above $50,000. The poll also found that 35% wanted an EV that offered 500 or more miles of electric driving range per full charge, a distance few EVs offer today. Another 37% wanted a minimum of 300 miles. The world's top automakers are spending hundreds of billions of dollars to develop EVs, along with the batteries and raw materials to support that production as the Biden administration moves to adopt new regulations to speed the transition away from gasoline-powered vehicles. In the coming weeks, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency plans to propose new, more stringent vehicle emissions rules through at least the 2030 model year. In December 2021, the EPA finalized new light-duty tailpipe emissions requirements through the 2026 model year that reversed then-President Donald Trump's rollback of car pollution cuts. One big question is whether the new EPA rules will be consistent with Californias aggressive efforts to ramp up zero- emission vehicles and phase out new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035. California Air Resources Board Executive Officer Steven Cliff told Reuters in December the federal government should look at stringency thats equivalent to our rules ... Were 68% zero emissions in 2030 so modeling that and looking at that as an option for 2030 is absolutely critical." Biden has not endorsed California's plan to phase out new gas-powered light-duty vehicles by 2035. The Reuters/Ipsos poll, conducted online, surveyed 4,410 people nationwide and had a credibility interval of about 2 to 3 percentage points in either direction. (Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by Ben Klayman and Matthew Lewis) FILE PHOTO: Logos of Swiss banks UBS and Credit Suisse are seen in Zurich, Switzerland March 20, 2023. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse (Reuters) - UBS is set to enter talks with Michael Klein to terminate a deal that would have seen the Wall Street dealmaker take control of much of Credit Suisse's investment bank, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday. UBS on Sunday agreed to buy rival Swiss bank Credit Suisse for 3 billion Swiss francs ($3.23 billion) in stock and agreed to assume up to 5 billion francs ($5.4 billion) in losses, in a shotgun merger engineered by Swiss authorities to avoid more market-shaking turmoil in global banking. Klein, a veteran dealmaker, was merging his eponymous advisory boutique into Credit Suisse's investment banking operations to create CS First Boston as a standalone business which he would have led from New York. UBS has now assigned a legal team to examine how to void the contract Credit Suisse signed with Klein in the cheapest way possible, according to the FT report, which cited people with direct knowledge of the matter. "We assume he (Klein) is cherry picking. The deal was done when the selling bank had a gun held to its head and we are no longer in that position," a person close to UBS said, according to the report. UBS and Credit Suisse declined to comment, while Klein could not be immediately reached for comment. (Reporting by Anirudh Saligrama in Bengaluru; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta) MONTREAL, March 20, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) announced today that new tentative collective agreements have been reached between Unifor and CN. The collective agreements cover approximately 3,000 CN employees working in various departments such as Mechanical, Intermodal, Facility Management, and in clerical positions in Canada. We are very pleased to have reached these tentative agreements. CN has always been committed to achieving negotiated settlements to improve the conditions of this important group of employees as we continue our essential work moving the North American economy. We look forward to future collaboration with Unifor. Tracy Robinson, President and Chief Executive Officer, CN No details of the tentative agreements will be released publicly until the agreements are ratified. About CNCN is a world-class transportation leader and trade-enabler. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. As the only railroad connecting Canadas Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through a 18,600-mile rail network, CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship. Contacts: Media Investment Community Jonathan Abecassis Paul Butcher Senior Manager Vice-President Media Relations Investor Relations 438-455-3692 [email protected] (514) 399-0052 [email protected] Source: Canadian National Railway Company VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Conifex Timber Inc. (Conifex) (TSX: CFF) announced today that it has entered into an amended and restated secured revolving credit facility with Wells Fargo Capital Finance Corporation Canada. The amended and restated facility replaces Conifex's existing secured revolving credit facility with the same lender. The facility is in the principal amount of $25,000,000, is for a term of 3 years and remains substantially secured by Conifexs lumber operations inventory, equipment and accounts receivable. The facility bears interest at CDOR or SOFR plus an applicable margin. Conifex intends to utilize the facility for working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes. For further information, please contact: Winny Tang Chief Financial Officer (604) 216-2949 About Conifex Timber Inc. Conifex and its subsidiaries' primary business currently includes timber harvesting, reforestation, forest management, sawmilling logs into lumber and wood chips, and value added lumber finishing and distribution. Conifex's lumber products are sold in the United States, Canadian and Japanese markets. Conifex also produces bioenergy at its power generation facility at Mackenzie, BC. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this news release may constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that address or discuss activities, events or developments that Conifex expects or anticipates may occur in the future. When used in this news release, words such as estimates, expects, plans, anticipates, projects, will, believes, intends should, could, may and other similar terminology are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the current expectations and beliefs of Conifexs management. Because forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, actual results, performance or achievements of Conifex or the industry may be materially different from those implied by such forward-looking statements. Examples of such forward-looking information that may be contained in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the terms, amount and ability of Conifex to complete the Facility. Forward-looking statements involve significant uncertainties, should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be an accurate indication of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, that Conifex will obtain all expected benefits from the Facility; and other risk factors described in Conifexs management's discussion and analyses and annual information forms, available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. These risks, as well as others, could cause actual results and events to vary significantly. Accordingly, readers should exercise caution in relying upon forward-looking statements and Conifex undertakes no obligation to publicly revise them to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as required by law. Source: Conifex Timber Inc Calgary, Alberta, March 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mercator AI, a real-time construction intelligence platform, today announced that it has raised $3.75 million USD and successfully oversubscribed its seed round to accelerate growth. Freestyle Ventures and Builders VC co-led the financing, bringing Mercator AIs total raised to $4.46 million USD since its inception in October 2020. The newly-completed seed round also saw support from a consortium of other high-profile investors, including Standup Ventures and Zacua Ventures, with participation from The51, and Dustin DeVan (former CEO of Building Connected), alongside other notable angel investors. We are incredibly grateful for the support of our investors and to have had the opportunity to raise earlier than we planned. To be joined by such talented and influential industry leaders is a testament to the strength of our mission and the hard work of our team over the past 8 months, said Chloe Smith, CEO and Co-founder of Mercator AI. With the newly raised funds, Mercator AI is poised to accelerate its expansion into US and Canadian markets in 2023. The funding will also allow Mercator AI to grow its team, thus accelerating the development of its platform to refine its current early project detection offering. Furthermore, Mercator AI plans to broaden its solutions to business development, operations, and marketing professionals across construction, real estate, and manufacturing. Business development workflows within the construction industry are still highly manual, with many firms relying on existing relationships and rudimentary research to identify new project and partnership opportunities. This approach is slow and arduous, often leading to missed opportunities with companies learning about upcoming projects far too late. The magic in construction happens when we collaborate early on, get stakeholder input at the onset, and optimize for the best outcome together. Thats what we enable with Mercator AI, said Chloe Smith. Over the next 24 months, Mercator AI will accelerate the development of their early project detection tool to support pre-construction teams with macro industry insights, competitive intelligence, and client monitoring tools. Mercator AI is the first industry intelligence tool for construction that analyzes millions of construction activities from conception through to post-construction. Across commercial and industrial projects, Mercator AI is able to identify signals of early construction activity, reveal whos involved, and surface personalized, viable opportunities to its users as-they-happen. Mercator AIs data-first platform gives business developers a view theyve never had before and the tools to make better decisions, faster. To learn more about Mercator AI and its real-time construction intelligence platform, visit their website and start a two-week trial. To stay up to date on Mercator AI news, make sure to follow the companys LinkedIn page. For more information and to schedule an interview with Mercator AIs CEO, Chloe Smith, please contact Madhu Dhanapal at [email protected]. About Mercator AI:Mercator AI is a real-time construction intelligence platform enabling business developers across construction, real estate, and manufacturing to find and qualify new opportunities faster. By mining and analyzing millions of data points across commercial and industrial projects, Mercator AI is able to identify signals of early construction activity, reveal whos involved, and tie this active project information back to rich company profiles. Their mission is to give business developers more time to do what they do best, and support them with the insights they need to have informed and productive conversations. More at mercator.ai About Freestyle Ventures:Freestyle is an early-stage venture capital firm with over $565M AUM and investments in over 155 technology companies including Airtable, Intercom, Patreon, and BetterUp. General Partners David Samuel and Jenny Lefcourt are serial entrepreneurs and business operators with more than 25 years of technology experience. Freestyle was founded in 2009, being one of the first firms to specialize exclusively on seed-stage companies, be composed of founders turned VCs, and proactively work to improve diversity in the industry. More at freestyle.vc About Builders VC:Builders VC is an early-stage venture capital firm with $450MM of AUM focused on investing where technology meets new business models to modernize antiquated industries including healthcare, agriculture, industrials and real-estate. Its thesis involves applying technology and new business models to sectors where the percentage of IT spending vs. revenue is minimal. In these sectors, there exists a significant gap between what is technically possible versus what is presently implemented. More at builders.vc About Standup Ventures:StandUp Ventures is a Toronto-based, seed stage venture capital fund focused on investing in high growth ventures with at least one female founder in a key leadership role. We believe that women led companies think outside the box, recruit great talent, and serve bigger markets. We invest in seed-stage, for-profit technology companies with at least one woman in a C-level leadership position within the company and an equitable amount of ownership. We're dedicated to curious, confident, and fearless entrepreneurs building ground-breaking technology companies. We partner with ambitious founders across Canada to break through from Seed to Series A. More at standupvc.com About Zacua Ventures:Zacua Ventures is an early-stage VC focused on investments in the Built Environment at a global scale. We partner with top-tier corporates in this space across every aspect of the value chain and enable our portfolio companies to connect with them seamlessly. We drive value and accelerate growth for our partners and entrepreneurs through access to innovative technologies, strategic insights into emerging trends and unrivaled scalability through our network of industry leaders. More at zacuaventures.com The51:The51 is a Financial Feminist platform where current and aspiring investors (particularly women* and gender-diverse* individuals), come together to democratize access to capital for women and gender-diverse founders. By driving capital and commercialisation, The51 builds mutual wealth and social/environmental impact, shares knowledge and experiences and practices intersectional feminism through financial action. Our community of influential feminist investors, innovators, and consumers are building the Financial Feminist economy. (*When we say women we mean all individuals who identify as women. Transgender women are women. The51 is built by women for everyone.) More at the51.com Attachment Madhu Dhanapal Mercator AI 647-867-5480 [email protected] Source: Mercator AI TORONTO, March 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Copper Road Resources Inc. (TSXV: CRD) (Copper Road or the Company) announces that is has completed its previously announced non-brokered private placement consisting of the sale of 5,000,000 units of the Company (each, a Unit) at a price of $0.08 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $400,000 (the Offering). Each Unit was comprised of one common share of the Company and one common share purchase warrant (each, a Warrant). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one common share of the Company at a price of $0.15 for a period of 24 months following the closing date of the Offering. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering to further explore the Companys properties, and for working capital and general corporate purposes. The securities issued pursuant to the Offering are subject to a statutory four month and one day hold period. A 7.0% cash finders fee was paid to eligible finders on the sale of Units sourced by such finders in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. Certain directors and management of the Company (the Insiders) purchased an aggregate of 708,500 Units pursuant to the Offering. Participation by the Insiders in the Offering was considered a related party transaction pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61- 101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (MI 61-101). The Company was exempt from the requirements to obtain a formal valuation or minority shareholder approval in connection with the Insiders participation in the Offering in reliance of sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101. A material change report in connection with the participation of Insiders in the Offering will be filed less than 21 days in advance of the closing of the Offering, which the Company deemed reasonable in the circumstances so as to be able to avail itself of potential financing opportunities and complete the Offering in an expeditious manner. About Copper Road Copper Road Resources Inc. is a Canadian based explorer engaged in the acquisition, exploration and evaluation of properties for the mining of precious and base metals. The Company is exploring for large copper/gold deposits on the 21,000-hectare Batchewana Bay Project 80 km. north of Sault St. Marie, Ontario, Canada. Further Information For further information regarding Copper Road, please contact: Mr. John Timmons, President/CEO and Director Copper Road Resources Inc. Cellular (416) 931 2243 Email: [email protected] Web: www.copperroad.ca Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", proposed, "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, the proposed use of proceeds from the Offering; the Companys objectives, goals and exploration activities conducted and proposed to be conducted at the Companys properties; future growth potential of the Company, including whether any proposed exploration programs at any of the Companys properties will be successful; exploration results; and future exploration plans and costs and financing availability. These forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time such statements were made. Actual future results may differ materially as 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 materially differ from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors, among other things, include: the expected benefits to the Company relating to the exploration conducted and proposed to be conducted at the Companys properties; the receipt of all applicable regulatory approvals for the Offering; the completion of the Offering on the terms described herein, or at all; failure to identify any mineral resources or significant mineralization; the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, including to fund any exploration programs on the Companys properties; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of gold, silver, base metals or certain other commodities; fluctuations in currency markets; change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations pressures, cave-ins and flooding); inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining and mineral exploration; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); the unlikelihood that properties that are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines; geological factors; actual results of current and future exploration; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be evaluated; soil sampling results being preliminary in nature and are not conclusive evidence of the likelihood of a mineral deposit; title to properties; and those factors described in the most recently filed managements discussion and analysis of the Company. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as 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 statements and information. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information, or the material factors or assumptions used to develop such forward-looking information, will prove to be accurate. The Company does not undertake to release publicly any revisions for updating any voluntary forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable securities law. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Source: Copper Road Resources Inc. - Company entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement for substantially all of the operating assets of the Clinical Labs division - Enzo Life Sciences reports revenue of $7.5 million, with Jan-23 revenue of $3.6M as the second highest monthly revenue in over 10 years FARMINGDALE, NY, March 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Enzo Biochem, Inc. (NYSE: ENZ), a pioneering biosciences and diagnostics company, filed its Form 10-Q for the second quarter ended January 31, 2023 of Fiscal Year 2023 (Q2 FY23). Enzo Biochem will not be hosting a financial webcast or call for this most recent quarterly reporting period. On March 16, 2023, Enzo Biochem announced that the Company entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with respect to the sale of substantially all of the operating assets and assignment of certain liabilities which are necessary to operate the business of the Clinical Labs division. This acquisition was part of an effort to evaluate strategic initiatives for Enzo Biochem that was initiated in 2022, in collaboration with the investment bank Jefferies LLC, said Hamid Erfanian, CEO of Enzo Biochem. By unlocking significant value for Enzo shareholders, the transaction positions Enzo to consider strategies to maximize the potential and value of the companys remaining assets, including the Enzo Life Sciences segment. Second Quarter 2023 Revenue Results Revenues reached $16.3M in the second quarter, a decrease of 52% compared to $34.0M in the second quarter of last year and a decrease of 11% sequentially compared to the first quarter of FY23. The decrease compared to Q2 FY22 was driven by the decline of COVID testing and timing of bulk product orders. Q2 FY23 revenues for Enzo Life Sciences were $7.5 million. After adjusting for a bulk order in the prior year, Q2 FY23 revenues were near flat compared to Q2 FY22. Revenues grew 6% when compared to the sequential period of Q1 FY23, with Europe contributing approximately 20% growth. The January 2023 revenue was the second highest monthly revenue in over 10 years. Q2 FY23 revenues for the Clinical Lab segment were $8.8 million, a decrease of 63% compared to the $23.7 million in the second quarter of last year, primarily impacted by the decline in COVID testing revenues. Non-COVID testing accessions grew 7% compared to the same period in the prior year, but those revenues declined due to payer and liquidation rate adjustments, as well as a charge to revenue due to a Medicaid audit. About Enzo Biochem Enzo Biochem is a pioneer in molecular diagnostics, leading the convergence of clinical laboratories, life sciences and intellectual property through the development of unique diagnostic platform technologies that provide numerous advantages over previous standards. A global company, Enzo Biochem utilizes cross-functional teams to develop and deploy products, systems and services that meet the ever-changing and rapidly growing needs of health care today and into the future. Underpinning Enzo Biochems products and technologies is a broad and deep intellectual property portfolio, with patent coverage across a number of key enabling technologies. For more information, please visit Enzo.com or follow Enzo Biochem on Twitter and LinkedIn. Forward-Looking Statements Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this release may be considered "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements include declarations regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company and its management, including those related to cash flow, gross margins, revenues, and expenses which are dependent on a number of factors outside of the control of the Company including, inter alia, the markets for the Companys products and services, costs of goods and services, other expenses, government regulations, litigation, and general business conditions. See Risk Factors in the Companys Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2022. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could materially affect actual results. The Company disclaims any obligations to update any forward-looking statement as a result of developments occurring after the date of this release. ### Enzo Biochem Contacts For Enzo Biochem: For Media: For Investors: Patricia Eckert, Interim CFO 631-755-5500 peckert@enzo.com Lynn Granito Berry & Company Public Relations 212-253-8881 [email protected] Chris Calabrese LifeSci Advisors, LLC 917-680-5608 [email protected] Source: Enzo Biochem, Inc. State of Missouri, et al. v. Joseph R. Biden, Jr., et al. Washington, D.C., March 20, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a thorough and well-reasoned decision, Judge Terry A. Doughty of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana has denied government defendants motion to dismiss in State of Missouri, et al. v. Joseph R. Biden, Jr., et al. The New Civil Liberties Alliance, a nonpartisan, nonprofit civil rights group, represents renowned epidemiologists Drs. Jay Bhattacharya and Martin Kulldorff, as well as Dr. Aaron Kheriaty and Ms. Jill Hines, in a lawsuit that has exposed an elaborate, multi-agency federal government censorship regime. Judge Doughty wrote, The Court finds that the Complaint alleges significant encouragement and coercion that converts the otherwise private conduct of censorship on social media platforms into state action, and is unpersuaded by Defendants arguments to the contrary. Discovery in the lawsuit unequivocally establishes that at least eleven federal agencies and sub-agencies, including CDC and DHS, directed social media companies to censor viewpoints that conflict with the federal governments messaging on topics ranging from Covid-19 to elections. Federal officials engaged in a lawless, expansive censorship campaign that employed illicit tacticsincluding coercion, collusion and coordinationon social media companies to suppress the airing of disfavored perspectives on Covid-19 and other topics. As a direct result of state action, NCLAs clients were blacklisted, shadow-banned, de-boosted, throttled, and censored, merely for articulating views opposed to government-approved views on Covid-19 restrictions and regulations. Judge Doughty held that Plaintiffs have plausibly alleged state action under the theories of joint participation, entwinement, and the combining of factors such as subsidization, authorization, and encouragement. In confirming Plaintiffs standing, Judge Doughty said, The threat of future censorship is substantial, and the history of past censorship is strong evidence that the threat of further censorship is not illusory or merely speculative. Judge Doughty also found Plaintiffs alleged injuries-in-fact are redressable by the Court, and that Plaintiffs had demonstrated sovereign immunity does not bar their First Amendment, ultra vires, or APA claims. NCLA looks forward to continuing to litigate this vitally important First Amendment case before the Court. NCLA released the following statements: The US government used its vast power over social media and big tech to censor legitimate scientific and policy discussion about Covid during the pandemic. This was a gross violation of basic American civil liberties. Had free speech been permitted instead, perhaps many fewer Americans would have been harmed by destructive and epidemiologically useless policies like lockdowns, school closures, vaccine discrimination, toddler masking and much else. Missouri v. Biden is the most important First Amendment legal case in a generation, and I am pleased that it will be proceeding forward. Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, Plaintiff, State of Missouri, et al. v. Joseph R. Biden, Jr., et al. Todays remarkable decision marks an important victory for free speech in America. Unlike other courts before it, the district court recognizes that the federal governments massive, far-reaching campaign of coercion and pressure on social media platforms to censor views that threaten the administrations agenda is unlawful and violates our clients First Amendment rights. Jenin Younes, Litigation Counsel, NCLA The Court has seen through the governments unrelenting efforts to deny responsibility for using its vast power to silence thousands upon thousands of Americans online, often removing factually true information the government did not like. The ruse that it was just a coincidence that all the tech companies silenced the same people saying the same things at the same time has been exposed for the canard it is. This was a whole-of-government effort to take true information from the public square, which the Constitution does not countenance. John J. Vecchione, Senior Litigation Counsel, NCLA The federal government must not play any role in policing or tampering with lawful, private speech on social media. The government cannot use private companies as proxies to do indirectly what the Constitution forbids it from doing directly. The First Amendment has no secret back door through which governments can manipulate social media messagesespecially not to ban or censor disfavored viewpoints on Covid-19 or other topics. Mark Chenoweth, President and General Counsel, NCLA For more information visit the case page here or watch the case video here. ABOUT NCLA NCLA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit civil rights group founded by prominent legal scholar Philip Hamburger to protect constitutional freedoms from violations by the Administrative State. NCLAs public-interest litigation and other pro bono advocacy strive to tame the unlawful power of state and federal agencies and to foster a new civil liberties movement that will help restore Americans fundamental rights. ### Former Chair of the Northern and Remote Forum of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to provide CNL with consultation services on Indigenous Relations in new strategic advisory role CHALK RIVER, Ontario, March 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), Canadas premier nuclear science and technology laboratory, is pleased to announce that Madeleine Redfern, the former Chair of the Northern and Remote Forum of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, has agreed to return to CNL as a strategic advisor supporting its Indigenous Relations program. Ms. Redfern first joined CNLs strategic advisory team in 2020, which was established to provide thought-leadership and support to help CNL advance its nuclear science and technology programs. As Canadas national nuclear laboratory, CNL is fully committed to meaningful engagement with First Nations, Metis and Inuit Peoples to identify mutually beneficial partnerships and opportunities for collaboration. As part of her new position, Ms. Redfern will support CNL as it works to cultivate trust and mutual understanding with these communities, by seeking out early and ongoing opportunities to incorporate Indigenous participation and involvement into its program of work. On behalf of the leadership team at CNL, I want to express how important Madeleines counsel has been these past few years, and how excited we are that she has agreed to return as an advisor to CNL on Indigenous Relations, commented Joe McBrearty, CNLs President and CEO. As we work to pursue relationship-building with Indigenous Peoples through long-term agreements, we need to fully understand the unique needs and challenges of the communities that we are engaging with. This is where Madeleines experience and insight will be valuable, and we are incredibly fortunate that we can continue to rely on her into the future. Among her responsibilities, Ms. Redfern will help CNL to improve its Indigenous engagement activities to better align with the needs and interests of local Indigenous communities, and to build capacity through the pursuit of long-term relationship agreements. Ms. Redfern will also provide guidance and leadership to CNL in areas that include equity participation, Indigenous procurement, development of an Indigenous business network, environmental monitoring and protection, human resources, and cultural heritage, among others. That work will encompass key projects and programs at the Chalk River Laboratories campus, but also at other sites across Canada, including small modular reactor (SMR) deployment activities at the Whiteshell site in Manitoba, and Indigenous engagement in the Northwest Territories and Northern Alberta in support of the Northern Transportation Route environmental cleanup. During her first contract, Ms. Redfern helped CNL better understand the many unique challenges and needs of Canadian municipalities and those of Northern Canada, who may be in a position to benefit from SMRs and other clean energy technologies that CNL is advancing. As part of that work, Ms. Redfern helped to facilitate engagements with representatives from remote regions in the Arctic, providing CNL with the opportunity to initiate and develop meaningful relationships with these communities to inform their own research programs. At CNL, we believe that SMRs have the potential to serve as a transformative technology for regions such as Canadas Arctic, establishing a foundation for environmental, social and economic prosperity, added Mr. McBrearty. But first, we must understand the realities and complexities of Northern and Indigenous communities in Canada. That is part of the journey we are on right now in our clean energy program, and Madeleines support has been really important to this process. For more details on CNL, including its research programs, please visit www.cnl.ca. About CNL As Canadas premier nuclear science and technology laboratory, and working under the direction of AECL, CNL is a world leader in the development of innovative nuclear science and technology products and services. Guided by an ambitious corporate strategy known as Vision 2030, CNL fulfills three strategic priorities of national importance restoring and protecting the environment, advancing clean energy technologies, and contributing to the health of Canadians. By leveraging the assets owned by Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), CNL also serves as the nexus between government, the nuclear industry, the broader private sector and the academic community. CNL works in collaboration with these sectors to advance innovative Canadian products and services towards real-world use, including carbon-free energy, cancer treatments and other therapies, non-proliferation technologies and waste management solutions. To learn more about CNL, please visit www.cnl.ca. CNL Contact:Patrick QuinnDirector, Corporate Communications1-866-886-2325 Source: Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) Transaction enables a debt facility of up to $75 million Capital infusion will assist global expansion of Palettes product portfolio, including Barrigel in the United States SANTA BARBARA, Calif. and STOCKHOLM, Sweden, March 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Palette Life Sciences, a global life sciences company, today announced that it has entered into a debt financing facility for up to $75 million (debt facility) with OrbiMed, an investor in the healthcare industry. The non-dilutive capital provides further financial flexibility to support global commercial and product development activities across its product portfolio. Under the terms of the debt facility, Palette Life Sciences can borrow up to $75 million based on the achievement of certain milestones and other specified conditions, including $50 million immediately available at closing. A portion of the proceeds will go towards paying Palettes outstanding balance under its credit facility with Silicon Valley Bank (SVB). Per Lango, CEO and Board Director of Palette Life Sciences, said Securing this credit facility is a significant step forward for Palette Life Sciences. This access to increased non-dilutive funding will support the expansion of our global footprint and the development of our portfolio of minimally invasive treatments targeting unmet medical needs in radiotherapy and interventional oncology procedures, urology/urogynecology disorders and colorectal conditions. This facility provides sufficient resources to deliver on our key commercial and regulatory milestones. Palette Life Sciences product portfolio leverages its global rights to Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid (NASHA), a stabilized form of hyaluronic acid, as a foundational platform for its products that serve urologic, oncologic, pediatric and incontinence patients across the globe. NASHA has been proven safe and effective and has been used for more than 20 years in over 50 million medical procedures worldwide. Licensed by Palette from Galderma, NASHAs proprietary attributes make it ideal for a broad range of medical uses. Palette Life Sciences flagship product, Barrigel, is made from NASHA. Barrigel is an injectable biodegradable material that separates the prostate from the rectum to protect it during radiation therapy treatment for prostate cancer. Barrigel received FDA clearance in May 2022 and is available within the US, EU, and Australia. Barrigel is being developed for future market introduction in Japan and Latin America. Pivotal Safety and Efficacy Clinical Trial Data of Barrigel were recently published in JAMA Oncology where the product was proven safe and effective in improving rectal dosimetry and reducing acute Grade 2+ GI toxicity in the first FDA-reviewed randomized controlled trial of rectal spacing using hypofractionated radiotherapy. James Leech, VP of Strategy & Corporate Development at Palette Life Sciences, stated This debt financing provides Palette Life Sciences with important growth capital as we continue to progress our product portfolio into expanded indications and drive continued revenue growth globally. We are thrilled to be partnering with the OrbiMed team and have a shared vision for Palettes future. Matthew Rizzo, General Partner of OrbiMed, added, We are thrilled to support the Palette Life Sciences team as they seek to expand their commercial footprint within uro-oncology and urology care settings globally. About Palette Life Sciences Palette Life Sciences is a fully integrated life sciences company whose products improve patient outcomes in radiotherapy and interventional oncology procedures, urology/urogynecology disorders and colorectal conditions. The companys portfolio of available products includes Barrigel, Deflux, Solesta, and Lidbree. Palette Life Sciences moves rapidly to leverage novel applications of existing technologies to create breakthrough medical solutions. This focus enables the company to serve those often overlooked by traditional medical companies and improve patient quality of life. Led by experienced healthcare executives, Palette Life Sciences is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, with offices in Santa Barbara, California; Dallas, Texas; and Sydney, Australia. Learn more at http://www.palettelifesciences.com. About OrbiMed OrbiMed is a healthcare investment firm, with approximately $19 billion in assets under management. OrbiMed invests globally across the healthcare industry through a range of private equity funds, public equity funds, and royalty/credit funds. OrbiMed's team of over 100 professionals is based in New York City, San Francisco, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Herzliya and other key global markets. Media ContactGlenn SilverLazar Finn Partners[email protected]646 871 8485 Source: Palette Life Sciences DALAT, Vietnam, March 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Great Prayer Wheel Drigung Kagyu Rinchen Khorchen Khorwe Go Gek, located at Samten Hills cultural and spiritual tourist complex in Dalat, Vietnam, was officially inaugurated on March 11th, 2023, certified by the Guinness World Records as the world's largest prayer wheel. The Great Prayer Wheel is made of pure copper, inlaid with 24K gold, weighing 200 tons, 37.22 meters in height and 16.53 meters in diameter. Its unique design and enormous size make it an architectural wonder that has attracted global visitors. Its intricate details, beautiful colors, and breathtaking view of the surrounding hills and forests create a serene and peaceful atmosphere that inspires reflection and contemplation. The Guinness World Records recognition strongly promotes the image of the Great Buddhist prayer wheel in the Vajrayana Buddhist spiritual complex at Samten Hills Dalat and the beauty of Lam Dong province to the world. This way, Samten Hills Dalat became a symbol of friendship, peace, and diplomatic culture between Vietnam, India, and many other countries. https://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/66ace48f-339d-43c7-9a3a-53cc681398cf" style="display:block; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto;" width="600"/> The space of Vajrayana Buddhism in Samten Hills Dalat is a rare, unique construction rich in cultural value. It is made with Nepal painters' ancient art. Each line and pattern is made by the artists' concentration and the union of body and mind, carrying deep and mysterious meanings. Visitors can admire beautiful paintings of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Sanghas with sophisticated details that cannot be found anywhere else, such as the intriguing similarity between fine lines created by painters from the Himalayas and those drawn by artists of the Ly Dynasty of Vietnam. The structure also contributes to the local socio-economic development, creates jobs, and increases the residents' income. Many local dignitaries, religious leaders, and cultural enthusiasts attended the inauguration ceremony. A commemorative plaque followed the Guinness World Records official announcement as a testament to the Great Prayer Wheel's achievement. The representative of Samten Hills Dalat shared: The spiritual, cultural complex here will receive the attention of the Vietnamese Buddhist community. With the largest prayer wheel in the world, Samten Hills Dalat is also responsible for creating a spiritual and cultural space, reviving the flow of history, and leaving significant legacies in forming space Vietnamese flourished during the Ly - Tran dynasties centuries ago. Until now, those heritages are still valuable to the spiritual life of Vietnamese people. Mr. Nguyen Huu Dzung - Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front shared: Vietnam is one of the countries with favorable conditions and full convergence of schools in Buddhism. There are Northern and Southern Buddhist sects, Zen Buddhism, Pure Land Buddhism and Tantric Buddhism, including Vajrayana Buddhism. In addition, Vietnamese Buddhism also developed unique sects, and some can only be found in Vietnam, such as the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen school and Mendicant Buddhist. They coexist, support, and complement each other's good values, directing people towards truthfulness, compassion, and beauty. The Largest Prayer Wheel and Samten Hills Dalat are now open to the public. Visitors are welcome to experience the beauty and serenity firsthand. It would be the perfect destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in Vietnamese culture and spirituality and Dalat's lush greenery and stunning scenery. About Samten Hills DalatSamten Hills Dalat - a holistic destination for spirit, mind and body is located in Kambute village, Tu Tra commune, Don Duong district, Lam Dong, Vietnam. Inspired by traditional Himalayan culture, the heart of Samten Hills Dalat is the space of Vajrayana Buddhism founded by the Most Venerable Drubwang Sonam Jorfel - a venerable monk from the pure Buddha-land of Ladakh - India, to Vietnam. With the support of the Vietnam Buddhist Association in Lam Dong province, the Most Venerable Drubwang Sonam Jorfel and his students created a cultural and spiritual space for Vajrayana Buddhism Drikung Kagyu Samten Ling Vietnam. The Vietnam Union of UNESCO Associations recognized it as a Vajrayana Buddhism Cultural Space. ContactHotline: 19007071Website: https://samtenhills.vn/ Email: [email protected] https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/66ace48f-339d-43c7-9a3a-53cc681398cf Samten Hills Dalat The Largest Prayer Wheel in the world "Drigung Kagyu Rinchen Khorchen Khorwe Go Gek" at Samten Hills Dalat, Lam Dong, Vietnam was recognized by the Guinness World Records Source: Samten Hills Dalat FILE PHOTO: Airplane model is placed on displayed Spirit Airlines and jetBlue Airways logos in this illustration taken, June 21, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustrations By Nate Raymond and David Shepardson BOSTON (Reuters) - A U.S. judge on Tuesday scheduled an Oct. 16 trial in the U.S. Justice Department's lawsuit seeking to halt JetBlue Airways Corp's planned $3.8 billion acquisition of ultra-low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines Inc. U.S. District Judge William Young in Boston scheduled the nonjury, four-week trial during the first hearing to be held in the blockbuster case, which the Justice Department filed two weeks ago. A lawyer for JetBlue, Ryan Shores, had pushed for a trial in September, saying the airline wanted time to pursue any appeals before a July 2024 deadline to close the merger. Young, though, said October was the soonest his schedule would allow. But Young promised to move expeditiously and rebuffed a Justice Department lawyer's suggestion to give the government until as late as January to try the case. He said he believed he had an "obligation" to try to rule by 2023's end. "I'm perfectly prepared to handle the matter and look forward to it," Young said. The lawsuit is the latest attempt by President Joe Biden's administration to push back against further consolidation in industries with the fewest competitors. The Justice Department, which sued alongside the states of Massachusetts and New York as well as Washington, D.C., said the merger of JetBlue and Spirit would "combine two especially close and fierce head-to-head competitors. It said the deal was "presumptively illegal" and that JetBlue planned to remove 10% to 15% of seats from every Spirit plane. Shores, JetBlue's lawyer, countered during Tuesday's virtual hearing that the deal was "a pro-competitive transaction." "It's good for consumers," he said. "It'll shake up the airline industry, and so it should be approved on an expedited basis." The case is separate from a still-pending antitrust lawsuit the Justice Department also filed in Boston that seeks to force American Airlines and JetBlue to scrap their U.S. Northeast partnership because it would mean higher prices for consumers. The parties are awaiting a judge's ruling in that case, and Justice Department attorney Edward Duffy said it wanted time before the Spirit case goes to trial to see how JetBlue's business strategies change once it is decided. (Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston and David Shepardson in Washington; editing by Jonathan Oatis) FILE PHOTO: A Qualcomm sign is shown outside one of the company's many buildings in San Diego, California, U.S., September 17, 2020. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo By Jody Godoy (Reuters) - A federal judge has ruled that shareholders suing chip maker Qualcomm Inc for allegedly hiding anticompetitive sales and licensing practices may bring their claims as a class action. The lawsuit filed in San Diego, California, alleges Qualcomm and its executives repeatedly described its businesses of selling chips and licensing its technology to other companies as separate, when in fact the company bundled them in a bid to stifle competition. The investors leading the case claim the misrepresentations artificially inflated the price of Qualcomm shares between 2012 and 2017. Qualcomm has called the allegations meritless. U.S. District Judge Jinsook Ohta on Monday rejected Qualcomm's argument that the sales practices were already publicly known. Qualcomm's responses to antitrust allegations by regulators revealed "far more detail" about the practices and the customers affected, she wrote. The class covers investors who bought Qualcomm common stock between Feb. 1, 2012 and Jan. 20, 2017 and incurred losses. Qualcomm paid the Korea Fair Trade Commission 1.03 trillion won ($912.34 million) in 2017 for what the regulator called unfair business practices in licensing and chip sales. The San Diego-based company also faces a consumer lawsuit in California alleging its practices violated state law. The case is Shah v. Qualcomm Incorporated et al., U.S. District Court, Southern District of California, No. 17-121 (Reporting by Jody Godoy in New York; Editing by Bill Berkrot) FILE PHOTO: The corporate logo of the UnitedHealth Group appears on the side of one of their office buildings in Santa Ana, California, U.S., April 13, 2020. REUTERS/Mike Blake WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Justice Department has dismissed its own appeal challenging UnitedHealth Group's nearly $8 billion acquisition last year of Change Healthcare, a court filing showed. The healthcare deal was seen as a blow to the Biden administration's tougher enforcement of antitrust issues. The Justice Department had argued the deal would give UnitedHealth, the largest U.S. health insurer, access to its competitors' data and ultimately push up healthcare costs. UnitedHealth announced the deal in January 2021, saying it would help streamline administrative and payment processes. The Justice Department filed a lawsuit last February to stop the acquisition over antitrust concerns. A U.S. judge denied the department's bid in September, paving the way for the October completion of the all-cash deal. The department then appealed the ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals in the District of Columbia. A court filing from Monday said the parties had agreed the appeal be voluntarily dismissed, without providing details. The Justice Department did not immediately provide comment on Tuesday on why it had dropped the appeal. UnitedHealth shares were up 0.2% at $478.09. (Reporting by Rami Ayyub; Editing by Bill Berkrot) Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 21, 2023) - Cabral Gold Inc.(TSXV: CBR)(OTC Pink: CBGZF) ("Cabral" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the closing of its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement"). The Private Placement was oversubscribed by $790,000 for gross proceeds of $2,790,000. As a result, the Company issued a total of 27,900,000 units (the "Units") at a price of $0.10 per unit. Each Unit consists of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Common Share") and one common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant is exercisable for two years following the first closing of the Private Placement (the "Closing") and will entitle the holder to purchase one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.20. Further details regarding the use of net proceeds from the Private Placement can be found in the Company's news release, dated 7thMarch 2023. The Company incurred finder's fees totaling $12,000 in connection with the Closing. All securities issued in connection with the Private Placement are subject to a statutory hold period of four months plus a day from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable securities legislation and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, pursuant to which they may not be sold or transferred until July 18, 2023. Repricing of share purchase warrants The Company is pleased to announce that approval was obtained from the TSX Venture Exchange to reduce the exercise price of the 6,200,000 share purchase warrants issued in connection with the November 25, 2022 private placement from $0.30 to $0.205 through November 25, 2023 and from $0.40 to $0.30 from November 26, 2023 through November 24, 2024 (see news release dated March 7, 2023). All other terms of the warrants remain unchanged. Warrant holders are advised that replacement warrant certificates will not be issued and that the original warrant certificate must be presented to the Company in order to exercise the warrants. No changes to terms of the 1,500,000 finder warrants that were issued in connection with the November 2022 non-brokered private placement are being contemplated. About Cabral Gold Inc. The Company is a junior resource company engaged in the identification, exploration and development of mineral properties, with a primary focus on gold properties located in Brazil. The Company has a 100% interest in the Cui Cuiu gold district located in the Tapajos Region, within the state of Para in northern Brazil. Two main gold deposits have so far been defined at the Cuiu Cuiu project which contains National Instrument 43-101 compliant Indicated resources of 21.6Mt @ 0.87 g/t gold (604,000 oz) and Inferred resources of 19.8Mt @ 0.84 g/t gold (534,500 oz). The Tapajos Gold Province is the site of the largest gold rush in Brazil's history, producing an estimated 30 to 50 million ounces of placer gold between 1978 and 1995. Cuiu Cuiu was the largest area of placer workings in the Tapajos and produced an estimated 2Moz of placer gold historically. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: "Alan Carter" President and Chief Executive Officer Cabral Gold Inc. Tel: 604.676.5660 Guillermo Hughes, MAusIMM and FAIG., a consultant to the Company as well as a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, supervised the preparation of the technical information in this news release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-looking Statements This news release 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", "expected" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements 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. Such forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon. This news release contains forward-looking statements and assumptions pertaining to the following: the use of proceeds of the funds from the Private Placement including potential exploration and development activities and repayment of debt. The manner in which the Company allocates the proceeds from the Private Placement and repays the debt may vary from the information provided herein as a result of numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors. The Company believes the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. ANY FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF U.S. SECURITIES LAWS To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/159232 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 21, 2023) - Glow LifeTech Corp. (CSE: GLOW) (OTCQB: GLWLF) (FSE: 9DO) ("Glow" or the "Company"), a biotech innovator producing next-generation, science-backed natural ingredients, is pleased to announce the unveiling of its new brand identity going live today. As the Company advances its commercial plans, Glow is introducing a full top-to-bottom redesign of its logo, colour palette, packaging, marketing materials, and launching a new website, www.glowlifetech.com. The new brand identity underscores the Company's approach of using advanced technology to unleash the full potential of natural health products. The goal of the rebrand as a whole was to capture the duality of nature and science that is found at all levels of the Company, and to reflect the cutting-edge performance of its products. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3920/159287_701f6575c485c837_001full.jpg "This evolution of our brand reinforces our commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation and performance in natural health using leading-edge science and technologies," said Rob Carducci, Chief Commercial Officer, Glow LifeTech. "We are on a mission to revolutionize the effectiveness of natural health products and by combining nature's best active compounds with advanced science, we unlock a step change in what's possible across the natural health industry including vitamins, cannabis, botanicals, and more." "Our new brand identity marks the start of Glow's next chapter as we advance to the next phase of our commercial journey," said Clark Kent, CEO, Glow LifeTech. "With big plans for the future, we wanted to create a world-class brand to match, and set ourselves up for the continued growth to come." Glow is updating everything about the look and feel of its brand - including logo, colour palette, design elements and typefaces. The new brand logo consists of a new symbol and custom wordmark to visually represent the nature-science balance. The symbol is an abstract 'g' which also resembles the 'water-soluble' products produced by the Company and the custom wordmark and updated colour palette was chosen to evoke the balanced feeling of nature and advanced science. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3920/159287_701f6575c485c837_002full.jpg Operating at the intersection of food, pharma and technology, Glow is focused on developing and producing a robust portfolio of high-performance, water-soluble natural ingredients, using its suite of advanced delivery system technologies. MyCell Technology is Glow's proprietary delivery system that optimizes the absorption, bioavailability and effectiveness of natural active compounds including vitamins, cannabinoids and botanicals, using only 100% natural, food-grade components. It transforms poorly absorbed natural compounds into water-compatible concentrates that have fast-acting onset, high-absorption, precision dosing and a clean taste profile. With its portfolio of industry-leading ingredients, Glow is powering a new era of more effective, fast-acting, and great tasting functional foods, beverages, supplements, and personal care products. SUBSCRIBE: For more information on Glow or to subscribe to the Company's mail list visit: https://www.glowlifetech.com/news. About Glow LifeTech Corp. Glow LifeTech is a Canadian-based biotechnology company focused on producing nutraceutical and cannabinoid-based products with dramatically enhanced bioavailability, absorption and effectiveness. Glow has rights to the groundbreaking, plant-based MyCell Technology delivery system, which transforms poorly absorbed natural compounds into enhanced water-compatible concentrates that unlock the full healing potential of the valuable compounds. Website: www.glowlifetech.com Contact: James Van Staveren Glow LifeTech Corp. TF. 855-442-GLOW (4569) ir@glowlifetech.com Bernhard Langer EU Investor Relations +49 (0) 177 774 2314 [email protected] Forward-looking Information Cautionary Statement 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 CSE. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. There are no assurances that the commercialization plans for the technology described in this news release will come into effect on the terms or time frame described herein. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. 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. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/159287 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 21, 2023) - ION Energy Limited (TSXV: ION) (OTCQB: IONGF) (FSE: 5YB) ("ION" or the "Company"), Mongolia's first lithium brine explorer and developer, is very pleased to update the market on the progress of the water well drilling at its 100%-owned Urgakh Naran project. Water well drilling at UNWH-03 has now been completed to a depth of 300m, with a six-inch tricone bit, four-inch steel slotted pipes and gravel packed. The team has now deployed the Solinst pumps, bailers and various hydro geological testing equipment on site, to ensure that brine samples will be collected from our three water wells for analysis in the coming week. Highlights: UNWH-03 has been drilled to 300m; Additional hydro geological testing equipment, Solinst pumps and bailers have been deployed to the Urgakh Naran site. "Our team is very excited by progress that has already been made: completing UNWH-03's water well drilling at 300m. Being able to mobilize additional equipment to the site not only ensures that sampling for analysis will commence in the coming weeks, but emphasizes that ION is advancing toward inferred resource calculations at our highly-encouraging Urgakh Naran project," said Ali Haji, CEO & Director of ION Energy. Figure 1: Well cap at UNWH-03, at the Urgakh Naran Lithium Project, Mongolia. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6906/159259_61233358745b8a2d_002full.jpg. Figure 2: Continuing to deploy equipment at Urgakh Naran. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6906/159259_61233358745b8a2d_003full.jpg. Figure 3: Preparing Urgakh Naran site with hydro geological testing equipment. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6906/159259_61233358745b8a2d_004full.jpg. All technical information disclosed in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Khurelbaatar Lamzav, P.Geo., an independent consultant to the Company and a "Qualified Person" under National Instrument 43-101. About ION Energy Ltd. ION Energy Ltd. (TSXV: ION) (OTCQB: IONGF) (FSE: 5YB) is committed to exploring and developing Mongolia's lithium salars. ION's flagship, 81,000+ hectare Baavhai Uul lithium brine project, represents the largest and first lithium brine exploration licence award in Mongolia. ION also holds the 29,000+ hectare Urgakh Naran highly prospective Lithium Brine licence in Dorngovi Province in Mongolia. ION is well-poised to be a key player in the clean energy revolution, positioned well to service the world's increased demand for lithium. Information about the Company is available on its website, www.ionenergy.ca, or under its profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. For further information: COMPANY CONTACT: Ali Haji, [email protected], 647-871-4571 MEDIA CONTACT: Siloni Waraich, [email protected],416-432-4920 Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information 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. Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Company's future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "estimates", "may", "could", "would", "will", or "plan". Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to the Company, the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, the Company's objectives, goals or future plans, statements, potential mineralization, exploration and development results, the estimation of mineral resources, exploration and mine development plans, timing of the commencement of operations and estimates of market conditions. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from ION Energy's expectations include, among others, uncertainties relating to availability and costs of financing needed in the future, changes in equity markets, risks related to international operations, the actual results of current exploration activities, delays in the development of projects, conclusions of economic evaluations and changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined as well as future prices of lithium, and ability to predict or counteract potential impact of COVID-19 coronavirus on factors relevant to the Company's business. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and 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. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/159259 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 21, 2023) - MineHub Technologies Inc. (TSXV: MHUB)(OTCQB: MHUBF) ("MineHub" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") to raise total proceeds of up to C$2,000,000. The Private Placement will consist of 8,000,000 units at a price of $0.25 per unit (each a "Unit"). Each Unit is comprised of one common share of the Company and one-half of one transferable common share purchase warrant (each whole being a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one common share of the Company for a period of 2 years from closing at a price of $0.40. Arnoud Star Busmann, CEO at MineHub said: "Following the Waybridge acquisition, this financing will allow the Company to move forward aggressively to capitalize on immediate opportunities on revenue growth, shorten timelines to profitability. With a now diversified base of paying customers - including leaders in key markets - and more than 100 companies exchanging information on the platforms, we believe the Company will realize rapid network effects for the Company's products and services." Proceeds of the Private Placement will be used for general working capital purposes. The completion of the Private Placement is subject to approval of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV"). All shares issued under the Private Placement will bear a hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance. The Company will pay finder's fees in connection with Private Placement as permitted by applicable securities laws and the rules of the TSXV. About MineHub Technologies MineHub is an open, enterprise-grade platform for digital trade, bringing efficiency, transparency and responsibility to supply chains. MineHub connects the many parties involved in a physical commodity transaction in a digitally integrated workflow, operating on the basis of shared authentic and validated information secured by a global enterprise blockchain network. Users of MineHub are in full control of their supply chains, enabling them to optimize their use of resources, respond better and faster to customer needs and have confidence in the resilience, security and compliance of their operations. Arnoud Star Busmann CEO, MineHub Technologies Inc. For further information regarding MineHub, please email [email protected] or visit our website at www.minehub.com. Cautionary Note Regarding 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 contains statements that are considered "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation ("forward-looking statements") with respect to MineHub including, but not limited to, statements with respect to MineHub's future operational plans, the timing of such plans and anticipated customers. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts are generally, but not always, identied by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although MineHub believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results or realities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such material risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to raise sucient capital to fund its operations, applications and for general working capital purposes, changes in economic conditions or nancial markets, changes in laws or regulations that could have an impact on the Company's operations, dependence on its key management personnel and market competition. Other risk factors are identified in the Company's prospectus dated August 18, 2021, available on the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. There may be other risk factors not presently known that management believes are not material that could also cause actual results or future events to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking information is made as of the date included herein. Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable beliefs, estimates and opinions of MineHub's management on the date the statements are made. However, except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors should change. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/159293 Daniel A. Monti, MD, MBA, announces the premiere episode of a new series, The Dr. Monti Show, that will explore ground-breaking topics in integrative medicine. PHILADELPHIA, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Daniel A. Monti, MD is excited to announce the launch of his new series, The Dr. Monti Show, where complex, holistic health topics will be presented in an accessible and engaging manner to educate and empower audiences. The Dr. Monti Show premieres March 24, 2023, at 7:30pm EST. Learn more about how to watch The Dr. Monti Show premiere on Dr. Monti's website. Dr. Monti is the founding Chair of the Department of Integrative Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University's Sidney Kimmel Medical College, the founder and CEO of the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health, and co-author of Tapestry of Health. In each episode of The Dr. Monti Show, Dr. Monti meets with leading health experts, such as physicians, researchers, and therapists, to dive deep into the latest advancements in integrative medical approaches to treating illnesses and achieving optimal wellness. Topics that will be covered in the The Dr. Monti Show include: Integrative medicine and its role in modern healthcare Mind-body medicine and the impact of mental health on overall well-being The science behind stress reduction and relaxation techniques Nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle choices that support optimal health The role of spirituality and mindfulness in personal development In the premiere episode, titled "Can Our Brains Change?," Dr. Monti debunks previous ways of thinking about the brain. He uses an MRI/PET scanner, a new technology, to demonstrate how the brain can be functionally rewired to help increase focus and mood, lower the risk of developing dementia, and improve overall quality of life. "We explore what is possible using cutting-edge tools to assess the brain and its connection with the body," says Dr. Monti. "Viewers will also hear from real patients about dramatic healing processes that have been unlocked with the brain's power." The host of The Dr. Monti Show, Dr. Dan Monti, brings over 25 years of expertise in integrative medicine, neuro-science research, and education, making him uniquely qualified to decode complex topics and empower listeners seeking integrative medicine strategies that recognize the whole person, including mind, body, and spirit. "My career has been dedicated to improving patient lives through the implementation of evidence-based, personalized techniques," says Dr. Monti. "Accordingly, The Dr. Monti Show will provide thought-provoking content, expert insight on emerging technologies in healthcare, and share how patients can benefit from implementing integrative health strategies to help them heal and thrive." To understand more about the basic concepts of Integrative Medicine, watch Dr. Monti's short video on Tapestry of Health, where you can learn about his recent book and gain an overview of Integrative Health concepts. About Daniel A. Monti, MD, MBA: Dr. Daniel A. Monti is the founder and CEO of the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health and founding Chair of the Department of Integrative Medicine and Nutritional Sciences at Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University. This is the first department of Integrative Medicine at a US medical school, and it offers a wide range of academic programs, research trials, and clinical programs of excellence at its two locations, in Philadelphia and Villanova. The Philadelphia office is located at 925 Chestnut Street, Suite 120, Philadelphia, PA 19107, and the Villanova office is located at 789 East Lancaster Avenue, Suite 110, Villanova, PA 19085. Learn more about the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health at www.jeffersonhealth.org/clinical-specialties/integrative-medicine. Media Contact: Dr. Daniel Monti, (215) 955-4410 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/announcing-the-dr-monti-show-on-integrative-health-and-the-intersection-of-science-health-and-personal-well-being-premiering-march-24-2023-at-730pm-301777811.html SOURCE Daniel A. Monti, MD Roy Lichtenstein (1923-1997), the iconic American artist of the pop art movement, stunned the art world in 1961 with his large paintings starring cartoon characters and a range of consumer products, among other unlikely subjects. Some art connoisseurs found them outrageous, but others saw great meaning in them. Lichtenstein's career quickly took off. Pop art, which arose in the late 1950s and reached its height in the 1960s, looked to popular culture for its aesthetic. It often was seen as poking fun at consumerism. With their trademark heavy black outlining, intense colors, dot patterns simulating four-color mechanical printing and machine-made quality, Lichtenstein's paintings are instantly recognizable. The many honors Lichtenstein received over the course of his career include induction into the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 1979 and the National Medal of Arts in 1995. His work is found in prestigious museums and galleries around the world. CANBERRA, Australia, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Australia's national science agency, CSIRO, has launched a mission to deliver a world first ground-to-space water quality monitoring system. The United Nations estimates three billion people could be at risk from unsafe water. Through AquaWatch Australia, CSIRO is working with partners internationally to help safeguard freshwater and coastal resources. AquaWatch will provide near real-time updates and predictive forecasting a weather service for water quality once fully operational. It will support better water quality management and can be used to monitor water quality for drinking, sanitation, aquaculture, environmental assessment and a wide range of other applications to help meet the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. CSIRO, with foundation partner SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre, is bringing together research, government and industry with an initial co-investment of AU$83 million to design and develop AquaWatch. Data collected using an extensive network of Earth observation satellites and ground-based water sensors will be integrated at a central data hub where CSIRO's capability in data analysis and artificial intelligence can provide forecasts a few days ahead. CSIRO Chief Executive, Dr Larry Marshall said water is one of the world's most important and vital resources. "In places where people still face the risk of unsafe water for basic needs like drinking and sanitation, a service such as AquaWatch could be a game-changer. "The ingenuity behind AquaWatch is it integrates Earth observation with other science capabilities like in-situ sensing, ecosystem modelling, engineering, data science and artificial intelligence. "It is the latest example of CSIRO's Missions Program, which are large-scale scientific and collaborative research initiatives aimed at accelerating the pace and scale at which we can solve the greatest challenges." CSIRO and its international partners are already working together on pilot projects in: California, USA in partnership with the University of California, Davis and University of California, Merced, focusing on turbidity in a major water storage Sarawak, Malaysia in partnership with Swinburne University Sarawak, focusing on carbon losses from mangrove forests Chile, focusing on salmon aquaculture and desalination Colombia, focusing on coastal wetlands Vietnam, in partnership with Vietnam's National Center for Water Resources and Investigation (NAWAPI) and Hanoi University of Mining and Geology (HUMG), focusing on drinking water supplies and hydroelectricity needs. CSIRO is Australia's pre-eminent national science organisation, accelerating innovation through global science. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/australia-creating-world-first-weather-service-for-water-quality-301776914.html SOURCE CSIRO MURRAY, Utah, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Beehive Insurance is excited to announce its new headquarters at the Riverboat Road Building in Taylorsville, Utah, following sister company Geneva Rock's acquisition of the property. The move will allow Beehive Insurance to better serve its clients while expanding operations. "Joining the vibrant Taylorsville community is an exciting step for Beehive Insurance," said Doug Snow, President of Beehive Insurance. "Additional space supports both Beehive's regional expansion and our business model of premier and personal service. We'll be taking our statewide operation to a new levelit's energized our whole team." Beehive Insurance's former location in Murray, Utah, was no longer sufficient due to growth within the company. Years of success in the trucking, construction, and non-profit industries fueled the growth of Beehive Insurance. Being a Best Practices Agency has also helped the company attract top talent and grow significantly through the years. "I believe that Beehive Insurance's decision to choose Taylorsville as its new home speaks volumes about the city's business-friendly environment and strong workforce," said Ryan Starks, Executive Director for the Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. "I'm confident this partnership will not only benefit Beehive Insurance but also contribute to the economic growth of Taylorsville and the state of Utah." The new headquarters, located in the heart of Salt Lake Valley, will offer the company more space while staying centrally located. Beehive Insurance will lease 15,000 square feet on the second floor, including shared office space, a 64-person training room, a gym, a conference room, and flex offices. An extensive interior remodel and parking lot resurfacing are currently in progress, with Beehive Insurance planning to move into the new building after March 31. "I am thrilled to welcome Beehive Insurance to our community, and I'm confident their presence in Taylorsville will have a positive impact on our local economy," said Utah State Senator Wayne Harper. "With Beehive Insurance's sterling reputation in the industry and their new opportunity to grow, they are headed for stellar success, both in this state and beyond." About Beehive Insurance Since 1961, Beehive Insurance has been in the business of building trust. As one of Utah's largest full-service, independent insurance agencies, Beehive Insurance delivers outstanding coverage options and business solutions for clients throughout the Intermountain West. Beehive Insurance specializes in all types of commercial insurance and employee benefits. Time and time again, Beehive Insurance clients recommend Beehive as their preferred insurance partner due to our reliability, attention to detail, and value-added products and services. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/beehive-insurance-relocating-headquarters-to-taylorsville-301776387.html SOURCE Beehive Insurance Agency PHILADELPHIA, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- 3D geospatial software company Cesium announces the release of "Cesium for Omniverse," an extension that enables 3D geospatial capability for NVIDIA Omniverse, a real-time 3D graphics collaboration development platform. Cesium for Omniverse is free and open source under the Apache 2.0 License. Cesium for Omniverse is free and open source under the Apache 2.0 License. NVIDIA Omniverse is used to connect, build, and operate industrial metaverse applications such as digital twin simulations. Cesium for Omniverse works with Omniverse Kit-based applications, such as Omniverse USD Composer (formerly Create), a reference application for large-scale world building and advanced 3D scene composition for Universal Scene Description (USD)-based workflows, and Omniverse Code, an integrated development environment for developers. Cesium for Omniverse enables developers to create metaverses in precise geospatial context and stream massive real-word 3D content to their applications and simulations. "The core of Cesium has always been to innovate at the interaction of computer graphics and geospatial by applying graphics techniques to 3D geospatial challenges," said Cesium CEO Patrick Cozzi. "Since I entered the graphics field 20 years ago, I've watched NVIDIA's work with intent, and we believe there is a bright future at the intersection of NVIDIA Omniverse and Cesium." Cesium for Omniverse has already been used to simulate Cape Canaveral launch operations in a demo created by Cesium, Epic Games, NVIDIA, and the U.S. Space Force for the Spaceport Integrated Operations Center. Cesium for Omniverse includes support for 3D Tiles, the OGC community standard created by Cesium, and integration with Cesium ion to stream 3D geospatial content to the web. "Ingesting vast amounts of real-world geospatial data into virtual worlds is fundamental to building physically accurate industrial metaverse applications and digital twins," said Rev Lebaredian, vice president of Omniverse and simulation technology at NVIDIA. "Geospatial data provides contextual information, spatial relationships and real-time monitoring capabilities critical for the simulation of real-world environments and Cesium's new Omniverse extension will provide leading geospatial technologies to the industrial metaverse community." Cesium for Omniverse is Cesium's fifth runtime engine, joining open source CesiumJS, and the open source plugins Cesium for Unreal, Cesium for Unity, and Cesium for O3DE. To learn more, join Cesium at two panels at NVIDIA GTC, a conference for the era of AI and the metaverse running online March 20-23. To learn more about NVIDIA Omniverse, watch the GTC keynote from Jensen Huang. Register free for GTC to attend sessions with NVIDIA and industry leaders. About Cesium - 3D Geospatial for the MetaverseCesium is the open 3D geospatial platform for the metaverse. Cesium created 3D Tiles, the open standard for streaming massive 3D geospatial data. With offerings like the open source Cesium for Unreal and Cesium for Unity plugins, we're empowering creators to build digitized worlds with real-world data at scale. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cesium-announces-cesium-for-omniverse-in-collaboration-with-nvidia-301776977.html SOURCE Cesium Stock Market SymbolsGIB (NYSE)GIB.A (TSX)cgi.com/newsroom PARIS, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - CGI (NYSE: GIB) (TSX: GIB.A) has signed a new five-year global framework contract by Sodexo, a French multi-national company with 422,000 employees that provides food services, facilities management services, and employee benefits to 100 million consumers daily in 53 countries. This strategic relationship will enable Sodexo to accelerate its business transformation in key domains while increasing its efficiencies at a global level. The agreement covers Sodexo's global infrastructure operations and will lead to CGI's support for the company's transformation in the areas of user experience, collaboration, network management, and cloud services, leveraging accelerators such as CGI SiteReliability360. "This new agreement demonstrates the confidence we have in CGI as a strategic partner," said Agnes Mauffrey, Global CIO of Sodexo. "Together, we will deliver on our strategy to consolidate, standardize, and scale our infrastructure and cloud operations to enhance the overall effectiveness of our organization. With this agreement, Sodexo will benefit from CGI's expertise, experience, capacity, and know-how through its local and global delivery centers of excellence." "Sodexo and CGI have a history of working together in various areas of the world," said CGI's Caroline de Grandmaison, President of CGI's operations in France and Luxemburg. "We are delighted to see the evolution of our partnership, and we look forward to helping Sodexo shape and accelerate their growth trajectory over the next five years. This new agreement gives us the opportunity to help advance Sodexo's digital transformation and expansion activities across the globe, improving its overall performance and driving its business growth." CGI will pursue a range of objectives throughout the contract, including establishing a global microservice architecture and ensuring built-in productivity cost improvements, standardizing their "build and run" services across the globe, consolidating their global and regional infrastructure, and helping Sodexo focus on key value-added activities such as relationship management and business requirements analysis. CGI has delivered IT managed services to clients across industries and the globe for more than four decades. Through an extensive global network of 30+ delivery centers, the company offers an outcome-based managed services approach that results in predictable pricing, cost savings, increased innovation, higher quality, and faster time-to-market. To learn more, visit cgi.com. About CGI Founded in 1976, CGI is among the largest independent IT and business consulting services firms in the world. With 90,250 consultants and professionals globally, CGI delivers an end-to-end portfolio of capabilities, from strategic IT and business consulting to systems integration, managed IT and business process services and intellectual property solutions. CGI works with clients through a local relationship model complemented by a global delivery network that helps clients digitally transform their organizations and accelerate results. CGI Fiscal 2022 reported revenue is $12.87 billion, and CGI shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.A) and the NYSE (GIB). Learn more at cgi.com. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cgi-to-help-sodexo-accelerate-business-transformation-and-increase-global-it-efficiencies-301776954.html SOURCE CGI Inc. LAKE CITY, Fla., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ellianos Coffee, a southeast-based drive-thru specialty coffee brand, is making its way into the Tar Heel State with three franchises coming soon. These locations are still to be determined. Ellianos currently has 32 locations open across the southeast, with over 110 more in the works. With North Carolina being one of the nation's fastest-growing states, it was a no-brainer to expand into this market. A contact at Ellianos reported on the new, coming-soon stores, "From the mountains to the piedmont to the coastal plain, coffee is one of the most popular drinks in North Carolina. We are thrilled to create strong brand awareness and are confident that fellow North Carolinians will fall in love with our high-quality products and excellent customer service." The Ellianos menu boasts Signature Creations such as the Caffe Dolce Latte, iced Tuscany Toffee Latte, or a Cookies and Cream Freezer. To serve non-coffee drinkers, Ellianos offers fruit smoothies, flavored Red Bull Energy Drink concoctions called Red Bull Rushes, teas, shakes, and more. The coffee franchise also provides food items such as breakfast sandwiches, fresh New York-style bagels, hearty breakfast bowls with creamy homemade grits, and more. Over the past year, the distinguished drive-thru coffee brand has experienced accelerated growth, expanding its footprint in Florida and Georgia and offering territories in several other states. Ellianos is currently seeking franchisees for areas in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, and North Carolina. About Ellianos Coffee Ellianos Coffee was founded in 2002 by entrepreneurs Scott and Pam Stewart with the mission to serve Italian Quality at America's Pace. In its over 20-year history, Ellianos has grown to 32 stores and has over 110 more in some stage of development. In 2023, the Franchise Business Review (FBR) named Ellianos a Top Franchise and also named Ellianos a 2022 Top Food Franchise. In its 2023 Franchise 500 list, Entrepreneur magazine recognized Ellianos among the nation's top franchises. To learn more about Ellianos Coffee franchising opportunities, please visit www.ellianos.com/franchising/. Ellianos Coffee Media ContactAbby BentonEllianos Coffee Marketing & PR Manager[email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ellianos-coffee-drive-thru-franchise-expanding-into-north-carolina-301777765.html SOURCE Ellianos Coffee Company Third Annual Report Demonstrates Company's Leadership in Cybersecurity and Commitment to Ongoing Industry Innovation ATLANTA, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Equifax (NYSE: EFX) today released its 2022 Security Annual Report, highlighting the year's accomplishments and future challenges for the industry in cybersecurity. The third annual report reflects Equifax's enhanced security transparency measures, expansion of the company's public-private security partnerships, and joint innovation with vendors to augment its security toolset and bring new capabilities to the broader market. "In 2022, we shifted from an era of building the Equifax Cloud to securely leveraging the Cloud for innovation and growth," said Mark W. Begor, CEO of Equifax. "As we have grown and innovated to meet the evolving needs of global consumers and customers, we have also committed to partnering with them in new ways. Cybersecurity is critical to that partnership. We believe that more communication, more collaboration, and more transparency, equals stronger security and are committed to helping customers, partners and consumers strengthen their own cybersecurity postures for the benefit of the industry at large." Over the past year, Equifax achieved multi-cloud environment security parity; established tiered control priority and risk-based reporting for its acquisition processes; expanded its personalized Security Scorecards to include Equifax contractors; earned U.S. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance for two key environments; and obtained Secret Facility Security Clearance from the Government of Canada. "The 2022 threat landscape presented challenges none of us can solve alone," said Jamil Farshchi, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer of Equifax. "Our answer to this is partnership. Equifax has established a bold vision to address some of security's most intractable challenges and worked cooperatively over the last year to shape security behaviors, technologies and practices alongside the security vendor community, government agencies, nonprofits, peers and leaders in board of directors governance." For a third-consecutive year, a leading global research and advisory firm found that the maturity of Equifax's cybersecurity program exceeded every major industry benchmark. Additionally, a leading cybersecurity reporting service found that Equifax's security posture ranked in the top 1 percent of Technology companies and top 3 percent of Financial Services companies analyzed. The Report also highlights Equifax's emphasis on security collaboration and transparency in 2022: Co-innovating with vendors to bring training, supply chain security, governance and authentication solutions to market that drive the entire industry forward. Advancing public-private cooperation by engaging with legislators, government agencies, NGOs and regulators including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bipartisan Policy Center, the Costa Rica Cyber Security Cluster and Chilean Cybersecurity Alliance. Sharing Equifax's board partnership blueprint with members of organizations such as the National Association of Corporate Directors, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) Board Advisory Council and the EY Audit Committee Network. To view the full 2022 Security Annual Report, please visit Equifax.com. ABOUT EQUIFAX INC.At Equifax (NYSE: EFX), we believe knowledge drives progress. As a global data, analytics, and technology company, we play an essential role in the global economy by helping financial institutions, companies, employers, and government agencies make critical decisions with greater confidence. Our unique blend of differentiated data, analytics, and cloud technology drives insights to power decisions to move people forward. Headquartered in Atlanta and supported by nearly 14,000 employees worldwide, Equifax operates or has investments in 24 countries in North America, Central and South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region. For more information, visit Equifax.com. FOR MORE INFORMATIONBen Lord for Equifax[email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/equifax-releases-2022-security-annual-report-301777897.html SOURCE Equifax Inc. Fast Forward announces a global cohort of tech nonprofits building solutions addressing mental health, climate change, and more for its 10th Startup Accelerator. SAN FRANCISCO, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Fast Forward, the only organization exclusively supporting tech nonprofits solving our biggest social problems, announces a $3M+ funding round for its 10th Startup Accelerator. With support from leading companies, Fast Forward will equip 10 early-stage tech nonprofits with capital and resources to grow their impact. The round is supported by Google.org, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Foundation, Bloomberg, Okta, Twilio.org, ServiceNow, Dell Technologies, PwC, Salesforce, Fidelity Charitable Trustees' Initiative, Endless Network, HubSpot, Splunk Inc., Pinterest, DigitalOcean, and NewRelic.org. Beyond financial support, Fast Forward's partnerships provide tech nonprofits with skilled tech advisors, product donations, and cross-sector relationship building. This global cohort is making a timely impact. Amidst the pandemic's lasting effects on mental health, three organizations are supporting youth well-being. Climate tech is another theme: the cohort is tackling this crisis through food waste reduction and nature restoration. Headquartered across four continents, 100% of organizations have a founder with lived experience with the problem, 70% have a founder who is a person of color, and 60% have a founder who is a woman. Since 2014, Fast Forward's 79 alumni have impacted 139M lives and raised $519M in follow-on funding. This year's cohort includes: Closegap: Daily mental health check-ins for K-12 students to give educators real-time insights into student well-being Dollar For: Discovery tool helping low-income patients apply for financial assistance to eliminate medical debt Joy Education: One-to-one, online literacy tutoring for students struggling to read at grade level Karya: Employment platform for low-income Indians to improve AI and ML models through bite-sized tasks Koko: API for social media platforms connecting young people with peer support in moments of crisis Mobile Pathways: SMS solutions empowering nonprofits and attorneys to equip immigrants with legal resources Restor: Global network supercharging nature restoration projects that reverse climate change Road To Uni: Interactive playbook guiding first-generation high schoolers through the college application process SameSame: Chatbot providing queer youth with safe, identity-affirming resources in countries where support is dangerous to access Solar Freeze: Solar-powered refrigerators reducing food waste while increasing income for smallholder farmers About Fast Forward Fast Forward scales social impact tech. Through its annual Startup Accelerator, Fast Forward equips a cohort of startups with seed funding, mentorship, and community. With support from its partners, Fast Forward has invested $10M+ in philanthropic capital into tech nonprofits. Fast Forward's other programs and products include its Growth Accelerator, Pitch Camp, Tech Nonprofit Playbook, Tech Nonprofit Job Board, Tech Nonprofit Directory, and Academy. Based in San Francisco, the organization was founded in 2014 by seasoned entrepreneurs Kevin Barenblat and Shannon Farley. For more information visit www.ffwd.org. Media Contact: Name: Shannon FarleyEmail: [email protected]Phone: (415) 952-5906 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fast-forward-announces-10th-startup-accelerator-cohort-with-2-8m-in-funding-from-googleorg-hewlett-packard-enterprise-foundation-bloomberg-okta-twilioorg-servicenow-dell-technologies-pwc-salesforce-fidelity-charitable-301777542.html SOURCE Fast Forward MURRAY, Utah, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Geneva Rock is pleased to announce the acquisition of the Riverboat Road Building in Taylorsville, Utah, which will serve as its new headquarters. "We're excited to be changing our address to this historical building," said Jay Ritchie, President of Geneva Rock. "With its 100,000 square foot space and ample amenities, we're confident we will be better equipped to meet the needs of our customers. We're grateful to be so warmly welcomed into Taylorsville City and the Sorensen Research Park." Due to internal growth, Geneva Rock needed to relocate from its current headquarters at 53rd South in Murray, Utah. The move will allow the company to expand operations while remaining centrall y situated in the Salt Lake Valley. "I'm thrilled to welcome Geneva Rock to the City of Taylorsville," said Ryan Starks, Executive Director for the Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, "Geneva Rock has an outstanding reputation in the community, and I look forward to supporting the positive impact the company will make in its new location." The lot originally housed a restaurant shaped like a riverboat before it was demolished and replaced with the current building. Geneva Rock plans to keep the name to pay homage to the past. The structure consists of four floors, 25,000 square feet each. Geneva Rock will occupy the entire fourth floor, while sister company Beehive Insurance will lease 15,000 square feet on the second floor. The remaining space on that floor will include shared office space, a 64-person training room, a gym, a conference room, and flex offices. Previous tenants plan to remain in the building. Currently, an extensive interior remodel and parking lot resurfacing are underway. Geneva Rock plans to completely transition to the new building after June 30. "I'm confident Geneva Rock will feel right at home in its new headquarters location," said Utah State Senator and Taylorsville economic development director Wayne Harper. "Hosting one of Utah's leading suppliers of construction products and services is a bragging point for our city." About Geneva Rock Established in 1954, Geneva Rock is the largest supplier of ready-mix concrete in the state of Utah and offers a wide range of construction services and products. With strategic locations, the company provides expert capabilities in construction, utility handling, excavating, and asphalt paving. Committed to building a better community, Geneva Rock is dedicated to maintaining collaborative relationships with its partners and customers through sustainability, corporate responsibility, community service, and charitable contributions. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/geneva-rock-moving-headquarters-after-riverboat-road-building-acquisition-301775334.html SOURCE Geneva Rock Products, Inc. WALLDORF, Germany, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SAP SE (NYSE: SAP) today announced GROW with SAP, a new offering to help midsize customers adopt cloud ERP that enables speed, predictability and continuous innovation. GROW with SAP customers get the same best practices powering the world's industry leaders, while benefiting from rapid deployment and frictionless updates. "SAP's ERP offering has long enabled end-to-end transparency across the business for the world's leading companies. With GROW with SAP, we're taking this to the next level for midsize companies, with a tailored offering that helps them grow their business," said Christian Klein, CEO and Member of the Executive Board of SAP SE. "GROW with SAP provides the agility and innovation midsize companies need not just today, but for their success in years to come." For 50 years, SAP has been working hand in hand with customers across every industry and using this expertise to benchmark and define best-in-class, industry-specific processes. GROW with SAP provides these preconfigured best practices that midsize companies can immediately adopt. Embedded AI and automation capabilities mean customers see rapid results. The GROW with SAP offering also brings together SAP S/4HANA Cloud, public edition, with accelerated adoption services, a global community of experts and free learning resources, helping customers go live in as little as four weeks. GROW with SAP also includes SAP Business Technology Platform, so customers can define their own processes in a cloud-native way using SAP Build. With SAP Build solutions, business users can create enterprise apps, automate processes, and design business sites without writing code, an important asset for those closest to the business who can create the solutions they need. "When we develop a new product and we have it on SAP S/4HANA Cloud, public edition, with one push of the button, everyone sees the exact same prices, the localized naming, product data, sales for today and the expected sales next week. SAP S/4HANA Cloud, public edition, helps us get a complete picture of the stock, capacity and the delivery times, ensuring a more efficient business for RIHO and a better experience for our customers all over the world," said Guy Claesen, CEO of RIHO. IDC research shows that many midsize businesses find themselves growing rapidly and need their technology to grow with their business as they encounter the same issues related to global complexity as larger enterprise businesses. "With GROW with SAP, SAP recognized they need to better fit the business and technology requirements of midsize companies looking for a cloud ERP solution," IDC enterprise software group vice president Mickey North Rizza said. "This offering reengages the market with a refreshingly new opportunity to unlock the proven strength of SAP's longtime understanding and leadership in the ERP space in the cloud." SAP's global partner ecosystem will also engage with customers around GROW with SAP. Customers can have confidence with a trained set of skilled partners to support their needs. Visit the SAP News Center. Follow SAP on Twitter at @SAPNews. About SAP SAP's strategy is to help every business run as an intelligent, sustainable enterprise. As a market leader in enterprise application software, we help companies of all sizes and in all industries run at their best: SAP customers generate 87% of total global commerce. Our machine learning, Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced analytics technologies help turn customers' businesses into intelligent enterprises. SAP helps give people and organizations deep business insight and fosters collaboration that helps them stay ahead of their competition. We simplify technology for companies so they can consume our software the way they want without disruption. Our end-to-end suite of applications and services enables business and public customers across 25 industries globally to operate profitably, adapt continuously, and make a difference. With a global network of customers, partners, employees, and thought leaders, SAP helps the world run better and improve people's lives. For more information, visit www.sap.com. This document contains forward-looking statements, which are predictions, projections, or other statements about future events. These statements are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and outcomes to materially differ. Additional information regarding these risks and uncertainties may be found in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to the risk factors section of SAP's 2022 Annual Report on Form 20-F. 2023 SAP SE. All rights reserved.SAP and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP SE in Germany and other countries. Please see https://www.sap.com/copyright for additional trademark information and notices. For customers interested in learning more about SAP products: Global Customer Center: +49 180 534-34-24United States Only: 1 (800) 872-1SAP (1-800-872-1727) Please consider our privacy policy. If you received this press release in your e-mail and you wish to unsubscribe to our mailing list please contact [email protected] and write Unsubscribe in the subject line. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/grow-with-sap-brings-proven-cloud-erp-benefits-to-midsize-customers-301777353.html SOURCE SAP SE WASHINGTON, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Center for Peace Studies is hosting a panel discussion: Kashmir - From Turmoil to Transformation: perspectives from the ground, on March 23 from 1-3 pm at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. The panelists include Mr. Mir Junaid, President of the Jammu and Kashmir Workers Party, and Mr. Touseef Raina, President of the Municipal Council of Baramulla in J&K. Mr. Se Hoon Kim, a columnist with the Sunday Guardian, will moderate the discussion. A Q&A session will follow the discussion. The event will also be live-streamed. Registration is required for in person attendance https://bit.ly/3JqakwS. Mr. Junaid was the President of the National Students Union of India. He made Kashmir University the first non-renewable energy base in Kashmir under the Solar Mission Policy of India. He founded the J&K workers party and the Center for Inclusive and Sustainable Development. Mr. Junaid is the author of "Naya Jammu & Kashmir: Journey till Now" and "Redefining the Indian Side." Mr. Raina is a young policy advocate with over ten years of experience in political activism. He co-founded the youth-led think tank JK Policy Institute and is the founder of the advocacy group Global Youth Foundation (GYF). He served as an advisor to Jammu and Kashmir AIMA association, convening dialogues between clerics of Kashmir. The International Center for Peace Studies (ICPS) was started in 1993. The main aim of the Centre is to undertake research, organize conferences, provide a platform for debates and discussions, and disseminate the findings through its publications as widely as possible, aimed at building a community of like-minded scholars, experts, academics, and social activists engaged in constructive discussions and discourse on themes relating to peace and reconciliation. The Center works toward making the world a safer and more secure place to live in, by ensuring intercultural understanding and harmony . The Center has an Advisory Board of eminent experts, policymakers, academics, Vice Chancellors, former diplomats, administrators, and reputed Journalists. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/international-center-for-peace-studies-hosts-discussion-on-kashmir-at-the-national-press-club-301777895.html SOURCE International Center for Peace Studies CHICAGO and CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Katten announced today that associates Mario D. Robertson and Gabriela Sampaio have been selected as 2023 Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) Pathfinders. The multifaceted Pathfinder program provides participants with the opportunity to learn from top leaders in the legal profession as well as career development experts. "They possess the characteristics and strengths we value in young leaders," said Chief Diversity Partner Leslie Minier. "Both Mario and Gabriela have promising careers ahead. They possess the characteristics and strengths we value in young leaders and share a commitment to Katten's core values of diversity, equity and inclusion," said Chief Diversity Partner Leslie Minier. "We are delighted to have them involved in the Pathfinder program." Over the course of seven months, the Pathfinder program is designed to train high-performing attorneys who are early in their careers on foundational leadership and relationship-building skills. Participants will be provided with practical tools for developing and leveraging internal professional networks, leadership skills and an understanding of career development strategies. Robertson is a Litigation associate in Chicago who assists businesses and corporate executives with general litigation matters such as financial services, contracts and fraud. He is co-chair of Katten's Black Attorneys Affinity Group, which advocates for the recruitment, retention and development of the firm's Black attorneys. He is also involved in the Chicago Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights' NextGen Leadership Council for Civil Rights. Sampaio, an associate in Charlotte's Real Estate practice, assists clients in acquisitions, construction, development, dispositions, leasing and financing of properties across a variety of industries in the United States. She also serves as co-chair of Katten's Committee for Racial and Ethnic Diversity (CRED), which provides mentoring, educational and career development support and resources for associates of color. Selected by leaders at LCLD Member corporations and law firms, Pathfinders have been identified as diverse, early-career emerging leaders who have distinguished themselves within their organizations. "Much thought and research is behind the design of the Pathfinder program, which will serve to advance high-potential diverse attorneys to the next level of their careers," said LCLD President Robert J. Grey Jr. LCLD is an organization of more than 400 corporate chief legal officers and law firm managing partners the leadership of the profession who have pledged themselves, through its Leaders at the Front initiative and other means, to creating a truly diverse US legal profession. Katten is a full-service law firm with approximately 700 attorneys in locations across the United States and in London and Shanghai. Clients seeking sophisticated, high-value legal services turn to Katten for counsel locally, nationally and internationally. The firm's core areas of practice include corporate, financial markets and funds, insolvency and restructuring, intellectual property, litigation, real estate, structured finance and securitization, transactional tax planning, private credit and private wealth. Katten represents public and private companies in numerous industries, as well as a number of government and nonprofit organizations and individuals. For more information, visit katten.com. Contact: Jackie Heard+1.312.902.5450[email protected] Leonor Vivanco-Prengaman +1.312.577.8371[email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/katten-litigation-and-real-estate-associates-named-leadership-council-on-legal-diversity-pathfinders-301777660.html SOURCE Katten NEO: SHWZOTCQX: SHWZ Grand Opening Event Scheduled for Saturday, March 25th DENVER, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Schwazze, (OTCQX: SHWZ) (NEO: SHWZ) ("Schwazze" or the "Company"), a multi-state operating cannabis company with assets in Colorado and New Mexico, announces the opening of its medical and adult-use dispensary, R.Greenleaf Carlsbad. The new store is located at 800 W. Pierce Street in Carlsbad, New Mexico. Store operating hours are 10a to 9p Monday through Sunday. The R.Greenleaf Carlsbad store opening continues the intentional expansion throughout the state of New Mexico and comes on the heels of a total of seven additional R.Greenleaf store openings since Schwazze's acquisition of the retail banner in February 2022. This brings R.Greenleaf's total number of New Mexico retail dispensaries to 18. All locations serve the needs of medical patients as well as recreational, adult-use consumers. R.Greenleaf offers a wide variety of quality products serviced by top-notch, knowledgeable staff. "We are truly excited to be a part of the local Carlsbad community as we expand throughout the state of New Mexico. I'd like to thank our R.Greenleaf support center and retail teams who have been hard at work helping us realize our state-wide expansion efforts for this customer-focused retail banner,," said Ken Diehl, Schwazze New Mexico Division President. R.Greenleaf Carlsbad will offer introductory pricing on flower, edibles, and vapes. Enrollment in the Gratify Rewards customer loyalty program, which can be used at any Schwazze-owned retail dispensary in either New Mexico or Colorado, is now open. The grand opening event is scheduled for Saturday, March 25th beginning at 12 noon. All Gratify Rewards members that make a dispensary purchase on the 25th will automatically be entered to win a PuffCo Proxy valued at $350. R.Greenleaf Carlsbad will offer free barbecue plates the first 50 customers that make a dispensary purchase beginning at 12pm on March 25th. The first 50 customers will also receive gift bags containing swag, stickers and merchandise. Bloom County, a premier flower brand, will be on site for a pop-up event while music will be played by DJ Milo. Carlsbad Store LocationR.Greenleaf Carlsbad800 W Pierce StCarlsbad, New Mexico 88220(575) 305-7944 Grand Opening CelebrationSaturday, March 25, 202312p to 4p Store HoursMonday thru Sunday, 10a to 9p Since April 2020, Schwazze has acquired, opened or announced the planned acquisition of 45 cannabis retail dispensaries as well as seven cultivation facilities and two manufacturing plants 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 SchwazzeSchwazze (OTCQX: SHWZ NEO: 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 StatementsThis 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. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/multi-state-cannabis-operator-schwazze-continues-expansion-efforts-in-new-mexico-with-additional-rgreenleaf-store-in-carlsbad-301777953.html SOURCE Schwazze TORONTO, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - SoftwareReviews, a leading source for insights on the software provider landscape, has published its 2023 Data Quadrant Report on the top data integration solutions. The comprehensive report is now ready to access on the firm's website, which is updated in real-time to reflect new reviews and ratings. Seven providers have been identified as Gold Medalists in the 2023 report. Integrating data from multiple sources can be complex and challenging for any organization. Incompatible data formats, inconsistent data quality, and data silos pose significant obstacles to effective data integration. Furthermore, as data volumes continue to grow, organizations are finding it increasingly difficult to manage, process, and analyze their data efficiently. "Continuing to use point-to-point data integration both within and outside of the organization is simply not efficient, secure, fast, flexible, and consistent," says Rajesh Parab, research director, Info-Tech Research Group and SoftwareReviews. "A good recipe for successful data integration is to start with common data and services by establishing an Enterprise Integration Platform." The future of data integration technology is Integrated Platform as a Service (iPaaS). This advanced software offers a unified view by seamlessly combining data from multiple sources such as databases, data warehouses, and apps. With data integration in iPaaS, users can now develop, execute, and govern data processes on a single platform, revolutionizing the data integration process. Organizations no longer need to juggle disparate data sources, as data integration brings a comprehensive and streamlined solution for data management. To support organizations considering data integration software to streamline data sources, SoftwareReviews has identified the top providers in the space based on verified survey data collected from 867 end users. These providers have received high scores on SoftwareReviews' Data Quadrant. Software providers are ranked by a composite satisfaction score, called a Composite Score (CS), that averages four different areas of evaluation: Net Emotional Footprint, Vendor Capabilities, Product Features, and Likeliness to Recommend. The 2023 Data Integration Software Gold Medalists are as follows: User assessments of specific software categories evaluated by SoftwareReviews provide an accurate and detailed view of a complicated and ever-changing market. The data, which informs SoftwareReviews' reports, comes from individuals who use the software daily and IT professionals who have worked with it intimately through procurement, implementation, and maintenance. For more information about SoftwareReviews, the Data Quadrant, or the Emotional Footprint, or to access resources to support the software selection process, visit softwarereviews.com About SoftwareReviews SoftwareReviews empowers organizations with the best data, insights, and advice to improve the software buying and selling experience. For buyers, SoftwareReviews' proven software selection methodologies, customer insights, and technology advisors help maximize success with technology decisions. For providers, the firm helps build more effective marketing, product, and sales processes with expert analysts, how-to research, customer-centric marketing content, and comprehensive analysis of the buyer landscape. SoftwareReviews is a division of Info-Tech Research Group, a world-class technology research and advisory firm. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/softwarereviews-announces-the-top-data-integration-solutions-to-streamline-data-disparity-in-2023-data-quadrant-301777676.html SOURCE SoftwareReviews Non-Invasive, Self-Neuromodulation, Adjunct to Standard of Care Therapy Using Amygdala Derived EEG-fMRI Pattern Biomarkers to Help Patients with PTSD HAIFA, Israel, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- GrayMatters Health (GMH), developer of digital self-neuromodulation therapies for mental disorders, announced today that it has received a 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market its flagship product, Prism for PTSD, the first non-invasive, self-neuromodulation adjunct digital therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). GMH is the first to use advanced statistical models fusing EEG and fMRI data to develop biomarkers of brain-mechanism-specific activity associated with mental disorders, named EEG-fMRI-Pattern (EFP). The company's products use these biomarkers with an interactive audio/visual interface to help patients regain control (agency) over the relevant brain activity. Prism for PTSD trains patients to lower the amygdala-derived-EFP biomarker, which is associated with the amygdala and emotion regulation system, using self-neuromodulation techniques (through neurofeedback). "Prism for PTSD has the potential to improve the lives of the millions of Americans living with PTSD," said Oded Kraft, Co-founder and CEO of GrayMatters Health. "Gaining FDA clearance affirms the value of bringing this innovative and clinically proven, non-invasive technology to mental disorder treatment. We are eager to place Prism in the hands of mental healthcare professionals, in the US and abroad. "to help patients across the world living with PTSD" Prism for PTSD augments standard of care PTSD therapy, treating the proven underlying mechanisms of the condition and enhancing clinical outcomes. The FDA 510(k) clearance is based on results of a study evaluating 79 patients with chronic PTSD, at least one year since experiencing trauma. "The study leading to Prism for PTSD's 510(k) clearance resulted in high quality clinical data that exemplifies the efficacy and safety of this innovative device," said Professor Charlie Marmar, Principal Investigator of the study at NYU Langone. "Results demonstrated a high rate of symptom improvement, a low rate of adverse event and a low attrition rate. I am encouraged that Prism, as an adjunctive therapy, will significantly benefit patients with PTSD and allow clinics to offer more options and better outcomes." "This is a first step in making Prism for PTSD available globally, as the company has just initiated a largescale PTSD study with some of the top mental health institutions in Germany, through a European Union grant," said Rani Cohen, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of GrayMatters Health. "Just a few days ago, the European Innovation Council (EIC) made a direct equity investment in GrayMatters Health, demonstrating a vote of confidence in the company. Additionally, we are furthering our collaboration to Japan with our Otsuka Medical Devices Co., Ltd. investors and partners." "GMH plans to expand clinical development to evaluate Prism for additional mental conditions, such as Major Depressive Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, General Anxiety Disorder, and Borderline Personality Disorder," added Kraft. "Looking ahead, the company also plans to use deidentified data collected throughout Prism treatments to develop treatment predictors, patient management tools, and treatment personalization. This important milestone, only three years after raising our seed round, would have been impossible to achieve without Professor Talma Hendler, the inventor of the technology, and our many clinical and business partners in the US, Israel, Germany, and Japan." About GrayMatters Health GrayMatters Health (GMH) develops digital self-neuromodulation therapies for mental disorders. GMH is the first to use advanced statistical models fusing EEG and fMRI data to develop biomarkers of brain-mechanism-specific activity associated with mental disorders, named EEG-fMRI-Pattern (EFP). The company's products use these biomarkers with an interactive audio/visual interface to help patients regain control (agency) over the relevant brain activity. GMH's flagship product, Prism for PTSD, using the amygdala-derived-EFP, received U.S. FDA 510(k) clearance as an adjunct therapy for PTSD. The company plans to further clinical development and evaluate Prism for additional mental disorders. GMH licensed its core patented technology developed by Professor Talma Hendler, MD, PhD, a Professor of Neuroscience and Psychiatry at Tel Aviv University and Director of the Sagol Brain Institute at the Tel Aviv Souraski Medical Center. Learn more by visiting our website https://graymatters.health/ and following us on LinkedIn and Twitter. GrayMatters Health ContactOded Kraft, CEOGrayMatters Health[email protected] Media ContactNechama RosengartenFINN Partners[email protected] Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1723956/GrayMatters_Health_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-fda-grants-graymatters-health-510k-clearance-to-market-prism-for-ptsd-301777149.html SOURCE GrayMatters Health Ltd Birds fly near the US Capitol at sunrise, on Capitol Hill in Washington, US, Feb 8, 2022. [Photo/Agencies] (Xinhua) Chinese President Xi Jinping is paying a state visit to Russia from March 20 to 22 at the invitation of his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin. Surprisingly, or not, U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby responded by saying that Washington opposed a possible call by China for a ceasefire in Ukraine because it would allow Russia to "restart attacks." No matter what the United States will do to defend its position, the international community can now easily see that Washington does not want to see an end to the conflict it has done so much to foster and escalate all along. Moreover, the United States is apparently not willing to see a political solution to the crisis, nor does it want to see that both sides can settle for peace. Although Washington always tries to portray itself as a sympathizer with the weak, that is certainly not who it is. The fact is that the United States, together with its allies, are piling up military assistance to Ukraine, and would rather let the conflict-torn Ukrainians continue to suffer from the bloody crisis until their last drop of blood is spilled than put a stop to the conflict. It might seem cold-blooded and even self-contradictory. Yet if take a deeper look into why it is so, you can find that the United States as a matter of fact takes the crisis as a business in which it can make a big fortune. To be more specific, Washington, by prolonging the conflict, can weaken Russia and force Europe to further rely on the United States in security matters so that it can consolidate its hegemony. Plus, it can also profit enormously from the crisis. The recent news claiming that the United States was responsible for explosions of the Nord Stream pipelines can tell so much. According to the latest data from market research firm Kepler, in the context of the escalating crisis in Ukraine, natural gas transmission channels of Russia-Europe pipelines have been restricted, and the demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the EU has surged. Specifically, the EU's LNG imports from the United States increased by 23.59 million tons compared with 2021, a year-on-year rise of 154 percent. The world has suffered terribly because of an egoistic and self-serving United States. Because of the conflict, the Ukrainians have lost hugely; the Europeans are dragged into a quagmire, and the world is being forced to be separated along an ideological divide. Moreover, the food, energy and financial crises the conflict has triggered continue to wreak havoc. Now it is increasingly clear that to pursue its self-interests, Washington can do anything, like stalling peace efforts and opposing a ceasefire. To be a responsible major country, the United States should stop being the destroyer of peace and creator of crises, shift to the right side of history, and help bring this disaster to an end. Marie Ferguson earns fourth annual award for going above and beyond to keep hotel clean and guests safe NORTHBROOK, Ill., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- UMF|PerfectCLEAN today announced that Marie Ferguson, guest room attendant (GRA) at Element Orlando Universal Blvd has earned the company's fourth annual National Guest Room Attendant (GRA) Excellence Award. UMF|PerfectCLEAN established the National GRA Excellence Award to recognize the invaluable contributions of GRAs hotel housekeepers who ensure safe guest and employee environments in hotels and lodges across the country. "Marie is an immigrant who joined my property through a contract labor company in early 2021," said Chris Heaxt, General Manager, Element Orlando Universal Blvd. "From day one, she has brought such a high level of energy and engagement to our housekeeping team. Marie has some of the lowest minutes per room, highest guest satisfaction ratings, and most trainees of any associate. A star player on our team, she loves talking with guests and ensuring they feel welcome and comfortable. She recently worked her way to become a U.S. citizen, and is now directly employed by Element Orlando Universal Blvd. Through hotel-sponsored training and on-the-job experience, we are committed to helping her continue thriving." Almost all hotels are dealing with staffing shortages. According to the latest survey from the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA), 87% of hotels are understaffed, and the most critical need is housekeeping, with 43% ranking it as their biggest challenge. Further increasing pressure on hotel housekeeping departments is the fact that travelers are more focused than ever on cleanliness and sustainability. "We are privileged to celebrate Marie for her dedication to ensuring a safe hotel environment during a year that presented its own unique industry challenges," said UMF|PerfectCLEAN CEO George Clarke. "Marie's incredible results and positive attitude speak for themselves. The fact that she contributed so much to Element Orlando Universal Blvd while becoming a U.S. citizen made her stand out among our pool of talented GRA Award applicants." As the 2022 GRA Award recipient, Marie will receive an all-expenses paid trip for two, including airfare, to a location of her choice within the 48 contiguous states. Olga Merlos of the Sheraton Commander in Cambridge, Mass., and Tenzin Topten of Le Meridien New York, Central Park, were selected as finalists for the 2022 award. Both will receive a $500 gift card. UMF|PerfectCLEAN also will donate to Giving is Love, the charity Tenzin started to help communities around the world. Four additional GRAs earned honorable mentions, for which they will each receive a $250 gift card. They include: Added Clarke, "We established the National GRA Excellence Award to celebrate frontline hotel workers such as Marie who consistently ensure the highest standards of infection prevention are maintained in guest rooms and common areas throughout the hotel." View a video of Marie receiving the award here. About UMF|PerfectCLEAN UMF|PerfectCLEAN is the leader in the research and development of high-performance products, programs and training for the infection prevention and commercial cleaning markets. Through extensive testing, exhaustive analysis, and the commitment of significant human and financial resources, new antimicrobial technologies have been merged with innovative product designs that are redefining the future of clean. http://www.perfectclean.com, LinkedIn View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/umfperfectclean-names-marie-ferguson-of-element-orlando-universal-blvd-as-national-guest-room-attendant-excellence-award-recipient-301777664.html SOURCE UMF Corporation Samples from the asteroid Ryugu collected by the Hayabusa2 mission contain nitrogenous organic compounds, including the nucleobase uracil which is a part of RNA, according to an international team led by Hokkaido University, Japan SAPPORO, Japan, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Researchers have analyzed samples of asteroid Ryugu collected by the Japanese Space Agency's Hayabusa2 spacecraft and found uracilone of the informational units that make up RNA, the molecules that contain the instructions for how to build and operate living organisms. Nicotinic acid, also known as Vitamin B3 or niacin, which is an important cofactor for metabolism in living organisms, was also detected in the same samples. This discovery by an international team, led by Associate Professor Yasuhiro Oba at Hokkaido University, adds to the evidence that important building blocks for life are created in space and could have been delivered to Earth by meteorites. The findings were published in the journal Nature Communications. "Scientists have previously found nucleobases and vitamins in certain carbon-rich meteorites, but there was always the question of contamination by exposure to the Earth's environment," Oba explained. "Since the Hayabusa2 spacecraft collected two samples directly from asteroid Ryugu and delivered them to Earth in sealed capsules, contamination can be ruled out." The researchers extracted these molecules by soaking the Ryugu particles in hot water, followed by analyses using liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry. This revealed the presence of uracil and nicotinic acid, as well as other nitrogen-containing organic compounds. "We found uracil in the samples in small amounts, in the range of 632 parts per billion (ppb), while vitamin B3 was more abundant, in the range of 4999 ppb," Oba elaborated. "Other biological molecules were found in the sample as well, including a selection of amino acids, amines and carboxylic acids, which are found in proteins and metabolism, respectively." The compounds detected are similar but not identical to those previously discovered in carbon-rich meteorites. The team hypothesizes that the difference in concentrations in the two samples, collected from different locations on Ryugu, is likely due to the exposure to the extreme environments of space. They also hypothesized that the nitrogen-containing compounds were, at least in part, formed from the simpler molecules such as ammonia, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide. While these were not detected in the Ryugu samples, they are known to be present in cometary iceand Ryugu could have originated as a comet or another parent body which had been present in low temperature environments. "The discovery of uracil in the samples from Ryugu lends strength to current theories regarding the source of nucleobases in the early Earth," Oba concludes. "The OSIRIS-REx mission by NASA will be returning samples from asteroid Bennu this year, and a comparative study of the composition of these asteroids will provide further data to build on these theories." Contact: Associate Professor Yasuhiro ObaInstitute of Low Temperature ScienceHokkaido UniversityTel: +81-11-706-5500Email: [email protected] Sohail Keegan Pinto (International Public Relations Specialist)Public Relations DivisionHokkaido UniversityTel: +81-11-706-2186Email: [email protected] Paper: Yasuhiro Oba, et al. Uracil in the carbonaceous asteroid (162173) Ryugu. Nature Communications. March 21, 2023. DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36904-3 Funding: The Hayabusa2 project has been led by JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) in collaboration with DLR (German Space Center) and CNES (French Space Center) and supported by NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) and ASA (Australian Space Agency). This research is partly supported by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) under KAKENHI (21H04501, 21H05414, 21J00504, 21KK0062, 20H00202); the Consortium for Hayabusa2 Analysis of Organic Solubles, supported by NASA. This study was partly conducted by the official collaboration agreement through the joint research project with JAMSTEC, Keio University and HMT Inc. This study was conducted in accordance with the Joint Research Promotion Project at the Institute of Low Temperature Science, Hokkaido University (21G008, 22G008). Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2036995/Hokkaido_Uracil.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/uracil-found-in-ryugu-samples-301776853.html SOURCE Hokkaido University No-code, embeddable video solution delivers easily integrated, native conferencing experience HOLMDEL, N.J., March 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Vonage, a global leader in cloud communications helping businesses accelerate their digital transformation, has launched Vonage Meetings API, a no-code, embeddable video conferencing solution. With Meetings API, businesses can easily deliver global, customizable video conferencing capabilities to any website or platform, enhancing interactions by integrating visual engagement directly into the user experience or workflows without the need for developer expertise. No-code solution Vonage Meetings API delivers global, customizable video conferencing capabilities to any platform. Adding a visual engagement component to external and internal workflows, Meetings API's no-code design enables enterprises to remain agile by enhancing their existing applications with embedded, configurable and customizable video that improves the customer journey and streamlines internal collaboration. Meetings API also significantly reduces time to market in comparison to other solutions which require complex and lengthy implementation processes. "The key differentiator for Vonage Meetings API is the user experience," said Ron Maayan, SVP Product for Vonage. "The no-code Meetings API is built from the point of view of a non-developer user or citizen developer, empowering them with the easy-to-implement technology to create sophisticated experiences for their users that are integrated and branded, with a native look and feel." Meetings API also differentiates from other video solutions in the market that are designed as standalone apps. Bridging the gap between SaaS and APIs, Meetings API and its seamless integration with the customer's existing business applications ensure the end user is never aware they are using another software for their video engagement. With a seamless integration into the customer's existing business applications, Meetings API ensures video calls look and feel native and the end user does not need to download another app or toggle between browser screens. All of this is done with a simple code that doesn't require video or developer expertise. In addition to its quick and easy deployments, Meetings API is pre-built with all the important capabilities needed for an effective video meeting, including: Meetings framework: complete end-to-end user experience and user interface, simple room and user management, and global dial-in complete end-to-end user experience and user interface, simple room and user management, and global dial-in Engagement: screen sharing, whiteboarding, active speaker detection, chat, reactions, and recording screen sharing, whiteboarding, active speaker detection, chat, reactions, and recording Moderation: video/audio muting and participant blocking video/audio muting and participant blocking Web-based with no downloads: fully functional within mobile and desktop browsers, leveraging Vonage's decade of WebRTC experience fully functional within mobile and desktop browsers, leveraging Vonage's decade of WebRTC experience Security & compliance: private meeting access, lock meeting, join before host, waiting room, background blurring, HIPAA compliance for telemedicine applications private meeting access, lock meeting, join before host, waiting room, background blurring, HIPAA compliance for telemedicine applications Client optimization: performance and UX for web, native or PSTN performance and UX for web, native or PSTN Customization & localization: Customizable logo and user interface including multiple themes, full RGB color palette and a growing library of languages, including English, Spanish, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese, Catalan, French and more "Feature-rich online meeting services will always have a role in powering business communications and collaboration, but many businesses struggle incorporating generic meeting apps into their unique workflows. At the same time, many programmable video platforms require intense development skills and effort to build a tailored solution," said Michael Brandenburg, Senior Industry Analyst, Information & Communications Technology, Frost & Sullivan. "Vonage Meetings API, powered by its low-code/no-code tools, puts the power to create solutions that drive customer engagement directly into the hands of enterprise businesses. Vonage is empowering citizen developers to create custom, interoperable video capabilities to drive the kind of engagement consumers expect from their preferred brands today." Tuotempo by Docplanner, a cloud-based Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform for healthcare organizations, implemented Vonage Meetings API to build on its success in providing physicians with programmable video capabilities for its telehealth platform. "For several years, we have been employing video to optimize our patient life cycle experience platform," said Gianfranco D'Aurelio, VP of Product for Tuotempo by Docplanner. "To build on that success and provide even greater patient experiences, we looked for a way to easily and simply enhance our video offering to include additional features. With Meetings API, we were able to quickly create the multi-participant sessions that bring the entire care team together, which is so critical when providing medical care remotely, all supported in the language of the patient's choosing, which is extremely important for our clients who are located across Europe. This has been the perfect fit for our business, giving us the tools to easily integrate these capabilities right into our existing platform, without the need for onsite developer expertise or support." Meetings API is designed with the combined power of the Vonage Meetings application, used by more than 4 million consumers over millions of sessions annually across both desktop and mobile apps, and the Vonage Video API, which is used by thousands of organizations to build custom experience solutions. Meetings API supports customers in Healthcare, Finance, Government and Education sectors and is backed by a 99.99% uptime SLA and global Sales, Support and Services. Vonage Meetings API was named a Best of Enterprise Connect Award Finalist for Best Innovation for Employee Experience Management. Winners will be announced March 28, 2023 at the Enterprise Connect event in Orlando, FL. About VonageVonage, a global cloud communications leader, helps businesses accelerate their digital transformation. Vonage's Communications Platform is fully programmable and allows for the integration of Video, Voice, Chat, Messaging, AI and Verification into existing products, workflows and systems. The Vonage conversational commerce application enables businesses to create AI-powered omnichannel experiences that boost sales and increase customer satisfaction. Vonage's fully programmable unified communications, contact center and conversational commerce applications are built from the Vonage platform and enable companies to transform how they communicate and operate from the office or remotely - providing the flexibility required to create meaningful engagements. Vonage is headquartered in New Jersey, with offices throughout the United States, Europe, Israel and Asia and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ericsson. To follow Vonage on Twitter, please visit www.twitter.com/vonage. To become a fan on Facebook, go to facebook.com/vonage. To subscribe on YouTube, visit youtube.com/vonage. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vonage-meetings-api-delivers-visual-engagement-for-an-enhanced-customer-journey-301777152.html SOURCE Vonage 0001389067 false false 0001389067 2023-03-21 2023-03-21 iso4217:USD xbrli:shares iso4217:USD xbrli:shares UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 Date of Report (date of earliest event reported) TAUTACHROME, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 333-141907 84-2340972 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer Identification No.) 1846 E. Innovation Park Drive , Oro Valley , Arizona 85755 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions: Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) Item 8.01 Other Events The date of the Annual Meeting of the Shareholders of the Corporation shall be held on September 15, 2023, at a place and time designated by the Board of Directors, with appropriate proxy information being provided not later than 45 calendar day prior. 2 Signatures Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. TAUTACHROME, INC. Date: March 21, 2023 By: /s/ David LaMountain David LaMountain CEO 3 ATTACHMENTS / EXHIBITS XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION SCHEMA XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION LABEL LINKBASE XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION CALCULATION LINKBASE XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION PRESENTATION LINKBASE XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION DEFINITION LINKBASE IDEA: R1.htm IDEA: ttcm_8k_htm.xml IDEA: Financial_Report.xlsx IDEA: FilingSummary.xml IDEA: MetaLinks.json Free Writing Prospectus pursuant to Rule 433 dated March 21, 2023 Registration Statement No. 333-269296 iShares Silver Trust-Linked Notes due OVERVIEW The notes do not bear interest. The amount that you will be paid on your notes on the stated maturity date is based on the performance of the iShares Silver Trust (ETF) as measured from the trade date to and including the determination date. If the final underlier level on the determination date is greater than 120% of the initial underlier level, you will receive the threshold settlement amount. In this case, the return on your notes will be positive, but will be significantly less than the underlier return. If the final underlier level is equal to or less than 120% of the initial underlier level but greater than the initial underlier level, the return on your notes will be positive and will equal the underlier return. If the final underlier level is equal to or less than the initial underlier level, you will receive the face amount of your notes. You should read the accompanying preliminary pricing supplement dated March 21, 2023, which we refer to herein as the accompanying preliminary pricing supplement, to better understand the terms and risks of your investment, including the credit risk of GS Finance Corp. and The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. KEY TERMS CUSIP / ISIN: 40057R7K8 / US40057R7K89 Company (Issuer): GS Finance Corp. Guarantor: The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. Underlier: the iShares Silver Trust (current Bloomberg symbol: SLV UP Equity) Payment amount at maturity (for each $1,000 face amount of your notes): if the underlier return is greater than 20% (the final underlier level is greater than 120% of the initial underlier level), the threshold settlement amount (the return on your notes will be 5%, which will be significantly less than the underlier return) ; if the underlier return is equal to or less than 20% but greater than 0% (the final underlier level is equal to or less than 120% of the initial underlier level but greater than the initial underlier level), the sum of (i) $1,000 plus (ii) the product of (a) $1,000 times (b) the underlier return (the return on your notes will be positive, may be more or less than 5%, but will not be more than 20%) ; or if the underlier return is zero or negative (the final underlier level is equal to or less than the initial underlier level), $1,000 (the return on your notes will be 0%) Initial underlier level: to be determined on the trade date and may be higher or lower than the actual closing level of the underlier on that date Final underlier level: the closing level of the underlier on the determination date Threshold settlement amount: $1,050 Threshold level: 120% of the initial underlier level Underlier return: the quotient of (i) the final underlier level minus the initial underlier level divided by (ii) the initial underlier level, expressed as a percentage Trade date: expected to be March 23, 2023 Settlement date: expected to be March 28, 2023 Determination date: expected to be March 25, 2024 Stated maturity date: expected to be March 28, 2024 Estimated value range: $925 to $955 (which is less than the original issue price; see accompanying preliminary pricing supplement) Hypothetical Payment Amount At Maturity* Hypothetical Final Underlier Level (as a % of the Initial Underlier Level) Hypothetical Payment Amount at Maturity (as a % of Face Amount) 200.000% 105.000% 175.000% 105.000% 150.000% 105.000% 120.000% 120.000% 115.000% 115.000% 105.000% 105.000% 102.000% 102.000% 100.000% 100.000% 90.000% 100.000% 75.000% 100.000% 50.000% 100.000% 25.000% 100.000% 0.000% 100.000% *assumes a threshold settlement amount of $1,050 This document does not provide all of the information that an investor should consider prior to making an investment decision. You should not invest in the notes without reading the accompanying preliminary pricing supplement and related documents for a more detailed description of the underlier, the terms of the notes and certain risks. About Your Notes GS Finance Corp. and The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. have filed a registration statement (including a prospectus, as supplemented by the prospectus supplement, general terms supplement no. 8,999 and preliminary pricing supplement listed below) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the offering to which this communication relates. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus, prospectus supplement, general terms supplement no. 8,999 and preliminary pricing supplement, and any other documents relating to this offering that GS Finance Corp. and The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. have filed with the SEC for more complete information about us and this offering. You may get these documents without cost by visiting EDGAR on the SEC web site at sec.gov. Alternatively, we will arrange to send you the prospectus, prospectus supplement, general terms supplement no. 8,999 and preliminary pricing supplement if you so request by calling (212) 357-4612. The notes are part of the Medium-Term Notes, Series F program of GS Finance Corp. and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. This document should be read in conjunction with the following: RISK FACTORS An investment in the notes is subject to risks. Many of the risks are described in the accompanying preliminary pricing supplement, accompanying general terms supplement no. 8,999, accompanying prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus. Below we have provided a list of certain risk factors discussed in such documents. In addition to the below, you should read in full Additional Risk Factors Specific to Your Notes in the accompanying preliminary pricing supplement and Additional Risk Factors Specific to the Notes in the accompanying general terms supplement no. 8,999, as well as the risks and considerations described in the accompanying prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus. The following risk factors are discussed in greater detail in the accompanying preliminary pricing supplement: Risks Related to Structure, Valuation and Secondary Market Sales The Estimated Value of Your Notes At the Time the Terms of Your Notes Are Set On the Trade Date (as Determined By Reference to Pricing Models Used By GS&Co.) Is Less Than the Original Issue Price Of Your Notes The Notes Are Subject to the Credit Risk of the Issuer and the Guarantor The Amount Payable on Your Notes Is Not Linked to the Level of the Underlier at Any Time Other Than the Determination Date The Market Value of Your Notes May be Influenced by Many Unpredictable Factors Your Notes Do Not Bear Interest The Potential for the Value of Your Notes to Increase Will Be Limited The Return on Your Notes May Change Significantly Despite Only a Small Change in the Underlier Level The Return on Your Notes Will Not Reflect Any Dividends Paid on the Underlier You Have No Shareholder Rights or Rights to Receive Any Shares of the Underlier We May Sell an Additional Aggregate Face Amount of the Notes at a Different Issue Price If You Purchase Your Notes at a Premium to Face Amount, the Return on Your Investment Will Be Lower Than the Return on Notes Purchased at Face Amount and the Impact of Certain Key Terms of the Notes Will Be Negatively Affected Additional Risks Related to the Underlier The Policies of the Trustee of the Underlier, The Bank of New York Mellon, Could Affect the Amount Payable on Your Notes and Their Market Value Except to the Extent GS&Co. and One or More of Our Other Affiliates Act as Authorized Participants in the Distribution of, and, at Any Time, May Hold, Shares of, the Underlier, There Is No Affiliation Between the Underlier Investment Advisor and Us There is No Assurance That an Active Trading Market Will Continue for the Underlier or That There Will Be Liquidity in Any Such Trading Market; Further, the Underlier Is Subject to Custody Risks The Underlier is a Concentrated Investment in a Single Commodity and Does Not Provide Diversified Exposure The Price of the Underlier is Linked to the Price of Silver, Which May Change Unpredictably and Affect the Value of the Notes in Unforeseeable Ways Investing in Notes Linked to the Underlier is Not the Same as Investing Directly in Silver An Investment in the Notes is Subject to Risks Associated with the London Bullion Market An Investment in the Notes is Subject to Risks Associated with the London Bullion Market Termination of the Underlier Could Adversely Affect the Value of the Notes The Correlation Between the Performance of the Underlier and the Price of Silver May Be Imperfect Legal and Regulatory Changes Could Adversely Affect the Return on and Value of Your Notes This document does not provide all of the information that an investor should consider prior to making an investment decision. You should not invest in the notes without reading the accompanying preliminary pricing supplement and related documents for a more detailed description of the underlier, the terms of the notes and certain risks. 2 This story has been corrected The Air Force has relieved the head of its preeminent logistics hub in the Indo-Pacific due to shortfalls in his personal conduct prior to taking command. Brig. Gen. Paul Birch, head of the 36th Wing at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, was relieved Tuesday by 11th Air Force commander Lt. Gen. David Nahom, according to a 36th Wing statement that day. Details of Birchs conduct were unavailable, but his actions were not criminal in nature, Maj. Lauren Ott, a spokeswoman for the 11th Air Force, told Stars and Stripes. I did not make this decision lightly, Nahom said in the wings statement. Commanders must always be held to the highest standards. Birch, who took command at Andersen in June, has been relegated to a staff position at Air Force headquarters in Washington, D.C.., Ott said. The 36th Wings vice commander, Col. Larry Fenner Jr., has taken over on interim basis. The 36th Wing is one of five under the 11th Air Force, and the only one outside Hawaii and Alaska. It consists of 8,000 military and civilian personnel at Andersen, referred to as the most forward sovereign U.S. Air Force base in the Indo-Pacific region, according to the statement. The wing includes 18 squadrons across five groups that execute bomber task forces, tanker task forces, theater security packages, contingency response operations and peacetime and combat operations, the statement said. Andersen is also home to fuel and munitions storage facilities, two runways and a pair of landing zones. This story has been corrected POZNAN, Poland U.S. Army Garrison Poland was made official at a ceremony Tuesday, with Army leaders and Polish dignitaries lauding the new headquarters in the former Warsaw Pact state as a demonstration of allied unity in the midst of Russias war in Ukraine. The decision to set up a permanent base in Poland amounts to a milestone for the U.S. military in the former Eastern Bloc, where American troops since the end of the Cold War have maintained a lighter, mobile presence. The word permanent is truly very important, and today that has become a fact, Poland Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak said during the ceremony in Poznan, a city of about 530,000 people in the west-central part of the country. Such efforts in Poland help increase the resilience of the free world against those who want to rebuild an empire, Blaszczak said, referring to Russia. The emphasis in central and Eastern Europe has long been on sending troops on rotational deployments for less than a year. But in the aftermath of Russian aggression in Ukraine first in 2014 and then a full-scale invasion in February 2022 Poland has emerged as a focal point in the U.S. militarys efforts to deter Russia on NATOs eastern flank. And while the vast majority of the 10,000 troops in Poland are still operating on a rotational basis, a garrison headquarters at the new Camp Kosciuszko sends a signal that the Army is in the area for the long haul. From the Suwalki Gap to Poznan and everything in between, evidence of the strength of NATO abounds, Lt. Gen. John Kolasheski, V Corps commander, said at the event. Today, there are more allied soldiers from more allied countries, standing shoulder to shoulder in Poland than at any time in the alliances history. While garrison work is often unglamorous and typically thankless, the role of the Armys support team in Poznan is critical, he said. You all are the operational edge, providing the essential services necessary to be ready, especially when deployed overseas, Kolasheski said. The Army already has made its presence felt in Poznan by getting involved in community events, visiting schools and collaborating with local leaders on projects such as real estate development, said Col. Jorge Fonseca, the garrison commander in Poznan. One of the tasks going forward is ensuring there is sufficient off-post housing to support Army civilians and troops arriving on permanent change of station orders, he said. Its well-known that we are here, Fonseca said. There is no doubt right outside the base they are building a brand-new condo. That certainly isnt by accident. They understand that we are coming, that we are growing. The garrison supports the Armys V Corps, which oversees missions along NATOs eastern flank and has a forward headquarters on the post. With the reestablishment of V Corps in 2021, garrison soldiers began developing dining facilities, barracks, headquarters offices and other necessities. Military intelligence and police units as well as small Air Force and Navy detachments comprise some of the 500 U.S. military personnel in Poznan. Meanwhile, more than 100 military infrastructure projects are in the works throughout the country, such as living quarters and training ranges, all meant to support the growing U.S. mission, Fonseca said. The initiatives in places such as Powidz, Poznan and the greater Zagan area are heavily funded by Poland as part of a defense cooperation agreement. The new garrison joins seven others in Europe that fall under the Armys Installation Management Command. There are about 140 Army civilian personnel, and more than a dozen soldiers assigned to the garrison. Referred to as Camp K by soldiers, the post is named after 18th-century Brig. Gen. Thaddeus Kosciuszko, a national hero in Poland known for leading troops in battle against the Russians and also for coming to the aid of the United States in 1776 during the Revolutionary War. A Fort Bragg soldier has been charged with murder in the Jan. 18 shooting death of another soldier stationed at the North Carolina Army post, local law enforcement officials said Monday. The Hoke County Sheriffs Office filed first-degree murder charges against Army Staff Sgt. Brandon Allen Amos-Dixon on Friday, accusing him in the killing of Staff Sgt. Jimmy Lee Smith III in Raeford, about 30 miles southwest of Fort Bragg, according to a news release. Amos-Dixon, 25, already was in police custody in Virginia where he has been held since Jan. 19 without bond on multiple charges, including the attempted killings of his fiance and her child, after a high-speed police chase that began in North Carolina. Smith, a 24-year-old culinary specialist assigned to 3rd Special Forces Group, was found dead of a gunshot wound at about 10:30 p.m. on Hammock Lane in Raeford, law enforcement officials said. Less than two hours before Smiths death, Amos-Dixon shot into a car in which his fiance, Chelsea Ling Chung, and her child were seated, near a home in Spring Lake, about 20 miles from Raeford, police said. Chung and the child sustained injuries in the shooting that were not life-threatening, Harnett County Sheriff's Office officials said in January. On Jan. 19, police accused Amos-Dixon of leading officers on a high-speed pursuit, which ended in Bastian, Va., some 215 miles from where it began in Spring Lake, N.C. Virginia Highway Patrol officers arrested Amos-Dixon after the chase. In addition to the new murder charge and two counts of attempted murder, the soldier faces other counts including felony reckless driving, assault on a law enforcement officer and misdemeanor reckless driving charges, according to court records. Fort Bragg officials said Amos-Dixon also is a culinary specialist. He was assigned to the U.S. Special Operations Command. The Hoke County Sheriffs Office said Monday that it would seek Amos-Dixons extradition from Virginia to face the murder charge in North Carolina. Court records show he was expected to next appear in court in Virginia on April 5. BLACKSTONE, Va. Pickett. For as long as anyone here can remember, that is how the sprawling military base neighboring this tidy little town in southern Virginia has been known. Named for Confederate General George Pickett, it was first established as Camp Pickett when the Army built it as a combat training ground soon after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. Then, in 1974, the then nearly 45,000-acre facility was renamed Fort Pickett. But the Pickett era ends Friday when the name will come down as part of a sweeping congressional order to the Defense Department to remove Confederate names from its installations and assets. Pickett, which has been operated by the Virginia National Guard since 1997, will be renamed Fort Barfoot after Col. Van T. Barfoot, a World War II Medal of Honor recipient who lived in nearby Amelia. While this part of Virginia is steeped in Confederate history and a statue of a Confederate soldier stands in front of the county courthouse a few miles away, the decision to rename the base wasnt met with a flurry of protests or upset residents demanding the old name be kept. If anything, the decision has been greeted by many locals with little more than a shrug. Some here say theyll keep calling it Pickett. Others are fine with moving on. Many say they simply havent given it much thought at all. Truly I dont care what they call it as long as they keep it open, said Gus Mitchell, 63, who owns Mitchells restaurant, a popular stop for locals in the diverse town of about 3,500 residents that is in the midst of a small growth spurt. Do what you want to do. Keep training out there, and everything will be lovely. In addition to its combat training mission, the fort is also home to Virginia National Guards 183rd Regiment, the Virginia Department of Military Affairs and the U.S. State Departments Foreign Affairs Security Training Center. All told, the base employs about 1,000 civilian and military personnel. Mitchell, who has lived here since he was 6, said the fort has always been the backbone of the town and has kept its economy afloat. He said hell continue to call it Pickett because thats what hes used to. Why the fort was first named for Pickett, a U.S. Military Academy graduate from Richmond who fought for the Confederacy and helped lead an infamous, ill-fated charge at the Battle of Gettysburg on July 3, 1863, is still something of a mystery in these parts. We country bumpkins down here didnt come up with the name, Billy Coleburn, the owner of the local newspaper, the Courier Record, and a former mayor of the town, said in an interview at his office here last week. The War Department picked the land and the name and the day of the dedication. The Army dedicated Camp Pickett on July 3, 1942, 79 years to the day after Picketts costly loss at Gettysburg. A number of his descendants planned to be there for the ceremony, according to coverage in the local paper. In the first half of the 20th century, naming military installations in the South for Confederate leaders was part of the Lost Cause effort, said Ty Seidule, a U.S. Military Academy historian and retired U.S. Army brigadier general, referencing efforts by leading Southerners to cast the Confederacy as noble and principled rather than a rebellion from the North in an attempt to hold on to slavery. In addition to Fort Pickett, two other Virginia military bases named for Confederates, Fort Lee and Fort A.P. Hill, were ordered by the military to change their names this year. Seidule, a Virginia native who served as vice chair on the federal Naming Commission tasked with identifying Confederate names in military locations and recommending new ones, said Pickett was thoroughly undeserving of the honor of having a base named for him. Pickett was a war criminal who summarily executed 23 U.S. Army soldiers in 1864 and then skedaddled to Canada because he was fearful of being hanged, Seidule said. At Pickett, it isnt just the name of the fort thats changing. Four buildings, 19 roads and five bridges on the base which continues to serve as a combat training facility were also identified by the commission to be redesignated. Those include roads named for Confederate soldiers and officers including generals J. E. B Stuart and Stonewall Jackson. Established by Congress in 2021 and prompted in part by the calls for racial justice following George Floyds murder, the Naming Commission was tasked with removing vestiges of the Confederacy from the military and recommending names that reflect the nations broad diversity. In addition to Pickett, the naming commission identified eight other bases for name changes including Fort Bragg in North Carolina, Fort Benning in Georgia and Fort Hood in Texas. It also identified Navy ships, buildings, street names and memorials at military locations across the country to be changed. In January the Defense Department ordered that all of the approximately 1,100 changes be implemented by the end of this year. The commission estimated last year that the cost for implementing the changes will be more than $62 million. Seidule said renaming the Fort Pickett for Barfoot would make anyone who served there proud. If you read his Medal of Honor citation it will buckle your knees, Seidule said. Barfoot was awarded the medal for his actions in May of 1944 with the 45th Infantry Division in Italy confronting German soldiers and tanks. In a single battle he neutralized two machine gun nests, captured 17 enemy soldiers, disabled a tank with a bazooka and led his fellow soldiers who were wounded to safety. He remained in the military for 34 years and served tours in Korea and Vietnam, according to a Virginia National Guard press release. Barfoot, whose grandmother was a member of the Choctaw Nation, will also have his Native American heritage honored at Fridays renaming ceremony with members of the Choctaw Nation and Virginia-based tribes participating in ceremonial songs and dance. For Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia whose command includes Fort Pickett, the choice of the new name made it an easy one for the military to accept. Im super excited about it, said Williams, a World War II history buff who met Barfoot once in 2000. We had 10 names considered by the commission and they were all phenomenal choices. But the opportunity to name the installation after [Barfoot] resonates with soldiers. And because he was in the community its hard not to embrace that. Sheila Matthew, the manager of Blackstone Antiques and Crafts Mall on Main Street for the past 17 years, said she didnt really understand why the name of the base had to change and shes a little sad that it is happening. But, she said, shes pleased it is being renamed for someone with Native American heritage. Ive always said we took the country away from the Indians so its good thing to do a thing like this, said Matthew, who is white. Were glad about that. William and Gina Stith, an African American couple who live in nearby Crewe, Va., said they supported changing the name of the fort. William Stith, a Marine Corps veteran, said it sent the right message because it shouldnt be named for a Confederate. Its a good move for the community, he said. Coleburn, the newspaper owner and former mayor, thinks the name change at the base has gone smoothly because the Army and the Virginia National Guard did a thorough job of informing the town and county about the process and engaging residents in every step, including soliciting suggestions for new names for the fort. Settling on Barfoot also helped, he said. Barfoot is a true warrior and theres no question of his credentials, so that has minimized some of the potential blowback, he said. That the changeover has gone so smoothly is a testament to the process and the American people, Seidule said. It just shows that Americans can work on a bipartisan or even nonpartisan basis to do the right thing, he said. And I think thats exactly what happened here. Billings Police Detective Michael Yarina was hit by a shotgun slug that had penetrated the ballistic shield he was holding Saturday morning during a standoff that lasted more than 14 hours. The slug entered Yarinas abdomen just an inch below his armored vest. SWAT team members began arriving about 8:30 a.m. Saturday to a trailer park on the 700 block of Birch Lane in the Billings Heights. A resident in trailer No. 1 had fired shots at a next-door neighbors trailer knocking out his windows. Police negotiators tried for two hours during the beginning of the standoff to communicate with the suspect, identified as 57-year-old Mary White Crane. At about 10:45 a.m., officers knocked down her door so police could throw a phone inside that she could use to communicate with them. It was then that White Crane allegedly fired the shot that injured Yarina. The wounded officer was taken to an ambulance nearby where he was treated and then rushed to a nearby hospital. After emergency surgery Saturday afternoon, Yarina was listed as stable, Billings Police Chief Rich St. John said during a press conference Monday. Throughout the day, negotiators attempted to contact White Crane without success, the chief said. On several occasions through the day she fired at officers, hitting the department's armored truck at least twice, he said. White Crane had barricaded herself in the trailer, shielding herself with a refrigerator. SWAT team members slowly escalated the pressure on White Crane to surrender. Several times during the siege, officers lobbed tear gas into the trailer and flash-bang grenades designed to disorient her. For much of the day, she posted updates to her Facebook page, ranting about how officials, including the CIA, were out to get her. She also posted that she was willing to die in the siege. FBI agents eventually shut off her internet. Police used what the chief called controlled demolition of the suspects trailer, pulling off both the front of her house and later the rear. Utilities to the neighborhood, including power and water, were also shut off. At about 10 p.m., with help from the fire department, SWAT team members ran a high-pressure water hose into the suspects home and sprayed water all over the place inside, St. John said. When she was spotted inside, officers fired several non-lethal bean-bag rounds at her and then she walked out of the trailer and was arrested. She was evaluated by medical personnel and then taken to jail on multiple felony charges including attempted deliberate homicide, criminal endangerment and criminal mischief. Investigators seized two shotguns, a 12-gauage and a 20-gauage, from the suspects home. White Crane has a long history of misdemeanor charges stretching back to the 1990s when she lived in Oklahoma, several from her time in Hardin and several in Billings, the chief said. During the siege, at least four Billings Police SWAT team members fired their weapons at White Crane, including: Nate West, a 15-year veteran of the force; Duston Stroble, 7 years; Jayden Romero, 6 years; and Rylan Nelson, 5 years. All four have been placed on routine administrative leave. Yarina was the second Montana police officer shot in the last two weeks. Earlier this month, Great Falls Police Officer Tanner Lee was shot twice during a traffic stop. St. John said, I want to emphasize the extraordinary effort that everybody on the scene took to preserve life, despite the fact we had a down officer. The effort saved lives, including the life of White Crane." Trouble with White Crane Residents of the mobile home park described White Crane as generally friendly, but also volatile. Skyler Alvarez lives next door to White Crane with his 5-year-old son and grandparents. He said things were fine with his neighbor until fairly recently. We used to be good with each other, friendly and all that, said Alvarez. Wed help each other out. And, then one day she started acting weird, making threats. Something was wrong with her. He said White Crane started yelling at him, accusing him of hacking into her WiFi and security cameras to spy on her. And then, she started acting really weird and making threats. She said, Im going to have someone shoot you,' Alvarez said Monday morning. She also started posting threats targeting Alvarez on her Facebook page. She posted, My neighbor is a dead man walking,' he said. On the Friday evening before the standoff, he got into his car to run some errands and she used her car to block him in. He threatened to call the police and was able to leave. At just after midnight that night, she started banging on his trailer with a piece of wood. He opened his window and told her to knock it off, that his family was trying to sleep. He said he then called police and about an hour later two officers arrived. While he was talking to the officers, White Crane fired a shot from her trailer that shattered his window. She then fired a second shot, shattering a second window, he said. Officers spent the next few hours trying to coax White Crane out of her house. When she refused to come out, the officers left. They told me to just leave, stay the night somewhere else. But, I couldnt because I had family staying there, Alvarez said. We told the cops, Dont leave her there, she will start something worse.' We all knew she had guns in there, obviously. He finally went to bed at about 5 a.m. and then at 7 a.m. he heard another shot and another window shatter. Soon after, police began arriving and the standoff began. During Monday's press conference, St. John was asked why police didnt arrest her Friday night after shooting out the neighbors window. We have mental health issues and we know a lot of times we dont need to pick a fight unnecessarily because its going to end badly, he said. Had she answered the door, she most likely would have been arrested, the chief said. If theres no one in jeopardy, the neighbors agreed to leave to let things settle down and de-escalate. And, it was our hope that thats exactly what would happen, that everybody would leave and it would just work itself out and settle down. Photos: Standoff after officer shot continues Photos: Birch Lane standoff MIAMI (Tribune News Service) Coast Guard crews rescued 28 people from a struggling Cuban migrant vessel, some on the boat and some in the water, off Key West and were searching Tuesday for one missing passenger. The agency said Tuesday it had responded to the report of a makeshift, steel-hulled craft apparently disabled in heavy seas about 6 miles off the coast after a civilian boater reporting seeing people in the water around 8:40 p.m. It turned out to have been carrying 29 people and crews rescued 18 people from the water and 10 from the boat, according to a press release. Two people from the boat needed medical treatment and were taken to the hospital. Because they were caught at sea, the migrants will be returned to Cuba. The Coast Guard released a video showing one of its patrol boat crews trying to get people off the migrant vessel in rough seas and high winds of up to 20 knots. Coast Guard airplane and boat crews are expected to continue searching for the missing person throughout the day. Coast Guard crews will continue to search for this person until all efforts are exhausted, Capt. Jason Ingram, commander, Sector Key West, said in a statement. Taking to the sea in dangerous weather and unseaworthy vessels greatly increases the risk for loss of life. Dont take to the sea. Use safe and legal means of immigrating to the U.S. 2023 Miami Herald. Visit miamiherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. (Tribune News Service) The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt will return to its homeport of San Diego on Thursday after 18 months up maintenance, repairs and modernization in Bremerton, Wash., according to the Navy. The nuclear-powered carrier, which was commissioned in 1986, is expected to arrive at Naval Air Station North Island at midday. The Navy didnt provide more details about its passage into San Diego Bay. The 1,092-foot warship underwent many upgrades during its time at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility. The upgrades included retrofitting the deck system to handle F-35C Lightning II, a long-range stealth strike fighter. 2023 The San Diego Union-Tribune. Visit sandiegouniontribune.com . An unspecified incident at Naval Base Guams main exchange store on Tuesday closed roads and spurred a response from security forces, fire and emergency services. Access to the NEX and Commissary is restricted at this time, said a morning post on the bases official Facebook page. Security is conducting traffic control. All patrons are asked to remain clear of the area. A second post at 9:20 a.m. declared the situation all clear, and said stores and roads had reopened. A spokesperson for the base did not immediately respond to an email seeking further information. Naval Base Guam is a pivotal point of strength and sea power for the Western Pacific, according to the Joint Region Marianas website. It is home to Los Angeles-class attack submarines and the submarine tenders USS Frank Cable and USS Emory S. Land. Japan and South Korea, increasingly powerful nations, have reached an important agreement with far-reaching positive implications. On March 16, Prime Ministers Fumio Kishida of Japan and Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea shared food and fellowship in a Tokyo restaurant, and reached remarkable understanding. They agreed bilateral visits, suspended in 2018, will resume, reconfirmed sharing of intelligence information, and put an end to a rather charged, tense four-year trade dispute. They also agreed on sustained collaboration regarding security. Earlier in the month South Koreas foreign minister, Park Jin, announced that a foundation funded by South Korean companies would compensate victims of forced labor during Japans occupation of Korea. President Joe Biden immediately praised this generous South Korea initiative. The two nations share a complex, difficult history. Japans long-term occupation of Korea in the 20th century, which continued until 1945, included forced prostitution of Korean women and more general exploitation of the population. Totalitarianism has now faded, but legacies and painful memories continue. South Koreas Supreme Court ruled in 2018 that a comprehensive settlement of wartime compensation claims, reached in 1965, does not prevent individuals from seeking reparations. This opened the door for individuals to sue Japanese companies for compensation. In reaction, Japan announced that special trade relations with South Korea would end. Japanese companies would have to make formal application, which can be quite cumbersome, for any technology-related deals with South Korea. South Korea retaliated. This dispute has been ended. The two economies are world leaders in scale, production and overall effectiveness, but are notable for remaining surprisingly separate from another. This directly reflects their extremely difficult history. Yoons immediate predecessor, President Moon Jae-in, helped encourage the current progress. In August 2019, he took the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the death of South Koreas great leader Kim Dae-jung to underscore the importance of a 1998 Joint Declaration between Japan and South Korea, and the fundamental need for partnership. Kims effectiveness in fighting South Koreas earlier harsh dictatorship marked him as a special target, and he survived at least five attempts on his life. One of the most dramatic incidents occurred in 1973, when South Korean government agents kidnapped him from a Tokyo hotel and took him to a ship, where they intended to kill him at sea. Donald Gregg, the highly experienced CIA station chief in South Korea, acted decisively. After a U.S. helicopter flew low over the ship, and Gregg intervened personally, and forcefully, kidnappers reluctantly released Kim. Gregg, whose intelligence career dates to training commandos during the Korean War, later served as U.S. ambassador to Seoul during the George H.W. Bush administration and more recently provided outstanding professional leadership to the Korea Society based in New York City. Ambassador Gregg was also national security adviser to Bush when he was vice president. Most of his career was spent with CIA. He personified the commitment and dedication of career professionals crucial to our success in the Cold War. The Korean War effectively transformed the Cold War from a conflict centered on Germany and Europe to a complex global competition. That costly war from 1950 to 1953 also forged the extremely strong, ongoing partnership between South Korea and the United States. Kims courage and commitment to representative government were rewarded when this great leader was elected president of the Republic of Korea in 1997. Without hesitation, he moved to begin detente with the North Korean regime. This culminated in a dramatic summit meeting in 2000 with the leader of North Korea, beginning the fitful interchange with Pyongyang. Kim Dae-jung received the 2000 Nobel Peace Prize for his leadership, which resonates well beyond Korea. Preoccupation with China should not distract from remarkable, positive developments in Asia. Arthur I. Cyr is author of After the Cold War. Researchers have found that high concentrations of abnormally formed proteins in the brain are at the root of a mysterious neurodegenerative disease that has plagued Guam natives for more than a century. The disease, called ALS/parkinsonism-dementia complex but long known on Guam as lytico-bodig, primarily afflicts the native Chamorro people living on the Pacific island. Symptoms include tremors, arm and leg paralysis, lost memory and spells of dementia. The condition worsens over time and in most cases leads to death. The studys findings could help to further understand other neurological conditions, such as Alzheimers disease, Parkinsons disease and ALS, also known as Lou Gehrigs disease, according to a news release from the Uniformed Services University in Maryland, whose researchers collaborated in the study. While the etiological cause of lytico-bodig remains unclear, the study published Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences is the first to find that the disease involves the accumulation of prions, proteins that form with abnormal folds and can spread in the brain and corrupt its function, the release said. Researchers used newly developed tests to examine preserved brain tissue from Chamorro people who died with the disease. The highly sensitive tests revealed high concentrations of two types of proteins, tau and beta-amyloid, that had morphed into prions, the release said. The term prion, short for proteinaceous infectious particle, was coined by Stanley Prusiner, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1997 for his groundbreaking findings on the link between prions and brain diseases. Prusiner, now at the University of California-San Francisco, was lead author of the new study. Among prion-related diseases in humans are Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker disease and kuru. Perhaps the best known example among animals is mad cow disease, or bovine spongiform encephalopathy, a chronic wasting disease that is now found mainly in deer and elk. Lytico-bodig, however, is unlike any other neurodegenerative disease and found only in Guam. Although the disease was quite likely afflicting the people of Guam in earlier times, the first official reports of it were made in 1904, according to a 2017 article in Penn Medicine Magazine. Serious study of the malady only began after American forces retook the U.S. territory from the Japanese during World War II. By the mid-1950s, it was a full-blown epidemic on an island of 60,000, afflicting people at a rate 100 times greater than similar neurodegenerative diseases did in other parts of the world, the Penn Medicine Magazine article states. At the epidemics height, more than 10% of adult deaths on the island were attributable to the disease, according to the Uniformed Services University news release. Over the years, scientists have hypothesized about the cause of the disease, looking at everything from genetics, cycad trees, algae, parasites, bats and metallic compounds found in the soil. None has been conclusive. A genetic cause has been largely ruled out because the disease was found in non-Chamorro people who lived long-term on the island. In addition, if the gene for the disease were passed on to each new generation, the incidence of the disease would remain relatively constant. But cases of the condition waned in the decades after the 1950s, and today it has virtually disappeared, according to the new study. Were excited about these findings, which, although they do not explain the underlying cause of the disorder, they do provide answers for how the disease spreads through the brain and produces its devastating effects on brain function, Dan Perl, a professor of Neuropathology at Uniformed Services University and study co-author, said in the release. The findings reported here could have a significant impact on both civilian and military health care through further research and ultimately provide answers to why this disease has been endemic to Guam, he said. Construction efforts are rapidly moving forward on a Cambodian naval base that U.S. officials say will secretly host Chinese forces, according to a British news site. At least 25 buildings and two piers have been completed since 2019 at Ream Naval Base on the Gulf of Thailand, according to a March 14 report from London-based Naval Technology that cited recent satellite imagery from geospatial intelligence company BlackSky. Beijing is funding the extensive construction efforts, and the Pentagon considers the base to be Chinas first overseas installation in the Indo-Pacific, according to a 2022 Department of Defense report to Congress. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Thursday denounced reports that Ream will permanently host Chinese forces as a campaign to slander Cambodia by foreigners and politicians, according to Radio Free Asia. He said the base is meant for Cambodian forces and is not a threat against anyone. The construction includes deeper port facilities that would be necessary for the docking of larger military ships and suggests that Beijing has diversified its overseas basing strategy by aiding in the construction of foreign military facilities to expand their own presence, according to the DOD report. BlackSkys satellite imagery showed that one of the piers measures more than 2,200 feet and has nearly 1,000 feet of usable docking area, according to the Naval Technology report. The pier extends into waters deep enough to service aircraft carriers, with columns deployed to a length sufficient to moor these vessels, according to a Feb. 28 Naval Technology report. The Wall Street Journal in 2019 first reported that Cambodia and China had signed a secret deal to allow Chinese forces exclusive access to the base in exchange for construction assistance, citing unnamed western sources. Hun Sen and Beijing have both repeatedly denied those allegations. Such a deal between China and Cambodia would violate the countrys 1993 constitution, which says Cambodia wont permit any foreign military base on its territory or have its own military base abroad except through a United Nations request. Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Bahn in June 2021 said Beijing would help modernize and expand Ream, but would not be the only country with access to the base, according to the 2022 DOD report. CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea South Korea on Tuesday notified the Japanese government of its intent to renew an intelligence-sharing agreement to strengthen the countries military ties. South Korea will continue to share military intelligence with Japan to beef up close security cooperation with an aim to respond to growing North Korean nuclear and missile threats, according to a Ministry of Foreign Affairs press release. The announcement comes five days after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida held the first summit between their countries since 2011. Yoon flew to Tokyo on March 16 to renew ties that have been frayed for decades by historical and military differences. During a cabinet meeting in Seoul on Tuesday, Yoon said South Korea-Japan relations were on the brink of collapse and that he would remove obstacles that hinder Korea-Japan relations," according to a readout from the presidential office. Yoon said he would approve a host of policies to completely normalize relations with Japan, including the renewal of the General Security of Military Information Agreement a military intelligence-sharing pact created in 2016 to address threats from North Korea. The agreement will renew on Nov. 23 unless South Korea or Japan notifies the other of its intent to withdraw three months in advance. It was threatened with termination in 2019 by former South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who warned the United States and Tokyo that he would sunset the pact, citing Tokyos export controls against Seoul. Senior U.S. officials warned against the notion. Former U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper described the agreement as an important tool for South Korea and Japan to share effective and timely information, particularly in times of war, during a news conference with his South Korean counterpart in Seoul in 2019. Expiration of the [agreement] would have an impact on our effectiveness, and so we've urged all sides to sit down and work through their differences, Esper said. The only ones who benefit from the expiration of [the agreement] and continued friction between Seoul and Tokyo are Pyongyang and Beijing. The agreements renewal is a critical move for regional security, particularly in the wake of North Koreas provocations, foreign policy experts told Stars and Stripes on Tuesday. Former CIA analyst Soo Kim, who now serves as the policy practice area lead for the LMI consulting firm, said Yoon and Kishida are reviving the momentum that had been lost on security cooperation over North Korea. North Korea fired more than 70 missiles in 2022 and launched nine ballistic missiles so far this year. The regimes state-run Korean Central News Agency continues to characterize the South and Japan as enemies and has warned it will preemptively strike if threatened. This is seen as an important step, not just for the immediate implications over the intelligence cooperation aspect, Kim said in an email. But more broadly, its one of a handful of steps Seoul and Japan are taking to improve all aspects of the bilateral relationship. Progress in one aspect of the relationship should, hopefully, impel progress and improvement in other aspects of Seoul-Tokyo ties. Kim added that the agreement signals to North Korea that its efforts to disrupt the security of the region will be met with combined resistance from South Korea, Japan and the United States. [North Korean leader Kim Jong Un] seeks to split the three countries apart and render them weak as a collective to confront [North Koreas] challenge, Kim said. By taking steps to repair relations, Seoul, Tokyo, and Washington are demonstrating solidarity and like-mindedness in dealing with common threats to their security interests. Professor Hwang Jihwan of the University of Seouls International Relations Department said that in Seouls perspective, it was quite inevitable for it to normalize relations with Tokyo. Weve seen a lot of missile tests from North Korea, so its quite necessary for both countries to have full cooperation in regard to information and intelligence issues on North Korea, Hwang said by phone. Moreover, I think that the U.S. also wants both South Korea and Japan to cooperate on this issue because the U.S. is now focusing on putting together [alliances] not only in order to respond to North Korean threats, but to also respond to rising concerns about Chinas military. Visit Southeast Montana is announcing today that its free, redesigned 2023 travel guide is available for order and download. The travel guide features Visit Southeast Montanas Out Here marketing campaign, which describes the captivating, wide-open landscapes and unique experiences visitors can enjoy in the 13 counties and two reservations that make up the Visit Southeast Montana tourism region. The new design incorporates scannable QR codes for visitors to gather additional information and uses a cleaner overall aesthetic with smaller, easier-to-read descriptions for destinations and activities. We redesigned the 2023 travel guide with the user in mind, really looking at how people travel and matching the layout to the trip planning process, said Visit Southeast Montana Director of Marketing Brenda Maas. The guide also showcases inspirational imagery by local photographers, like Ashton Jones, who hails from Glendive, and Nathan Satran, originally from Forsyth. It includes itineraries and information for visiting the areas state parks, museums, recreation areas and national monuments, taking scenic drives, and planning activities like stargazing on Montanas Trail to the Stars and exploring the Montana Dinosaur Trail. Visit Southeast Montana produces 60,000 copies of the travel guide each year and distributes it to chambers of commerce, convention and visitors bureaus, visitor information centers, hotels, motels and sporting events across Montana and surrounding states, and to individuals who request it from across the United States and Canada to encourage visitors to plan vacations to the region. Bulk orders are also available to tourism partners free of charge. Call 800-346-1876 to have a free travel guide mailed directly to you or download your copy at www.southeastmontana.com. WASHINGTON (Tribune News Service) When Chinas Xi Jinping and Russias Vladimir Putin sat down together in Moscow on Monday, the trappings were those of imperial power, and the bonhomie hung heavy in the air. They addressed one another as dear friend. They chatted while sitting in ornate chairs in a gilded salon. On Tuesday, the two autocratic presidents will dine at a state banquet in a richly frescoed hall used by a long line of Russian czars. It was a clear message of two great powers coming together along with the conspicuous absence of a third: the United States. Xis three-day visit to Moscow is the clearest symbol yet of the deepening ties between two countries that have had a history of fraught relations but that are now finding common cause in directly challenging the U.S. and the West. China and Russia are intent on fundamentally shifting the architecture of the world order in their favor and away from the rules that have regulated Western-dominated post-World War II geopolitical arrangements, analysts say. That goal has been both furthered and complicated by the war in Ukraine, which is now nearing its 13-month mark. Shortly before Russian tanks barreled across the border on Feb. 24, 2022, Putin and Xi met on the margins of the Winter Olympics in Beijing and declared a cooperation without bounds. Since then, China has voiced support for Russia without directly endorsing the invasion, and refrained from joining in sanctions against Moscow. But Xi must carefully calibrate his support, analysts say, lest he find himself sullied by the international opprobrium surrounding Putin. Last week, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for the Russian president and an aide for alleged war crimes, including the forced deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia, the first such indictments handed down in connection with the Russian invasion. Throughout the war, China has attempted to maintain a delicate balance between nurturing its political and economic relationship with Russia without alienating other countries upon which its relying to help get its COVID-hit economy back on its feet. But that has become more difficult to sustain as Russia has suffered heavy losses in Ukraine and looks to Beijing for military as well as diplomatic support. The Chinese want to maintain the strategic partnership, but also want to protect their reputation and economic interests, said Joseph Torigian, a professor at the School of International Service at American University. What the Chinese dont want to do is look like they are facilitating Russian aggression. At the same time, Xi appears confident he can outwit Washington and carve out a greater role for Beijing on the world stage. China this month brokered an agreement restoring diplomatic ties between arch-rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran, showcasing its ability to make deals where the U.S. cant and pointedly involving a longstanding if problematic U.S. ally, Saudi Arabia. Beijings revved-up diplomatic activity has included an attempt to appear as a potential peacemaker in Ukraine. China recently put forward a 12-point plan that it said was a road map to halt the fighting one that was, unsurprisingly, favorable to Russia. The U.S. has been scathing in its criticism of both Xis trip to Moscow and his governments proposal for a cease-fire in Ukraine. Xis high-profile visit on the heels of the ICC warrant suggests that China feels no responsibility to hold the Kremlin accountable for the atrocities committed in Ukraine, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said Monday at a news conference in Washington. Beijing would rather provide diplomatic cover for Russia to continue to commit those very crimes. As for Beijings peace plan, Blinken said that cementing the current positions of Russian and Ukrainian forces would effectively be supporting the ratification of Russian conquest. The world should not be fooled by any tactical move by Russia supported by China or any other country to freeze the war on its own terms, he said. U.S. officials have said that China is also considering sending artillery shells to Russia, though they have warned their Beijing counterparts against providing military support. If Beijing did supply arms to Russia, analysts said, it could irreparably damage Chinas relationships with the U.S. and other Western countries, crossing a line that Xi has so far shied away from. For China to take the step of providing Russia with serious quantities of weapons and ammunition would plunge U.S.-China relations into a state from which they may not recover, Diana Choyleva, chief economist at Enodo Economics, a China-focused consultancy, firm, wrote in a report last week. Asked about the possibility of China supplying artillery to Russia, Wang Wenbin, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, reiterated the need for peace talks and criticized the U.S. for sending weapons to Ukraine, according to a readout of Mondays news briefing. Kyiv is playing a cautious game of its own. It has ruled out accepting any of Russias territorial seizures to date, but has been careful not to criticize Beijing over its cease-fire proposal. In his nightly address to his compatriots on Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is reportedly to speak with the Chinese leader by phone later this week, did not mention the Moscow summit. In many respects, China and Russia make complementary partners, although Moscow is now the junior power after its decades of economic, political and military superiority during the Cold War. Despite recent downturns, China has a robust economy with access to markets and raw materials the world over and a formidable wolf warrior corps of diplomats fighting for Beijings interests. Russia is more isolated, its economy buffeted by international sanctions, costs of the Ukraine war and chronic corruption and mismanagement. But Russia also has large supplies of oil, natural gas and other commodities that China covets. Its a bit of a marriage of convenience, U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters Monday. China has provided Russia with economic support through purchases of oil and gas and technology exports such as semiconductors. Bilateral trade between the two rose 34% in 2022 to a record high of $190 billion, according to Chinese customs data. Xi is also playing to another audience, the so-called Global South, mostly developing countries in the Southern Hemisphere where China has found fertile field for diplomacy and the exploitation of raw minerals and other wealth, and where it will be easier for Xi to portray himself as a balanced broker in resolving the conflict, said Evan Feigenbaum, a former senior State Department official specializing in Asia who is now at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Partnership with Putins Russia is not cost-free, since Beijing pays a price reputationally, with Europe in particular, Feigenbaum wrote in an essay on the CEIP website. But partnership with the albatross in Moscow will pay dividends for China, too. Beijing, he wrote, will hardly come away from Xis visit empty-handed. ... It will win contracts, assure Russias enduring economic dependence on China, and link the two countries resource producing and consuming sectors more closely together. While Russia has framed Xis visit as evidence of strengthening ties and unleashed bombastic anti-Western rhetoric in touting it Chinese officials have struck a more nuanced tone. But China has echoed Russias concerns about NATO expansion, and criticized the U.S. for its military assistance to Ukraine. The eventual outcome of the war in Ukraine could have significant implications for Xis vision of national rejuvenation, including his ambitions to bring the island democracy of Taiwan under Communist Party rule. Moscow is the Chinese presidents first international destination since beginning his third five-year term at the head of Chinas Communist Party. Xi has met Putin dozens of times over their respective long years in power; his first state visit to Russia as president was in 2013. In Moscow on Tuesday, he said he had invited Putin to Beijing later this year. This summit is a very clear indication that when it comes to the geopolitics of the next decade or more, China is very determined that it will show its support for Russia, Rana Mitter, a China expert at Oxford University, said. China finds it very useful to have Russia essentially as a partner who cant say no. Perhaps mindful of the reputational blow China has suffered in Europe for its tacit acceptance of Putins actions, Chinas top diplomat, Wang Yi, last month visited France, Italy and Hungary in what was seen as an effort to ease strained relationships. While Xis meeting with Putin may undercut those overtures, even being part of the conversation over Ukraine could further the perception of China as an important player in international affairs, analysts said. It gives his [Xis] ability to be a global statesperson more support, said Ja Ian Chong, an associate professor of political science at the National University of Singapore. It may not be tangible or material, but it does bolster Chinas standing, and thats something that Xi has been desiring. Wilkinson reported from Washington and Yang from Taipei, Taiwan. Laura King contributed to this report from Berlin. 2023 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The Air Force has chosen Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska to host the services first integrated center capable of joint and multinational force training. Construction of the Joint Integrated Test and Training Center at the Anchorage base is expected to begin this fall, the service said Monday in a news release. The roughly 116 personnel who will man the center will begin arriving in 2027, the Air Force said. Attendees to the center will be able to blend synthetic and live-fly training while focusing on training events specific to employment of tactical joint assets, the Air Force said. The center will use realistic threat scenarios focusing on the U.S. militarys pacing challenge, Col. Kevin Jamieson, commander of the 3rd Wing at Elmendorf-Richardson, said in the release. Pentagon officials routinely refer to China as Americas leading pacing threat. This training capability is critical to ensure our men and women will be ready to perform their duties on Night-1 of a conflict if called upon and will be the premier training venue for decades to come, he said. Two squadrons of F-22 fighter jets are based at Elmendorf-Richardson, and 54 F-35 jets are at Eielson Air Force Base near Fairbanks. Air Force officials have boasted that Alaska is now home to more fifth-generation fighters than any other place in the world. Pacific Air Forces Red Flag combat air exercise is held four times a year in 67,000 square miles of airspace over Joint Pacific Range Complex and a portion of Canada. International allies and partners have routinely participated in the exercise since it began in Alaska in 1992. From our position in Alaska, Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson is uniquely situated to protect the homeland and project joint forces, Col. David Wilson, commander of the 673rd Air Base Wing at the joint base, said in the release. WASHINGTON The Defense Department is speeding up plans to send the U.S. militarys most sophisticated battle tank to Ukraine as the country braces itself for an expected increase in Russian attacks in the coming weeks, Pentagon officials said Tuesday. Pentagon officials said in January that the U.S. would provide Ukraine almost three dozen M1A2 Abrams tanks, which is widely considered one of the best tanks in the world. But the M1A2 Abrams is highly complex equipment and requires regular maintenance reasons why U.S. officials were initially hesitant to send those tanks to Ukraine. On Tuesday, Pentagon officials announced a change in the plan. Ukraine instead will receive 31 M1A1 Abrams tanks that are being refurbished and fitted for conditions in the ongoing battle in the countrys eastern region. The M1A1 is a slightly older variant of the tank. After further study and analysis [we] have made the decision to provide the M1A1 variant of the Abrams tank, which will enable us to significantly expedite delivery timelines and deliver this important capability to Ukraine by the fall of this year, Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagons top spokesman, told reporters. The first plan to send M1A2s required the tanks be procured from the defense industry through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. The tanks would effectively need to be built using that plan and delay their delivery to Ukraine for more than a year, Ryder said. With the warming weather in Europe stoking fears of a Russian spring offensive, Pentagon officials concluded it would be quicker to refurbish existing M1A1 tank frames that the U.S. military already has and build in configurations that are most suitable for battlefields in Ukraine. Ryder said the Ukraine variant will include a 120 millimeter cannon and .50 caliber machine gun. This is about getting this important combat capability into the hands of Ukrainians sooner rather than later, he said. The change in plan is expected to shave months off the delivery time for the Abrams tank. Sabrina Singh, a Pentagon spokeswoman, said in January that one of the reasons why officials decided initially to have defense contractors build new tanks is the U.S. military doesnt have spare battle-ready tanks to send the Ukrainians. The Abrams tanks named for Army Gen. Creighton Abrams, a Vietnam War commander have been in service for 40 years and include several variants. The U.S. has sold many variants to other countries, but none of those tanks include the classified technologies that are built into U.S. models -- such as armor and munitions made of depleted uranium, an extremely hard and resistant material. Ryder confirmed Tuesday that the tanks to be sent to Ukraine will not have depleted uranium packages. He also acknowledged that Kyiv should also receive the Patriot missile system its getting from the U.S. ahead of schedule. In all, Ukraine is getting three Patriot systems one from the United States, one from Germany and one from the Netherlands. A group of about 100 Ukrainian troops have been training for months at Fort Sill, Okla., to learn how to use the sophisticated ground missile battery. We are confident that we will be able to get the Patriot there on an expedited timeline, Ryder said, adding the Ukrainian troops being trained at Fort Sill are learning quicker than expected. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the United States has committed almost $33 billion in military weapons and equipment to help Kyiv defend against Russian attacks. The most recent round of security aid was announced Monday and includes more ammunition, patrol boats, missiles, mine-clearing equipment, grenade launchers, thermal imagery systems and fuel tankers. A Hardin couple is facing murder charges in connection to the death of a 6-year-old Apsaalooke girl. Veronica Tierza Dust and Roseen Shantel Lincoln, previously named in court documents as Roseen Lincoln Old Crow, have been charged in Big Horn County District Court with deliberate homicide and tampering with evidence. The charges came more than two years after investigators found the body of Mildred Old Crow in a trailer near Garryowen. In November 2020, the Montana Department of Justice issued a Missing Endangered Person Advisory for Mildred, the Gazette previously reported. Non-custodial members of her family reported to the state Department of Public Health and Human Services and the Bureau of Indian Affairs they had not seen the girl for more than a year. One family member told the BIA Office of Justice Services the last time she saw Mildred was in April 2019, and the girl had bruises on her face and arms. Dust and Lincoln became the guardians of Mildred in March 2017, according to court documents. About a month after the MEPA for Mildred was issued, Crow Tribal Court ordered the couple to bring the girl to the BIA Division of Human Services. When Mildred still remained missing, Tribal Court charged and sentenced Dust and Lincoln for criminal child endangerment. In February 2021, about two months before Dust and Lincoln were sentenced in Tribal Court, investigators found Mildreds remains in a travel trailer on the Crow Indian Reservation. Her body was wrapped in a plastic bag inside a plastic storage tote sealed with tape, court documents said. An autopsy performed that month determined Mildred had a laceration on her head and a fractured leg, and the girls body showed signs of chronic abuse and malnutrition. In April 2019, court documents said, Dust and Lincoln were drinking heavily in their Hardin home. It was around this same time Mildred allegedly died due to abuse from the couple. After her body remained in their bathroom for an unknown amount of time, county prosecutors alleged, Dust and Lincoln hid it in a storage tote and collected benefits as Mildreds guardians for two years. Of all the people reported missing from 2017 through 2019, 81% were under the age of 18, according to Montanas Missing Persons Data Project, which was published by the Montana DOJ. The project also showed that Big Horn County had nearly twice as many missing persons than Yellowstone County. During the current State Legislature session, the Montana House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a bill that would continue Montanas Missing Indigenous Persons Task Force, created in 2019 to address the endemic crisis of missing Native Americans in the state. House Bill 163, Lee Newspapers reported, would also add personnel to the task force and give it authority make recommendations to local, state and federal agencies. The bill has since been referred to the Senate. Despite making up only about 7% of the states population, Indigenous people account for about a quarter of all missing person cases on average in Montana. Dust and Lincoln, both 36, are scheduled to be arraigned in Big Horn County District Court on March 28. Both are in custody at Yellowstone County Detention Facility and Big Horn County Detention Center, respectively. Agents with the FBI, BIA and Big Horn County Sheriff's Office all contributed to the investigation that led to their charges. Doubts grow over conviction after Supreme Court rules seizure of computer was unlawful Bobby Ryans children, Robert and Michelle Ryan, hold a photo of their father after Patrick Quirke was convicted of his murder The daughter of Bobby Ryan has spoken of her fear Patrick Quirke, the man convicted of her fathers murder, may walk free from prison. Quirkes conviction has been thrown into doubt after the Supreme Court ruled the seizure of a computer from his home was unlawful. The decision has put the spotlight on the failure of investigating gardai to include a reference to computers in the application for a warrant to search the married Co Tipperary farmers home in May 2013. Gardai seized a computer at the property in Breanshamore and discovered it had been used to search for online articles about the decomposition of human remains. The find proved to be a key piece of circumstantial evidence against Quirke (54), who was jailed for life in 2019 for the murder of his love rival Mr Ryan (52), a part-time DJ known as Mr Moonlight. The 10-2 majority verdict came after a 15-week trial which gripped the nation. But it is unclear if the conviction will now stand after a seven-judge Supreme Court panel yesterday found the seizure of the computer was unlawful because gardai did not specify they would be looking for computers in their application for the search warrant. Bobby Ryans children, Robert and Michelle Ryan, hold a photo of their father after Patrick Quirke was convicted of his murder Michelle Ryan told Independent.ie the ruling was a blow as she had spent the past 12 years fighting to ensure justice for her father. Should Pat Quirke walk from this, somebody will be held accountable for this, she said. Because if he walks free from it, there are going to be questions that will be asked and I can tell you one thing, I will get answers for them. The full implications of the judgment are not yet clear. The court said it would have to hear further argument regarding the consequences of its ruling. However, it is possible it could allow a retrial. Lawyers for Quirke and the DPP are now studying the ruling ahead of making submissions on what should happen next. The case has been listed for mention on March 29. One possible line of argument which could be put forward by the DPP is that the omission of computers from the warrant application was inadvertent. The Supreme Court has previously ruled, in a case called JC, that evidence obtained in breach of a persons rights can still be deemed admissible if the breach was inadvertent. In its dismissal of a previous appeal by Quirke in 2021, the Court of Appeal said the failure to incorporate a reference to computers may be categorised as inadvertence. Lawyers for the DPP may also argue that even if the computer evidence was excluded, there was ample other evidence against Quirke. The absence of computers from the warrant application made to District Court judge Elizabeth McGrath was one of the more curious aspects of the murder investigation. Gardai were hoping to find personal items belonging to Mr Ryan at Quirkes home and the warrant specified clothing, a mobile phone, keys, a murder weapon and any other relevant evidence. However, it did not specify computers, even though the possible seizure of computers was discussed by gardai in advance of the search. In all likelihood gardai would have encountered little difficulty in obtaining a warrant specifying computers had such an application been made. Under cross-examination during the trial, Detective Sergeant John Keane admitted computers should have been included as they were potential sources of evidence in any search. Inspector Patrick OCallaghan testified that he met Det Sgt Keane prior to the search and discussed with him the items that were to be searched for. I would have requested John Keane to ensure that computers that were located on the premises were searched, he said. The inspector gave evidence he had believed Quirke may have visited internet sites in relation to researching for decomposition of bodies and/or murder and that information in relation to the milking of cattle by Quirke on the morning of Mr Ryans disappearance may have been stored on a computer. The prosecution case was that Quirke murdered Mr Ryan in June 2011 and dumped his body in a disused underground tank on a farm at Fawnagowan, Co Tipperary he was leasing from Mr Ryans girlfriend Mary Lowry. Prosecutors said Quirke killed Mr Ryan so he could rekindle an affair he had with Ms Lowry between 2008 and 2010. The jury was told Quirke staged the discovery of the body in April 2013 as his lease was about to end and he feared he would be found out. Quirke denied murder and made no admissions to gardai. The failure by gardai to specify computers in the warrant application was brought up as an issue by Quirkes defence team at his trial, but the computer search evidence was still admitted. The Court of Appeal subsequently backed the trial judges decision, finding that while the absence of computers from the sworn information in the warrant application was sub-optimal, the omission was not in the nature of a fundamental error. However, the Supreme Court disagreed. In his judgment on behalf of the court yesterday, Mr Justice Peter Charleton found the warrant should have specified that it was anticipated computers might be seized during the search. The seizure of the computer was unlawful, he said. Mr Justice Charleton said the seizure of a computer related to the non-physical space and that the seizure for entry into the digital space involves the automatic loss of privacy rights on a vast scale. The judge said that under the relevant legislation, the Criminal Justice Act 2006, a warrant allows for the search of any place or person. But the definition of place was specific to physical places and therefore could not be extended or altered to include digital spaces, such as the contents of a computer. Under the warrant issued, the computer could be seized in the same way as an ordinary item, such as a knife or a diary, and could be examined as a physical object for fingerprints. But to examine the contents, it would have been necessary for gardai seeking a warrant to specify that they wanted to examine a computer device, the judge said. Mr Justice Charleton said search warrants were essential instruments for investigations and prosecutions, but that protections were also necessary. Due to the significant intrusion that arises where a computer device is used as a portal into the digital space, an intention to seize a computer for the purpose of running searches, and why that may be reasonably believed to potentially yield information, must be addressed before a judge, he found. During the appeal, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, which was not a party to the case, but was permitted to assist the court, argued that before granting a warrant to search a computer, a judge had to weigh up whether trespassing into the private life of a suspect was justified by information as to reasonable suspicion. Just a week beforehand, Matt (24) and his fiancee had sent out save the date cards in preparation for their wedding A construction company and a council charged with offences following the tragic death of an electrician killed during a storm are to try to have the charges dismissed, a court has heard. Matt Campbell (24) was working for Lagan Construction at Slieve Gullion Forest Park in Co Armagh as strong winds lashed Northern Ireland during Storm Ali in September 2018. Just the week beforehand, Matt and his fiancee Robyn Newberry had sent out save the date cards in preparation for their wedding in August the following year. On the day tragedy struck, she had collected the couples wedding rings. Prosecuting counsel Fiona OKane told Newry Magistrates Court on Monday that senior counsel for the two defendants had confirmed to her they would be seeking a Preliminary Investigation before the case against Lagan Construction Ltd and Newry Mourne & Down Council could progress to the Crown Court. For any case to be elevated to the Crown Court, a judge must be satisfied there is a prima facie case against a defendant and while, in the majority of cases, defence lawyers usually concede there is, lawyers can ask for the PPS to call evidence. If that evidence does not meet the test, the charges are dismissed. NMD council and Lagan Construction Ltd were each charged with two offences of breaching health and safety legislation on 19 September 2018. The council, with their head offices at Downshire Civic Centre in Downpatrick, and Lagan Construction Ltd, with offices on the Sydenham Road in Belfast, are both charged with failing to make appropriate risk assessments for non-employees and employees respectively. They are also charged with failing to ensure, so far as would be reasonable practicable, to ensure the health and safety of employees and non-employees. Mrs OKane told District Judge Trevor Browne that while no witnesses would need to be called to testify at the PI, there would be written and brief oral submissions. The PI is scheduled to begin on 15 May. Gerard Byrne (63) is accused of pulling the window down on the gardas fingers as the two were having a conversation Gerard Byrne is alleged to have injured a garda with a window A Dublin man was talking to a garda through an open window during Covid lockdown when he slammed it on the officers fingers, injuring him, it is alleged. Gerard Byrne (63) is accused of pulling the window down on the gardas fingers as the two were having a conversation during an investigation at his home. The case against him was adjourned when he appeared in Dublin District Court. Mr Byrne, with an address at Clanranald Road, Donnycarney, is charged with assaulting a garda on May 14, 2020. A garda sergeant said the Director of Public Prosecutions consented to the case being dealt with in the district court, subject to the judge considering the issue of jurisdiction. Judge Bryan Smyth asked for an outline of the allegations. The court heard gardai had gone to the accuseds address to investigate an incident and because it was during lockdown, they were speaking to Mr Byrne through a window. In the course of the conversation, it was alleged, the accused pulled the window down onto the gardas fingers, injuring them. The judge said he would need to see a medical report before he decided on jurisdiction. Defence solicitor Daniel Hanahoe said prosecution evidence had not yet been disclosed and the garda sergeant handed him a written summary of the allegations. Judge Smyth ordered full disclosure to the defence and adjourned the case to April 25, for a decision on jurisdiction. Nathan Coakley (30) appeared in court charged with recklessly endangering life in an incident last July A Dublin man is facing trial accused of throwing a petrol bomb at a block of flats during street violence in the north inner city. Nathan Coakley appeared in court on Monday, March 20, charged with recklessly endangering life in an incident last July. He was granted bail and the case against him was adjourned for the preparation of a book of evidence. Mr Coakley (30), with an address at Upper Buckingham Street, Dublin 1, is charged over an alleged incident at Liberty House, Railway Street, last July 7. He is charged with affray and producing a petrol bomb in a plastic bottle. He is also charged with reckless endangerment by lighting a petrol bomb and throwing it at the front of a flat at Liberty House. A garda told Judge Bryan Smyth he arrested the accused at Store Street station at 9.45pm on Sunday. He made no reply to any of the charges after caution and was handed copies of the charge sheets, the garda said. The Director of Public Prosecutions directed trial on indictment, meaning Mr Coakley will be sent forward to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court when a book of evidence is ready. The garda had no objection to bail subject to conditions. Judge Smyth granted bail in the accuseds own bond of 200, with no cash lodgement required. Under conditions, he must sign on daily at Store Street garda station and have no contact directly or indirectly, including by electronic means with a named man and woman. He is also to stay away from Liberty House, and be contactable by phone at all times. The judge granted free legal aid. The accused took up bail and was released, to appear to court again on a date in May. Mr Coakley has not yet indicated how he intends to plead to the charges. Karina Cully (36) diverted money from the small office supplies company where she worked to her own bank account for over seven years A woman who stole over 600,000 from her employer has been given a two year jail sentence. Book-keeper Karina Cully (36) diverted money from the small office supplies company where she worked to her own bank account for over seven years. The total loss to the company was 629,000. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Cully, a married mother of two small children, spent the money on lifestyle expenses. She said she was disgusted with herself and the thefts had been like a habit or addiction which she had been unable to stop. Cully, of Churchfield Glen, Ashbourne, Co Meath, pleaded guilty to charges of theft, forgery, deception in relation to a mortgage application and money laundering on dates between 2014 and 2021. She has no previous convictions. Passing sentence yesterday, Judge Martin Nolan said it had been a quite simple but very efficient theft that was always going to be detected at some point. He noted there was little evidence of where Cully had spent the money. Judge Nolan noted the mitigation was very good with early guilty pleas, full admissions and cooperation. He took into account she was unlikely to reoffend and had a strong work record. The judge said however it had been persistent theft from someone she knew very well and from a small enterprise where the person she stole from was someone she met every day. Judge Nolan sentenced Cully to two years imprisonment. Karina Cully (36) Paddy Cummins - PCPhoto.ie The prosecuting garda told John Moher BL, prosecuting, that her employer contacted Cully after suspicions were aroused about certain payments and following an investigation she made full admissions to making unauthorised transfers to her personal bank account. She told gardai that she did not know why she had done it, she told them she had not needed the money and spent it on lifestyle expenses such as holidays or eating out. In the course of the investigation it was also discovered that a number of documents related to a mortgage application were forged by Cully including an inflated statement of salary and a reference. She also made full admissions in relation to these offences. A victim impact statement was handed into court on behalf of the company but not read aloud. Gerardine Small SC, defending, said Cully has sent an email to her former employer outlining what she had done and how disgusted she was with herself. Cully outlined in the email that the offending had become a habit or addiction, which although she knew was morally wrong, she was unable to stop herself. She said that she sickened herself and needed help. Ms Small said the letter of apology was a very fulsome account in relation to her wrongdoing, outlining her compulsion and that she was unable to stop herself. She said Cully had not spent the money on anything tangible but instead on items such as holidays and gifts for others. She handed in a number of letters speaking of Cully in positive terms and outlining the fact that she was an exemplary mother and had genuine remorse and self loathing. Ms Small asked the court to be as lenient as possible. She said she fully accepted what she did was absolutely wrong. She asked that Cullys personal circumstances outlined in letters to the court be taken into account. Richard Burke (32) pleaded not guilty to the murder of Jasmine McMonagle at Killygordon, Co Donegal, but guilty to manslaughter. Mother-of-two Jasmine McMonagle met a brutal death in her own home and was found by gardai in a pool of blood after she was strangled and had blows reigned upon her by her "on and off" partner, a murder trial jury has heard. Richard Burke (32), of Killygordon, County Donegal, was arraigned before the Central Criminal Court sitting in Monaghan this morning where he pleaded not guilty to the murder of Ms McMonagle at Forest Park, Killygordon on January 4, 2019 but guilty to manslaughter. The jury has been told they will hear evidence from two psychiatrists who agree that Mr Burke was suffering from a mental disorder at the time of the killing which substantially diminished his responsibility. Opening the case for the State this afternoon, Anne-Marie Lawlor SC told the jury that 28-year-old Ms McMonagle had been in a relationship with Mr Burke (32) on and off since 2016. She said Ms McMonagle was at home with her two young children on January 4 when she contacted gardai at around 4.20am with concerns about her own safety. Ms Lawlor said when gardai from Lifford attended the family home a standoff ensued after Mr Burke wielded a meat cleaver at members of the force. A crisis negotiator attended at the scene and following a three hour standoff, gardai forced their way into the property at 7.30am. Ms Lawlor said Jasmine McMonagle was already dead by the time gardai entered the house but thankfully her two young children were found unharmed. She said Mr Burke was interviewed by gardai on three occasions and she told the jury they will hear evidence of what he told gardai and the admissions he made to officers that he killed Ms McMonagle. Ms Lawlor told the jury they would hear in some graphic detail how Ms McMonagle met her death and how she was killed at the hands of Richard Burke. Outlining the facts of the case, counsel said Ms McMonagle met a brutal death and was found by gardai in a pool of blood. Counsel told the jury they would hear evidence during the trial of extensive injuries to Ms McMonagles head and body. Ms McMonagle was strangled and had blows reigned upon her, Ms Lawlor said. She said a number of items, including a meat cleaver, a safety hammer and a rope were found in the house following the discovery of Ms McMonagles body. She told the jury they will hear Ms McMonagle was strangled and had blows reigned upon her. Ms Lawlor said during the course of the trial the court will hear details of what was a desperate tragedy for Ms McMonagles family. Ms McMonagle was just weeks from her 29th birthday when she was killed and had been in a relationship with Mr Burke on and off since 2016, she said. Counsel told the jury they will hear about the relationship and the sometimes unhappy nature of it. On the night of January 4, Ms McMonagle was in her home where she lived with her two young children, including an 18-month-old daughter she shared with Mr Burke. Ms Lawlor said evidence will be heard from Sergeant Brendan McCann, the investigating officer in the case. She said Sgt McCanns evidence and the details of how Ms McMonagle died are all accepted. She told the jury that in this case the issue they will be called upon to decide is not how Ms McMonagle was killed or where she was killed but rather Mr Burkes mental state at the time. Ms Lawlor said Mr Burke acknowledges that he killed Jasmine McMonagle. She said evidence will be heard from two psychiatrists who agree that Mr Burke was suffering from a mental disorder at the time of the killing which substantially diminished his responsibility. Counsel told the jury they will be asked to decide if Mr Burke did have a mental disorder at the time of the killing. She said there was no evidence that he was insane at the time. Ms Lawlor said evidence will be heard from Dr Anthony Kearns, a consultant psychiatrist at the Central Mental Hospital, who will say that Mr Burke had a mental disorder and a substance abuse disorder which diminished his responsibility for the act. The DPP also sought assistance from an expert, counsel said, and the jury will hear evidence from Dr Dervla Duffy, a consultant psychiatrist at the Central Mental Hospital, who will say that in her expert opinion Mr Burke did have a mental disorder - a cannabis induced psychotic disorder - at the time of the killing. Dr Duffy will say that she is in agreement that the mental disorder was such that it diminished his responsibility substantially for the act, Ms Lawlor added. This afternoon, the trial heard evidence from Cartographer, Liam Farrell from the Garda National Technical Bureau, who told Patricia McLaughlin BL, prosecuting, that he was tasked with carrying out a survey of the premises at Killygordon. He told the court a rope and a meat cleaver were found in the kitchen alongside extensive blood staining. A hair extension was also found on the draining board and another was found on the floor towards the hall area, he said. Detective Garda Caroline Hughes, a photographer with the garda technical bureau, told Ms McLaughlin she photographed a dressing gown belt and blue rope which were found in the vicinity of the body. She agreed that some hair was found on the dressing gown belt. Det Gda Hughes said she also photographed a blue bag which was found in the understairs storage area. She said the bag appeared to contain what looked like a balaclava and some blades or knives. The trial continues tomorrow before Mr Justice Paul Burns and the jury of seven women and five men. Matusz Batiuk (33) has pleaded not guilty to murdering Michael McDonagh (24) at Carrabeg Estate in Swinford A Polish man intended to murder a man in Co Mayo when he reached for a knife and "plunged" it into his stomach, a prosecution barrister has told a trial jury. However, the accused man told gardai in his interviews that he believed his life was in danger when he grabbed a kitchen knife and stabbed the deceased "in his own defence". Matusz Batiuk (33), formerly of Carrabeg Estate, Swinford in Co Mayo has pleaded not guilty to murdering Michael McDonagh (24) at the housing estate in Swinford on November 16 2020. Opening the prosecutions case yesterday, Desmond Dockery SC said the court will hear evidence that Polish national Mr Batiuk had lived for the previous two years at Carrabeg Estate, which was temporary accommodation provided to him by Mayo County Council. The estate consisted of nine small houses and Mr Batiuk was unemployed. Outlining the facts of the case, Mr Dockery said Mr Batiuk had moved to Ireland from Poland with his mother and brother in 2006 or 2007 and originally settled in Ballina. The deceased Michael McDonagh, said the barrister, was 24 years old when he was fatally injured by Mr Batiuk. Mr McDonagh was the youngest of ten children and he and his sister were fostered by their uncle and his wife. Michael McDonagh The prosecution barrister went on to tell the court that Mr McDonagh left school at 16 years, was unemployed when he died and was living on and off with his foster sister and friends. On the day of the killing, Mr Dockery said Mr McDonagh had travelled by to meet his friend Paul Maughan. At 10pm that day Mr McDonagh and Mr Maughan called into a Chinese fast food premises before they walked the short distance to the accused's estate. They brought alcohol with them and were invited into Mr Batiuk's one bedroom bungalow. Mr McDonagh was intoxicated at the time and the three men sat in the sitting room. Detailing the evidence that will be heard, Mr Dockery said Mr Batiuk made a 112 call to Emergency Call Answering Services (ECAS) at 10.51pm that night and it was forwarded to gardai. The call taker had difficulty establishing the location of the house with Mr Batiuk. In the first call Mr Batiuk named Paul Maughan as the man that was messing with him and trying to fight him. The caller told him that gardai would be sent. At 10.57pm a second call was made by Mr Batiuk, who said he had stabbed a man in his house in his own defence and that the knife he had used was still in his hand. "This time he named Mr McDonagh who he said was bleeding," said counsel. Mr Dockery told the jury that the recordings of both calls would be played to them. "You will hear Paul Maughan in the background as he reacts to what occurred in the second call," said the lawyer. When gardai arrived after 11pm they found Mr Batiuk standing behind a table and he had picked up a large knife. "He was instructed to put it back down and did so," he said. The barrister said that Mr Maughan, who had blood coming from both his thumbs, was intoxicated and in a hysterical state. There will be evidence, Mr Dockery said, of what Mr Batiuk said to gardai and what was said by Mr Maughan. Mr McDonagh, who was lying on the floor of the kitchenette, was unresponsive. He had a weak pulse and was bleeding heavily. An ambulance arrived but it was impossible to resuscitate the deceased and save his life. The court will also hear that Mr Batiuk told gardai in his interviews that the three of them were in the sitting of the house when an argument or discussion developed and "that Mr McDonagh had volunteered to hurt Mr Batiuk if Mr Maughan wanted him to do so". The accused said Mr McDonagh began walking towards him and was putting his fist into his hand in a threatening way. Mr Batiuk said he retreated to the kitchen and grabbed a knife but Mr McDonagh kept coming towards him. He said he believed his life was in danger and stabbed Mr McDonagh in the stomach. Mr McDonagh's death was caused by a single stab wound to a depth of at least 12cm. He also experienced rapid fatal blood loss and was intoxicated. There were no defence related wounds on the deceased's body, said counsel. The deceased's blood was on the blade of the knife. Mr Dockery said expert evidence from a consultant psychiatrist would be that Mr Batiuk was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2008 and they would hear evidence about "whether this may have had a bearing on matters". The lawyer explained that the States case would be that this was an unlawful killing which was murder and that Mr McDonagh's death was not caused accidentally and not in legitimate self-defence. "The accused admitted to gardai he stabbed Michael McDonagh so that won't be in dispute," he said. Mr Dockery said the prosecution maintains that when Mr Batiuk reached for the knife and "plunged" it into Mr McDonagh's lower abdomen it was done with the intention of murder. "Intention does not require premeditation, intention can be formed in an instant," he concluded. The trial continues tomorrow before Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring and a jury of nine men and three women. It is expected to last two weeks. The seven elementary trustee districts for the Billings School District 2 board have grown lopsided enough over the last decade that board elections set for May would be unconstitutional, according to two residents suing SD2. Michael Scheppele and James Wilson, who both live in District 6 along Rimrock Road, have sued the district to force it to delay the May elections until it adopts more equitable trustee districts. Its a fairly heavy loadand asks for things that really disrupt the schools operation, School District Attorney Jeff Weldon said at the board's regular meeting Monday night. The board was previously presented new trustee districts with 2020 census figures last year, but voted in January to delay their approval to allow for greater public input. At their regular meeting Monday night, board trustees were informed by Weldon of the status of the suit before the board and provided legal council in a closed session. The board ultimately voted to add a resolution to the district's policies and procedures to approve use of either the current district map or an interim map for this year's election -- depending on the court's ruling -- to avoid disrupting or postponing the process. The last time the SD2 board made significant adjustments to the trustee districts was in 2013 using data from the 2010 Census. Scheppele and Wilson, through their attorney Joel Krautter, argue that with the 2020 Census now three years in the past, SD2 is overdue making the necessary updates to its trustee district boundaries. Over the last decade, the seven districts have seen their populations expand and contract leaving them out of balance from where they were in 2013. Those boundary adjustments a decade ago left each of the districts with population sizes all within 3% of each other. Currently, according to documents filed in the suit, the difference in populations between some of the districts have become significant. For example, District 4, which covers midtown Billings between Division Street and 17th Street West, has a current population of 14,763 residents, according to the lawsuit. District 7, which covers the area west of 32nd Street West and south of Rimrock Road, has a current population of 20,012, a difference of 35%. Scheppele and Wilson argue the SD2 board has had ample time to make changes to its trustee districts and now must do it before it holds another board election in order to comply with federal law. "Despite having had an adequate opportunity to do so and acknowledging the need to do so, the board of trustees has failed to redistrict the existing elementary trustee districts," Krautter wrote in the lawsuit. "Trustee districts are not apportioned according to population changes reflected in the 2020 census, and the board of trustees has failed to implement a new map and plan that will equalize population between elementary trustee districts before the May 2023 elections." Trustee-specific districts were created in 2003 by SD2 in an effort to get better representation on the school board. These single-member districts were a drastic change for SD2, which had, for most of its history, at-large trustee representation. That meant if the board had three open seats, the three top vote-getters from anywhere in the city were elected. By the early 2000s, district officials saw a need for a change and formed a committee to draw up a map dividing the district into individual trustee zones and taking it before voters, who approved the measure in 2003. The goal was to give areas traditionally under-represented on the school board, such as the Heights and the South Side, more of a voice on the board. Results have been mixed; over the last two decades many school board candidates have run unopposed more often than not for their seat or are appointed to fill vacancies that occur in off-election years. The Garda Anti-Corruption Unit is examining claims that a group of officers were deliberately targeting foreign delivery drivers in the capital Several members of An Garda Siochana have been arrested as part of an internal criminal probe - with one arrested on suspicion of burgling a Brazilian delivery drivers home. The investigation, which began two years ago, relates to an alleged scam in Dublin which saw four gardai suspended and has now resulted in a number of arrests, the Irish Mirror reports. The Garda Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) is examining claims that a group of officers from the same unit were deliberately targeting foreign delivery drivers in the capital. Some of the gardai are accused of forcing the drivers to pay them a cash sum each week so that they can continue working in the city. One garda was held on suspicion of burgling a Brazilian Deliveroo drivers house in 2021, while another is being quizzed for allegedly perverting the course of justice by providing a false alibi as others are being investigated for extortion. They are in serious trouble. Suspension is the least of their problems now, a source told the Irish Mirror last night. The investigation was launched after an incident in September 2021 where a female delivery worker alleged that two men claiming to be gardai searched her home saying they had a warrant. She later made a complaint claiming that money had been stolen. Johanna OLeary, head of the Garda Anti-Corruption Unit. An Evo-FIT police sketch of the two men alleged to be impersonating gardai was released and it later emerged that both suspects were serving members of An Garda Siochana after one of the officers recognised themselves. The ACU then began a criminal investigation into the incident, which resulted in the suspension of an experienced garda. At the end of 2021, three more gardai were suspended after the ACU then searched a Dublin Garda station. A garda spokesperson confirmed that a number of officers have been arrested and detained in relation to this probe in recent weeks. They were held in a north Dublin Garda station where they were quizzed by ACU detectives before being released without charge. This investigation remains ongoing. A number of members of An Garda Siochana have been arrested and detained for questioning as part of this investigation, to date, the spokesperson said. An Garda Siochana does not comment in detail on ongoing investigations. An Garda Siochana has previously confirmed that four members of An Garda Siochana are suspended from duty as part of an investigation into certain matters in north Dublin City Centre. An Garda Siochana does not comment on internal matters, they added. It is understood that the ACU, which is led by Chief Superintendent Johanna O'Leary, is set to target more suspected rogue officers over the coming weeks. Someone must know something Gardai are issuing a renewed appeal for information on the whereabouts of Cork woman Tina Satchwell on the sixth anniversary of her disappearance. Gardai in Midleton continue to investigate the disappearance of 47-year-old Ms Satchwell, who went missing from her home on Grattan Street, Youghal, Co Cork, on March 20, 2017. Yesterday marked the sixth anniversary since she was last seen. Ms Satchwell is described as 5ft 7in, of medium build with blonde shoulder-length hair and blue eyes. Detectives believe that someone in east Cork has information about what happened to her. 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. 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. 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 Mitchells 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. Were at a loss. You would have thought youd have sightings the first year, the second year, but as the years go on, you wonder what happened to her. Is she out there? Its six years. So many days, weeks, months, years not knowing. Our hearts are breaking not knowing where she is, Ms Dingivan told the Irish Examiner. Someone must have known where she went, someone must know what happened to her. Just please put our minds at rest. Were at a loss. You would have thought youd have sightings the first year, the second year, but as the years go on, you wonder what happened to her. Is she out there? Just put our minds at rest. Bring closure to us. Its like time has stood still for six years. You cant just vanish off the face of the earth. She had no bank cards with her, no ID. Someone else was involved in her disappearance, Ms Dingivan said. An Garda Siochana is seeking to speak with any person with any information on Tinas whereabouts or who may have information relating to her movements on the day she went missing. Any new information, not matter how insignificant it may seem, will be welcomed by the investigation team. This information will be treated in the strictest confidence, gardai said. Anyone who has any information can contact Midleton garda station on 021 462 1550, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station. This is highly organised on a large scale. Its not just a two-bit operation, it generates millions Gardai are targeting a highly organised multi-million drug dealing network being run by a gang of South Americans operating in Dublin. The mob are using food delivery cyclists and drivers as part of their network and are believed to have made millions from a large-scale operation in the city. Gardai have already successfully prosecuted a number of lower-level members of the mob, including mules who smuggle the narcotics into Ireland hidden in their bodies or their luggage, and delivery drivers who transport the drugs. Investigators are now targeting people further up the chain. It is understood the gang have been subletting premises in Dublin which are then used as drug distribution hubs with delivery riders calling to the properties under the pretence of carrying out their normal work. Drugs seized by gardai from a delivery driver The sublet properties are generally not occupied and are only used to distribute the drugs to the delivery workers. The riders then distribute the drugs across the city. A source said: This is highly organised on a large scale. Its not just a two-bit operation, it generates millions and involves significant money-laundering activities. While the majority of drugs coming into Ireland and Europe are believed to come via sea, drug mules regularly transport drugs hidden in their luggage or inside their bodies into Ireland from Brazil often via another European country. The smuggling is believed to be on such a large scale that the bosses factor in that a percentage mules will be caught along the way and see them as expendable. Last week, authorities detained two Brazilian nationals at Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport who had flights booked to Ireland, via Portugal, with 4.5kgs of cocaine hidden intheir backpacks. The drugs had a street value of 315,000 on the Irish market, according to Garda valuations. John Kennedy Santos Gurjao There has been a massive increase in the number of arrests over the past two years of drug mules at Guarulhos Airport, which has become a major transit hub for drugs from South America to Europe as well as Africa. Earlier this month, a 33-year-old Brazilian delivery driver was jailed for smuggling 650,000 worth of cocaine into Ireland from Sao Paulo. Jeferson Pedrucci (33), of no fixed abode, and a companion flew into Dublin with the drugs from Sao Paulo via Lisbon. When his bags were searched liquid cocaine with a street value of 154,000 was discovered in two shampoo bottles. Another piece of luggage registered to Pedruccis companion was also located and cocaine with a street value of nearly 500,000 was found sewn into the bag lining. The combined total of the drugs seized was 651,875. Pedrucci is originally from Brazil and has lived in Ireland since 2015 but also holds Italian citizenship. As well as mules, the gangs also use airport workers in Ireland and Sao Paulo to help with smuggling. Last month, a contractor working at Dublin Airport was jailed for six years after picking up a portion of 1 million worth of cocaine in a toilet cubicle to bypass customs. Bruno Farias (31) and his co-worker Jocelino De Silva (44) picked up the drugs from the cubicle after a third co-accused, Lucas Farias (27), carried just under 15kg of cocaine, valued at just over 1 million, from Brazil in his suitcase. Bruno Farias, of Stewarts Hall, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of 12kg valued at 840,000 of cocaine at the airport on July 11, 2022, In January, fellow airport contact worker De Silva, of Hill Street, Dublin 1, was jailed for six years and Lucas Farias (27) of no fixed abode, was jailed for seven years for their roles. Drugs were seized by gardai from a delivery driver Bloomberg Custom officers in Dublin Airport were alerted to a particular suitcase making its way from Sao Paulo to Dublin via Frankfurt. Lucas Farias was picked it from the carousel in baggage reclaim before going into nearby toilets. A few minutes later, De Silva and Bruno Farias entered the same bathrooms before Lucas Farias left and made their way out through staff entrances in the airport and boarded an employee bus before being arrested with the drugs. In January, Brazilian beautician Silmara Onofre (27) was jailed for two years after smuggling a kilo of cocaine inside her body into Dublin Airport from Brazil. Brazilian man John Kennedy Santos Gurjao (24) died from cocaine poisoning on board an Aer Lingus flight to Dublin after one of 113 cocaine pellets he swallowed ruptured inside his body in 2015. Gardai have known for some time that a small minority of delivery riders have been involved in transporting drugs. In 2020, Interpol issued an alert that gangs were using food delivery workers or people posing as them to transport drugs and other illegal items during lockdown. Landlords are not the people who are the villains in the piece here An Independent TD has said that the Government are the real villains when it comes to the housing crisis, not landlords. Galway politician Sean Canney was speaking ahead of the Dail debate this evening on the retention of the eviction ban until January as put forward by Sinn Fein. Several Independent TDs, including Mr Canney, who make up the Rural Independents group have said they are waiting to see the Government's countermotion before deciding how they will vote. They have proposed a list of eight amendments on housing policy that, if accepted, would swing their vote against Sinn Fein. The demands include introducing tax relief for small landlords in next years Budget and engaging with site owners who have not started building planned housing projects to ensure these developments begin immediately. RTE radios Morning Ireland, Mr Canney said that the group believed that tenants needed long-term measures moving forward as he explained their eight-point amendment. The very first one is in relation to nursing homes where people who are in long term care are afraid to rent out their houses because there would be tax reasons for that. There are hundreds, if not thousands of them (sic) houses in this country. The Government are talking about bringing in legislation to allow it to happen, but it hasn't happened. Landlords are not the people who are the villains in the piece here. Effectively, the villains in the piece are politicians who haven't actioned works in a way that we are providing a steady supply of houses for tenants. To allow more landlords come into the sector, we need to make sure that that's what's happening rather than having a really narrow focus on something that is doing a disservice to the tenants in this country who could be facing eviction. Mr Canney said that it is essential to increase supply in order to protect renters, adding that the lack of accommodation has been the biggest problem throughout the housing crisis. The biggest failure of this Government is that they haven't been able to provide a supply of housing for people who want to rent. And that is why there is a problem. And the other reason that there is a problem is because of the inertia that is there in trying to provide private housing and the viability issues around that. One of our proposals is to ensure that planning permissions, of which there are 70,000 projects ready to go in this country, and the government need to engage with the owners of these sites and to bring them forward immediately as affordable houses, which will bring housing into the market, into the private sector, which will allow young couples buy their houses. He said it will ensure that these couples are living in houses that they will own rather than rental properties. Ms Wilson said after testing positive for Covid she started having hallucinations and hearing voices A California woman has spoken out for the first time after she went missing for two weeks during an episode of Covid psychosis. Hadyne Wilson (23) suffered the episode as she was leaving her workplace in the Los Angeles neighbourhood of Chatsworth on September 29. Ms Wilson told ABC News that she had never experienced symptoms of mental illness in the past, but after testing positive for Covid in January 2022, she started having hallucinations and hearing voices. At the time, doctors diagnosed Ms Wilson with a rare condition known as Covid psychosis. Months later, she went missing for nearly two weeks before her family was able to locate her in the emergency room of a local hospital. I could not find my way back. I literally cannot find my way back home, Ms Wilson, who has limited recollection of the ordeal, told the network. She added: I would try and sit on benches. [I didnt] have that much interaction or at least try and find my phone given that it was taken. Ms Wilson has since made a full recovery. Similar cases have been reported in medical journals dating back to the onset of the pandemic. In one of those instances, a 35-year-old mother tried to pass her three children through a fast food restaurants drive-through window while suffering an episode of Covid psychosis, TIME magazine reported. Like Ms Wilson, the woman had no history of mental illness. Her psychiatric symptoms improved with the resolution of her Covid infection. According to the National Library of Medicine, there is a causal link between Covid-19 infections and mental disorders. The institute cited a study conducted in China, which found Covid had effects on patients attention, depression and anxiety levels and potentially caused memory impairments and insomnia. Another study by British researchers in 2021 also found that 0.42 per cent of Covid patients developed a first psychotic episode within six months of testing positive for the virus. Neurologist Dr Joey Gee told ABC that patients with Covid psychosis may first experience delusions and irregular thought patterns. Maybe they were in a hospital for a prolonged amount of time. And developed a level of anxiety or even what we call delirium, Dr Gee said. He added: The individual themselves may have a particular history that may increase their likelihood of developing certain symptoms from a significant injury or trauma like Covid-19. Ms OCallaghan (63) said today that while The Late Late Show is the jewel in the crown of Irish broadcasting, she loves Prime Time too much to leave it. Miriam OCallaghan has pulled out of the running to be the next host of The Late Late Show. The Prime Time presenter was one of the bookies favourites to replace Ryan Tubridy who is giving up the role after 14 years. But Ms OCallaghan (63) said today that while The Late Late Show is the jewel in the crown of Irish broadcasting, she loves Prime Time too much to leave it. "Interestingly, last night I found the letter I wrote 14 years ago, the last time the role of presenter of The Late Late Show was up for grabs. In it I told management that I was withdrawing my name from the ring on that occasion too, saying I no longer wanted to be considered for the job if I had to leave Prime Time, and the position fourteen years on remains exactly the same. Miriam O'Callaghan In her statement, Ms OCallaghan said: Although the speculation about me being one of the favourites to take over the Late Late Show is very flattering, that wont be happening as Im not throwing my hat in to the ring to be considered. She added that what her team in current affairs is doing really matters, and can actually change lives. Its what I love doing most of all as a broadcast journalist, and Im not prepared to give that up for any show. Her decision will now leave Claire Byrne as the frontrunner for the biggest job in Irish television. Other names circulating in RTE including Tommy Tiernan and Brendan OConnor. OCallghan had been tipped to become The Late Late Shows first female host back in 2009 when Pat Kenny stood down after a decade in their chair. She later described not getting the gig as her biggest and most public knockback. Ryan Tubridy (49) who won the coveted presenting role but Miriam did get an opportunity to step into shows albeit temporarily during the Covid pandemic. In her statement today, Ms OCallaghan said: Ive been lucky enough to present the iconic Late Late Show twice, and I loved the experience. I wish whoever does go for the job the very best its a brilliant opportunity and very exciting. I also wish my heartiest congratulations in advance to whoever gets it what a joyous role, enjoy! Ryan Tubridy did an amazing job and Im sad to see him go. She previously told the RTE Guide about her disappointment at not landing the role in 2009. Getting knockbacks maybe makes you stronger. My biggest and most public example of that was when Ryan [Tubridy] got The Late Late Show when all the bookies were saying that I would, she said. I remember going home that evening to my kids who just asked Whats for dinner?. They had no idea. And when I didnt get the Late Late, the biggest show in the station, I decided to stay with Prime Time. She presented the show for two weeks while the host recovered and said that she made history as the first woman to ever present the show. I made history. I got to present The Late Late Show twice even if I only broke the glass ceiling the first time, the mother of eight said. RTE insiders are firmly tipping Claire Byrne (47) as the frontrunner for the job with several people telling the Sunday Independent it has to be a woman, given that a man has occupied the chair since 1962. Former presenter Pat Kenny has publicly said it is almost inevitable the new presenter will be female, while Tubridy has himself joked during Fridays nights show that he wished his successor luck, whoever she is. In an interview on Today with Claire Byrne last Friday his first interview after the news broke Tubridy asked the bookies favourite to replace him if she would like the job. Byrne laughed off the comment. She left her Monday night TV programme, Claire Byrne Live, earlier this year citing the time being a presenter on both radio and TV was taking away from her family. Speaking on his radio show this morning, Tubridy said he is very happy that news of his departure is now public. Very briefly on my decision to leave the Late Late Show, Ive got ten more shows, very neat, he said on RTE Radio 1. But just to say first of all, if you have my number and if youve texted or WhatsApped me, my apologies if I havent got back to you, its been busy. Secondly, if youve stopped me on the street or in the shop or in the pub in the last 48 hours, thank you. People have been so very, very kind and I really appreciate it because it was a surprise decision for a lot of people. Im very relieved today, I feel very liberated, not because I was in any way incarcerated but I just mean in the sense that that decision is out there now and Im just very happy that thats out there in the universe. Tubridy said the conversation has now rightly turned to who his successor will be, and he looks forward to tuning in. The actor was found by police at Kings Cross on Thursday, and was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced braindead The actor was found by police at Kings Cross on Thursday, and was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced braindead. His family have announced that they made the decision to switch off his life support machine on Sunday. Daughter Sophie Jayne Grant, 28, told The Sunshe is devastated, calling her father a legend in so many ways. The actor was was 4ft, 4in, and played one of the controversial Ewoks in 1982 Star Wars filmReturn of the Jedi. He shared the screen with Luke Skywalker actor Mark Hamill. He also co-starred with Tom Cruise in Legend (1985), David Bowie in Labyrinth (1986) and Val Kilmer in Willow (1988). He also filmed an uncredited role in 2001s Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone. Grants girlfriend, Maria Dwyer, paid tribute to the actor, writing: Paul was the love of my life. The funniest man I know. He made my life complete. Life is never going to be the same without him. A GoFundMe has been set up by Grants stepdaughter, who wrote: Im starting this Page as Paul sadly passed away yesterday and I would like to give him the best send off he would want. Grant is survived by girlfriend Maria, two daughters and one son as well as his stepchildren and grandchildren. Claire Byrne is by far the most fancied for the top job at Montrose. The public wants a female presenter on the Late Late Show with Claire Byrne being the favourite choice today in the betting stakes to replace Ryan Tubridy, according to BoyleSports. The Laois native and Gaybo namesake has overtaken Prime Time host, Miriam OCallaghan, who was the previous bookies favourite for the iconic presenting role. Weve seen interest in quite a few different names, all female, said Lawrence Lyons, spokesperson for BoyleSports. Ryan Tubridy revealed last week that Friday 26 May would be his final night as presenter of the historic talk show, while RTE bosses admitted they have not yet decided on Ryans replacement. Gay Byrne presented The Late Late Show for 37 years. Mr Lyons highlighted how the bookmakers have been busy keeping up with the variety of names being thrown into the ring. Its been a busy ever-changing market since we opened the betting last week and weve seen huge interest in a woman presenter, with some surprising interest in Angela Scanlon, but Claire Byrne is by far the most fancied for the top job at Montrose, Mr Lyons said. Ms Scanlon is the current presenter of Ask Me Anything on RTE where celebrity guests agree to be asked anything during the hour-long show, which has proven popular with the public. Claire Byrne recently stepped back from her television role Claire Byrne Live which was a successful current affairs show. She currently presents the Today show on RTE and is also due to present a forthcoming quiz show, Irelands Smartest. Claire is now just 6/4 with BoyleSports to take over from Ryan in the Friday night hotseat. Early favourite Miriam OCallaghan has drifted out to 9/2 in the betting having once been as short as 4/6 odds-on. Of the other female contenders, Prime Time presenter Sarah McInerney is now also 9/2 while the biggest mover of them all is Angela Scanlon who was slashed to 9/2 (from 33/1) after a few interesting wagers were placed in a Dublin City Centre shop. So one-way has the traffic been for the next presenter to be female, that BoyleSports is quoting just 1/14 on RTE bucking the trend and choosing a woman and a considerably larger 7/1 that Tubs will be replaced by another man. An RTE insider told the Sunday World recently that The Late Late Show will definitely continue on without Ryan in the job, but that the world is their oyster now regarding the presenter choice and show format. No one has been picked yet but you have to speculate that they will use this as an opportunity to kick the show on a bit. A lot of people assume it will be an inside presenter, but I wouldnt be shocked if they look outside for fresh faces. And dont be surprised if they choose two presenters a male and female. Whoever it is wont be officially announced until the summer; possibly even August. It will create publicity and hype for the show. Two presenters would mean a change of format also, which may not be a bad thing, our insider added. The current top ten in the running are: 6/4 Claire Byrne 9/2 Miriam O'Callaghan 9/2 Angela Scanlon 9/2 Sarah McInerney 9/1 Tommy Tiernan 12/1 Brendan O'Connor 16/1 Carl Mullen 18/1 Daithi O Se 20/1 Jennifer Zamparelli 25/1 Mairead Ronan A project to improve connectivity between the waterways around the Ohiwa Harbour, and increase freshwater fish populations, has uncovered the presence of threatened and at-risk indigenous species. The Ohiwa Fish Passage Project is a multi-year project working to gain a greater understanding of what indigenous freshwater fish species are present in the rivers and streams, and identify ways to support their ongoing survival by reducing barriers in the water that may hinder their lifecycle. Bay of Plenty Regional Council Land Management Officer, Tim Senior, says New Zealands indigenous freshwater fish present a unique challenge as they are diadromous (travel between saltwater and freshwater as part of their lifecycle), so structures in rivers and streams can delay or prevent fish movements to and from the sea. There are a range of instream structures, such as culverts, dams and weirs," he says. These can create physical obstructions or create conditions in the stream or river that can hinder a fishs journey. It doesnt have to fully block the passage to be a problem either. If something slows a fish down, makes them expend more energy or poses a risk to injury or predation, it is having an impact on fish health and, therefore, fish populations. Over time, these structures have resulted in a reduction in the distribution and abundance of some of our most iconic and valued freshwater species. This project seeks to make changes that will support the recovery of indigenous freshwater fish populations. Environmental scientist Erin Fox undertaking eDNA testing. The project began with a computer-based mapping exercise, which revealed there are more than 500 instream structures throughout the Ohiwa Harbour area. Over the past year, the Regional Council has been carrying out physical assessments of these structures. This involves looking at its physical condition, comparing this to the environment on either side of a structure, and assessing if these conditions are likely to pose a challenge to the movement of fish. Instream structures that are assessed as posing a challenge are eligible for remediation. Remediation involves the Regional Council identifying what makes the structure challenging to fish and working with landowners to find solutions to reduce or alleviate the fish passage barrier. Environmental Scientist, Erin Fox, says it could be as simple as installing a ramp to reduce the drop coming out of an outlet, or putting baffles inside a structure to slow the water, creating diverse flows so the fish have somewhere to rest. "This remediation work is done at no cost to the landowner. As well as instream structure assessment, the Regional Council is carrying out environmental DNA (eDNA) testing at 20 locations in the Ohiwa Harbour area, to understand what indigenous freshwater fish are there and where they are. eDNA testing is a method that collects DNA material (such as waste or lost scales) from water samples through a filtration process. The filters with the DNA material are then processed by a specialist laboratory in Wellington, which provides a list of what species are present in that sample (including fish, plants and animals). Erin says the monitoring has already returned some exciting results including new species detections for the area and a greater understanding of the distribution of remaining fish populations. We now know there are at least 14 indigenous freshwater fish species in the area, including the shortjaw kokopu, which is a threatened species under the New Zealand Threat Classification System, and the giant kokopu, which we havent previously detected. The tests also picked up shortfin and longfin eel (tuna), which are considered taonga in Maori culture and, in addition to the fish species, kakahi (freshwater mussels) were detected. The detection of kakahi is exciting as these are a threatened species. They are a good indicator of an ecosystems quality because they require clean water and a riverbed that is not too silty. They may also contribute to its health through biofiltration (filtering out particles and nutrients from the water). Erin says for some species, the detection in the samples is quite low, which suggests that populations are small. This is something we would be closely monitoring as we carry out remediation work to improve fish passage, to see if the detection in the samples increases with improved connectivity. Shortjaw kokopu (Galaxias postvectis) is a threatened species. As most of the survey and testing sites are on private land, the success of this project relies heavily on landowner support, which Erin says has been hugely positive. Fish are a key indicator for a healthy waterway, and the core of the project is ensuring their ongoing presence in the catchment by making sure that they can get to where they need to go, when they need to go, and that their habitat is in a reasonable state. The Ohiwa community is really interested in what lives in their waterways, and weve had some good discussions about the life of freshwater fish and why they are an important part of our ecosystems. As well as remediating the fish passage barriers, weve had conversations with landowners about helping improve the habitat for fish on their property more generally too, for example by fencing and planting waterways on their land. This project gives effect to one of the actions in the Ohiwa Harbour Strategy, a plan developed by the seven partner organisations that make up the Ohiwa Harbour Implementation Forum: Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Opotiki District Council, Te Runanga o Ngati Awa, Te Upokorehe, Waimana Kaaku - Ngai Tuhoe, Whakatane District Council and Te Whakatohea. Learn more about this project via the Regional Council website: www.boprc.govt.nz/ohiwa-harbour Information surrounding the dumper incident which involved $11,000 of ratepayer money is raising questions with some residents. It was a couple of weeks ago when a Tauranga City Council hired dumper rolled near the base track of Mauao. It had an expensive trip out by helicopter. The council initially claimed no one was hurt or near the machine at the time of the incident. However, a caller to SunLive says two people were injured, and at least one was sent to hospital. Confirming there were indeed injuries, council community services general manager Barbara Dempsey says one person was sent to hospital mostly as a precaution, despite the earlier claim. He [the contractor] had some scratches. He was let straight out of hospital when we sent him, says Barbara. I guess we were thinking of broken legs or any serious injuries. However, any injury is classified as an injury, including near misses. Our terminology when speaking about it earlier was a bit looser, so I apologise for that. The dumper on the rocks shortly after the incident. Photo: Supplied. Barbara adds the contractor near the machine says he was pretty shaken to see the orange dumper come down off of the base track, and did fall over during the event. We take appropriate action when it comes to injuries and near misses. They are all logged in our system. This particular worker fell over and had some grazes. We took him to hospital as a precaution but he was able to go home and come into work the next day. Local tradies seem torn on whether the $11,000 helicopter call-out was necessary. Both unwilling to go on record, one says a mechanic could have been hired to disassemble it for about $200 an hour. Another says the fast approaching tide combined with potential tricky spot of the dumper means hiring a helicopter could have been the right call. Barbara says the number one cause for the helicopter call-out was the fast approaching tide. It was an environmental decision based on timing. If we had more time we probably could have disassembled it or craned it out, but we didnt want a situation of a floating dumper in the water. Burleigh County zoning regulations requiring companies building pipelines for carbon dioxide and other hazardous liquids to obtain a special permit and follow certain rules are taking effect after final passage. County commissioners on Monday voted 4-0 with one member absent to approve the ordinance. The Tribune incorrectly reported that there would be a second reading and public hearing before a final vote. That process was used for a related pipeline health and safety ordinance for hazardous liquid pipelines, which the commission approved on March 6. The process for the second ordinance differed because it went through the county's Planning and Zoning Commission, which held a public hearing lasting nearly five hours on March 8, according to County Commission Chair Becky Matthews. The copious public comments from those two early March meetings as well as conversations with other stakeholders gave county commissioners ample information to make a final decision on the zoning ordinance Monday night, Matthews said. "I felt comfortable ... that we had the information we needed at that point to move to a vote," she said. The pipeline health and safety ordinance was the first the commission dealt with under a new home rule charter approved by voters last November. It allows the county commission to adopt ordinances, and also enables county residents to circulate petitions to get an ordinance on the ballot. "This is really the first time going through this process," Matthews said. The second ordinance was done not under the home rule charter but under the normal planning and zoning process, which does not require a second reading and public hearing at the commission level, according to Commissioner Brian Bitner. The ordinances are in response to pushback from northern Burleigh County landowners to Summit Carbon Solution's planned Midwest Carbon Express pipeline, which would cross the county to the north of Bismarck. The pipeline is to transport climate-warming CO2 emissions from dozens of ethanol plants in five Midwestern states to North Dakotas Oliver County for permanent storage underground. Some landowners worry about their safety should the pipeline rupture. Summit says landowners have signed voluntary easement agreements accounting for 67% of the proposed pipeline route in the state and 85% of the proposed sequestration site -- percentages it says show an "overwhelming level of support." Commissioners on Monday indicated they believe the zoning ordinance is likely to prompt a lawsuit from Summit. Theyre going to have issues with this no matter what, Bitner said. The company did not comment directly on whether it might sue, but Executive Vice President Wade Boeshans in a statement to the Tribune on Tuesday reiterated Summit's contention that local ordinances are unnecessary. "For decades, the millions of miles of pipelines in active service across the United States, including the 30,000 miles in North Dakota, have been extensively regulated at both the federal and state levels, and those regulations preempt ordinances at the county level," he said. "Having a consistent process to oversee and regulate major infrastructure projects is important to ensure our economy continues to operate." The county does not have any authority to stop the pipeline altogether. The North Dakota Public Service Commission will permit the route of the project, and the state Industrial Commission will permit the CO2 disposal site. Summit must also comply with federal regulations. The North Dakota PSC held the first of four public hearings on the Summit project last week in Bismarck. A list of future hearings is at bit.ly/3LCMXDe. People wanting to swim at a council pool or hire a community hall in Tauranga will likely be paying more from July. Tauranga City Council adopted the draft user fees for Bay Venues at a meeting on Monday. This was the second time the draft fees have been before council, in February the commissioners asked for the proposed fees to be increased further. An adult currently pays $5.50 to use the Greerton Aquatic Centre this will rise to $6.60. Admission for an adult to the Memorial or Otumoetai pools will cost $6.60 up from $5.30. A child using any of the three pools will cost $4 up from $2.60 and the cost for a senior increases by $2 to $4.60. The adult price for Baywave will rise 50c to $9 but child and senior prices stay the same at $5.70. A community hall user would pay 81c - $1.65 compared to $ 34c to $1.21 currently. This is for one person per hour based on a 20 person group using a hall. Bay Venues CEO Chad Hooker told the meeting they were aware the increase would put pressures on users and user groups. We are aware of some concerns in the community from some groups around the increased fees, he said. But [we] still consider it to be fair and reasonable given the benchmarking exercise that weve done and in light of the increased costs that were bearing across the business as well. Children using the Greerton, Memorial or Otumoetai pools will pay $1.40 more. Photo: John Borren/SunLive. The staff compared prices at the Tauranga facilities to those in other cities around the country. A child or senior wanting to use the Greerton pool currently paid $2.60 compared to Wellington at $3.40, Auckland at $4.30- $5, or Hamilton at $4, according to the report to council. Commission chair Anne Tolley said: We all realise that this is going to be a really tough year for a lot of our community. Our line is that everyone pays their fair share. So where we can actually have the beneficiaries paying for the services that they receive to keep that current because otherwise we've got to subsidise it through rates and that's going to be tough too, she said. Were caught either way, the costs are going up and we do need to keep up with our charges. Commissioner Stephen Selwood, who pushed for the further increase in Februarys meeting, said: I in particular was keen to make sure that we've got our user fees and charges right. If we don't charge enough, we can't provide enough. Fees to use community halls will increase. Photo: Daniel Hines/SunLive. The legacy of just continually holding fees and rates has cost the city dearly, he said. Its a responsibility for us to make sure that we are charging a fair and appropriate fee. I do understand that there will be members of the community that are concerned about the increase in fees, said Selwood. To those [people] I would say if we don't increase the fees, then we won't be able to provide the level of service that you as a community want. So we're trying to get the balance right. Commissioner Bill Wasley brought up Hookers point from the previous meeting about the quality of some facilities being lower. Noting what Bay Venues had identified where the standard of facilities did not meet an appropriate level in accordance with that national benchmark, said Wasley. So along with the affordability, I think just acknowledging the work in that space that we do need to bring up the standard of some of our facilities over a period of time. The proposed fees will go out for public consultation from March 24 April 24. If they are adopted the general admissions fees would be implemented on 1 July 2023, and the fees for regular user groups on 1 January 2024. Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air A Burleigh County ordinance will require companies building pipelines for hazardous liquids such as carbon dioxide to obtain a special permit and comply with other rules relating to setback distances, insurance, liability and other matters. County commissioners on Monday voted 4-0 with one member absent to OK the ordinance. They acknowledged that it's likely to draw a lawsuit from CO2 pipeline developer Summit Carbon Solutions. Anything we can do to improve the safety to the citizens, Im willing to take a shot at it," Commissioner Brian Bitner said. The ordinance that passed is similar to an early draft with a few notable exceptions. County planners substantially lowered the amount a company will have to pay for a permit, and they removed a provision to require private property owners who negotiate a property easement with a pipeline company to pay $300 to obtain a county permit due to the belief that it was not necessary, County Planning Director Mitch Flanagan said. They also lengthened some required setback distances, and restricted the ordinance to larger pipelines. The ordinance is one of two that emerged amid pushback from northern Burleigh County landowners to Summit's planned Midwest Carbon Express pipeline, which would cross the county to the north of Bismarck. The pipeline is to transport climate-warming CO2 emissions from dozens of ethanol plants in five Midwestern states to North Dakotas Oliver County for permanent storage underground. Some landowners worry about their safety should the pipeline rupture. Summit recently said it has a rupture plume model but has not shared it with landowners along the route. Federal regulators don't make that information public because pipelines could be a terrorism target. The Burleigh ordinance will require a computer model report showing the blast zone, which Flanagan said is more specific than modeling for a plume that could be affected by factors such as wind and topography. Summit touts the overall safety record of pipelines and notes that a CO2 pipeline has existed in western North Dakota for more than 20 years, transporting carbon dioxide from the Great Plains Synfuels Plant in Beulah to oil fields in Canada. Summit officials told commissioners earlier this month that CO2 pipelines are safe, and that federal regulation makes local ordinances unnecessary. Summit recently submitted to the county a lengthy risk analysis. Bismarck-Burleigh Health Officer Dr. David Pengilly told commissioners in February that the risk to public safety from a carbon dioxide pipeline is no greater than that associated with other types of hazardous gases and pipelines, and that There is no unacceptable risk to health, welfare and life safety for a CO2 pipeline. Commissioners earlier this month approved a public health statement that expresses concern for the risk of hazardous liquid gas exposure to humans, the environment and livestock, and approved a pipeline health and safety ordinance for all hazardous liquids, including CO2 and natural gas. It requires companies building such pipelines to submit emergency plans to local officials, provide educational materials to landowners, and provide an emergency action plan for approval by local emergency responders. The second ordinance requires a company to obtain a special use permit at a cost of $300 for any hazardous liquid pipeline with a pressure greater than 1,000 pounds per square inch and a diameter greater than 16 inches. The fee was changed from an early ordinance draft that called for $300 for each "affected person" -- ranging from landowners to lien holders to people leasing land. A company also will pay an annual fee of $117 per mile of pipeline or an amount equal to the current user fee assessed by federal regulators, whichever is greater. The ordinance establishes numerous setback distances for such pipelines: At least 10 miles from the extraterritorial line of an incorporated city, from certain electrical power infrastructure, and from a public drinking water treatment plant or wastewater treatment plant. At least 4 miles from a a church, school, nursing home, long-term care facility or hospital. At least 2 miles from a public park or public recreation area, and from any occupied structure. At least a mile from a confined animal feeding operation, and from the ordinary high-water mark of the Missouri River, unless a nondevelopment flood plain permit is issued. Such a permit would allow for construction in a floodplain but "they likely won't need it," Flanagan said. The county can't regulate the depth of a pipeline, but commissioners on Monday voted 4-0 to add a provision to the ordinance setting the "level of cultivation" at a minimum of 4 feet. A landowner and the company could agree to a greater depth. "We can't tell them how deep to put the actual pipeline, but we can create a depth for cultivation as part of farming practice in North Dakota," Flanagan said. The ordinance will require a pipeline company to provide proof of liability insurance that also covers the county, its employees, officers, agents and contractors. A company also has to provide proof of construction bonding equal to the amount of construction costs in the county, according to Flanagan. The ordinance states the bonding is needed "for the protection against disruptions or financial loss due to a contractor's failure to complete a project or failure to meet project specifications." The ordinance stresses that construction of access roads and other infrastructure "shall, to the extent reasonably possible, not disrupt farming, agricultural operations or the landscape." A company is required after construction to restore affected areas "to the condition that existed immediately before construction began," and it is required to repair any damage to roads "to current (state) standards." A company that takes a hazardous liquids pipeline out of service has to give landowners the option of having the pipeline removed from their property. The special permit process includes a public hearing. Neither ordinance applies to existing pipelines. The county does not have any authority to stop the pipeline altogether. The North Dakota Public Service Commission will permit the route of the project, and the state Industrial Commission will permit the CO2 disposal site. Summit must also comply with federal regulations. The federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration is updating safety regulations for CO2 pipelines, including requirements related to emergency preparedness and response. The effort comes in the wake of a CO2 pipeline rupture in Satartia, Mississippi, in 2020, that prompted the evacuation of hundreds of people and sent dozens of people to the hospital. Summit maintains that by federal pipeline safety standards, only one person was injured. The North Dakota PSC held the first of four public hearings on the Summit project last week in Bismarck. A list of future hearings is at bit.ly/3LCMXDe. State Sen. Jordan Kannianen had a busy time during the legislative session last week -- when a son was born. Kannianen, R-Stanley, and his wife, Elizabeth, welcomed son James Herbert on Thursday morning at CHI St. Alexius Health in Bismarck. The baby was 22 inches long and weighed 10 pounds, 8 ounces. His name honors Kannianen's late grandfather, Herbert Jacob, and uncle, Herbert James. He was born four days after Kannianen's grandmother died, and the baby attended her funeral -- "a little bit of the circle of life there, I guess," Kannianen said. "It was a full week for us, having the birth and then having the funeral," he said. Kannianen, 39, is an electrical contractor and lumberyard owner. He chairs the Senate Finance and Taxation Committee, and was gone Thursday and Friday for James' birth. James Herbert is his parents' 12th child. His father quipped during a recent Senate debate on a bill to exempt children's diapers from sales tax that his wife had calculated how much the legislation might save his family. "Maybe it's about $200 in a year," said Kannianen, who voted against the bill. ITF targets worst flags in bid to scrap unsafe shipping ITF targets four worst flags in bid to scrap unsafe shipping from the Mediterranean Sea 17 March 2023, London Up to a thousand ships flagged to the Cook Islands, Palau, Sierra Leone, and Togo will be targeted for safety, maintenance and seafarer welfare inspections across the Mediterranean Sea in the coming eight weeks by an army of inspectors from the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF), seafarers unions and port authorities. Substandard shipping in the Mediterranean Sea is driving down seafarers wages and conditions, its endangering the lives of crew and risking our environment, said ITF Inspectorate Coordinator Steve Trowsdale. These flags take money from shipowners to register ships that other countries wouldnt touch. Many are old vessels and are poorly-maintained by their owners. Many of these ships are dangerous and should not be trading, he said. The blitz comes off the back of new analysis showing the four Flags of Convenience registries together accounted for more than 100 crew abandoned in the last two years, with millions of dollars wages not paid to crew by the flags shipowners that the ITF then had to recover on seafarers behalf. Trowsdale said often when the ITF or its affiliated unions called on the flags to fix problems caused by irresponsible shipowners, such as in cases of abandonment thats when these flags are nowhere to be seen they take the money and run. In just three years, the Cook Islands, Palau, Sierra Leone, and Togo flags were responsible for: 33 cases of crew abandonment , affecting more than a hundred seafarers, leaving many without pay, food, water, or a way to get home. [1] , affecting more than a hundred seafarers, leaving many without pay, food, water, or a way to get home. Over $5,500,000 USD in unpaid wages cheated from crew, that the ITF then had to recover from the flags shipowners on seafarers behalf. [2] in cheated from crew, that the ITF then had to recover from the flags shipowners on seafarers behalf. 5,203 deficiencies or detentions issued by European Port State Control enforcement agencies.[3] The ITF inspectors efforts will be bolstered in France by the countrys Port State Control agencies, which are organised regionally, Trowsdale said. They will be also targeting the four flags. A decision which makes sense given both the Paris and Tokyo MOUs have banned or cautioned against ships bearing the flags from being admitted to the ports of most countries in Europe and Asia-Pacific, respectively. Togo, Cook Is, Palau and Sierra Leone flags now Worst in Sea These are now the worst flags operating in the Mediterranean Sea, said Seddik Berrama, General Secretary of Algerias transport union FNTT and ITF Vice President for the Arab World region. Berrama said it was revealing that the four flags did not appear on the annual quality whitelists issued by the Paris and Tokyo MOUs.[4] The worlds major Port State Control agency groupings have said these flags are not quality. They have said they are high- or very-high risk. That is unacceptable for crew safety just as it is unacceptable for those of us who rely on a clean sea, like our port communities here in Algeria, said Berrama. Our goal is to expose the substandard shipping examples that we see regularly in our ports. If we are able to spread word of the abuses experienced by crew onboard are too often ignored by these flags, then we will send a strong message that substandard shipping is unacceptable. Berramas union is not alone in having members concerned about the race to the bottom that Togo, Cook Islands, Palau and Sierra Leone were engaged in across the Mediterranean. Along the Seas northern coast, the Seafarers Union of Croatia (SUC) has for some years expressed growing frustration with the risks that some flags were creating for crew. The ITFs 2018 Congress endorsed a motion from SUC declaring the body of water a Sea of Convenience and tasked the ITF with developing a targeted campaign to clean up the Mediterranean Sea from the scourge of substandard shipping. Case study: Crew left without food in Haifa onboard Sierra Leone-flagged Kassandra A Sierra Leone-flagged general cargo vessel was recently detained for 23 days by Israels Port State Control in Haifa after it was discovered that 46 structural, navigation, fire safety and crew welfare defects existed with the Kassandra (IMO: 9118276) at the time. The crew were left without working freezers, meaning they had no way to keep food safely chilled in the scorching Mediterranean heat. It was in the month of August, when it is very hot and humid, said ITF Inspector Assaf Hadar of the inspection. Food supply was short with only a few vegetables on board. It was insufficient to continue their voyage. Things like this are typical for this flag. Hadar is one of two dozen ITF inspectors who will be taking part in the rigorous sea-wide checks of all vessels registered to the Cook Islands, Palau, Sierra Leone, and Togo. These flags are a big problem for the seafarers who work on the Mediterranean. In my experience, the worst shipowners use these flags because they think this way they will be able to act bad to crew or cut safety corners. Well, they cant not while the ITF is here! said Hadar. Aditya Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 15,418 Thanked: 66,564 Times View My Garage Driving the Toyota Hilux 2.8L Diesel AT The 2.8L diesel engine is proven and powerful. It is mated to a 6-speed AT: The Hilux gets the same 2.8L diesel engine that powers the Fortuner. This motor uses a variable geometry turbocharger and produces 201 BHP (@ 3,400 rpm) and 500 Nm of peak torque starting at a low 1,600 rpm (held till 2,800 rpm). Toyota has equipped the Hilux with 3 driving modes - Normal, Economy and Power. These can be engaged by pressing the buttons on the center console. This is a superb way of customising the engine / throttle behaviour for prevailing driving conditions. Normal mode: If neither of the two (Eco or Power) modes is selected, the Hilux's engine runs in normal mode. This is a balance between economy & power. Eco mode: Press the ECO button on the center console and the power delivery is lower, with the throttle response dulled a bit. That said, because the engine is big & powerful, ECO mode is very useable in the city. It doesn't feel sluggish at all and there is more than enough grunt on tap to keep up with traffic. On a lighter note, having ECO mode on a big 2.8 diesel is in itself a contradiction. Power mode: Engage Power mode and you'll feel the throttle response to be sharper. The engine is very, very responsive in this driving mode. Acceleration times also noticeably improve. The Hilux AT doesn't use a fancy dual-clutch transmission. Instead, a simple old-school torque-converter unit does the job. It has proven to be super reliable too. The Hilux AT isn't going to wow you with lightning-fast shifts or super smart logic, yet it will take you from point A to B in extreme convenience. The AT doesn't leave much room for complaint, but it doesn't give you anything to write home about either. Press the brake pedal & hit the engine start button to fire her up. The AT's gear shifter is calm and composed. It remains that way on the move. However, on startup, the car suffers from cabin shake. At idle, the big 2.8L diesel is audible on the outside but shut the door & windows and the noise goes away. Cabin insulation is very good. Outside noise stays outside (note: engine noise is audible at higher revs). Thanks to the torque converter, the way the vehicle moves from a standstill is smooth & seamless. In bumper-to-bumper traffic, the transmission's creep makes the Hilux crawl (without accelerator input). You can drive with just your foot on the brake pedal through bottlenecks. Peak torque is developed early @ 1,600 rpm, thus there's very little lag to speak of in the AT. Even at low rpms, the throttle is responsive. With a light foot in the city, upshifts happen at as low as ~1,500 rpm! This helps you cruise around with smooth shifts & low engine sound. The AT is keen to upshift and will quickly make its way up the ladder - at times, you'll see upshifts happening as soon as you take your foot off the accelerator (uncool for people like us who like engine braking). This is a big & powerful diesel, hence you don't need to give it heavy revs within the city. Soft inputs work best for normal commuting. However, press the accelerator halfway in, and shift quality definitely becomes perceptible. While the gearbox is still overall smooth, it's not an absolutely seamless shifting experience above 2,000 rpm. You'll know when the shifts are taking place. The engine & gearbox are also very responsive to throttle input. Some owners might feel that they are in fact too responsive! Even in normal mode, the engine revvs with a slight tap on the pedal. This is why you'll see the 2.8L revving unnecessarily when shifting between the lower gears. Solution? Eco mode. Because of the dulled throttle response, the driving experience is smoothest in Eco. This is the mode you have to use within the city and - as mentioned before - it's still quick enough. Power mode for your daily commute? Fellow passengers will find it too jerky as the throttle is damn sharp. Drive around town in ECO mode and the experience is calm. On the open road, the Hilux AT is a fast pickup truck. The engine remains responsive above 2,500 rpm. Because of its big engine and the power on tap, you'll never be left wanting for punch. Also, Power mode does bring an enhanced sense of urgency to the engine (although normal & ECO are useable on the highway too). The Hilux AT can be a lively intercity express. In kickdown, upshifts take place in the vicinity of 4,000 rpm. Don't drive it in a pedal-to-the-metal style though. Rather, you should build up speed gradually, else you'll get a lot of noise as the engine revvs & the gearbox drops a gear. The Hilux AT is a very calm long-distance cruiser. Overtaking doesn't pose a problem at all. There's ample power and you have a great view of the road ahead. However, the 6-speed has that conventional AT lag (~1 second) between your putting the foot down and the gearbox downshifting. After that, she pulls away nicely. I did face one problem at high speeds here - due to conservative tuning and limited revs, at times if you jump out of the lane and want to overtake, the gearbox drops just one gear when you wish it had dropped two. The downshift logic isn't aggressive and you'll need to be patient in such a situation. Thus, on two-lane highways where you need to make quick moves, I'd recommend Power mode. It'll give you more punch. Another option is to prepare the car for overtaking (via a downshift using the paddle shifters) before the actual move. Overall, the gearbox logic is good. It is smooth, responds well to accelerator input and when driving hard, it knows when to hold on to gears as well. The Hilux's S mode is very funny. Actually, it's not an S mode at all. Remember the D2 / D3 / D4 positions on older ATs which denote the max gear you are allowing it to shift up to? That's exactly what the Hilux AT does in 'S' mode. As an example, move the lever to S and you'll see S4 on the instrument cluster chosen by default. This doesn't mean that the current gear is no.4. Rather, that's the topmost gear that the AT will drive in. It will remain between 1 - 4. You can similarly choose to restrict the AT to 3rd; drive at 4,500 rpm all day long and the box won't upshift. This is unlike proper 'S' modes which move up the shift points and give the gearbox a more aggressive nature. No such thing here, Sport mode doesnt necessarily result in a lower gear for every situation. The problem is, the layman won't realise this. He'll select 'S' mode thinking it's quicker and see 120 km/h at higher revvs in 4th (as S4 is chosen by default). Many people won't even know what they are supposed to do for easier cruising. Only an enthusiast will manually shift up to S5. This feature is very useful while off-roading. Those looking for a real 'sport' mode can keep the gear lever in D, but select the engine's Power mode. The real S isn't on the gear shifter...it's on the center console! Noise, Vibration & Harshness (NVH) In terms of NVH, at idle, the diesel is audible on the outside but shut the doors & windows and the cabin is sufficiently insulated from that sound. At city rpms (2,000 rpm & under), engine noise is under control. Even above that, the 2.8L emanates more of a 'hum' rather than a 'clatter'. It's a typical big diesel hum that you won't see in smaller engines. Over 3,000 rpm, however, the engine does get noisy. And it's not got a nice note. Take the revv needle to 4,000 rpm and the diesel gets loud. Mileage & Fuel Economy Toyota has not stated any official figure for the fuel efficiency of the Hilux. Due to the heavy kerb weight, large engine size & AT, don't expect FE to be high. Depending on traffic conditions and how happy your right foot is, you can expect anywhere between 7 - 10 km/l (tops) in the city. On the highway, figures should be more respectable, thanks to the 6th gear & low cruising rpms. Suspension Ride Comfort The Hilux comes with an independent double wishbone suspension with coil springs at the front and a rigid axle with leaf springs at the rear. Leaf springs are a must for robust load-carrying applications. The Fortuner has a bumpy ride and in the Hilux, it's even worse. Things are still tolerable at the front, but on the back seat, it has that typical bumpiness experienced in UVs with leaf springs (especially when the loading bay is empty). At city speeds, the ride is jiggly, with even small road irregularities making themselves felt inside the cabin. At higher speeds, the bumpiness increases. On bad patches, the ride can get painful for those sitting in the rear seat. It can get jumpy on bad roads. There is simply no comparison with the ride comfort offered by SUVs like the XUV700. This suspension is built to carry cargo, not passengers. The ride could improve if you add weight to the loading bay. But the extra weight will bring down the performance and efficiency. On the other hand, the suspension is super quiet and the large tyres allow the vehicle to deal with large potholes easily. Handling & Dynamics Straight-line stability at high speeds is solid. Grip levels from those fat 265 mm tyres are adequate too. However, when it comes to cornering, there is a lot of body roll, which is expected from a tall body-on-frame vehicle. What's more, if one gets ambitious and starts pushing the Hilux hard into corners, it will fishtail like any other pickup (due to the light rear end). Loading up the rear deck will help in keeping the vehicle planted. Drive it like a tall UV (and not a low-slung sedan), understand its limitations and you should be okay. Steering The Hilux comes with hydraulic power steering with variable flow control. It is heavy at parking or crawling speeds. This, along with a 6.4 m turning radius and the sheer length of the truck, means manoeuvering the truck in the city or parking in a tight spot will require a good deal of effort; those who are used to modern EPS systems will inevitably complain. Once the speedometer needle climbs, the steering does feel easier to operate. It also offers sufficient weight on the highway. Braking The Hilux comes with ventilated discs at the front and drums at the rear. I would have liked to see discs at the rear (considering the price of the vehicle) and the fact that the Fortuner gets discs all-round. While they seemed to have enough power we didn't get the chance to perform any brake tests from high speeds. The Hilux gets 265 mm tyres which aid overall braking performance. Even then, one must remember that the truck has a gross weight of almost 3 tons and hence, its a good idea to maintain a big gap from the car in front. Yes, like most other body-on-frame cars, the Hilux nose dives under braking. ABS, EBD and Brake Assist are a part of standard equipment. Niggles & Problems This generation of the Hilux is in its eighth year and Toyota will have ironed out any problems that might have arisen. The engine and transmissions have been around for a long time and have proven extremely durable and reliable. We did not face any problems in our test car and do not expect owners to do so either. However, as is always the case, we strongly recommend extended warranty coverage. 4x4 & Offroading The Hilux is an extremely capable vehicle when the road ends. It is equipped with electronic drive control (shift-on-the-fly) four-wheel drive system with 3 electronically switchable modes: 1. 2H - Power is sent only to the rear wheels. This mode should be used for normal on-road driving (street and highway). 2. 4H (high range) - Power is sent to all four wheels. This mode should be used for driving on gravel, sand, mud and other low-traction surfaces. 3. 4L (low range) - 4x4 with multiplied torque. This mode should be used for low-speed driving in extreme offroad conditions. You can shift between the 2H and 4H modes on the go. Of course, getting in or out of 4L mode is only possible when the vehicle is stationary. The engaged mode is displayed on the MID. Further, the Hilux also gets an auto limited slip differential, electronic differential lock, hill assist control (up/down) and tyre angle monitor. Coming to the stats, the truck has an approach angle of 29 degrees, a departure angle of 26 degrees and a water-wading depth of 700 mm. We drove the Hilux inside the Rajaji Tiger Reserve on a track prepared by Offroad Junkies headed by BHPian Tejas@perioimpl. We drove over loose surfaces, some uphill & downhill sections, off-camber obstacles, axle twisters and did some water wading. The Hilux tackled everything that was thrown at it with ease. Nowhere did it get stuck or scrape its undercarriage. We made a few observations over the course. The approximate crawling speed with DAC engaged is 5 km/h. The crawl in 4L is good and the vehicle moves inch by inch and manoeuvers over the terrain without complaining. The DAC (hill descent control) when operated for a long duration on hill slopes to control crawling speed, gets heated up and throws up a warning and disengages. This may be due to brakes being used by the system continuously along with the weight of the vehicle. The 2.8L diesel engine is proven and powerful. It is mated to a 6-speed AT:The Hilux gets the same 2.8L diesel engine that powers the Fortuner. This motor uses a variable geometry turbocharger and produces 201 BHP (@ 3,400 rpm) and 500 Nm of peak torque starting at a low 1,600 rpm (held till 2,800 rpm).Toyota has equipped the Hilux with 3 driving modes - Normal, Economy and Power. These can be engaged by pressing the buttons on the center console. This is a superb way of customising the engine / throttle behaviour for prevailing driving conditions. Normal mode: If neither of the two (Eco or Power) modes is selected, the Hilux's engine runs in normal mode. This is a balance between economy & power. Eco mode: Press the ECO button on the center console and the power delivery is lower, with the throttle response dulled a bit. That said, because the engine is big & powerful, ECO mode is very useable in the city. It doesn't feel sluggish at all and there is more than enough grunt on tap to keep up with traffic. On a lighter note, having ECO mode on a big 2.8 diesel is in itself a contradiction. Power mode: Engage Power mode and you'll feel the throttle response to be sharper. The engine is very, very responsive in this driving mode. Acceleration times also noticeably improve.The Hilux AT doesn't use a fancy dual-clutch transmission. Instead, a simple old-school torque-converter unit does the job. It has proven to be super reliable too. The Hilux AT isn't going to wow you with lightning-fast shifts or super smart logic, yet it will take you from point A to B in extreme convenience. The AT doesn't leave much room for complaint, but it doesn't give you anything to write home about either.Press the brake pedal & hit the engine start button to fire her up. The AT's gear shifter is calm and composed. It remains that way on the move. However, on startup, the car suffers from cabin shake. At idle, the big 2.8L diesel is audible on the outside but shut the door & windows and the noise goes away. Cabin insulation is very good. Outside noise stays outside (note: engine noise is audible at higher revs).Thanks to the torque converter, the way the vehicle moves from a standstill is smooth & seamless. In bumper-to-bumper traffic, the transmission's creep makes the Hilux crawl (without accelerator input). You can drive with just your foot on the brake pedal through bottlenecks. Peak torque is developed early @ 1,600 rpm, thus there's very little lag to speak of in the AT. Even at low rpms, the throttle is responsive. With a light foot in the city, upshifts happen at as low as ~1,500 rpm! This helps you cruise around with smooth shifts & low engine sound. The AT is keen to upshift and will quickly make its way up the ladder - at times, you'll see upshifts happening as soon as you take your foot off the accelerator (uncool for people like us who like engine braking). This is a big & powerful diesel, hence you don't need to give it heavy revs within the city. Soft inputs work best for normal commuting. However, press the accelerator halfway in, and shift quality definitely becomes perceptible. While the gearbox is still overall smooth, it's not an absolutely seamless shifting experience above 2,000 rpm. You'll know when the shifts are taking place. The engine & gearbox are also very responsive to throttle input. Some owners might feel that they are in fact too responsive! Even in normal mode, the engine revvs with a slight tap on the pedal. This is why you'll see the 2.8L revving unnecessarily when shifting between the lower gears. Solution? Eco mode.Because of the dulled throttle response, the driving experience is smoothest in Eco. This is the mode you have to use within the city and - as mentioned before - it's still quick enough. Power mode for your daily commute? Fellow passengers will find it too jerky as the throttle is damn sharp. Drive around town in ECO mode and the experience is calm.On the open road, the Hilux AT is a fast pickup truck. The engine remains responsive above 2,500 rpm. Because of its big engine and the power on tap, you'll never be left wanting for punch. Also, Power mode does bring an enhanced sense of urgency to the engine (although normal & ECO are useable on the highway too). The Hilux AT can be a lively intercity express. In kickdown, upshifts take place in the vicinity of 4,000 rpm. Don't drive it in a pedal-to-the-metal style though. Rather, you should build up speed gradually, else you'll get a lot of noise as the engine revvs & the gearbox drops a gear.The Hilux AT is a very calm long-distance cruiser. Overtaking doesn't pose a problem at all. There's ample power and you have a great view of the road ahead. However, the 6-speed has that conventional AT lag (~1 second) between your putting the foot down and the gearbox downshifting. After that, she pulls away nicely. I did face one problem at high speeds here - due to conservative tuning and limited revs, at times if you jump out of the lane and want to overtake, the gearbox drops just one gear when you wish it had dropped two. The downshift logic isn't aggressive and you'll need to be patient in such a situation. Thus, on two-lane highways where you need to make quick moves, I'd recommend Power mode. It'll give you more punch. Another option is to prepare the car for overtaking (via a downshift using the paddle shifters) before the actual move. Overall, the gearbox logic is good. It is smooth, responds well to accelerator input and when driving hard, it knows when to hold on to gears as well.The Hilux's S mode is very funny. Actually, it's not an S mode at all. Remember the D2 / D3 / D4 positions on older ATs which denote the max gear you are allowing it to shift up to? That's exactly what the Hilux AT does in 'S' mode. As an example, move the lever to S and you'll see S4 on the instrument cluster chosen by default. This doesn't mean that the current gear is no.4. Rather, that's the topmost gear that the AT will drive in. It will remain between 1 - 4. You can similarly choose to restrict the AT to 3rd; drive at 4,500 rpm all day long and the box won't upshift. This is unlike proper 'S' modes which move up the shift points and give the gearbox a more aggressive nature. No such thing here, Sport mode doesnt necessarily result in a lower gear for every situation. The problem is, the layman won't realise this. He'll select 'S' mode thinking it's quicker and see 120 km/h at higher revvs in 4th (as S4 is chosen by default). Many people won't even know what they are supposed to do for easier cruising. Only an enthusiast will manually shift up to S5. This feature is very useful while off-roading.Those looking for a real 'sport' mode can keep the gear lever in D, but select the engine's Power mode. The real S isn't on the gear shifter...it's on the center console!In terms of NVH, at idle, the diesel is audible on the outside but shut the doors & windows and the cabin is sufficiently insulated from that sound. At city rpms (2,000 rpm & under), engine noise is under control. Even above that, the 2.8L emanates more of a 'hum' rather than a 'clatter'. It's a typical big diesel hum that you won't see in smaller engines. Over 3,000 rpm, however, the engine does get noisy. And it's not got a nice note. Take the revv needle to 4,000 rpm and the diesel gets loud.Toyota has not stated any official figure for the fuel efficiency of the Hilux. Due to the heavy kerb weight, large engine size & AT, don't expect FE to be high. Depending on traffic conditions and how happy your right foot is, you can expect anywhere between 7 - 10 km/l (tops) in the city. On the highway, figures should be more respectable, thanks to the 6th gear & low cruising rpms.The Hilux comes with an independent double wishbone suspension with coil springs at the front and a rigid axle with leaf springs at the rear. Leaf springs are a must for robust load-carrying applications. The Fortuner has a bumpy ride and in the Hilux, it's even worse. Things are still tolerable at the front, but on the back seat, it has that typical bumpiness experienced in UVs with leaf springs (especially when the loading bay is empty). At city speeds, the ride is jiggly, with even small road irregularities making themselves felt inside the cabin. At higher speeds, the bumpiness increases. On bad patches, the ride can get painful for those sitting in the rear seat. It can get jumpy on bad roads. There is simply no comparison with the ride comfort offered by SUVs like the XUV700. This suspension is built to carry cargo, not passengers. The ride could improve if you add weight to the loading bay. But the extra weight will bring down the performance and efficiency.On the other hand, the suspension is super quiet and the large tyres allow the vehicle to deal with large potholes easily.Straight-line stability at high speeds is solid. Grip levels from those fat 265 mm tyres are adequate too. However, when it comes to cornering, there is a lot of body roll, which is expected from a tall body-on-frame vehicle. What's more, if one gets ambitious and starts pushing the Hilux hard into corners, it will fishtail like any other pickup (due to the light rear end). Loading up the rear deck will help in keeping the vehicle planted. Drive it like a tall UV (and not a low-slung sedan), understand its limitations and you should be okay.The Hilux comes with hydraulic power steering with variable flow control. It is heavy at parking or crawling speeds. This, along with a 6.4 m turning radius and the sheer length of the truck, means manoeuvering the truck in the city or parking in a tight spot will require a good deal of effort; those who are used to modern EPS systems will inevitably complain. Once the speedometer needle climbs, the steering does feel easier to operate. It also offers sufficient weight on the highway.The Hilux comes with ventilated discs at the front and drums at the rear. I would have liked to see discs at the rear (considering the price of the vehicle) and the fact that the Fortuner gets discs all-round. While they seemed to have enough power we didn't get the chance to perform any brake tests from high speeds. The Hilux gets 265 mm tyres which aid overall braking performance. Even then, one must remember that the truck has a gross weight of almost 3 tons and hence, its a good idea to maintain a big gap from the car in front. Yes, like most other body-on-frame cars, the Hilux nose dives under braking. ABS, EBD and Brake Assist are a part of standard equipment.This generation of the Hilux is in its eighth year and Toyota will have ironed out any problems that might have arisen. The engine and transmissions have been around for a long time and have proven extremely durable and reliable. We did not face any problems in our test car and do not expect owners to do so either. However, as is always the case, we strongly recommend extended warranty coverage.The Hilux is an extremely capable vehicle when the road ends. It is equipped with electronic drive control (shift-on-the-fly) four-wheel drive system with 3 electronically switchable modes:1. 2H - Power is sent only to the rear wheels. This mode should be used for normal on-road driving (street and highway).2. 4H (high range) - Power is sent to all four wheels. This mode should be used for driving on gravel, sand, mud and other low-traction surfaces.3. 4L (low range) - 4x4 with multiplied torque. This mode should be used for low-speed driving in extreme offroad conditions.You can shift between the 2H and 4H modes on the go. Of course, getting in or out of 4L mode is only possible when the vehicle is stationary. The engaged mode is displayed on the MID.Further, the Hilux also gets an auto limited slip differential, electronic differential lock, hill assist control (up/down) and tyre angle monitor. Coming to the stats, the truck has an approach angle of 29 degrees, a departure angle of 26 degrees and a water-wading depth of 700 mm.We drove the Hilux inside the Rajaji Tiger Reserve on a track prepared by Offroad Junkies headed by BHPian Tejas@perioimpl. We drove over loose surfaces, some uphill & downhill sections, off-camber obstacles, axle twisters and did some water wading.The Hilux tackled everything that was thrown at it with ease. Nowhere did it get stuck or scrape its undercarriage. We made a few observations over the course. The approximate crawling speed with DAC engaged is 5 km/h. The crawl in 4L is good and the vehicle moves inch by inch and manoeuvers over the terrain without complaining. The DAC (hill descent control) when operated for a long duration on hill slopes to control crawling speed, gets heated up and throws up a warning and disengages. This may be due to brakes being used by the system continuously along with the weight of the vehicle. Last edited by Aditya : 26th March 2023 at 12:32 . Last week, the North Dakota Supreme Court issued an eagerly-anticipated opinion on abortion law in North Dakota. The court determined the North Dakota Constitution guarantees citizens the right to enjoy and defend life and the right to pursue and obtain safety, which necessarily includes a pregnant woman has a fundamental right to obtain an abortion to preserve her life or her health. Wrigley v. Romanick sought supervision from the court after the Burleigh County District Court granted a preliminary injunction which halted enforcement of the states abortion ban. That statute, known as North Dakotas trigger law, makes it a felony for a person to perform an abortion in our state. For some background, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its Dobbs opinion last summer which kicked abortion regulation authority to the individual states. Prior to the Dobbs opinion, North Dakotas ban on abortion was unconstitutional under federal precedent. Hence the trigger that occurred when that federal precedent was overturned. A major problem with North Dakotas law is that it creates a blanket felony criminalization of abortion. The statute does provide three affirmative defenses to the crime: when abortion was necessary to prevent the death of the mother, when pregnancy results from rape or incest, and when the defendant was acting at the direction of a physician. However, it is important to understand that affirmative defenses place the burden on the defendant, so they are not get out of jail free cards. Heres an example of how this plays out in the criminal justice arena: a doctor performs an abortion on a woman experiencing an ectopic pregnancy, the doctor gets arrested and charged with a felony, the doctor awaits trial (which may take years), and once the trial occurs, the government must only prove the doctor performed an abortion. The burden now flips to the doctor to prove the abortion was necessary to prevent the death of the mother. There is no guarantee the doctor is exonerated at trial. And, while this is all pending, that doctors medical license may be suspended due to criminal charges. Now, putting that bad policy aside, the North Dakota Supreme Court was tasked with determining whether the Burleigh County District Court erred by enjoining enforcement of this law. Its conclusion depended on a determination of whether a fundamental right to abortion exists in our state constitution. Pointing to our constitution explicitly providing all citizens the right of enjoying and defending life and pursuing and obtaining safety, the court correctly decided those rights implicitly include the right to obtain an abortion to preserve the womans life or health. In response to the North Dakota Supreme Courts decision, our attorney general released a statement criticizing the courts inclusion of preserving a womans health. Putting aside any feelings on elective abortion, an outcome that would allow criminalization of abortion when the womans health is in jeopardy but she is not quite bleeding out on the table is incomprehensible. It is disappointing one could have such little regard for the health and safety of women. The North Dakota Supreme Courts decision was completely within its judicial authority and rooted in our laws. Its effect disposes of terrible abortion policy and makes clear the health and safety of women is of fundamental importance in North Dakota. In a demonstration at NTT Upgrade 2023 in San Francisco, a robotic arm is operated with controllers to move items in a simulated warehouse setting with near-zero latency. In a demonstration at NTT Upgrade 2023 in San Francisco, a robotic arm is operated with controllers to move items in a simulated warehouse setting with near-zero latency. NTT Research, a branch of conglomerate parent firm NTT, last week announced that it would expand the size of its optical research center by 2023. During its Upgrade 2023 event, the companys technical user, customer, and partner conference in San Francisco, NTT proffered an expansive view of how it believes networking infrastructure must change. NTT is the master corporate entity in Japan that its research arm operates under. The NTT announcement does beg the question for tech industry neophytes who dont spend their free time hanging around optical research facilities, what precisely does an optical research facility do? Without diving deeper into the technical elements and advanced mathematics involved in this type of research, the works potential practical applied benefits could have a revolutionary impact on network communication technology as we know it. NTTs work in this area dovetails into the companys announcement earlier this month that it would start offering corporate clients its initial services utilizing an optical technology-based next-generation infrastructure. NTT announced at the Upgrade 2023 event that it would charge a monthly fee of US$15,000 per month (approximately 1.98 million yen) to customers via its regional entities, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone East and Nippon Telegraph and Telephone West. This initiative, known as IOWN (Innovative Optical and Wireless Network), facilitates breakthrough low latency of the new infrastructure system or dramatically decreases transmission time lags. The result is one-200th of the relevant delays compared to conventional optical communication systems. In 2019, NTT seeded the idea of IOWN, which involves employing optical signals all along the communication line to deliver data from the transmitter to the destination. NTT hopes that its IOWN services, which it will primarily offer to business clients, will be beneficial in various use cases, including self-driving. Benefits of the IOWN Initiative Fiber is the primary means of data transmission for existing optical communications widely employed in everyday residential settings. In the communication path, optical impulses must still be converted to electric signals and vice versa, which results in latency or time delays. These delays may be significantly decreased by IOWN, eliminating the need for signal transcoding. There are a variety of applications that could exploit this capability. Self-driving cars, remotely operated robots, digital humans, and remote surgical procedures conducted in distant areas might benefit from the low latency that distinguishes IOWN services. Digital human interaction technology demonstration at NTT Upgrade 2023 At Upgrade 2023, a compelling demo (pictured above) was shown with a robotic arm being used via controllers to move items in a simulated warehouse setting that required tremendous precision with virtually zero latency. To use the IOWN services, customers must use specialized terminal devices marketed by Nippon Telegraph and Telephone East and Nippon Telegraph and Telephone West. Low latency is not the only benefit provided by the IOWN initiative. The IOWN project also aims to achieve low power consumption with a 100-times improvement in electrical efficiency over current optical communication systems and a 125-times improvement in transmission capacity. NTT is making a massive commitment to IOWN as it believes its revolutionary benefits will disrupt the networking infrastructure space. Over the coming years, NTT will work to create specific terminal devices and communications technology to achieve those goals. NTT anticipates implementing the entire IOWN plan in the 2030 timeframe. Partners Build Credibility for the IOWN Initiative The IOWN initiative now includes many well-known businesses from inside and outside Japan. As NTT would like to see IOWN attract as broad international support as possible, a worldwide forum has been created for evaluating IOWNs requirements and other technical specifics. Earlier this month, KDDI Corporation, another major Japanese telecommunications company, was announced as a new member of the international forum by NTT. The company seeks to collaborate with competing businesses to promote the rapid expansion of the IOWN platform. NTT has also confirmed that it has created a prototype chip that it hopes may one day significantly increase data transmission rates in data centers and underwater fiber optic cables. According to NTT, its brand-new, small baseband amplifier integrated circuit module offers an ultra-broadband performance of 100 GHz. It will be used with emerging all-photonics network technologies, such as future 6G networks and the IOWN infrastructure. This aspect is a crucial component of those future networks, according to NTT, because they will need ultra-broadband signal amplification capabilities to remove all noise distortion. IOWN core optical networks will be able to transmit data at rates of more than two terabits per second; however, they need a baseband amplifier IC module to amplify the signal. NTT had previously created products that could accomplish this, but they were all large and required connection to products with external data center block pieces. NTT has now created a prototype of its module that is tiny enough to fit into any device. Although the device wont be commercially available for several years, NTT claims it can magnify a 100 GHz electrical signal, a dramatic improvement over what is possible with todays technology. NTT believes progress will eventually increase data center connection speeds and speed up customer internet access. Analyst Thoughts Though NTT is not a company broadly known outside of Japan, the 150-year-old company has a cultural penchant for asking questions about the future. With its IOWN initiative, it seems to be challenging the industry to drastically rethink the future computer requirements 25 years from now. Its clear that for NTT, photonic optical technology is where the puck appears to be going to optimize the conveyance of data. My recent interview with NTTs Global Chief Marketing Officer, Vito Mabrucco, underscores the commitment that the company is making to photonics: It is helpful to recall that most technology today relies on electronics to convey and analyze information. In the post-Moores Law era, NTT is taking the bold step to push the tech industry to consider how it can increase computing power without some of the transistor development techniques that have spanned the last fifty years. From NTTs perspective, photonics promises to accelerate data transmission speeds, enhance machine responsiveness, and utilize significantly less energy. Moreover, the positioning of this technology is around the transition from electronics to photonics. The same premise holds in the cellular market as 6G will ultimately eclipse 5G to enable future internet and cloud usage models (some not even contemplated). Massive data gathering with almost zero latency will be possible in environments with specialized photonics-based processors that can switch workloads autonomously. Undoubtedly, a fully actuated IOWN-based world will take time and significant investment dollars to realize. Typically, new technological advances come at the expense of performance or energy utilization tradeoffs, but this does not appear to be the case with IOWN. The payoff will be a new game-changing networking topology that can improve how people use all kinds of information and how society functions. Even at that ambitious level, NTT deserves credit for articulating a bold, new network infrastructure vision that changes the very nature of computing. TechSpot is about to celebrate its 25th anniversary. TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust What just happened? Acer is well-known and respected as a maker of laptops, PCs, monitors, and other PC-related accessories, but it isn't limiting itself to this area. The Taiwanese company has just announced the Acer ebii, an e-bike that could stand out from a crowded market thanks to its slew of features, including some AI smarts. With its single-sided fork design and aluminum alloy frame, the single-motor ebii weighs just 35 pounds, making it lighter than most e-bikes. The 250/350 W motor with 48 V CAN bus and 40 Nm torque performance can push the bike up to 20 mph. It also boasts a 70-mile range after a single full charge, which takes two and a half hours to complete. That's pretty impressive, but the main feature Acer is pushing is the ebii's AI/machine learning capability. It writes that the e-bike adapts to the rider's pedaling power, riding conditions, and preferred level of assistance. One given example is the e-bike's ability to automatically adjust motor output to provide effortless riding based on users' pedaling and route environment. Acer writes that the AI can harness user insights through the ebiiGO companion app, which connects to the ebii via Bluetooth so riders can check recommended routes, battery life, riding speed, auto-unlock settings, and more. Users can also access ebiiRide, an adaptive mission control app which can, among other things, adjust battery usage based on destination distance to ensure riders don't run out of juice before reaching their destination. It offers three modes: a power-saving Eco Mode, the speed-focused Boost Mode, and the My ebii Mode that's somewhere between the two. The app is also used as a locking mechanism; ebii locks and unlocks based on the connected phone's proximity. Elsewhere, the ebii's battery is easily removable and can be used to charge other devices, such as phones or laptops. Users can check its remaining power levels via the app or the smart LEDs on the handlebar. The ebii also has extra safety features in the form of automatically illuminating headlights, a set of LED lights underneath the control box to improve visibility in the dark, and a rear collision warning radar that alerts the rider of motorists or objects approaching from behind. Other specs include airless, flat-free tires made with multilayer foam inserts, a rust-free carbon belt drive, and an e-bike health status notification feature. Acer didn't reveal availability or pricing. Given its long list of features, expect the ebii to be at the higher end of the price range. TechSpot is about to celebrate its 25th anniversary. TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust What just happened? The Kremlin has told staff involved in President Vladimir Putin's 2024 re-election campaign to get rid of their iPhones before the end of this month over fears that western intelligence agencies could be using them for surveillance purposes. Those who would rather not throw their expensive handset away have been advised to "give it to the kids." Russian publication Kommersant reports that employees of the Kremlin's internal political bloc - the Russian presidential administration's domestic policy, public projects, State Council, and IT departments - were informed that they must get rid of their iPhones before April. Sergei Kiriyenko, first deputy head of Russia's presidential administration, made the announcement during a seminar held in early March in the Moscow region. The Kremlin reportedly believes that iPhones are easier to hack and more susceptible to espionage by western spies than other smartphones. "iPhone is everything. Either throw it away or give it to the kids. Everyone will have to do this in March," said one source [Google translated]. The paper writes that the decision is part of a movement to abandon American technology in favor of more secure devices that can't be hacked by the west. The Kremlin may purchase new phones for its employees to make it easier for them to give up US tech, writes Kommersant. The staff were told to replace Cupertino's devices with Android-based smartphones or those with operating systems developed in China. They may also use Aurora, the Linux-based smartphone OS developed by Russian company Open Mobile Platform, a subsidiary of PJSC Rostelecom. Political scientist Nikolai Mironov told Kommersant that the iPhone ban was purely for security reasons. He said the request was a pragmatic solution and not related to politics. Reuters writes that Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said he could not confirm the report. "Smartphones should not be used for official business," Peskov told reporters. "Any smartphone has a fairly transparent mechanism, no matter what operating system it has - Android or iOS. Naturally, they are not used for official purposes." Kommersant notes that Russia wants to build a domestic mobile ecosystem built on "technologies independent of Western IT giants." It cites Aurora as an example of this policy. Russian officials were previously told to use domestic messaging platforms exclusively. They were also advised to use the Russian-made Trueconf instead of Zoom for video conferencing. Vladimir Putin reportedly refuses to use smartphones, though Peskov says the Russian president does use the internet on occasion. Center image: IAEA Imagebank In context: Large language models are dominating the news cycle with no signs of slowing. Everybody wants in on the ground floor of the technology, so there is currently a gold rush to release the next great AI chatbot. Unfortunately, models like ChatGPT are prohibitively expensive to build and train. Smaller models are much cheaper but seem more inclined to devolve into a mess akin to Microsoft's Tay from 2016. Last week, Stanford University researchers released their version of a chatbot based on Meta's LLaMa AI called "Alpaca" but quickly took it offline after it started having "hallucinations." Some in the large language model (LLM) industry have decided that hallucination is a good euphemism for when an AI spouts false information as if it were factual. The university added that increasing hosting costs and concerns for safety were also factors in its removal. "The original goal of releasing a demo was to disseminate our research in an accessible way," a Stanford University's Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence Institute spokesperson told The Register. "We feel that we have mostly achieved this goal, and given the hosting costs and the inadequacies of our content filters, we decided to bring down the demo." "Given ... the inadequacies of our content filters..." is code for "the internet ruined our model," which is no surprise since the internet ruins everything. Of course, LLMs are prone to fanciful musings, presenting them in a completely believable way. Researchers have pointed out this weakness in virtually every recent chatbot released into the wild. There are numerous examples of ChatGPT and others presenting false information as factual and repeatedly arguing their story when called out about it. Furthermore, Stanford knew Alpaca generated inappropriate responses when it launched the interactive demo. "Alpaca also exhibits several common deficiencies of language models, including hallucination, toxicity, and stereotypes," the researchers said in their press release last week. "Hallucination, in particular, seems to be a common failure mode for Alpaca, even compared to text-davinci-003 (OpenAI's GPT-3.5). Deploying an interactive demo for Alpaca also poses potential risks, such as more widely disseminating harmful content and lowering the barrier for spam, fraud, or disinformation." Despite the webpage hosting the Alpaca demo being down, users can still retrieve the model from its GitHub repo for private experimentation, which Stanford encourages. It asked users to "flag" failures not listed in its press release when it initially posted the model. One of the problems with Alpaca is that it is a relatively small model as LLMs go, but this is by design. Meta intentionally created LLaMA as an accessible language model that would not take an expensive supercomputer to train. Stanford used it to develop a seven-billion parameter model for about $600. Compare this to the $3 billion (or more) that Microsoft invested into its ChatGPT-based model with hundreds of billions of parameters. In this light, it is no surprise that Alpaca failed so quickly when released to the public. Even ChatGPT and Bing Chat had many mishaps, faux pas, and controversies when they debuted, and that was after reasonably lengthy closed betas. However, that does not mean Alpaca will never be suitable for public consumption. The GitHub code has only been out for a week, and folks have implemented it on a Raspberry Pi and Pixel phones. These feats are only possible because of Alpaca's lightweight size. The main hurdle will be getting such a small model to behave, something Stanford has been studying on for over three years (video above). It's an area where even massive LLMs like ChatGPT need work. A year's worth of gamma-ray sky observations has been transformed into a mesmerizing animation by NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope. The Large Area Telescope (LAT), which records the sky in gamma rays - the highest-energy form of light - aboard the spacecraft, captures the cosmic fireworks invisible to the naked eye. You can watch the animation here. Frenzied Activity The animation showcases the frenzied activity in the gamma-ray sky between February 2022 and February 2023, represented by pulsing circles, which are a subset of more than 1,500 light curves collected by LAT over nearly 15 years in space. The LAT data is now available in a continually updated interactive library, which was made possible by the work of an international team of astronomers. Astronomers studying galaxies have inspired the team to assemble the database, as they wanted to compare visible and gamma-ray light curves over long time scales. "We were getting requests to process one object at a time. Now the scientific community has access to all the analyzed data for the whole catalog," Daniel Kocevski, a repository co-author and an astrophysicist at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, said in a press release statement. Blazars, central regions of galaxies hosting active supermassive black holes, produce powerful particle jets pointed almost directly at Earth. According to NASA, more than 90% of the sources in the dataset are blazars, which are important sources for multimessenger astronomy, where scientists use combinations of light, particles, and space-time ripples to study the cosmos. Ground-based observatories such as the National Science Foundation's IceCube Neutrino Observatory in Antarctica can sometimes identify high-energy particles generated from these jets. Each frame of the animation represents three days' worth of observations. The magenta circle around each object expands with brightness and shrinks as it dims. The Milky Way galaxy's central plane, a rich source of gamma rays, is visible as a band of reddish-orange in the center of the sky. Lighter colors there indicate a brighter glow. The yellow circle shows the Sun's apparent annual trajectory across the sky. Read Also: Astronomers Discover Gamma Rays From A Dwarf Galaxy, Solves Cosmic Anomaly 400 Computer Years A computer cluster at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in Menlo Park, California, needed almost 400 computer years of processing time to process the entire inventory. The LAT, the primary instrument of Fermi, searches the whole sky every three hours for gamma rays with energies ranging from 20 million to more than 300 billion electron volts. The Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope is a combination between astrophysics and particle physics, and it is under the direction of Goddard. The spacecraft was developed by the US Department of Energy in collaboration with partners from academic institutions in France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Sweden, and the United States. These governments also provided significant financing for the project. With the historical light curve database now available, the scientific community anticipates new multimessenger insights into past events. Related Article: NASA Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope's Captured Dying Star Radiation Blast Turns Out To Be Shortest One To Hit Earth 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Google Pixel Watch users may now get the new March 2023 update, which brings the much-awaited Fall Detection feature and a whole lot of improvements right off the bat. Now that the new Pixel Watch update is finally here. Let us dive into what the latest software release brings to the table. (Photo : PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images) The Google Pixel Watch with Fitbit technology is demonstrated at Alphabets Google Android plaza booth during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 5, 2023. Google Pixel Watch March 2023 Update Starts Rolling Out As per a recent report by XDA Developers, the March 2023 update for Pixel Watch notably introduces a new feature, none other than the Fall Detection option. Some users have been looking forward to its arrival as Google teased its debut last February. Besides the Pixel Watch update, the new Pixel 6 update for March 2023 has also started rolling out. The latest software release for the flagship Android phone lineup primarily focuses on bumping up the security of the Pixel 6 a, Pixel 6, and the Pixel 6 Pro. What's New in Pixel Watch March 2023 Update As mentioned, the latest Pixel Watch update offers a Fall Detection feature. Essentially, it allows users to reach out to emergency services if ever the wearable device detects a fall. On top of that, XDA Developers notes that it also provides users an option to cancel contacting emergency services. Apart from the Fall Detection feature, here are the other reasons why Pixel Watch users should get their hands on the March 2023 update. (Photo : PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images) The Google Pixel Watch with Fitbit technology is demonstrated at Alphabets Google Android plaza booth during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 5, 2023. 9to5 Google reports that the new update introduces a new option to trigger the Digital Clock by simply pressing a button when the smartwatch is turned off. Meanwhile, if you use the battery-saver mode quite often, the March 2023 release has something nifty for you. Users may now enable or disable the energy-saving feature with a single tap in QSS. The display got better as well. The update improves the overall sensitivity of its touchscreen performance. Read Also: Google Pixel Watch's Material Costs Don't Justify Hefty Price: Report How to Install Update on Pixel Watch Google constantly releases updates for the Pixel Watch and the Pixel Watch app, bringing new features and performance improvements to its users from time to time. Thankfully, updating a Pixel Watch is pretty straightforward. With only a few things to keep in mind before doing so. The Google support page notes that users need to charge their Pixel Watch for at least 50%, plug it in its charger, and connect the device to a Wi-Fi connection before attempting to download and install its latest software update. Once that is out of the way, here's how to go about it. Open the Settings option on your Google Pixel Watch Then, select "System update" to start downloading the latest software. And that's it. The installation process should be complete after the device reboots. Related Article: This Google Pixel Watch Bug Will Force Users to Double-Set their Alarms 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. BBC has advised its staff to remove TikTok from company-owned devices due to privacy and security fears. This comes after several countries banned TikTok from government-owned devices, which makes BBC the first media organization in the UK to issue the guidance. (Photo : BO AMSTRUP/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images) A picture taken on February 28, 2023 in Randers, Denmark shows a smartphone with the TikTok app on the screen. Banning TikTok A new guidance was released that prohibits BBC employees from using TikTok on any corporate devices. BBC reported that TikTok should be deleted from these phones if employees will not need the app for business reasons. This comes after the government of the United Kingdom banned the social media app amid the risk of sensitive data being accessed. The spokesperson from the company stated, "The decision is based on concerns raised by government authorities worldwide regarding data privacy and security." Employees that will be using the app for editorial and marketing reasons will be exempted from the guidance. As of now, they constantly review activity on third-party platforms and assess the situation. The guidance makes BBC the first media organization to issue this restriction in the United Kingdom and the second in the world. The company only comes second as Denmark's public service broadcaster already banned the application to company devices a few weeks ago. BBC Technology Editor Zoe Kleinman confirmed this guidance in a tweet and stated that this will, unfortunately, affect her as the guidance will be effective for all employees. "Nobody has found a smoking gun. And yet the fears grow louder," she said. TikTok's Response Bloomberg reported that TikTok has been disappointed with BBC's decision as the previous bans from entities and government authorities were all based on misconceptions and wider geopolitics. The media organization has a strong presence on TikTok, with 4.4 million followers. TikTok remains its stand by denying the allegations of handing users' data to the Chinese government. With this, the company makes sure to keep in touch with BBC and is fully committed to working with them to address any concerns they have despite the ban. These allegations have also continued to rise as ByteDance employees were recently found to have tracked the locations of Western journalists last year. In TikTok's defense, the company says they were already fired. Also Read: New Zealand Joins TikTok Ban-wagon on Government Devices Due to Security Concerns Government Ban Despite being still permitted on personal devices in all countries, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Belgium, and anyone working at the European Commission banned the usage of the app from government-owned devices. With the same reason from BBC, The Guardian reported that the mentioned countries' governments are concerned regarding the platforms' data harvesting from the corporate phones and could share with the Chinese government by parent company ByteDance. The company's headquarters are located in Beijing, China. China, on the other hand, has urged government authority to treat ByteDance's TikTok fairly after several countries joined in restricting the use of TikTok over security concerns. Foreign Ministry Wang Wenbin stated that nations should acknowledge objective facts and uphold the ideals of a non-discriminatory environment over the implemented bans. Related Article: TikTok Considers Leaving ByteDance as Last Resort Amid US Scrutiny 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Archaeologists disclosed that they have discovered the oldest pearl town in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The artifacts that the archaeologists have found in the northern sheikhdoms of UAE suggest that the location was once an ancient pearling town. (Photo : KARIM SAHIB/AFP via Getty Images) A man prepares to weigh raw pearls in the Gulf island of Dalma, off the coast of the Emirati capital Abu Dhabi, on November 3, 2022. Oldest Pearl Town in UAE Found by Archaeologists As per a report by Associated Press News, archaeologists claim that they have uncovered what looks like the oldest pearl town in the UAE. It gives us a glimpse of how rich the pearling industry is in the region. The artifacts were reportedly found in the Gulf on one of the islands in the northern sheikhdoms of the UAE. The findings of the archaeologists suggest that thousands of people once called this place home back in the pre-Islamic days during the sixth century BC. With that, it appears like it is one of the oldest settlements in the region, which back then was a bustling pearling hub. According to Aljazeera, the ancient pearling town is located on the Siniyah Island of UAE. It is worth mentioning that the name of the island actually means "flashing lights." Perhaps due to the effect of the white-hot sun above it. Read Also: World's Oldest Woman Says She Eats Bacon Daily Rich Pearl History of UAE The associate professor of archaeology at the United Arab Emirates University, Timothy Power, touts that "this is the oldest example of that kind of very specifically Khaleeji pearling town. He further notes that "[it is] the spiritual ancestor of towns like Dubai." (Photo : KARIM SAHIB/AFP via Getty Images) A merchant weighs local raw pearls in the Gulf island of Dalma, off the coast of the Emirati capital Abu Dhabi, on November 3, 2022. Furthermore, archaeologists discover various homes that are made out of lime mortar and beach rock. The size of the houses varied. Some were quaint, cramming people inside, whereas others were bigger, and can accommodate courtyards. The United Arab Emirates University professor notes that the variation of houses may suggest social stratification in the oldest pearl town. Power notes that the "houses are crammed in there," which hints that "people are living there all year round." On top of that, the archaeologists unearthed loose pearls, alongside some diving weights. These findings further suggest that this is an ancient pearling town. Aljazeera notes in its report that the UAE University and Department of Tourism of Umm al-Quwain and Archaeology work hand in hand with the Study of the Ancient World at New York University and the Italian Archaeological Mission in the excavation. The town, which turns out to be part of the rich history of pearling in the UAE, is set to be a cultural heritage site. It should help preserve the location for the next generations to see. Umm- al-Quwain is planning to build a visitor center in the ancient pearling town moving forward. Related Article: Archaeologists Unearth 1,600-Year-old Cemetery Filled With Secrets of Ancient Britain 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. In another series of layoffs in the Big Tech, Amazon is once again announcing a significant number of employees to lose their tenure at the company, with 9,000 more employees to be booted out. This follows its recent announcement of a layoff in the past months, and the numbers are still significant, with thousands losing their jobs. The news comes directly from its top executive, Andy Jassy, the Amazon CEO claimed that this is part of the company's "operating plan," and that this layoff will take place in the next few weeks. Amazon Layoffs 9,000 More Employees this Year (Photo : JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images) According to an update from Amazon CEO Andy Jassy, 9,000 more employees are losing their jobs over the next few weeks, adding to the company's earlier more than 18,000 layoffs. Android Central notes that this is another round of layoffs that took place this year. Jassy claimed that it would mostly center on Amazon People Experience and Technology (PTX), AWS, Advertising, and Twitch. This will take place over the coming weeks, with employees getting the news from their superiors and will start talking arrangements for their separation. Read Also: Amazon Reveals Three Terminals to Receive Kuiper's Satellite Internet, But When Is It Coming? Why is Amazon Shedding its Workforce According to Jassy, this is because of the economy and the significant number of employees on a team. "For several years leading up to this one, most of our businesses added a significant amount of headcount. This made sense given what was happening in our businesses and the economy as a whole. However, given the uncertain economy in which we reside, and the uncertainty that exists in the near future, we have chosen to be more streamlined in our costs and headcount," says the CEO. The company wants a more streamlined workforce that would center on a "leaner" count, but take on the tasks in their respective divisions of the Big Tech company. Amazon's Employment Since the time of Jeff Bezos as the Amazon CEO, there have been several layoffs in the company, and considering that there are many unions present particularly for its warehouse, this has been notorious for the company. Over the past year, there were many news regarding the company laying off employees, and this is a part of Big Tech's move to bounce back on the industry. The start of 2023 was also not good for Amazon, as it announced its biggest layoff for this year, with more than 17,000 employees, including its corporate workforce, seeing termination from their posts. The company promised that it would still assist these workers who have been laid off, providing them with a severance package and other forms of help from the company, only that they would not be able to keep their jobs. Amazon's significant layoffs started last year, and despite the massive removal of its staff over the past months, the horrors of losing their jobs at the company are not yet over, with this latest announcement. The additional 9,000 may only be half of what Amazon removed earlier this January, but it is still thousands of workers who will no longer continue their livelihood and work with the company. Related Article: Amazon Halts Construction of Second Headquarters in Virginia, Following Layoffs 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Single donuts, cups of KFC gravy, individual bottles of water, and hundreds of other odd orders have been delivered by Uber Eats in neighborhoods of Los Angeles and Westminster, British Columbia. Nobody has fessed up to placing the orders although apparently they've been paid for by someone. From CBC: The name of the sender isn't included and there are no specific addresses or unit numbers attached only generic addresses for multiple townhouse and condo buildings[] [Westminster resident] Geoff McLennan says the unwanted food deliveries reached their peak this past Thursday with dozens of deliveries piled up in front of doors and condo buildings. "Somebody sent me a photo of their front porch where animals had gotten in the McDonald's bag and the food was everywhere," McLennan said[] Uber said the reports of unsolicited deliveries are "concerning." A company spokesperson was not made available for an interview but said in a statement that Uber has banned accounts related to recent orders and "will not hesitate to take additional action if the unsolicited orders continue." Hughes says she contacted the New Westminster Police Department about the orders but was told police are not able to address the issue. AI technology has advanced to a point where it can simulate human interaction and conversations. Although many see the benefits of this technology, there is also the potential for malicious use and cyber-attacks using AI. (Photo : Johannes Simon/Getty Images) MUNICH, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 18: Russian oppositioon activist Garry Kasparov participates in the panel "Russia Reimagined: Visions for a Democratic Future" on February 18, 2023 in Munich, Germany. Garry Kasparov Expresses His Worries at SXSW Conference According to the story by Forbes, this potential has caused many to worry; recent developments have only fueled the fears. Last week at SXSW, former chess Grandmaster and Avast Security Ambassador Garry Kasparov was interviewed by author Halah Touryalai and expressed his worries. Last week's SXSW conference brought together a variety of tech luminaries, including Garry Kasparov, the legendary chess grandmaster and Chairman of the Human Rights Foundation, as explained further in an article by Venture Beat. Kasparov Warns of the Prevalence of Phishing and Other Scams As more and more companies explore the potential of generative AI, Kasparov expressed concern about the activity of bad actors and the implications for users. Kasparov has warned that people have the "monopoly on evil," one of the greatest cyber threats these days is the prevalence of phishing and other scams in which users willingly offer their information to cybercriminals, as also noted in an article by Fast Company. Cognitive Threats: A New Challenge for Cybersecurity Michal Pechoucek, the Chief Technology Officer of the cybersecurity firm Avast/Norton LifeLock, stated that "cognitive threats are a game changer" and that a firewall alone can't protect users from these threats. It is essential that consumers take responsibility and stay vigilant when it comes to their online activities and data sharing. People should be cautious of clicking on links or downloading files from emails that are from unknown sources. Simple Security Measures to Prevent Exploitation of Personal Information Furthermore, reusing passwords and extensive sharing of personal information on their social media accounts should also be avoided. According to Pechoucek, these simple security measures are enough for consumers to prevent bad actors from exploiting them. Aware of ChatGPT being tricked into creating malware, Gen is investing in their own large language models with generative AI to enhance their defenses. Additionally, Pechoucek proposed an idea of a platform that stores encrypted metadata which people can trust, verify, and use to build digital safety. Read Also: Google Pixel: 'aCropalypse' Exploit on Pixel's Markup Tool Can Uncrop Photos, Reveal Redacted Info Kasparov's Optimism: Free Markets Could Outsmart Malicious Actors Kasparov concluded the conversation by showing optimism about the future of cyber warfare, noting that free people in free markets have the upper hand. As users strive to protect themselves online, he stressed the importance of responsible decision-making and installing proper safety measures. Michal Pechoucek, the Chief Technology Officer of Gen, also added that one solution to the current situation might be a platform that allows people to verify media with encrypted metadata. This could build digital safety and trust. Even though cyber-attacks could threaten human society, Kasparov still remains optimistic. He believes that, in the end, people in a free market will always be able to outsmart malicious actors. Despite the advances of AI and its potential pitfalls, it can still be a tool used to improve people's lives. Related Article: FBI Arrests BreachForum Owner for Hacking Agency's Email Servers in 2021 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Electric vehicles or EVs are now taking over the transport industry with more offerings and enhanced features. But some are still worried about their battery performance. But this time, a new expedition seeks to travel up to 17,000 miles solely on an electric car, exploring the North Pole and the South Pole. (Photo : Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images) DILLON, CO - MAY 25: A skier makes the trek up to the North Pole run at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area on May 25, 2019 in Dillon, Colorado. EV Pole-to-Pole Challenge As per a recent report by Interesting Engineering, the Pole to Pole project is the first of its kind, wherein, not even a fuel-powered car has taken this challenge. The EV challenge, according to the couple who are partaking in it, Chris and Julie Ramsey, is here to raise more awareness of the climate crisis. The married tandem says that the expedition should give a spotlight to EVs, which helps lessen the carbon footprint in the world. The 17,000-mile drive kicks off in Canada. From there, the couple will be passing by numerous countries in South America. BBC notes in its report that it includes Mexico, Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Colombia. Their journey will also reach the nations of Argentina, Panama, Ecuador, Chile, and Peru. Read Also: Rivian Raises the Bar With New Interval EV Production Goal, To Boost R1T and R1S Production How Will They Charge Their EV? Mrs. Ramsey told BBC that they constantly get asked how they are going to charge their electric car, given that they will be hitting the roads with no electricity at all. She said that "one of the most common questions we get asked is how [we are] going to charge the car in the polar regions where [there is] no electricity source." It turns out that their electric-powered vehicle, a modified Nissan Ariya EV, will be using a "wind turbine and full double solar" device, which the car would tow, to top up its battery from time to time. (Photo : Monaco Palace via Getty Images) ANTARTICA - JANUARY 14: In this handout image provided by the Monaco Palace, Prince Albert II of Monaco and team journey to the geographical South Pole on January 14, 2009 in Antartica. Mrs. Ramsey adds that the solution that they have should help "dispel common myths that people have when they question electric vehicles." Some folks are precisely worried about the range of these EVs, probing how far can the car go before it loses power. Besides addressing the range problem, the couple also considered the harsh environment that they are taking on. They have fitted the vehicle with large tires, which suits the terrain in their expedition. They also have a coffee machine in the boot to keep them warm during their travel from the North Pole to the South Pole. Mr. Ramsey notes "Pole to Pole is the world's first drive from a magnetic North Pole location - up in the Arctic - all the way through the Americas and then all the way into the South Pole in Antarctica." Related Article: Nissan To Reduce EV Costs by Cutting Down on Expensive Rare Materials 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Astronomers are now raising concerns regarding the light pollution impact of space debris, including artificial satellites and space junk, in astronomical observations moving forward. It turns out that the rapid increase of artificial light in the night sky is affecting how scientists study the universe from Earth. Not to mention that the growing light pollution also affects the lives of humans and other wildlife species along the way. (Photo : AIZAR RALDES/AFP via Getty Images) Aerial view of La Paz at night on July 13, 2009. La Paz, located at 3,600 m above sea level, will celebrate its 200th anniversary next July 16. Presidents and military troops from many South American countries will attend the bicentennial's celebration. Astronomers Warn Against Light Pollution Due to Space Debris According to Interesting Engineering, a recent research focuses on the impact of space junk and artificial satellites on the night sky here on Earth. The study, which Nature Astronomy published, says that the increasing number of artificial light in the skies at night is affecting the observatories on the ground and in space. On top of that, light pollution greatly affects our daily lives as well. So the issue is not only a concern for scientists and astronomers. The brighter night skies also affect the health of humans, specifically their sleep. Satellites Adding to Light Pollution Besides the light pollution on the ground, space debris like artificial satellites is also contributing to bright night skies. Interesting Engineering notes in its report that currently there are roughly 9,000 satellites in orbit. But in the next few years, as space exploration advances, it is about to balloon to 60,000 by 2030. (Photo : CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images) A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Starlink 4-20 mission, launches from Space Launch Complex 40 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on September 4, 2022. The Conversation notes that the increase in satellites is greatly attributed to space companies like Elon Musk's SpaceX. The giant tech firm is now rolling out large amounts of artificial satellites for low-latency wireless internet. And to cover most parts of the world, SpaceX has to release these satellites into space. With more satellites, the sunlight reflects on the Earth even during nighttime. Given that, Interesting Engineering notes that SpaceX touts that the new Starlink satellites now have a dimmer light reflection. But despite that, astronomers are still saying that the reduction is still not enough. Read Also: FCC New Rules Require Satellites To Be Deorbited Within 5 Years of Completion to Avoid Space Junk Risks Space Junk Affecting Observations For astronomical observations, dark skies are integral. Yet, the report published in Nature Astronomy says that light pollution is increasing these days, no thanks to growing space debris. On top of that, the study also gives us a glimpse of the current light pollution problem. The research shows that there are almost no remote sites on our home planet that could serve as observatory locations due to the bright night skies. Related Article: Scientists Push for International Legally-binding Treaty To Eliminate Space Junk 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Google has announced that it flagged several apps made by Pinduoduo, a Chinese e-commerce giant as malware, according to TechCrunch. (Photo : by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images) The logo of Google internet giant is seen on the opening day of the Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) audiovisual and systems integration exhibition in Barcelona on January 31, 2023. The announcement aims to alert users who had the apps installed. It also suspended the company's official app. The past few weeks, the eCommerce giant had receives several accusations by several Chinese security researchers of making Android apps that contain malware designed to monitor users. The off-play versions of the app have been found to contain malware enforced on via Google Play Protect. Google has set Google Play Protect to block users from installing malicious apps and warn those who have them installed already. It also prompts users who already have the apps to uninstall them. Investigation is still underway, yet the Pinduoduo app is suspended on the Play Store. Keep in mind that Google Play is not available in China and the malicious apps were present on the custom app stores of the phone manufacturers, like Huawei, Oppo, Samsung, and Xiaomi. Google has been under the microscope from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) for a while now. The CCI is investigating Google's alleged anti-competitive practices in relation to its app store, Play Store. In light of this investigation, Pinduoduo was suspended on the Play Store and other custom app stores like Huawei, Oppo, Samsung and Xiaomi were also affected by it as well. To comply with these new rules set forth by CCI, Google will be allowing Indian customers another option when making in-app purchases starting April 26th 2023 - they can use an alternative payment method apart from using their credit cards or debit cards through Google Pay. This would give more freedom to consumers who do not have access to traditional banking channels such as online payments services or UPI systems etc., helping them make digital transactions quickly without having any issues around availability or pricing transparency that sometimes comes into play because of regional differences between countries/regions where certain popular payment methods are available but unavailable elsewhere respectively. Also read: Google Bard AI Early Access is Coming to Pixel Superfans China in Hot Water with the US China has been in hot waters in the US due to the recent trade war and the Biden administration's hard stance against the country. This has led to a number of Chinese companies being restricted or blacklisted from trading in the US. The US government has imposed restrictions on Chinese tech companies such as Huawei and ZTE, citing security concerns. It has also begun to investigate other Chinese technology companies, including Pinduoduo, for potential antitrust violations. The increased scrutiny and restrictions imposed by the US on Chinese tech companies have made it difficult for them to succeed in the US market. As a result, many Chinese tech companies are looking for alternative markets to expand into, such as India and Southeast Asia. Related article: Google Employees Sign Petition, Calling CEO Pichai for Better Treatment During Layoffs 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Electric vehicle charger manufacturers and operators in the US prepares for a slowdown in production and deployment to comply with Made in America terms, as reported by Reuters. (Photo : by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 02: U.S. President Joe Biden signs bipartisan legislation averting a rail workers strike with (L-R) Director of Made in America at the Office of Management and Budget Celeste Drake, National Economic Council Director Brian Deese, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Labor Secretary Marty Walsh in the Roosevelt Room at the White House on December 02, 2022 in Washington, DC. Last month, the White House laid out rules in an effort to build an electric-friendly highway system by 2030, which can tackle climate change and create local jobs. The requirements to start assembling chargers at US factories and using US-made iron or steel enclosures caught the EV charging industry off guard. Also read: Space X CEO Elon Musk uses Made In America speech to drum up U.S. Defense business Could Potentially Hurt the EV Industry? Some state officials and companies who are responsible for federal turns warn that the country lacks the domestic production capacity, which means strict reinforcement will slow the rollout, increase costs and hurt the industry. The requirement for 55% of the cost of components to be sourced from the US was delayed until 2024, but it is likely that other terms of the agreement will be delayed too. It usually takes between one and one and a half years to switch production from another nation. XCharge, one of the major vendors of EV quick chargers in the EU, is attempting to speed up the setting up of a factory in the US in order to comply with the regulations, which could cause the prices to rise by up to thirty percent. The majority of federal money will be allocated to states, while local governments, counties, and Native American tribes will have the opportunity to apply for the remaining funds. The Arizona Department of Transportation is in charge of creating charging stations and will receive $76.5 million in federal money to do so over the next five years. The agreement also states that automakers must provide an adequate number of charging stations for their vehicles and a sufficient supply of replacement parts. This is to ensure EV owners have access to the necessary infrastructure and resources they need. Additionally, automakers must establish a network of certified service providers with appropriate training staff who can competently repair EVs. In addition to these requirements, vehicle manufacturers are expected to increase electric cars' range and power capacity over time so that drivers can travel farther on each charge without sacrificing performance or safety features. Furthermore, companies must invest more in research & development related towards advancing battery technology which promises longer life spans and faster recharge times than ever before seen from traditional lithium batteries used in most current models today. Moreover, automakers need to continue investing heavily in research & development of battery technology so that EV owners can access longer-lasting batteries and faster charge times every time they plug their car in for recharging purposes. This also ensures safety measures remain a top priority for all users out on public roads during any journey taken by an EV driver. Related article: Electric Vehicles Are Taking Over the US-Here's a Look at the Numbers 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Zippyshare, the popular file-hosting service for downloading songs, movies, and games, has decided to close down its operation by the end of this month after 17 years. The file-hosting service made the announcement on Sunday (March 19, 2023) in a blog post explaining why the site was going offline by the end of March. Weve decided that were shutting down the project at the end of the month. Please make backups of your important files, you have about two weeks to do so. Until then, the site will run without any changes, the announcement reads. Since 2006 we have been on the market in an unchanged form, that is, as ad financed/free file hosting. However, you have been visiting in less and less over the years, as the arguably very simple formula of the services we offer is slowly running out of steam. I guess all the competing file storage service companies on the market look better, offer better performance and more features. No one needs a dinosaur like us anymore. Despite getting 45 million users a month, several factors have contributed to the shutdown of Zippyshares servers, states the service. The reasons cited for the closure are the increase in electricity prices, which has gone up 2.5 times over the past year, ad blockers, and decreased revenue from advertisements, its primary source of revenue for the site, which has made it impossible for the operators to maintain the site. All sorts of adblockers, whether built into the browser, as add-ons, or in the form of DNS services. Sure, we all use them, but they take away any control the site owner has over the site. Eventually we get to the point where a vicious cycle begins, in order to pay for the server infrastructure you are forced to place more and more ads, then users fire up more and more adblockers and we get to a point like today, Zippyshare concluded. There are still a bunch of smaller reasons, but we could write a book on this, and probably no one would want to read it. To sum it up, we can no longer afford to maintain the site. About Zippyshare Founded in September 2006, Zippyshare has been known for its clean interface, simplicity and ease of use, allowing users to upload an unlimited amount of files with a size of up to 500MB free of cost. Also, the website does not require account registration to upload or download files, as well as it has no limitation on the number of times a file can be downloaded. Zippyshare was nominated for notorious market status by the RIAA in 2013. In 2015, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) listed the service as a notorious market with the report writing that Zippyshare is well-known for downloads and distribution of allegedly infringing music along with a warning that the website has been known to install malware on the computers of the users. Further, in 2018, the service was also noted in the music association RIAA report to the USTR, with the RIAA suggesting Zippyshare be listed as a notorious market in that year as well, writing particularly that while the website respects takedown notices, but there is no mechanic to prevent re-uploads of infringing content Since March 2019, Zippyshare has blocked access to the website for visitors in the United Kingdom (UK), Germany, and Spain with an HTTP 403 error message displayed. While no official explanation was given for the same, it is likely due to copyright issues and geo-blocking opted for as a solution. Currently, it is unclear what will happen to the domain after Zippyshare closes down at the end of the month. Thanks for being with us over the years. See you in the depths of the Internet, Zippyshare signs off. South Africa: Minister confident load shedding will be resolved Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, says he is confident that the countrys problems with load shedding will be resolved. We are in this together, the problems with load shedding will be resolved, Ramokgopa said. Speaking at the Kusile power station in Mpumalanga during his visit earlier today, Ramokgopa said his ultimate aim is to end load shedding. The problem of load shedding will be resolved. Ultimately, the problem of electricity in this country will also be resolved, Ramokgopa said. Ramokgopa told Kusile power station senior management that government will assist where possible to end load shedding. We are all in this together, the problem of load shedding must end, he said. Ramokgopa has embarked on a two-week visit to Eskom power stations. This is to get first-hand experience on how the stations operate and what problems or challenges the management are experiencing in the running of the power stations. Ramokgopa started the visits on Monday at the Kriel and Duvha power stations and today visited Kusile and Kendal power stations. Kusile Power Station is designed to consist of six 800 megawatt coal-fired generating units for a total generating capacity of 4 800 megawatts. The station is located about 15 kilometres north of Kendal Power Station near Witbank, in Mpumalanga. I am confident that we are going to resolve the electricity problem. We will be honest and transparent about where we are now in as far as resolving the problem. We have committed men and women with skills at Eskom. From the discussions we are having with Eskom, it is clear that the problem of load shedding will be resolved, Ramokgopa said. Ramokgopa said the problem is not with corruption but more on a technical side. The problems and challenges that we have here are technical problems, they have nothing to do with so-called corruption, he said. Ramokgopa said he intends taking the public into his confidence about resolving the countrys energy crisis. We will be honest and transparent on where we are in relation to the resolution of this problem. We will communicate that to the general public, Ramokgopa said. During his visits at the power stations, Ramokgopa interacted with senior management and the workers. During the briefing sessions, Ramokgopa was briefed about Kusiles operations, challenges and programmes put in place to address the challenges. Kusile power station is the second largest coal-fired power station in the world. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2023-03-21. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Press Release March 21, 2023 OPENING STATEMENT OF SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS SUGAR SMUGGLING SEASON 2 PRESS CON WITH SENATE MEDIA MARCH 21, 2023 Around two weeks ago, I filed a Senate resolution on the entry of imported sugar ahead of a valid sugar order. Hihintayin ko na lang sana ang ating butihing Chair ng Blue Ribbon para dinigin ang usaping ito pero the time-sensitive and urgent developments of the matter compel me to share this with you all, and with the Filipino public. What we may be witnessing is the unfolding of a crime. Nothing less than large-scale agricultural smuggling. Nothing less than economic sabotage. Bilyong bilyong pera ang pinag-uusapan. Alam na natin, ng publiko, na last month, for reasons that are still unclear to me, the Department of Agriculture through Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban ordered that the importation of 440,000 metric tons of sugar be coursed through only three traders, dahil, diumano, sila daw ang, and I quote, "most capable". While I have my doubts kung "most capable" nga ang mga yon, at inamin na din ni Usec. Panganiban na his decision was "hasty", the weeks that followed only demonstrated the consequences of the Usec's haste. Weeks ago at least one industrial user of sugar went to Usec. Panganiban and asked if it might be able to import sugar from Thailand just for its own use -- we might recall that this was also an idea that Senate President Zubiri broached last year. Kung matatandaan natin, critical sa mga industrial users na ito ang asukal. Pwedeng ikasara ng planta ng Coca-cola ang kakulangan ng sugar, at damay ang trabaho ng ating mga kababayan. The response of Mr Panganiban was that there will be only three importers and the company will have to negotiate with the chosen three, led by All Asian Counter Trade. This company did as instructed and went to All Asian. All Asian, according to my sources, initially quoted a wholesale price of P85 per kilo. Why is this price so appalling? You can actually buy refined sugar wholesale for P25 pesos per kilo in Thailand. Kung matino kang importer, you know that you would already get a decent profit if you sell sugar at 61 pesos, bayad na doon ang warehousing, duties, handling, at may maayos ka na na profit (of P8 per kilo) per industry standard at a wholesale price point of 61 pesos. The P85 asking price of All Asian imposes an additional P24 peso super profit for a total of (P24 plus P8) P32 per kilo profit. Multiplied by 440,000 metric tons, ang tubo mo na lampas sa normal ay 10.5 billion pesos. Malaki kung para sa 3 traders lang. Kung kasama ang normal profits, ang total ay 14 billion pesos! Selling it at 85 pesos is nothing short of outrageous. Parang tumama ka ng 50 times sa super lotto ng hindi ka man lang tumataya. Mukhang medyo nahimasmasan naman itong tatlong traders and they are said to have agreed to sell the sugar at below 80 pesos. Halimbawa, medyo mabait sila at ibenta nila ng P77 wholesale per kilo sa industrials at P77 din sa retailers para kaya namang maibaba sa P85 pesos ang presyo sa palengke at groceries. Dahil 25 pesos lang ang wholesale price ng asukal sa Thailand, at sabihin mo nang may costs ang duties, handling at warehousing, ang super profits (on top of normal profits) ng tatlong ito ay nasa P7 billion pa rin! With the normal profits at lagpas 10 billion ang kita! Sa ganung tubo na pinaghahatian Lang ng tatlo, di Mahirap isipin kung magkano ang kickback diyan. Ang asukal mo, may sweetener. You can ask your friends and relatives in the industry-- and I can give you a detailed computation too -- they will most probably say that my estimates are conservative. I also want to ask: when was this photo taken? This is making the rounds now online and I confirmed na sila nga ang importers. I want to know, is it normal to host sugar importers in Malacanang? Is the President being manipulated by his underlings who handpicked the importers? As the Bureau of Customs has confirmed, the first 20 containers for AllAsian have already arrived. They arrived before a sugar order could even be signed. I have unconfirmed reports that further shipments have arrived in Subic and shipments arrived at the MICT as early as December. Nung Byernes ng umaga, hindi pa rin pinapayagan ng Bureau of Customs na ilabas mula sa Batangas port ang unang shipment na ito at patuloy pa ring binabantayan ng BoC ang pagpasok ng susunod na shipments. Ang ibig sabihin nito ay tinatrato pa rin ng BoC na illegal ang anumang shipments ng asukal ng All Asian Counter Trade, SUCDEN Philippines at Edison Lee Marketing. So far, they are holding the line. Ang ibig sabihin din nito, as of last Friday, ay hindi pa rin nagbibigay ng go-signal ang Sugar Regulatory Administration sa Bureau of Customs -- kahit sinabi ni Undersecretary Panganiban na "let it be" na ang ibig sabihin is let it pass and let the smuggled sugar out of the ports. No less than the office of the Executive Secretary expressed doubts about the legality of the DA's actions of choosing importers and allocating quantities to be imported before a sugar order could be signed by the SRA. Mariin pa rin akong humihingi ng imbestigasyon. Kung hindi pa bubuksan ng ating Blue Ribbon Committee ang imbestigasyon, kausapin ninyo ang mga planters at processors. Alam nila ang nangyayari. Kausapin ninyo ang industrials. Malalaman ninyo na pati ang kanilang mga global head offices ay nai-iskandalo na sa nangyayari dito. But this is not just a state-sponsored formation of a cartel. It is not a state monopoly a la NASUTRA of old that purported to generate public revenues for those would then be plowed back in favor of the sugar industry. It is a cartel that generates super profits, none of which will go to the National Treasury. Hindi pa tayo, kahit kailan, nakaranas ng ganito kagarapal na monopolyo; walang ganito kahit noong panahon pa ng martial law dictatorship. Everyday that we let this pass unhindered is a day of burden for our consumers suffering the highest prices of basic commodities we have seen in decades. Everyday that we let this pass, I dare say, is a blemish on the record of the Senate. This is also not just a burden to consumers. Hindi ako magtataka kung pipiliin na lang ng ilan sa mga food and beverage manufacturers na, sa halip na subukang ipasa sa mga end consumers ang mas mataas na presyo ng kanilang mga produkto dahil sa katakawan ng All Asian at ng kanyang mga kasosyo, ay sa Thailand na lang nila aangkatin ang finished products. Asukal pa lang ang pinag-uusapan natin dito. Ang dami pang mga basic commodities na maaaring sinisipat na ng mga cartel sa ngayon. Please, pigilan natin ito habang maaga pa, before the unmoderated greed can do even more damage. In comments about the first veto he has issued President Biden was clear that if your retirement plan involves investing in environmentally or socially aware companies that is just fine, and he doesn't care what Marjorie Taylor Greene thinks about it. MAGA Republicans, of course, wanted to repeal a rule that allows retirement funds to invest in such things because they aren't ok with protecting the environment or really anything socially conscious. The MAGAs managed to get a couple of Senate democrats to go along with them, but Biden acted as the backstop a President is supposed to and exercised the veto. 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On its 25 anniversary, The Independent's Tom Fordy interviewed the directors and other principles of the noir erotic thriller, Wild Things, starring Neve Cambell, Denise Richards, Matt Dillon, Kevin Bacon, and BIll Murray. In the story, two Florida teens from opposite sides of the tracks bitchy socialite offspring Kelly (Denise Richards) and swamp-dwelling trailer trash Suzie (Neve Campbell) accuse their dishy guidance counsellor Sam Lombardo (Matt Dillon) of rape. Lombardo is then investigated by dodgy cop Ray Duquette (Kevin Bacon). "I was lying in bed reading the script and I could see it coming that Matt Dillon was falsely accused," recalls McNaughton. "I thought, OK this is some TV movie, I know where this is going, so I skipped ahead to the last three pages." But the end was so unexpected that McNaughton had "no f***ing idea" how the story had played out across the pages in between. "I thought, I have to go back and read this!" he says, laughing. "I love reading a script where I don't see it coming and think, man, I haven't seen this story before." 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. Better late than never. The WWE Hall of Fame is a peculiar beast. Despite WWE becoming synonymous with pro wrestling in the way that Kleenex is associated with tissue, the company is far from the only game in town when it comes to predetermined grappling. Prior to WWE creating a virtual monopoly in the United States, pro wrestling was decentralized, existing across the country via several promotions. Once Vince McMahon conquered the world of wrestling, he started re-writing the history books to create a vision of the past that reflected his view of the business. Consequently, several classic moments and performers from wrestling history have been quietly omitted by WWE, even though millions of fans consider them to be essential to the business's rich past. One such omission was Andy Kaufman's legendary career as a wrestling heel. Although WWE has a special celebrity wing for entertainers outside of the wrestling business that played a part in the pseudo-sport, Kaufman's name has been suspiciously absent for decades. To drive the point home even further, Drew Carrey, Snoop Dogg, and Donald Trump have all made it into the WWE Hall of Fame before Kaufman. According to Variety, WWE is finally rectifying this awful oversight by inducting Kaufman into the 2023 class of the WWE Hall of Fame. Regulators were able to do that, it appears theres already a queue of investors and others lining up to litigate the issue because the sale documents for Credit Suisses CoCo issues gave them the discretion to zero their value if it was deemed an essential requirement to prevent the bank from becoming insolvent, or if there had been extraordinary government support. The Credit Suisse bonds gave Finma the explicit option of wiping out their value while maintaining some positive value for shareholders. In most other jurisdictions, as Finmas peers elsewhere in Europe, the UK and North America were quick to point out, total loss-absorbing capital would only be converted or written off after the common equity has been wiped out. The way the rescue of Credit Suisse was structured has deliberately blown up a lot of value, which is great for UBS and its shareholders, but an awful outcome for Credit Suisses investors. Credit Suisse was suffering a liquidity crisis last week rather than a solvency issue. Its annual report, also issued last week, showed that at December 31 it had shareholder funds of almost $US50 billion and net tangible assets of about $US45 billion. Until the weekend announcement of the terms of its rescue, its equity was valued by the sharemarket at about $US8 billion, and before the failure of several small US banks spread contagion, its market capitalisation was $US12 billion. Thomas Jordan, the Swiss National Bank president, left, and Marlene Amstad, chairman of the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA), helped broker the deal that upset AT1 investors. Credit: Bloomberg The Swiss regulators weekend deal with UBS therefore effectively created more than $US25 billion of extra equity value for UBS by evaporating the $US17.3 billion of liabilities, by zeroing the CoCos and valuing Credit Suisses equity at only $US3.25 billion. It is arguable that the Swiss have paid UBS handsomely to take Credit Suisse off their hands. No wonder bondholders and shareholders as the regulators actions have voided the requirement for a shareholder vote to approve the takeover arent happy. Indeed, the bondholders are livid that the Swiss have upended the natural order of creditors, even though it appears Credit Suisse had a significant buffer of common equity between them and a total loss. Loading Even a bail-in, or the forced conversion of their bonds to equity, would have offered a better outcome, and by switching $US17.3 billion of debt into $US17.2 billion of new equity would have been more in keeping with the role CoCos were intended to play in a crisis. In Asia, where CoCos are popular with investors, the value of other additional tier-one bond issues was sold down heavily as investors reacted to the Swiss actions. The scramble by other regulators to reassure their bondholders that they would never do what the Swiss did indicates they, too, are fearful of the implications for their markets and their banks. In the near term, at least, the total losses experienced by Credit Suisses CoCo bondholders will shut down that market for bank issues and make investors nervous about all issues of AT1 bonds, regardless of regulators assurances. Certainly, Swiss-based UBS now certain to be even more intensely supervised and regulated by its home regulators wont be able to issue CoCos any time soon, and investors will pore over the detail in any future prospectus for any type of Swiss bank bond issue to see whether Finma has reserved the kinds of discretion that enabled it to decimate Credit Suisse investors. Loading Among Credit Suisses larger known CoCo holders are Pimco, reported to have more than $US800 million invested, Invesco ($US370 million) and BlackRock ($US113 million). They, and the hedge funds actively trading Credit Suisses debt last week with a conviction it had the capital to survive, have deep pockets to fund any litigation challenging Finmas actions. On the equity side, Credit Suisses biggest shareholder, with a 9.9 per cent stake, is Saudi National Bank. Saudi National has lost the best part of $US1 billion of the equity investment it made only last November as part of a capital raising designed to shore up Credit Suisses balance sheet. Qatars sovereign wealth fund also has a 6.8 per cent shareholding. The way the rescue of Credit Suisse was structured has deliberately blown up a lot of value, which is great for UBS and its shareholders, but an awful outcome for Credit Suisses investors. There was, at the point of their conception, a concern that CoCos and other AT1 securities might generate unintended consequences and could even ignite runs on banks, as, at the first signs of distress, investors scrambled to dump their holdings rather than expose themselves to a forced conversion into equity. There were signs last week of that occurring, but there was also buying of CoCos by investors reassured by Credit Suisses capital position. Now that the unthinkable has happened, there will be fewer buyers for whats been demonstrated to be the highest-risk form of equity masquerading as debt with a better ranking - even if other regulators are essentially saying that Switzerlands treatment of the bonds is unique. And those fewer buyers will dump their exposures at the first inkling of bank distress. In an already nervous environment, that wont enhance financial stability. The former head of Teslas Australian operations Kurt Schlosser was sentenced to two years and six months prison after an insider trading conviction, but was instead released on a good behaviour bond for the two offences. Schlosser was sentenced in the Sydney District Court before being released immediately upon entering into a recognisance, on the condition that he be of good behaviour for two years and six months, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) said in an announcement this morning. Former Tesla director Kurt Schlosser has pleaded guilty to insider trading. Credit: Facebook In his role as country manager for Tesla, Schlosser was informed of a confidential agreement for ASX-listed Piedmont Lithium to supply lithium to the electric carmaker in September 2020. Electric carmakers such as Tesla have been scouring the globe for supply deals with lithium miners, as it is a key ingredient for the batteries which power these vehicles. Piedmont shares nearly doubled after the announcement. When Michala Banas met the young cast of ABC ME drama Turn Up the Volume, she screamed. In fact, they all did. The blood-curdling sounds and quavering uvulas that open the 10-part series proved to be an excellent warm-up exercise. It was about releasing the negativity that we hold in our bodies, the McLeods Daughters actress explains. It was fun. I had no voice by the end of the day, but we all just screamed our heads off together. It broke the ice. The cast of Turn Up the Volume (from left) Riya Mandrawa, Erza James, Mira Russo, Michala Banas, Ayiana Ncube and Elaine King. Filmed in Melbourne, the series is based on the 2019 documentary No Time for Quiet, and it follows female and gender-fluid teenage musicians learning to accept themselves, and each other, through a weekly urban band camp. As zany band camp leader Mish, Banas helps form ensembles to compete at the fictional Footsgroovia Festival. Through the ups and downs of an outfit called The Volume, the experiences of five very different young people are explored. Outgoing keyboardist Vivi (Riya Mandrawa) clashes with slam poet Jam (Ayiana Ncube). Upbeat drummer Breeze (Mira Russo) wants to bust free of her protective gay dads. Guitarist Ginger (Elaine King), is grieving for her musician father. And non-binary sound technician, Hex (Erza James) is anxious about coming out to their grandparents, with whom they live. When Williams cardiomyopathy was discovered, it was found that Nicala had the same genetic mutation and so did her father, whose family was known to have lots of heart problems. Nicala was fitted with a heart defibrillator as a precaution, though she is yet to have any problems herself. William Pearce suffered many life-threatening cardiac arrests. But the type of cardiomyopathy William has is more severe when it first occurs in childhood, and it gets worse. And as his family would discover, the treatments were also very limited. However, new research led by the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute has potentially opened the door to developing targeted treatments to restore heart function, by discovering how a mutation to a gene called ALPK3 leads to some children and adults developing cardiomyopathy. We think [ALPK3] is kind of like a guardian of the heart muscle that makes sure all these proteins that are so important for normal heart pumping are not getting old and damaged, and theyre actually making sure your heart muscle cells stay fresh and active, explained researcher Dr James McNamara. When you lose that function, like in those patients who have changes in the DNA code, you start having more older proteins, which then leads to the loss of pumping function and causes abnormal growth of the heart. McNamara said they were particularly excited about the discovery, as there were already therapies targeting these types of proteins that have been used for cancer and other diseases. So we are really hoping that this ALPK3 may be a really strong target that we could hopefully design some new therapies for not just patients with these [genetic] variants, but hopefully for cardiomyopathy patients as a whole. As a young child, William was fitted with an implantable defibrillator that shocked his heart so frequently to keep him alive that it ran out of battery in just a few years. One of the technicians who downloaded the data from the device said hed never seen one person have so many shocks. No one survives that, Nicala said. He was just like a cat, thank God. William during one of his many trips to hospital. William had about 10 cardiac arrests between the ages of four and 11, when he received a heart transplant. About six times his family or others had to perform CPR on him, and the cardiac arrests increased in frequency. Our world did get a little smaller as he got older because the defib would go off all the time. It went off when he was having swimming lessons He wasnt allowed to run, Nicala said. We knew that we could quite possibly lose him on the next event. Loading Underlying the importance of better treatments, the solution for Williams hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was to have a heart transplant. He was almost 12 years old and running out of time when his family received a call from Melbourne saying there might be a match for him. Nicala said they had to get William on a plane from Sydney without explaining to him what was happening. They were frightened any anxiety or excitement would cause another cardiac event, and he would die on the plane. They were 10 minutes away from the Royal Childrens Hospital in Melbourne when they finally told him: Theyve got a heart and its for you. Premier Dominic Perrottet has denied he called Health Minister Brad Hazzard to receive a faster ambulance response for his sick wife Helen. Mr Perrottet was grilled on Sky News over a call he made to Mr Hazzard and Ambulance Commissioner Dr Dominic Morgan which resulted in an ambulance being sent to his house. Dominic Perrottet and his wife Helen in Parramatta in early March. Credit: Nick Moir Mr Perrottet said he wasnt looking for special treatment and doesnt know if the commissioner personally ordered an ambulance for his wife to avoid prolonged wait times. My wife was sick at the time and was paralysed in bed and I actually spoke to Brad Hazzard in relation to that matter and an ambulance was organised in the ordinary course, Mr Perrottet said. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Justice has finally caught up with one of the states most crooked lawyers, who after laundering millions of dollars for organised crime groups has now joined a number of his ex-clients, including former MP Eddie Obeid, behind bars. Last June Sevag Chalabian, 52, received a hefty 12-year jail term, with seven-and-a-half years non-parole, for a single count of money laundering. The jury heard he used his solicitors trust account to launder $24 million that he knew was the proceeds of crime. Describing the solicitor as an important cog in the wheel of organised crime, NSW Supreme Court Justice Peter Johnson said Chalabian had used disguise and deception to create a veneer of legitimacy to enable his clients to launder dirty money associated with one of the nations biggest tax frauds, the Plutus Payroll saga. The details of Chalabians conviction and sentence were suppressed until the jury delivered verdicts in the trials of Adam and Lauren Cranston, the son and daughter of the former deputy tax commissioner Michael Cranston, along with Jason Onley, Dev Menon and Patrick Willmott who were found guilty of a conspiracy to defraud the tax office and money laundering. For years, Chalabian has been the king of the camouflage, providing the means for his clients to remain in the shadows. Even his unwitting 84-year-old widowed mother has been used as a front for some of his dubious deals. Eddie Obeid hired Sevag Chalabian to negotiate and then disguise his familys receipt of a $30 million payout. Credit:Daniel Munoz On May 17, 2017, the Australian Federal Police executed search warrants at a number of premises across Sydney in connection with the Plutus Payroll saga. One of the premises raided was Chalabians York Street law firm, Lands Legal. Advertisement Several weeks earlier, two of Chalabians clients, who have also been jailed, threatened to expose the masterminds of the Plutus Payroll fraud, who had cheated the Commonwealth out of more than $100 million. For a handsome cut, the lawyer was happy to wash the $24 million from his clients successful extortion endeavour through his firms trust account. Just the day before his firm was raided, Chalabian transferred his $880,000 share of the blackmail money to Hong Kong. On paper, the investor was KSE Property, the sole director and shareholder being his mother Sosi. On this same day, a caveat was registered with the NSW Land Titles office indicating that Chalabians private company Eastprop had taken out an option on behalf of an unknown person to purchase a mansion in Woollahra for $13 million. The deal later fell over. His mothers company later came in handy to hide another astonishing amount of money. Despite Chalabian being the subject of a police investigation for money laundering and having quit as a lawyer, in July 2017 controversial Chinese property developer Huang Xiangmo used him to channel $11 million to a secret beneficiary. The Financial Review revealed that KSE received an $11 million payment as part of Huangs company Yuhus $380 million purchase of the former Arnotts Biscuits factory site in North Strathfield. Advertisement Chalabians mother Sosi, who speaks only limited English, told the paper she knew nothing about the payment. How do I know? You ask my son, she said. I no see him much. On the surface it has many of the hallmarks of money laundering, Matt Fehon, a forensic investigator from McGrathNicol, said of the $11 million payment. Last year, the ICAC recommended that the Director of Public Prosecutions consider criminal charges against Huang for delivering $100,000 in cash in an Aldi shopping bag to the NSW Labor head office in 2015. Donations from property developers have been banned since 2009. Huang has not been charged. More than a decade ago, during the heady years of the mining boom, Chalabian was involved in dozens of speculative mining and resources companies some linked to the mysterious Perth businessman Michael Mihran Shemesian. Michael Shemesian, aka Mick Many Names, has been linked to Sevag Chalabian. Known as Mick Many Names due to multiple spellings of his surname (Shemessian, Shmazian, Shamazian and Chammassian) which appear on corporate records, it was under the name Mihran Shemessian that the reclusive prospector, now based in Dubai, was charged with possessing drugs and implicated in a money laundering scandal in the mid-1990s. He was acquitted on both matters and there is no suggestion Shemesian has been involved in any wrongdoing. Advertisement When Eddie Obeid, the states most corrupt politician, needed a lawyer with skills in duplicity, he knew just who to turn to. Mr Chalabian, a solicitor ... was retained by the family to achieve the maximum return possible for their 25 per cent interest in a joint venture with Cascade Coal, said the judge in Obeids later criminal trial. In December 2012, Chalabian found himself in the unwelcome glare of adverse publicity via the witness box at the ICAC explaining how hed finessed a deal that secretly delivered $30 million to his clients. Nick Di Girolamo (far left) acted for Moses Obeid (back, left), Eddie Obeid junior (centre), Paul Obeid (right) and father Eddie Obeid (not pictured) in their failed lawsuit against ICAC in 2016. Credit:Peter Rae Having used inside information to acquire a stake in the winning bidder Cascade, Eddie Obeid hired Chalabian to extract a handsome exit payout. Chalabian negotiated a $60 million payment, telling ICAC he had set up an elaborate installation of trustees and companies so no one could find the Obeid name. Chalabian acknowledged that concealing the Obeid name was essential for fear that it would alert people to the chance that this exploration licence had been corruptly obtained. The first $30 million, paid in instalments, flowed into Chalabians firms trust account and out into the Obeids coffers. In May 2012, a Herald investigation spelled the beginning of the end for Eddie Obeid and his associates who stood to make millions of dollars from lucrative coal licences. Because of the adverse publicity and the fact that the corruption watchdog was now circling, Cascades director Travers Duncan rejected Chalabians efforts to get his clients the second $30 million tranche. Advertisement They argued, whinged, pleaded and I refused, the late mining magnate later told the ICAC. Chalabian had no findings made against him. However, former ministers Eddie Obeid and Ian Macdonald are currently serving jail terms over the matter. This was not Chalabians only dealings with the Obeids to be examined by the ICAC. In November 2010, using $3 million they had corruptly acquired through their coal deal, Chalabian helped the Obeid family acquire a 25 per cent stake in a water infrastructure company Australian Water Holdings (AWH) from major shareholder and chief executive Nick Di Girolamo. Di Girolamo, a lawyer, told ICAC it was a loan from his friend Eddie Obeid jnr, who worked for AWH. At the time AWH was pushing for a billion-dollar privatisation deal with the then state Labor government. The water company was also lobbying the opposition. In June 2012 Di Girolamo and Chalabian became business partners, establishing Anconna Resources, which was used to lobby on behalf of Korean-government-backed mining company Korean Resources Corporation (Kores) for approval of the Wallarah 2 coal mine, southwest of Newcastle. The company records indicate that, once again, Chalabian was holding shares in Anconna for a mysterious person whose identity has never been ascertained. Advertisement Police arrest man after Gold Coast stabbing Were sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. Were working to restore it. Please try again later. Dismiss The molecular building blocks for the genetic material probably used by the first life on Earth may have been delivered to us from deep space by meteorites. A Japanese team revealed their discovery in Nature Communications on Wednesday, in news one Australian scientist said could be key to understanding the origins of life. Hayabusa2 fired a projectile into the asteroid Ryugu, blasting rock from the surface to be collected. Credit: JAXA / Supplied Samples returned by a robotic probe from the asteroid Ryugu tested positive for uracil a component of RNA, the precursor to DNA as well as vitamin B3. The find also suggests, tantalisingly, that all the ingredients for life including water can be found in deep space. Mitchell Guerrero, 30, of Green Bay, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 4 years imprisonment and 3 more on supervised release for selling 3D-printed firearms. The untraceable "ghost guns" were made in his basement; one was traded for meth. The Brown County Drug Task Force searched Guerrero's home in November, 2021. Investigators discovered the 3D-printing lab as well as a fully functional 3D-printed handgun. They also found magazines and rounds, silencers, a "sear" that can convert an AR-15 rifle into a fully automatic weapon all 3D printed. Investigators found evidence that Guerrero offered to sell ghost guns and traded one for methamphetamine. They also saw evidence that he was beginning to 3D print an AR-15. I wouldn't trust a 3D printed gun not to explode in my hands, even one I had paid a lot of meth for. Mirabella told the branch member he was very unhappy that this is a story that probably didnt need to be but said he would not be weighing in while the party room decides. Another party member wrote in a private Liberal Party Facebook group that Deeming did nothing wrong and expelling her would be weak. Liberal MPs who voted against the delay: John Pesutto David Southwick Matt Bach Georgie Crozier Roma Britnell Sam Groth David Hodgett Cindy McLeish Evan Mulholland James Newbury Michael OBrien Brad Rowswell Bridget Vallence Jess Wilson Trung Luu Wayne Farnham Matthew Guy Wendy Lovell *Ann-Marie Hermans abstained from the vote *David Davis was absent from Parliament Pesuttos motion, released on Tuesday morning, seeks to expel Deeming from the parliamentary party for her involvement in Saturdays anti-trans rights rally headlined by an activist known to be publicly associated with far-right extremist groups. He also said she needed to be expelled over her post-rally meeting with British anti-transgender rights campaigner Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull, Katherine Deves a former federal Liberal candidate whose views on trans people lost her support from the party and Melbourne anti-trans activist Angie Jones, who on Sunday tweeted: Nazis and women want to get rid of paedo filth, why dont you? During a pre-recorded interview with 3AWs Neil Mitchell aired on Tuesday morning, Keen-Minshull, who is also known as Posie Parker, denied having links to neo-Nazis. Its absolutely repulsive that somebody in a position like the leader of the opposition has spewed such vile lies about somebody, she said. She added that she didnt know one interview she did years ago was with a white supremacist, but denied allegations that she appeared in a video with former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke. She has, however, taken part in interviews with French-Canadian white nationalist Jean-Francois Gariepy, whose other guests have included Duke. The dossier shows Keen-Minshull using a profile picture on social media of a Barbie doll wearing a Nazi swastika armband. Pesutto said Tuesdays meeting wasnt an easy conversation for the party room and that many MPs had spoken at length before voting to push ahead with next weeks vote. He said he was not blindsided by anything in politics and Tuesdays vote showed his MPs understood he had grounds to expel Deeming. Leadership carries with it great responsibilities and that includes tough decisions from time to time, he said. Opposition Leader John Pesutto on Monday with his leadership team, from left: David Southwick, Georgie Crozier and Matt Bach. Credit: Simon Schluter Im confident Ill have the support, but the only guarantee is the result itself, so Im very conscious of that. Im talking to my colleagues, working through issues with them, but Im confident that the process will support what Ive started. Ryan Smith, who previously stood for the Liberal leadership after last years election loss, said he didnt support Pesuttos expulsion motion and suggested next weeks vote could be tight. Some of the evidence thats been shown to me appears to have been put together to fit the accusation rather than the other way around, he told ABC Radio Melbourne. The next few days will be the opportunity for leadership to change my view on that. But ... I cant see any reason why we should be expelling someone whos been firstly elected by the party and then subsequently elected by the people in western Melbourne. Deemings supporters say the dossier, which was sent around to MPs on Monday evening, is tenuous and did not warrant the extreme measures being proposed to be taken against her. Both the Pesutto camp and those against the expulsion said Deeming was standing firm against what she has described as an unjust push. Loading She told colleagues in the party room meeting that she did not believe the evidence was strong enough, that she had nothing to do with the neo-Nazis who gatecrashed the rally, and questioned the absurdity of apologising on behalf of the masked men, according to an MP who was at the meeting and spoke on the condition of anonymity to freely discuss internal party room matters that are meant to remain confidential. Half a dozen Liberal MPs, some of whom The Age has spoken to, remain uncomfortable with Deemings expulsion and have told colleagues and this masthead they will be backing Pesutto because they didnt want to destabilise the leader. Pesuttos victory on Tuesday reinforced the likelihood that his motion to expel Deeming would succeed. The failed push to delay the expulsion motion was designed to give the leader and Deeming time to take a breath, the MP said. I hope they resolve it. In response to the controversy, the Victorian government hoisted a new transgender flag outside Parliament House on Tuesday afternoon. In a tweet, Premier Daniel Andrews wrote well always respect you ... and well always have your back. Meanwhile, rival conservative parties are watching with interest. Bernie Finn has said Democratic Labor Party would be silly not to make an approach to Deeming, while Pauline Hanson has opened the door for her to join One Nation. Deeming on Monday said she was blindsided by the leaderships move to expel her and was attempting to unite supporters behind her on a freedom-of-speech platform. She condemned the men who performed Nazi salutes, and said the rally was about advocating for the reinstatement of reasonable biological sex-based rights and against the irreversible and harmful medical transitioning practices used on gender non-conforming, autistic and gay minors. Now nobody is saying apologies are easy, but nobody seems terribly impressed by food site Delicious.com.au which has taken its sweet time to issue a mea culpa over that restaurant review by veteran critic John Lethlean. Bite-sized version: Lethleans piece on a Perth eatery that included this gem the maitre d/meet and greeter wears an outfit that threatens to expose more than just her inexperience when she bends over to set a table, sparked a storm of protest in the industry last month. Despite the offending review being promptly taken down from the Delicious site, the controversy hasnt gone away and has prompted much debate and commentary about the treatment of women in the hospitality industry. Late last week, nearly a full month after the review was published, the Delicious team posted a note on its site, making a general apology and explaining that it already reached out to the restaurant in question with a direct apology over Lethleans inappropriate sentence directed at a staff member. Australians are expected to pay out-of-pocket costs of at least $25,000 to receive MDMA and psilocybin therapy when the psychedelic drugs become classified as medicines to treat certain mental health conditions later this year. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) shocked researchers last month when it announced that authorised psychiatrists would be able to prescribe MDMA to assist treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, and psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, for treatment-resistant depression from July 1. They will still be considered prohibited substances or schedule 9 drugs for all other uses. MDMA has been approved as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, but Australians are expected to pay out-of-pocket costs of at least $25,000. Credit: Alamy But the TGA has not approved any products containing psilocybin or MDMA for use in Australia, meaning the psychiatrists will have to source and supply unapproved medicines themselves. The training regime to determine who becomes an authorised prescriber is still up in the air, and there are no detailed guidelines for how the treatment must be performed, as the TGA will leave that decision up to ethics committees. Greens and Legalise Cannabis Party MPs say they struck a deal with the government late on Tuesday to overhaul parliaments integrity and oversight committee and put an end to Labors majority on the body. In return, the left-wing crossbenchers will reject the oppositions push for an upper house inquiry into the Andrews governments treatment of the states anti-corruption watchdog. Opposition Leader John Pesutto and Greens leader Samantha Ratnam. Credit: The Age Outgoing anti-corruption commissioner Robert Redlich sent a letter to the government in December requesting that Labor share power with the opposition and crossbench as part of an overhaul of influential parliamentary committees. He also called for the oversight committee to no longer be chaired by a government representative, which the Greens and Legalise Cannabis Party say they have also requested as part of a deal with Labor. US aid worker and French journalist freed in West Africa Were sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. Were working to restore it. Please try again later. Dismiss When you think of town meetings in most American communities, those interstitial scenes from Parks & Recreation might come to mind lots of random mundane rantings and ramblings from various constituents that are at once tedious and hilarious in their own absurdist way. But public meetings aren't always so dull, or delightful. Things can get hostile. Sometimes its FOX News-fueled monologues about delusional CRT fantasies; sometimes its groups of disenfranchised citizens who are legitimately fed up with special interests and continued disenfranchisement, whose only hopes to protect their homes might be a public appeal to their elitist elected officials. And lest those elected officials feel uncomfortable when faced with the consequences of their decisions! At least, that's the sort of vibe that the 10,000-person town of Southborough, Massachusetts was going for when it passed a "civility code" that outlawed certain unbecoming behaviors at town meetings, legally requiring that citizens act "respectful and courteous" towards their representatives, and that "rude, personal or slanderous remarks" are prohibited and will result in removal from the meeting. That rule has been on the Southborough books for a while now. But its come up now in light of a lawsuit filed after a 2018 town meeting in which a resident told a member of the town board to, "STOP BEING A HITLER!" The question of whether you can call an elected official "Hitler" eventually rose to the Massachusetts State Supreme Court which ruled this month that yes, you can totally be a dick at town meetings. From The Boston Globe: At the meeting, a town official cited a local "civility code" to abruptly shut down a public comment period after a resident made critical comments about a proposed property tax hike and repeated violations of the open meeting law, the SJC said. That was improper under a clause of the state constitution, known as Article 19, that John Adams and his cousin Samuel Adams crafted together, the court ruled. The goal then, and now, is to assure the public has a voice in the operations of all levels of government, especially the municipal level, the court ruled. Article 19 was inspired by the deep antipathy towards King George III that colonists expressed in harsh and often insulting language, the SJC noted. Article 19 "reflects the lessons and the spirit of the American Revolution," Justice Scott L. Kafker wrote for the court. "It was designed to protect such opposition [to governmental authority], even if it was rude, personal, and disrespectful to public figures, as the colonists eventually were to the king and his representatives in Massachusetts." [] Although a comparison to Hitler is certainly rude and insulting, it is still speech protected. There ya have! Massholes gonna masshole. Although apparently that's still up-in-the-air in Cambridge. SJC rules that free speech at public hearings includes right to use 'rude, personal, and disrespectful' words [John R. Ellement / The Boston Globe] Residents' Right to Be Rude Upheld by Massachusetts Supreme Court [Jenna Russell / The New York Times] Here's a cute animal you should know: the ribbon seal. It's the most elusive of the ice seals, relatively solitary, and rarely observed on land. They are born with thick white coats but eventually develop the distinct black and white ribbon patterns they're known for. They also play dead when captured, until they can escape. And, obviously, they are incredibly adorablejust look at them! Here are a few short videos you can watch to learn more about ribbon seals and to see their cuteness in action. First, here's a short video by Deep Marine Scenes that provides some facts about the seals. Next, here's some footage posted by Neil Fisher of a ribbon seal that was spotted in Puget Sound and in British Columbia. That video explains: The ribbon seal (Histriophoca fasciata) is right at home in the icy cold Bering and Okhotsk Seas. Their striking and distinctive light-coloured bands make them one of the most easily recognizable seal species in the world. Ribbon seals grow upwards of 1.8 metres in length and weight between 90 to 148 kilograms. They're a relatively solitary species that spend most of their lives in the open ocean, but form small aggregations on pack ice during spring to give birth, nurse young, and molt. First spotted in Puget Sound in early 2012, this specific ribbon seal visited the temperate waters of British Columbia during summer of the same year. Far from home, concern grew for the seal's well being, as it appeared slightly underweight. Staff from the Vancouver Aquarium and Fisheries and Oceans Canada did collect blood and biopsy samples, which didn't reveal any immediate health issues. Subsequently, it was decided not to attempt relocating this individual, and instead, it was given a unique identification tag to aid in confirming repeat sightings. This ribbon seal's fate is unknown. There were concerns about its ability to find and prey upon unfamiliar food in such a different climate, as well as its ability to tolerate dramatically warmer water. Finally, here's a video by Alaska Extreme that focuses on efforts to protect threatened ice seals, which include bearded, ringed, spotted, and ribbon seals. Cute creature rating: 10/10 Dr. Andrew Adamatzky and his team at the Unconventional Computing Laboratory at the University of the West of England in Bristol, UK are researching how mushrooms communicate and how they might teach us to improve our information systems. PopSci explains that the lab was founded in 2001, driven by the belief that computers of the future "will be made of chemical or living systems, or wetware, that are going to work in harmony with hardware and software." PopSci further explains what we might learn from such assemblages: Integrating these complex dynamics and system architectures into computing infrastructure could in theory allow information to be processed and analyzed in new ways. And it's definitely an idea that has gained ground recently, as seen through experimental biology-based algorithms and prototypes of microbe sensors and kombucha circuit boards. In other words, they're trying to see if mushrooms can carry out computing and sensing functions. With fungal computers, myceliumthe branching, web-like root structure of the fungusacts as conductors as well as the electronic components of a computer. (Remember, mushrooms are only the fruiting body of the fungus.) They can receive and send electric signals, as well as retain memory. Scientists have already established that mushrooms communicate, and researchers at the Unconventional Computing Laboratory are building upon this knowledge to create information systems that might have distinct advantages over the ones we use currently. Again, PopSci explains: By deciphering the language fungi use to send signals through this biological network, scientists might be able to not only get insights about the state of underground ecosystems, and also tap into them to improve our own information systems. Mushroom computers could offer some benefits over conventional computers. Although they can't ever match the speeds of today's modern machines, they could be more fault tolerant (they can self-regenerate), reconfigurable (they naturally grow and evolve), and consume very little energy. If you want to know more about this fascinating research, check out this conversation between Dr. Andrew Adamatzky of the Unconventional Computing Laboratory and Merlin Sheldrake, a biologist, and author of Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds, and Shape Our Futures. In 2018, Jesse Singal wrote a controversial cover story in The Atlantic, "When a Child Says She's Trans." Focused on teens who de-transitioned, it appealed to skeptics and critics of gender-affirming care, but offered little acknowledgement to the majority of young transfolk who are happy to have affirmed their genders. Needless to say, many trans people were not pleased with Singal's article. They were, as is often the case in mainstream journalism, cut out of their own stories. Since then, Singal's committed himself to such "rational skeptic" punditry, with a substack, a podcast and social media presence snarled up in the topic of transgender life. Typically, this means cherry-picking the evidence from scientific papers and countering critics with a stream of academese and anecdote. Flash forward to this year. In February 2023, Bari Weiss's The Free Press published a first-person account from a former caseworker at a clinic for trans youth in St. Louis, who claimed she was drawing attention to the "morally and medically appalling" practices at said clinic. As is often the case with Weiss's writing, it was an emotional appeal, light on facts, relying on cryptic allusions to worst-case-scenario fears. The author of the piece, Jamie Reed, claims to be a whistleblower and urged the state to end these supposedly horrid practices. The lawyer representing her is both an elected official and a representative of a transphobic "child protection" organization. Reed's essay initial attracted a lot of attention, and indeed, rushed the Missouri state legislature into action despite its lack of verifiable facts. The literati of "Trans Skeptical" Pundits ate it up. The St. Louis Dispatch published a follow-up that poked holes in her narrative and presented the perspectives of parents and their children who had overwhelmingly positive experiences with the clinic. Enter Singal, who took up Reed's public defense. In response to the reporting from the St. Louis Dispatch, Singal contacted Reed and published a lengthy account refuting pretty much everything the Dispatch reported. In Singal's response, he shared screenshots from an Excel document that Reed had given him as proof to support her claims. It seems that Reed had kept her own, private records about the trans youth at the clinic where she worked, whom she thought were being mistreated or misled by the medical staff (despite not being a medical professional herself). Reed also provided Singal with more specific patient details of the kind that were otherwise absent from her initial account. About this time Singal tweeted looking for someone to speak to about HIPAA concerns. Not long after he deleted his Twitter account, for reasons he writes are unrelated. But now, according to the St. Louis Dispatch, both Reed and Singal have been named in a public complaint about potential HIPAA violations filed by parents who felt that their child, and thus their family's safety, was exposed through the details that Reed (and later Singal) shared publicly. As the Dispatch notes: Whistleblowers, like Reed, are covered by an exception to the privacy rule in which they are allowed to disclose protected health information to certain oversight agencies and attorneys if they believe professional standards have been violated. Journalists are not among that group. Reed's Free Press narrative alone raised "significant concerns," [Matthew Cortland, a health care lawyer and activist based in Washington who filed the complaint] said. "When Singal wrote about things Reed told him and had given to him either what Singal has published is not true or Reed has violated the privacy rule." HIPAA breaches often result in a corrective plan or technical assistance, but fines can also be levied. Criminal violations, which are rare, can incur fees or jail time; they involve knowingly and wrongfully obtaining and disclosing protected health information. Parents of patients at St. Louis transgender center fear privacy breaches, file complaints [Colleen Schrappen / St. Louis Dispatch] Alan Dershowitz: Trump Can Serve as President From Prison Alan Dershowitz, an attorney for President Donald Trump, answers a question during the impeachment trial against Trump in the Senate at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Jan. 29, 2020. (Senate Television via AP) Retired Harvard Law professor Alan Dershowitz suggested that former President Donald Trump could run for office or even serve as president if he is convicted in connection to the Manhattan District Attorneys office investigation. Trump announced on social media this past weekend saying he believes hell be arrested soon in connection to District Attorney Alvin Braggs probe into whether he was involved in allegedly making hush money payments during the 2016 campaign. Unnamed sources have also told news outlets that the former president may be indicted, but Trump has denied any wrongdoing. Dershowitz, an attorney who has represented controversial clients including O.J. Simpson and Jim Bakker, said that if Trump is convicted and sentenced to a prison term, the U.S. Constitution will allow him to serve in that capacity. The only way he can be disqualified is if they can prove that he actually fought in the Civil War for the South. If he fought for the Civil War in the south, hes out, Dershowitz quipped to The Epoch Times. But other than that, if hes 35 years old, was born in America and didnt fight in the Civil War to the south. Hes eligible. And [can] run from prison. He will be indicted, Dershowitz, who also provided legal counsel to Trump during his first impeachment trial, added to Newsweek. In New York, you can indict a ham sandwich. In New York City, you can convict a ham sandwich because the jury pool is so unfair. Even if hes convicted, he can run for president. He can run for president from prison; he can even serve as president from prison. The U.S. Constitution doesnt bar felons from holding elected office, including the presidency. The Constitutions text only lists three criteria to run for president: a candidate has to be age 35 or older, be a natural-born citizen, and have lived in the United States for at least 14 years. In a separate interview with Chris Cuomo, Dershowitz noted that Trump can run from prison, the way [Boston] Mayor [James] Curley did, and he could win, and he can govern from prison. Curley, a Democrat who served as mayor of Boston four times in the early part of the 20th century, was convicted twice and notably served time in prison during his fourth term in office. Former President Donald Trump speaks to guests gathered for an event at the Adler Theatre in Davenport, Iowa, on March 13, 2023. (Scott Olson/Getty Images) Trump has previously stated that he will continue to run for president in 2024 even if he is charged. Later this month, Trump is slated to hold his first 2024 rally in Waco, Texas. There has been no public announcement of any time frame for the Manhattan grand jurys secret work in the case. At least one additional witness is expected to testify, further indicating that no vote to indict has yet been taken, according to a person familiar with the investigation who was not authorized to publicly discuss the case and spoke on condition of anonymity. A Trump-affiliated lawyer, Robert Castello, told media outlets on Monday that he testified in front of a Manhattan grand jury and sought to denigrate testimony put forth by Michael Cohen, a former Trump attorney who has been described as a key witness in the case. Castello said that Cohen, who was sentenced to federal prison on a range of charges, is an unreliable witness. Meanwhile, Braggs office has issued few public statements in connection to the investigation. A spokesperson for the district attorney issued a response to the Washington Post regarding a House Republican demand for information and testimony in connection to the Trump probe, merely saying that claims that New York City is dealing with a surge in violent crime are not true. A Trump lawyer, Susan Necheles, told The Associated Press that Trumps weekend Truth Social post was based on the media reports, and another Trump spokesperson said there had been no notification from Braggs office, though the origin of Trumps Tuesday reference was unclear. The Epoch Times has contacted Braggs office for comment. Trumps aides and legal team have been reportedly preparing for the possibility of an indictment. Should that happen, he would be arrested only if he refused to surrender. Trumps lawyers have previously said he would follow normal procedure, meaning he would likely agree to surrender at a New York Police Department precinct or directly to Braggs office. The indictment of Trump, 76, would be an extraordinary development after years of investigations that yielded essentially nothing. It would also be the first time a current or former president was indicted. Gary Bai and The Associated Press contributed to this report. A local human services agency that specializes in helping people with developmental disabilities is tackling another housing development project, this time seeking to construct a building in downtown Niagara Falls on a property owned by state agency. For the second time in a year, Community Services for Every1 is teaming up with Rochester-based Edgemere Development to bring affordable and workforce housing to the market, while also seeking to serve the nonprofit's primary clientele in Niagara County. 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 partners were selected by USA Niagara Development Corp. as designated developers for the First Street Apartment Building Redevelopment Project, located at the northeast corner of First and Old Falls streets. That's a nearly two-acre site where a large building currently wraps around the First Presbyterian Church. Under their $35.8 million proposal, they plan to replace part of that with a six-story building with 78 apartments and 4,700 square feet of commercial space to be used by Community Services. "Workforce housing is important. Getting people living downtown starts to create the traffic pattern that can activate some of the commercial storefronts that we have down there," Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino said. "It's a pretty big building. It activates quite a bit of space there." State seeks bids for redevelopment of Niagara Falls downtown site USA Niagara Development Corp. announced Thursday that it wants proposals from developers by Dec. 10 for a parcel at First and Old Falls streets. The new building which will be constructed on a portion of the site facing First Street will feature studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, aimed at households earning up to 50% to 60% of the area median income or 80% to 90% of the average median income, depending on the unit. That's designed to meet a local need for more lower-income housing. The new housing development on First Street will continue efforts to bring local residents into the downtown corridor, helping to spur further commercial development, Restaino said. On the ground floor, Community Services will use the commercial space for job readiness and workforce development services. Restaino said the other portion of the property, which faces Old Falls, will be redeveloped later. Rebuilding and revitalizing the citys South End requires a diverse mix of places and spaces that will accommodate a range of residential, commercial and recreational uses," USA Niagara President Anthony Vilardo said. The USA Niagara board approved the designation on Monday, but the state agency and the nonprofit now have to negotiate the terms of a formal developer agreement, which then must be presented to the USA Niagara board for approval, along with a "general project plan." Vilardo noted that the project not only shows "there is room for additional growth in a rebounding residential market," but also supports Gov. Kathy Hochul's Housing Compact goals. Community Services previously partnered with Edgemere on the $18 million Apartments at the Lyceum project to renovate and convert the former St. John Kanty Church Lyceum, an underused East Side church school building in the Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood, into 42 affordable apartments, including 12 designated for permanent supportive housing for survivors of domestic violence. Separately on Monday, USA Niagara also approved a memorandum of understanding with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to preserve and stabilize the Schoellkopf Hall at DeVeaux Woods State Park, in preparation for a future potential adaptive reuse project. Dedicated in 1930 as a dormitory for the former DeVeaux School, the stone-and-concrete building is located within the state park on the edge of the Niagara River, but has been vacant since 1998. However, its integrity is considered sound, and it's viewed as historically and culturally significant, so USA Niagara will provide $1.5 million to State Parks toward the $2.5 million rehab project through the Regional Economic and Community Assistance Program. Listed on the State Register of Historic Places and nominated to the National Register, the building is considered an example of 20th-century Collegiate Gothic institutional design, with traditional Gothic design features but also modern fireproofing and planning elements. It was designed by DeVeaux School graduate C. Storrs Barrows and funded by philanthropist Paul A. Schoellkopf. While DeVeaux Woods State Park is a state park it is more so a neighborhood park with an historic past so it is important that we preserve its stories so stabilizing this building for future use is a key component of those efforts, said Mark V. Mistretta, Niagara Region director for the State Parks. We are grateful to our partners at USAN for their support of this project. All Los Angeles Public Schools to Close for 3 Days as Union Strike Unavoidable Striking teachers and supporters rally in Grand Park across from City Hall in Los Angeles on Jan. 22, 2019 (Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images) LOS ANGELESWith labor talks at a standstill and no new negotiations scheduled, Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) campuses will be closed March 21, leaving more than 400,000 students without classes as service workers strike to demand improved wages and working conditions. The 30,000 workers represented by the Service Employees International Union Local 99including cafeteria workers, bus drivers, custodians, special education assistants, and othersare set to begin picketing at 4:30 a.m. The roughly 30,000 members of the powerful teachers union, United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA), will join the picket line. LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said at a late-afternoon news conference Monday that he had hoped to have a transparent, honest conversation that day for an agreement to stave off the planned three-day strike, but it never happened. We were never in the same room, or even in the same building, he said. Carvalho said he was still holding out hope that some talks can be held overnight or Tuesday, potentially reaching a deal that will prevent the work stoppage from continuing for the entire three days. In the meantime, the district does plan to offer food distribution for families on Tuesday morning, from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at designated sites. Alberto Carvalho, then Miami-Dade Schools superintendent, is seen during a school board meeting in Miami, Fla., on March 1, 2018. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) The union plans to begin picketing at 4:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Van Nuys Bus Yard, 16200 Roscoe Boulevard. Union leaders have already scheduled a news conference for 7 a.m. Wednesday at Robert F. Kennedy Community Schools, 701 S. Catalina Street, followed by a 1 p.m. rally at LAUSD headquarters, 333 S. Beaudry Avenue. The LAUSD on Friday filed a legal challenge with the state Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) seeking an injunction that would halt the strike, claiming the unions proposed walkout was illegal. Over the weekend, however, the PERB denied the districts request for injunctive relief because it did not find the extraordinary remedy of seeking injunctive relief to be met at this juncture, according to the LAUSD. But, according to the district, the PERB did direct its Office of General Counsel to expedite the processing of the districts underlying unfair practice charge against SEIU Local 99, which alleged that the union and its members were engaging in an unlawful three-day strike. The union has repeatedly accused the district of engaging in unfair labor practices, saying union members have been subjected to harassment and intimidation tactics during an earlier strike-authorization vote and as the possible walkout neared. Carvalho acknowledged those accusations, but said there is a process for investigating such claims, and it takes time. He said the union was using those allegations as an expedited way of creating a strike opportunity. There was some back-and-forth between the district and union over the weekend, but with no results. The strike will be the first major labor disruption for the district since UTLA teachers went on strike for six days in 2019. That dispute ended in part to intervention by then-Mayor Eric Garcetti, who helped spur labor talks at City Hall and broker a deal between the district and union. Zach Seidl, a spokesman for Mayor Karen Bass, said Friday that Bass is closely monitoring the situation and is engaged with all parties involved. District officials said last week that Carvalho had made the SEIU Local 99 one of the strongest offers ever proposed by a Los Angeles Unified superintendent. According to the district, the offer included a 5 percent wage increase retroactive to July 2021, another 5 percent increase retroactive to July 2022 and another 5 percent increase effective July 2023, along with a 4 percent bonus in 202223 and a 5 percent bonus in 202324. Educators rally as a strike against the Los Angeles Unified School District entered its fifth day outside City Hall in Los Angeles on, Jan. 18, 2019. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes) On Monday, Carvalho said the district sweetened the offer to a 23 percent increase, along with a 3 percent cash-in-hand bonus. The union, which says many of its workers are earning poverty wages of $25,000 per year, has been pushing for a 30 percent pay raise, with an additional boost for the lowest-paid workers. SEIU workers have been working without a contract since June 2020. The union declared an impasse in negotiations in December, leading to the appointment of a state mediator. The unions have repeatedly said the district is sitting on a projected $4.9 billion reserve fund for 202223 that should be invested in workers and efforts to improve education through reduced class sizes and full staffing of all campuses. Carvalho has disputed that figure, saying an independent auditor that reviewed the districts books found no such surplus. The district on Friday announced the creation of a website at achieve.lausd.net/schoolupdates which will provide resources for families during the work stoppage period from Tuesday through Thursday. According to the district, the site has information on learning activities, Grab & Go food locations, tutoring services, enrichment activities and cultural opportunities across Los Angeles and Los Angeles County park locations that will provide free youth programs. In addition to the park programs, the Los Angeles Zoo will be offering free admission for students. The Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County will also offer students free admission as long as the strike persists. Alleged Chinese Payments to Biden Family in Focus at House Republican Party Retreat President Joe Biden with son Hunter Biden arrives at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base in Syracuse, N.Y., on Feb. 4, 2023. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images) Republican members of the House of Representatives are using a party retreat in Orlando, Florida to hone in on new details in a multi-faceted investigation of Joe Bidens familys business transactions, including the possible flow of Chinese money to the Biden family. Ahead of the House Republican retreat, House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) published a memo (pdf) purporting to detail the flow of $3 million from a Chinese business entityState Energy HK Limitedto a Delaware limited liability company on March 1, 2017. The Delaware company, Robinson Walker, LLC, then reportedly paid out more than a million dollars in multiple installments to business entities associated with Joe Bidens son Hunter Biden and brother James Biden; and direct payments to Joe Bidens daughter-in-law Hallie Biden. Robinson Walker, LLC reportedly paid the Biden-affiliated businesses, and Hallie Biden in 16 different payments spread out between March 6, 2017, and May 18, 2017. Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) listed Comers investigative conclusions as one of several items House Republicans are focusing on during their party retreat. Recent documents that have come into our hands about suspicious activities indicate pretty clearly that $3 million was given to a dummy corporation from [a Chinese Communist Party-affiliated] energy company in China, Biggs told NTD News on the sidelines of the House Republican retreat on Sunday. Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) speaks at a House Judiciary Committee Subcommittee hearing The Fentanyl Crisis in America: Inaction Is No Longer an Option in Washington on March 1, 2023, in a still from video. (House Judiciary Committee Youtube/Screenshot via NTD) Biden Denies The president has denied his family received money payments from China. Thats not true, Biden said after NTD News reporter Iris Tao asked about the alleged flow of money from State Energy HK to various Biden family members and business entities. White House spokesperson Ian Sams has come out in defense of the president. Instead of bizarrely attacking the Presidents family, perhaps House Republicans should focus on working with the President to deliver results for American families on important priorities like lowering costs and strengthening health care, Sams said on Friday. Republicans are continuing to press the issue of these alleged payments despite the pushback from Biden and the White House. Either the president is lying, or his mental capacity does not allow him to understand whats going on because the facts are very much against him on this, Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) told NTD News during the House Republican retreat. I think he has been compromised. With a poster of a New York Post front-page story about Hunter Bidens emails on display, Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) announces a recess because of a power outage during a hearing before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee at Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington on Feb. 8, 2023. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) In a separate set of comments to the Wall Street Journal, a spokeswoman for Hunter Bidens legal team argued that the presidents son is within his rights to pursue his own foreign business dealings as a private citizen. Rep. Comer takes something old and tries to make it new by wrapping it in a wild and baseless right-wing conspiracy, the spokeswoman told the Wall Street Journal. Hunter Biden, a private citizen with every right to pursue his own business endeavors, joined several business partners in seeking a joint venture with a privately owned, legitimate energy company in China. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) insisted the Republican investigative efforts are not concerned about Hunter Bidens legitimate business activities but about whether the president is a beneficiary of his familys business dealings and whether Biden family members are harnessing their access to the presidency to get ahead. Look, its not that were concerned about, you know, an individual whos a drug addict who has all sorts of issues, you know, doing business with whoever he wants to do business with, Diaz-Balart said. Weve seen through emails and through text messages that [Hunter Biden] kept talking about putting money aside money that he got, again, contracts with communist Chinese regime agencies and companies, and then put money aside for the big guy. Whos the big guy? Its pretty evident. It looks like the big guy may be then the vice president of the United States, now the president of the United States. President Joe Biden, right, and his son Hunter Biden walk to a vehicle after disembarking Air Force One upon arrival at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Aug. 16, 2022. (Nicholas Kamm/AFP via Getty Images) Comers memo last week described some of the payments from Robinson Walker, LLC going to an unknown Biden family member. Diaz-Balart said if President Biden is a beneficiary of his familys business dealings, it raises questions about what influence the Biden familys Chinese business partners may have over the presidency. If youre talking about illicit money coming from communist Chinese entities, through Bidens family members, to the then-vice president now-president, thats something that is very concerning because it has, you know, very, very serious national security implications, Diaz-Balart said. Possible Trump Arrest While House Republicans are using the Orlando retreat as an opportunity to focus on their investigations into the Biden family business dealings, they are also facing the possibility that former Republican President Donald Trump may soon be arrested. Trump, who is leading the polls among 2024 Republican presidential contenders, announced over the weekend that he may be arrested and charged by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Former President Donald Trump speaks to guests gathered for an event at the Adler Theatre in Davenport, Iowa, on March 13, 2023. (Scott Olson/Getty Images) Though no charges have been announced against Trump thus far, the Manhattan District Attorneys Office is investigating him over how his company classified a $130,000 reimbursement to Trumps former personal attorney Michael Cohen. Trumps former lawyer allegedly paid adult film actress Stormy Daniels in 2016 to prevent her from coming forward with claims she had an affair with Trump. Braggs office may argue that the 2016 payment to Daniels should have been classified as a campaign payment, and charged Trumps business with falsifying business records by not classifying the $130,000 payment accordingly. Burchett said if Braggs office charges Trump, it would be a complete politicization of our legal system. From NTD News. Even Bernie Sanders has acknowledged that equality is about equal opportunity and differs from equity, which is about equal outcomes. He has stated that he is in favor of equality. However, what todays social justice warriors complain about has little to do with equal rights and more to do with unequal results. In 1991, Orlando Patterson, a black Harvard sociology professor, wrote: The sociological truths are that America, while still flawed in its race relations is now the least racist white-majority society in the world. In this episode, Vince Everett Ellison, producer of the documentary Will You Go to Hell for me? discusses with Larry Elder whats behind the Black Lives Matter movement and how it came to be. After agreeing to hold a hearing at the U.S.-Mexico, all the Democrats on the House Homeland Security committee backed out. So, what about illegal immigrations impact on black Americans? Pamela Denise Long, a 7th-generation American, business consultant, and Newsweek contributor, joins Elder to explain why she thinks the open borders policy has undermined black Americans economically and educationally. A Project Veritas tape reveals the Albany, New York, school districts secret transgender agenda in middle school. Mario Balaban, Media Relations Manager for Project Veritas, joins Larry Elder to share the behind-the-scenes stories about the tape. The Larry Elder Show is sponsored by Birch Gold Group. Protect your IRA or 401(k) with precious metals today: http://larryforgold.com/ Attorney Robert Costello Says Convicted Perjurer Michael Cohen Has No Solid Evidence Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump's former lawyer, leaves federal court after his sentencing in New York on Dec. 12, 2018. (Craig Ruttle/AP Photo) A former legal adviser to Michael Cohen, a key witness in the New York grand jury investigation into former President Donald Trumps alleged payment to adult actress Stormy Daniels, has claimed that the former Trump attorney is far from solid evidence. Veteran New York Attorney Robert Costello made the comments to reporters shortly after he appeared before a grand jury Monday to challenge the credibility and honesty of Cohen, who testified to the Manhattan grand jury on March 15 and is considered a critical witness in District Attorney Alvin Braggs investigation into Trump. Costello has represented a string of Trump allies in the past and claims he briefly acted as a legal adviser to Cohen in 2018 when the FBI raided his home amid a probe into tax evasion, among other criminal charges. However, the attorney told reporters following his testimony that Cohen is totally unreliable in the probe against Americas 45th president and is a convicted perjurer. Im the one who decided to do this. A lot of people cautioned me against it because I have nothing to gain. The only thing Im doing is trying to tell the truth to the grand jurors because I read all these lies in the media that are being promoted by one side, said Costello. If you see the full picture If they want to go after Donald Trump and they have solid evidence, so be it. New York Court officers watch as NYPD drop off metal barricades in front of the Manhattan Criminal Court in New York on March 20, 2023. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) Cohen Far From Solid Evidence But Michael Cohen is far from solid evidence, added Costello. This guy, by any prosectors standardand I used to be deputy chief of the criminal division in the Southern District of New YorkI wouldnt have touched a guy like Michael Cohen, especially if hes a convicted perjurer. Cohen pleaded guilty in 2018 to charges of tax evasion, making false statements to a federally insured bank, and campaign finance violations in connection with an alleged $130,000 payment to a lawyer representing adult actress Stormy Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford. Cohen claims that Trump, during his 2016 presidential campaign, directed him to arrange the payment to Daniels as hush money in order to buy her silence after she claimed to have had an affair with Trump. The money was allegedly paid using campaign funds, a violation of campaign finance law. Trump denies the affair and Cohens claims and has called the grand jury probe into him a witch hunt. The former president has accused Bragg, a Democrat who was publicly criticized for declining to charge Trump last year, of prosecutorial misconduct. Elsewhere on Monday, Costello told reporters that hed handed over more than 300 emails involving his discussions with Cohen to prosecutors but that they had cherry-picked just six emails to question him about and that their context had been taken out of context in front of the jury. It is not immediately clear what impact Costellos testimony will have on the outcome of the investigation currently debating whether or not to charge the former president. No charges have been announced so far. Adult film actress Stormy Daniels in New York City on April 16, 2018. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) Cohen Says Costello Making Up Stories During an interview on MSNBC on Monday evening, Cohen dismissed most of Costellos claims during the testimony as false statements that have no accuracy. He also denied that Costello had ever been his lawyer or that he had ever waived attorney-client privilege, as Costello has said. I dont know what hes talking about, Cohen said. Hes making up so many stories here. Cohen also said that prosecutors from the Manhattan district attorneys office had summoned him to the Lower Manhattan courthouse to rebut Costellos testimony but that it was ultimately decided he was not needed. During his comments to reports on Monday, Costello said Cohen previously said he had not used Trumps money to make the payment but had taken out a loan, adding that Cohen had told him he did so because I wanted to this secret. I didnt even want my own wife to know. He also asserted that Trump did not know about Cohen taking out the loan. Prior to Costellos appearance on Monday, Trump took to Truth Social where he called the veteran attorney the most important witness to go before the New York City grand jury and a highly respected lawyer. Australia Sanctions Iranian Police Responsible for Mahsa Aminis Arrest and Detention A woman holds a placard with a picture of Iranian Mahsa Amini as she attends a protest against her death in Berlin on Sept. 28, 2022. (Markus Schreiber/AP Photo) The Australian government has extended its sanctions regime to include the four Iranian police officers allegedly responsible for the arrest, detention, and ill-treatment of Mahsa Amini. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in a media release that among those targeted by the government are four members of the Morality Police who were responsible for the arrest, detention and alleged ill-treatment of Mahsa Jina Amini. Australia will also sanction senior law enforcement, and political and military figures, including within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, involved in the violent crackdown on protests following the death of Amini and the continued oppression of the people of Iran. Australia stands with the people of Iran, Wong said. Australia has imposed Magnitsky-style sanctions on a further 14 individuals in Iran, including 4 people involved in the detention of Mahsa Jina Amini. 14 entities have also been sanctioned over egregious human rights abuses in Iran. Australia stands with the people of Iran. Senator Penny Wong (@SenatorWong) March 20, 2023 The human rights sanctions come as protests spurred by Aminis death continue into their sixth month in Iran. Amini died in September 2022, in suspicious circumstances after the countrys morality police arrested her for allegedly wearing her hijab improperly. Thousands of Iranians have been protesting almost daily despite an increasingly violent crackdown from Iranian authorities. The regimes suppression of protesters includes alleged arbitrary arrests and detentions, gender-based and sexual violence, excessive use of force, torture, enforced disappearances, and executions. Currently, 30 youth groups from across Iran, that claim responsibility for organising many of the protests and strikes around the country since mid-October 2022, announced they have formed an alliance called the United Youth of Iran (UYI) to mobilise for regime change. According to a statement of belief published by UYI on Twitter, the new alliance is seeking to return Iran to a secular state. Opposition Says Sanctions Not Enough But the Opposition is calling on the government to do more, with the former Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews urging the federal government to list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation. Like many others, I have been alarmed at how the threat from the IRGC has escalated over the past nine months, especially since the civil unrest following the death of Jina Amini in September last year, Andrews said in parliament on March 20. The Islamic Republic of Iran has a well-known history of harassing, arresting and torturing family members of any Iranians who criticise the brutality of the regime. Listing the IRGC as a terrorist organisation would be a powerful signal to those who threaten our way of life. Industry, Science and Technology Minister Karen Andrews in the House of Representatives at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on Nov 26, 2019. (Tracey Nearmy/Getty Images) Andrews motion would also see Australia recognise that the IRGC poses a threat to national security and the security of Australians at home and abroad, especially the Iranian-Australian community. The parliamentary motion follows the confirmation from two of Australias security agencies, the Australian Signals Directorate and the Department of Home Affairs, to senate inquiries that actors affiliated with the IRGC targeted Australian organisations and former Iranian residents protesting against the regime in Australia and threatened their relatives in Iran. Government Pushes Back on Terror Listing However, Labor MP Julian Hill has pushed back on the terror listing, arguing that it was a stunt. He said that such listings are merely a symbolic gesture that does nothing to stop the organisations in the real world. The things which hurt these people are the sanctions that matter, the things that Labor did when last in government and that Labors doing now: financial sanctions, broad-based sanctions and targeted Magnitsky sanctions like those the government has consistently imposed, Hill said. Sanctions were imposed last year on six individuals and two entities, including Irans famed morality police; in February, sanctions were imposed on one entity and 16 people, including senior officials; and today 14 individuals and 14 entities have been made subject to financial sanctions, with the individuals also subject to travel bans. Thats the stuff that actually makes a difference and matters, not stunts like this. Protesters trample a portrait of Irans supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during the storming and burning the Iranian consulate in Basra, 340 miles (550 km) southeast of Baghdad, Iraq, Friday, Sept. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Nabil al-Jurani) Hill noted that the federal government had also been generally muscling up to the Iranian regime by applying diplomatic pressure through written correspondence, calling in the ambassador and having our ambassador see the government in Iran. Wong also noted that Australia was joining with other partners to impose additional targeted financial sanctions and travel bans on 13 Iranian individuals and targeted financial sanctions on one entity involved in the production and supply of drones to Russia. Iranian-made drones have been used by Russia to target Ukrainian civilians and civilian infrastructure, she said. This listing demonstrates that there will be consequences for those who provide material support to Russia. Authoritarian Regimes Will Start Copying Chinas Overseas Police Stations, MPs Hear A building in a business park in Markham, Ont., is seen on Oct. 31, 2022, one of three locations in the Greater Toronto Area identified by Spain-based human rights group Safeguard Defenders as being among the sites of at least 54 unofficial police stations allegedly run by police bureaus in China. (The Canadian Press/Cole Burston) Beijings operation of over 100 overseas police stations worldwidewith some allegedly used for transnational repressionhas inspired other authoritarian regimes to copy such efforts, MPs on the House Canada-China committee heard on March 20. Expert witness Laura Harth, campaign director for human rights NGO Safeguard Defenders, was asked by Liberal MP Peter Fragiskatos at the committee meeting if China was the only country to have established clandestine police service centres abroad. In response, she said while no other authoritarian countries have yet done so, they are starting to learn from Chinas experience. Transnational repression is definitely being used by all authoritarian regimes and to a growing extent, which is another reason why we believe its so important to be very clear that this will not be accepted, because we do see countries learning from each other. Also, smaller authoritarian countries are starting to learn from those efforts and copying, she said at the committee meeting. The scale on which the Chinese Communist Party is operating these [overseas police service centres] is unparalleled. In two reports published in September and December 2022, Safeguard Defenders identified a total of 102 unofficial Chinese police service centres operating in 53 countries, based on open-source online information from Chinese authorities or state media. Among them, five of those stations have listed addresses in Canada, three in the Greater Toronto Area, and two in the Metro Vancouver area. The RCMP previously announced that four of those police stationsthree in the GTA and one in Vancouverhave ceased operation. The Epoch Times previously inquired about whether the RCMP is also looking into the fifth location in B.C. but didnt hear back. The RCMP has recently announced an investigation into two other Chinese police stations in Quebecs Brossard and Montreal areas, saying its received at least 15 serious tips in relation to those two locations. Safeguard Defenders previously said its reports have prompted 14 countries to launch investigations into the alleged Chinese police service stations within their jurisdictions. There have been some more countries that have announced investigations, not all of them are very open on the extent to which they are doing that, Harth told MPs. The Sino-Quebec Center in Brossard, Quebec, is seen on March 9, 2023. RCMP said its 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) Harth noted that Beijings interference in Canada has long been documented, but warnings from dissidents and rights groups have gone unaddressed by authorities, leading to increasingly brazen violations of national sovereignty by Beijing. I think Canadaas any other democracy in the worldhas for too long a time closed its eyes to everything thats going on, maybe hoping it would go away if we just didnt look at it, she said. That has obviously only allowed these operations to grow, putting us today at increased risk. However, she noted that the police and public responses to the news of Chinese police stations in Canada are among the best that weve seen in the world. Its painful, its going to be hard getting through this, but its important that this [interference] is out in the public and that the society can take stock of everything thats going on because awareness is the first step to actually addressing the issue, Harth said. BBC Urges Staff to Delete TikTok from Corporate Phones Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Oliver Dowden, speaks to the media as he departs BBC Broadcasting House in London on March 19, 2023. (Victoria Jones/PA) The BBC has urged its staff to delete TikTok from their corporate phones over privacy and security concerns about the Chinese-owned video-sharing app. The BBC is the first British media organization to issue this kind of guidance regarding TikTokand just the second in the world after Denmarks public service broadcaster did the same earlier this month. British media outlets reported that BBC staff received an email on Sunday that read: We dont recommend installing TikTok on a BBC corporate device unless there is a justified business reason. If you do not need TikTok for business reasons, TikTok should be deleted. The message further noted that the decision was based on concerns raised by government authorities worldwide regarding data privacy and security. Experts have pointed out that the app is capable of illegally gathering vast swathes of information from individual users, including emails, contacts, geo-data, personal information, etc. BBC employees who have TikTok on their personal phones but also use the device for their work were asked to reach out to the companys information security team to assess the risks and discuss the type of information that they are working with. Despite the security concerns, the BCC will, for now, continue to use the platform for editorial and marketing purposes. The BBCs decision came just a few days after the UK government announced a ban on TikTok on devices provided to government employees. We are also going to ban the use of TikTok on government devices, Cabinet Office minister Oliver Dowden told the British House of Commons on Friday. We will do so with immediate effect, he said, calling the measure good cyber hygiene. Similar measures have recently been taken by the governments of the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, etc. All European Union personnel are now subject to a similar restriction regarding the app. TikTok has been a cause for concerns over data security risks for years: India banned the app entirely as early as 2020, together with WeChat and a slew of other Chinese apps59 in total. TikTok downloads were banned for all U.S. citizens by President Trump in August 2020, but the ban faced a series of legal challenges. President Biden rescinded Trumps executive order entirely in June 2021, but later approved a TikTok ban on government devices only in December 2022. TikTok has consistently denied any wrongdoing, but fears remain that data harvested by the platform from corporate phones would be routinely shared with the Chinese government by TikToks parent company, ByteDance, as it is located in Beijing. In 2017, Chinas National Peoples Congress passed a law forcing Chinese tech companies to comply with all of the Chinese Communist Partys demands. Companies that operate in China are required by law to establish Communist Party branches, which can participate in decision-making to ensure that company activities are in line with the communist regimes policies. Many management roles within TikTok are filled by Communist Party members. TikTok is used by about 80 million Americans every month. From NTD News Bipartisan Cooperation Emerges With 2 Bills in Aftermath of Ohio Toxic Train Derailment Portions of a Norfolk and Southern freight train that derailed Friday night in East Palestine, Ohio, are still on fire at mid-day, on Feb. 4, 2023. (Gene J. Puskar/AP Photo) Since the toxic derailment of a Norfolk Southern freight train in eastern Ohio on Feb. 3, Democrats and Republicans have pointed fingers at each other about the disaster and subsequent derailments. Yet bi-partisan cooperation on railroad safety legislation has emerged in both chambers on Capitol Hill. Following the Railway Safety Act of 2023 announced by Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) on March 1, Ohio Reps. Bill Johnson (R) and Emilia Sykes (D) introduced the Reducing Accidents in Locomotives (RAIL) Act on March 17. If passed and signed into law, the legislation would mandate new rail safety measures and charge financial penalties if railroads do not meet the requirements. Six Republicans and five Democrats from Ohios congressional delegation co-sponsored the legislation. On Feb. 3, a 151-car freight train operated by Norfolk Southern derailed in East Palestine, a village of around 4,700 residents in eastern Ohio a mile from the Pennsylvania border. The National Transportation Safety Board reported that 11 of the 38 cars that derailed contained hazardous chemicals. Authorities feared a major explosion that would spread shrapnel and decided to release and burn vinyl chloride from five cars into a trench on Feb. 6, sending a massive cloud of black smoke into the sky that could be seen for miles and was likened to the mushroom cloud caused by a nuclear weapon. Vinyl chloride is a chemical used to make PVC pipes and other products. The National Cancer Institute notes that vinyl chloride has been linked to cancers of the brain, lungs, blood, lymphatic system, and liver. A black plume rises over East Palestine, Ohio, as a result of a controlled detonation of a portion of the derailed Norfolk Southern trains, Feb. 6, 2023. (Gene J. Puskar/AP Photo/File) Residents in East Palestine and surrounding communities were given an evacuation order by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro before the burn and release. On Feb. 8, DeWine held a press conference in East Palestine, lifting the order and telling residents it was safe to return to their homes. Since then, though state and federal agencies have said testing shows the air and water are safe, many residents have reported headaches, nausea, burning eyes, skin rashes, and other ailments. Derailment Upended Lives The East Palestine train derailment has upended the lives of those living in East Palestine and the surrounding region. It is imperative that Congress swiftly works to strengthen our nations railway safety standards, said Johnson, whose district includes East Palestine. The bipartisan RAIL Act would bring forth effective and responsible changes to the way the rail industry operates to help prevent railway accidents and keep communities across America safe. Among other measures, the bill would direct the Federal Rail Administration to recommend operational changes based on the current NTSB investigation of the derailment. The U.S. Transportation Department would be tasked with adding new rail car restrictions on length, weight, speed, and track standards, among other details. The Secretary of Transportation would be required to introduce regulations regarding the detection of rail car defects on trains carrying hazardous materials. Railroads would have to alert state emergency response authorities if their trains are carrying hazardous materials. The legislation would also mandate that rail carriers have two-person teams operating their trains. Increased funding to train responders about how to handle hazardous materials would also be included if the bill becomes law. Ohio has one of the countrys largest railroad networks and ranks fourth in the nation for serious train accident accidents and hazardous materials spills, according to a statement from Johnson and Sykes. From 2019 through November 2022, 281 train accidents happened in Ohio, the statement added. Multiple cars of a Norfolk Southern train lie toppled after derailing at a train crossing with Ohio 41 in Clark County, Ohio, on March 4, 2023. (Bill Lackey/Springfield-News Sun via AP) Democrats, Republicans Unite Since the Feb. 3 crash in East Palestine, multiple train derailments have occurred in Ohio and nationwide. Lawmakers from both parties have cast blame on one another. Democrats have said that the deregulation of rail safety standards under the Trump administration has contributed to the disasters. Republicans have chastised the Biden administration for what they believe is a slow and inadequate response to the East Palestine derailment. Even with the finger-pointing, members of both parties have teamed to introduce legislation intended to reduce the number of crashes. The Railway Safety Act of 2023 is a bill aimed to prevent future train disasters like the derailment that devastated East Palestine. Along with Vance and Brown, Bob Casey (D-Penn.), John Fetterman (D-Penn.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) also sponsored the legislation. The bill takes steps to improve rail safety protocols, such as enhancing safety procedures for trains carrying hazardous materials, establishing requirements for wayside defect detectors, creating a permanent requirement for railroads to operate with at least two-person crews, and increasing fines for wrongdoing committed by rail carriers. It shouldnt take a massive railroad disaster for elected officials to put partisanship aside and work together for the people we servenot corporations like Norfolk Southern, Brown said. A Norfolk Southern freight train passes through Cincinnati, Ohio, in late February 2023. (Jeff Louderback/The Epoch Times) At a Senate hearing to explore the East Palestine train derailment on March 9, Brown said, The response to this crisis has been far too partisan. Today is an opportunity to change that. Senator Vance and I are both listening to the same Ohioans in this communitypeople who feel like they have no way to stand up to a company like Norfolk Southern and are worried about what will happen when the cameras pack up and leave. If Norfolk Southern had paid a little more attention to safety and a little less attention to its profitshad cared a little more about the Ohioans along its tracks, and a little less about its executives and shareholders these accidents would not have been as bad, or might not have happened at all, Brown added. Contaminated Soil Remains On March 17, U.S. EPA Administrator Michael Regan reported that 6.8 million gallons of liquid waste and more than 5,400 tons of solid materials have been removed from the derailment site and transported to federally designated facilities. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan left, walks with his staff through East Palestine, Ohio, on Feb. 16, 2023. Residents of the Ohio village upended by a freight train derailment are demanding to know if theyre safe from the toxic chemicals that spilled or were burned off to avoid an even bigger disaster. (Lucy Schaly/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette via AP) Contaminated soil remains at the derailment site. Last week, Regan said that half of the soils excavation was completed, including the entire south track. Excavation on the north track is expected to be finished by early April, Regan added. Norfolk Southern could be moving faster to remove contaminated soil from East Palestine, Regan said. On March 13, Vance visited East Palestine. Before speaking to reporters at the villages municipal building, he released a video with the pile of contaminated soil in the background. Cleanup Taking Too Much Time At a press conference that afternoon, he said that cleanup efforts are not moving fast enough, and the EPA is to blame. The problem is not that its taking too much time. The problem is we are close to, I believe, day 10, where there hasnt been a single truckload taken out of this community. How does that make any sense? Vance said. That is the issue here, he added. We have the dirt, we have the clean-up site. We have clean-up facilities meant to take the toxic dirt, and yet very few of those facilities are taking it, and thats a problem. When the Railway Safety Act was introduced, Vance said, Congress has a real opportunity to ensure that what happened in East Palestine will never happen again. We owe every American the peace of mind that their community is protected from a catastrophe of this kind. U.S. Senator J. D. Vance, Republican from Ohio, testifies at a U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works hearing on the environmental and public health threats from the Norfolk Southern Feb. 3 train derailment in Washington on March 9, 2023. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images) He praised the RAIL Act, calling it a great bill. Im very glad to see that Congressman Johnson has such a strong, bipartisan group from the Ohio delegation behind it, Vance said in a statement. This is a huge development for improving railway safety in this country. At a Senate hearing about the East Palestine train derailment on March 9, Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw did not commit to supporting the Railway Safety Act. He did say that he could support the legislative intent to make rail safer and added that Norfolk Southern could back improving rail car standards, increased funding for first responders, and enhanced track technology to identify problems with trains. Shaw has not publicly commented about the RAIL Act. Biden Signs Resolution Overturning DC Crime Bill President Joe Biden signs into law the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on May 9, 2022. (Nicholas Kamm/AFP via Getty Images) President Joe Biden signed on March 20 a GOP resolution overturning a Washington, D.C., crime bill. The GOP-controlled House and Democrat-controlled Senate both passed the resolution on a bipartisan basis and Biden expressed that he would sign the bill, pitting himself against progressives and his own belief that the District of Columbia should be a state. The conundrum also put Biden on the spot amid GOP criticisms of his fellow Democrats being soft on crime. The citys Democrat mayor, Muriel Bowser, vetoed the billonly for the city council to override her veto. The resolution was the first time in decades that Congress voted to override a D.C. bill. I support D.C. Statehood and home-rule but I dont support some of the changes D.C. Council put forward over the Mayors objections such as lowering penalties for carjackings. If the Senate votes to overturn what D.C. Council did Ill sign it, posted Biden on Twitter on March 2. This was a reversal from the administration saying that Biden would veto the resolution. In a Jan. 4 letter to D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson explaining her veto of the Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022 (RCCA), Bowser lamented that the bill reduces sentences for illegally carrying a gun on our streets [reducing] the maximum penalty from 15 years [behind bars] to four years. Bowser, citing U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Michael Graves, also wrote that the measure will prevent charging many persons convicted of felonies under current lawincluding armed robberywith possession of a firearm by an unauthorized person under the RCCA. Bowser also lamented that the council substantially reduced penalties for robberies, carjackings, and home invasion burglaries. Under the code, the mandatory minimum penalty for first-degree murder would have remained 24 years in prison but the maximum would have been reduced from life behind bars to 51 years in prison. The penalty for first-degree murder would be 57 years if the defendant was already charged with a crime committed murder while on release. All other mandatory minimum sentences would have been done away with under the code. The act would have also allowed juries to decide misdemeanor cases. Bidens veto comes as the District of Columbia has experienced an overall 23 percent increase in crime as of March 21, according to the Metropolitan Police Department. There has been a 7 percent increase in homicides, a 111 percent increase in sex abuse, a 105 percent increase in motor vehicle theft, a 17 percent increase in theft from auto, a 17 percent increase in other kinds of theft, and a 400 percent increase in arson. Despite this overall increase in crime in the nations capital, there has been a 3 percent decrease in violent crime, according to the MPD. There has been a 3 percent decrease in assaults with a deadly weapon and a 7 percent reduction in robberies. There has also been a 21 percent decrease in burglary, which is not classified as a violent crime. Border Patrol Chief Says 1.5 Million Gotaways Now in US Since Biden Took Office A trail camera captures illegal aliens walking on a rancher's property at night in Kinney County, Texas, in September 2022. (Courtesy of a rancher) Around 1.5 million illegal immigrants have been able to sneak across the border and remain in the country under President Joe Biden, the U.S. Border Patrol chief told Congress on Wednesday. Raul L. Ortiz told the Houses Homeland Security Committee on March 15 that Bidens unwillingness to protect the border has opened the doors to around 1.5 million undocumented immigrants from the south, citing updated numbers. Almost 6 million illegal immigrants have now entered and attempted to remain the United States in 2021 and 2022, according to Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Of these, the latest figures show that 1.3 million so-called gotaways were spotted by Border Patrols agents and surveillance systems, plus an estimated 200,000 additional untracked immigrants, said Ortiz, who provided agency data. At todays Homeland Security Committee hearing, Chief Ortiz testified that there an additional 20% of illegal alien gotaways completely unaccounted for. The border is indeed NOT SECURE, said Rep. Carlos Giminez (R-FL) in a post on Twitter. Over 1 Million Illegal Immigrants Still Unaccounted For Agency data says that of the 6 million illegal immigrants, 4.4 million had been captured by Border Patrol. But over 1.5 million evaded capture. Supposing that we have 1.3 million [spotted] gotaways that we know of, what is your estimate of the peoplethat we dont know aboutthat got away? Giminez asked Ortiz. Ortiz confirmed to the Florida Congressman that the number of illegals escaping into the United States is skyrocketing. I will tell you that the gotaway number is a number that for a long time was associated with [field inspections] it was our agents out there actually cutting swaths of country and using, you know, footprints as an indicator as to what we were seeing out there. That was our situational awareness, Ortiz said. With the investments that this Congress has made into the Border Patrol CBP as a whole [such as balloon-mounted cameras], we have greater situational awareness now than Ive ever had. My confidence level in that gotaway numbers continues to increase. Is it 100 percent [confidence]? No, sir. [Weve had] 385,000 gotaways so far this fiscal year [since October 1]. We continue to refine that number. Ive got to do a better job of accounting for the actual encounters, he explained. In my estimation, based upon the situational awareness that I have, [is that there are] probably between 10 percent and 20 percent [more untracked gotaways], Ortiz concluded. The Border Patrol Chief gave an estimate of 1.5 million gotaways in addition to the 2.7 million migrants who jumped the border since the start of Bidens first term. The Mexican cartels are making billionsbillionsbringing people into the United States, many of whom have to pay the cartels back with forced criminal labor, said Rep. Mark Green (R-Tenn.) at the hearing. White House Catch and Release Program Being Fought in Courts Meanwhile, the White House has so far allowed at least 70,000 migrants to enter via parole pathways since January, with the inflow slated to reach 600,000 a year. This is in addition to the roughly 1 million legal immigrants allowed into this country annually and roughly 750,000 short-term and long-term temporary workers, according to an act of Congress in 1990. However, Bidens catch-and-release orders have already been ruled illegal by a federal judge in Florida. DHSs use of parole pathway releases are now facing a second lawsuit from Florida and 19 other states. Those parole pipelines would have allowed at least 2.5 million legal immigrants per year to stay in the United States, in addition to the 1.5 million that have come across the Southern border. A 54 percent majority of Americans say Biden is allowing a southern border invasion, according to an August 2022 poll commissioned by National Public Radio (NPR). Those concerned included 76 percent of Republicans, 46 percent of independents, and even 40 percent of Democrats. BEIJING (AP) When China suddenly scrapped onerous zero-COVID measures in December, the country wasnt ready for a massive onslaught of cases, with hospitals turning away ambulances and crematoriums burning bodies around the clock. Chinese state media claimed the decision to open up was based on scientific analysis and shrewd calculation, and by no means impulsive." But in reality, Chinas ruling Communist Party held off on repeated efforts by top medical experts to kickstart exit plans until it was too late, The Associated Press found. Instead, the reopening came suddenly at the onset of winter, when the virus spreads most easily. Many older people werent vaccinated, pharmacies lacked antivirals, and hospitals didnt have adequate supplies or staff leading to as many as hundreds of thousands of deaths that may have been avoided, according to academic modeling, more than 20 interviews with current and former China Center for Disease Control and Prevention employees, experts and government advisers, and internal reports and directives obtained by the AP. If they had a real plan to exit earlier, so many things could have been avoided, said Zhang Zuo-Feng, an epidemiologist at the University of California, Los Angeles. Many deaths could have been prevented. Experts estimate that many hundreds of thousands of people, perhaps more, may have died in Chinas wave of COVID-19 far higher than the official toll of under 90,000, but still a significantly lower death rate than in the United States and Europe. However, 200,000 to 300,000 deaths could have been prevented if the country was better vaccinated and stocked with antivirals, according to modeling by the University of Hong Kong. Some scientists estimate even more lives could have been saved. It wasnt a sound public health decision at all, said a China CDC official, declining to be named to speak candidly on a sensitive matter. Its absolutely bad timing this was not a prepared opening. For two years, China stood out for its tough but successful controls against the virus, credited with saving millions of lives as other countries struggled with stop-and-start lockdowns. But with the emergence of the highly infectious omicron variant in late 2021, many of Chinas top medical experts and officials worried zero-COVID was unsustainable. In late 2021, Chinas leaders began discussing how to lift restrictions. As early as March 2022, top medical experts submitted a detailed reopening strategy to the State Council, Chinas cabinet. The existence of the document is being reported for the first time by the AP. But discussions were silenced after an outbreak the same month in Shanghai, which prompted Chinese leader Xi Jinping to lock the city down. Chinese public health experts stopped speaking publicly about preparing for an exit, as they were wary of openly challenging a policy supported by Xi. By the time the Shanghai outbreak was under control, China was months away from the 20th Party Congress, the countrys most important political meeting in a decade, making reopening politically difficult. So the country stuck to mass testing and quarantining millions of people. Everybody waits for the party congress, said one medical expert, declining to be named to comment on a sensitive topic. Theres inevitably a degree of everyone being very cautious. At the Congress in mid-October, top officials differing with Xi were sidelined. Instead, six loyalists followed Xi onstage in a new leadership lineup, signaling his total domination of the party. With the congress over, some voices in the public health sector finally piped up. In an internal document published Oct. 28, obtained by The Associated Press and reported here for the first time, Wu Zunyou, Chinas CDC chief epidemiologist, criticized the Beijing city government for excessive COVID-19 controls, saying it had no scientific basis." He called it a distortion of the central governments zero-COVID policy, which risked intensifying public sentiment and causing social dissatisfaction. At the same time, he called the virus policies of the central government absolutely correct. One former CDC official said Wu felt helpless because he was ordered to advocate for zero-COVID in public, even as he disagreed at times with its excesses in private. Wu did not respond to an email requesting comment. A person acquainted with Wu confirmed he wrote the internal report. Another who spoke up was Zhong Nanshan, a doctor renowned for raising the alarm about the original COVID outbreak Wuhan. He wrote to Xi personally, telling him that zero-COVID was not sustainable and urging a gradual reopening, said a person acquainted with Zhong. In early November, then-Vice Premier Sun Chunlan, Chinas top COVID czar, summoned experts from sectors including health, travel and the economy to discuss adjusting Beijings virus policies, according to three people with direct knowledge of the meetings. On Nov. 10, Xi ordered adjustments. The next day, Beijing announced 20 new measures tweaking restrictions, such as reclassifying risk zones and reducing quarantine times. But at the same time, Xi made clear, China was sticking to zero-COVID. The government wanted order. Instead, the measures caused chaos. With conflicting signals from the top, local governments werent sure whether to lock down or open up. Policies changed by the day. In late November, public frustration boiled over. A deadly apartment fire in Chinas far west Xinjiang region sparked nationwide protests over locked doors and other virus control measures. Some called on Xi to resign, the most direct challenge to the Communist Partys power since pro-democracy protests in 1989. Riot police moved in and the protests were swiftly quelled. But behind the scenes, the mood was shifting. References to zero-COVID vanished from government statements. State newswire Xinhua said the pandemic was causing fatigue, anxiety and tension, and that the cost of controlling it was increasing day by day. Days after the protests, Sun held meetings where she told medical experts the state planned to walk briskly out of zero-COVID. The final decision was made suddenly, and with little direct input from public health experts, several told the AP. None of us expected the 180-degree turn, a government adviser said. Many in the Chinese government believe the protests accelerated Xis decision to scrap virus controls entirely, according to three current and former state employees. It was the trigger, said one, not identified because they werent authorized to speak to the media. On Dec. 6, Xi instructed officials to change COVID-19 controls, Xinhua reported. The next day, Chinese health authorities announced 10 sweeping measures that effectively scrapped controls, canceling virus test requirements, mandatory centralized quarantine and location-tracking health QR codes. The decision to reopen so suddenly caught the country by surprise. Even three days notice would have been good, said a former China CDC official. The way this happened was just unbelievable. Boris Johnsons Partygate Defence Dossier Says He Did Not Intentionally Mislead Parliament Former PM says assertion of 'obviousness' is 'fundamentally flawed' A dossier presented by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson to the House of Commons Committee of Privileges includes an acceptance that he misled MPs when he said there had been no parties at 10 Downing Street in breach of COVID-19 rules. He goes on to say he made the denials in good faith based on the information he had at the time. On Dec. 8, 2021, in reply to a question from a Labour MP about whether there had been a party in Downing Street on Nov. 13, 2020, Johnson replied, No, but I am sure that whatever happened, the guidance was followed and the rules were followed at all times. It later emerged Johnson gave a speech at Director of Communications Lee Cains leaving party on Nov. 13, 2020, but left after 15 minutes. But he said he had not been warned any of the gatherings might be in breach of the COVID-19 rules and added, At the time, it seemed implausible to me that there could have been unlawful events at No. 10 without one of my many officials making me aware of it. In the 52-page dossier Johnson, who resigned in July after most of his Cabinet ministers quit over another matter, insisted he did not intentionally or recklessly mislead the House. A Metropolitan Police investigation into breaches of the COVID-19 lockdown ended with a total of 126 fines being issued to 83 people, including Johnson, his wife Carrie, and the then-Chancellor Rishi Sunak. A report by senior civil servant Sue Gray, which was published on May 25, 2022, condemned the wider culture that had been allowed to develop under Johnsons leadership and said: The events that I investigated were attended by leaders in government. Many of these events should not have been allowed to happen. The committees initial report, published earlier this month, said: The evidence strongly suggests that breaches of guidance would have been obvious to Mr. Johnson at the time he was at the gatherings. Johnson is due to give evidence to the committee on Wednesday but he submitted a dossier in his own defence on Monday, and it was published by the committee on Tuesday. He begins by saying: As I made clear to the House of Commons on 25 May 2022, I take full responsibility for everything that took place on my watch at No. 10. The revelations in Sue Grays report shocked the public, and they shocked me. I therefore begin by renewing my apologies to the British people for what happened on my watch. Prime Minister Boris Johnson at one of the gatherings which breached the COVID-19 lockdown rules, in 10 Downing Street in 2020. (Sue Gray Report/Cabinet Office/PA) Johnson goes on to say: It is now clear that over a number of days, there were gatherings at No. 10 that, however they began, went past the point where they could be said to have been reasonably necessary for work purposes. That should never have happened, and it fills me with sadness and regret that it did. Johnson Could Face Recall By-Election If found to have misled Parliament, Johnson could face a suspension by the committee of privileges which would lay him open to a possible recall and a by-election in his Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency. Johnson and Sunak were fined for attending an impromptu birthday event in the Cabinet Room for the then-prime minister in June 2020. In his dossier Johnson said: To this day it remains unclear to me and I believe the Prime Minister may feel the same how precisely we committed an offence under the regulations. He said he had never been provided with any rationale by the police, in particular how some individuals that attended did not receive a fixed penalty notice. Former PM Insists No Birthday Cake Was Eaten Johnson recalls the event: We had a sandwich lunch together and they wished me Happy Birthday. I was not told in advance that this would happen. No cake was eaten, and no-one even sang happy birthday. The primary topic of conversation was the response to Covid-19. In his legal argument, Johnson accepts his denials turned out not to be true but said he corrected the record at the earliest opportunity. Johnson added: So I accept that the House of Commons was misled by my statements that the Rules and Guidance had been followed completely at No. 10. But when the statements were made, they were made in good faith and on the basis of what I honestly knew and believed at the time. I did not intentionally or recklessly mislead the House on December 1 2021, December 8 2021, or on any other date. I would never have dreamed of doing so, he added. Johnson said there was not a single document that indicates that I received any warning or advice that any event broke the rules other than the assertions of the discredited Dominic Cummings. Former Number 10 special adviser Dominic Cummings walks out of his house to speak to the press in London on Jan. 24, 2022. (Tolga Akmen /AFP via Getty Images) Cummings resigned as Johnsons chief aide in November 2020 and has since been heavily critical of his former boss. Johnson rejects assertions that breaches of the COVID-19 rules should have been obvious to him. He said it was illogical and said the committees allegation of obviousness was fundamentally flawed. Johnson said: If it was obvious to me that the rules and guidance were not being followed, it would have also been obvious to the dozens of others who also attended those gatherings. Many of those individuals wished me ill and would have no hesitation in seeking to bring me down me if I sought to conceal or cover-up the truth from the House. Johnson: There Is Absolutely Nothing He added: If someone had known or believed that the rules or guidance had been broken (because it was obvious), you would expect that there would have been contemporaneous documents recording this, including emails or WhatsApp messages: some discussion, or some post-mortem. There is absolutely nothing. The former prime minister said: As soon as the Sue Gray investigation and the Metropolitan Police investigation had been concluded, I corrected the record. I believed and I still believe that this was the earliest opportunity at which I could make the necessary correction. He added: It was not fair or appropriate to give a half-baked account, before the facts had been fully and properly established, including into many events about which I had no personal knowledge. I explained to the House that that is what I intended to do, and that is what I did on 25 May 2022: six days after the Police investigation had concluded, and the same day that the final Sue Gray report was published. The leader of the opposition Labour Party, Sir Keir Starmer, recently announced Gray would be joining as his chief of staff, a move that outraged Tory MPs who have demanded to know when she began her negotiation to join Labour. Brian Giesbrecht: Bishop Grandin Played an Honourable Part in Manitobas History and Shouldnt Be Cancelled Commentary Winnipeg is close to saying goodbye to Bishop Grandin. Soon, the streets, and anything else that bears his name, will be erased from Manitobas history. Before that step is taken in historical revisionism, city councillors might at least pay respects to the man who was once considered to be a founding father of this Keystone Province. Who was Bishop Grandin? Vital-Justin Grandin was a Roman Catholic priest who played a major role in the transformation of what was largely a thinly populated wilderness into the vibrant province that we inhabit today. He was an unlikely hero. Poor health and a speech impediment hindered his career, and he ended up in our cold northwest, where he developed an immediate and long-lasting affinity for indigenous people. In fact he adopted two indigenous orphans, and during that time he formulated the idea that motivated him for the rest of his life. Simply put, he saw no reason why priests had to be white men. He enthusiastically promoted education, in large part so that indigenous men could become priests and societal leaders. It needs to be remembered that Roman Catholicism was extremely important in early Manitoba life. And when Grandin arrived in what would become the postage stamp province the area was largely Roman Catholic. The dominant indigenous group, the Ojibway, had emigrated from the Great Lakes area around the same time as the Selkirk Settlers, and had displaced the relatively few Assiniboine who had hunted in the area. The rich indigenous, half-breed, and Metis cultures flourished. The Protestant Orange had yet to arrive. It was in this fascinating Metis/indigenous/Selkirk Settler/half-breed tapestry that Grandin unleashed his amazing energy. Education and Roman Catholicism were his twin passions. He was convinced that education was absolutely necessary if indigenous and Metis people were to succeed. Edward Cunningham, the first Metis priest in the northwest, was Grandins crowning success. Until his poor health stopped him for good, Grandin built, and kept building the structure that became modern Manitoba. As for residential schools, apparently the reason Grandins name is to be expunged permanently from Canadian history books is because he supported residential schools for indigenous children. Thats the way priests and other leaders were educated at the time. Boarding schools did that. So, he is guilty as charged. But in his defence, Grandin had absolutely no idea that schoolchildren would be subjected to abuse 50 or 100 years after he was gone. And Grandin always believed that indigenous parents should decide whether or not to send their child to a residential school. During Grandins time, attendance at residential schools was completely up to the indigenous parents. Compulsory school attendance was not introduced until long after his death. So, theres that. And it is absolutely true that Grandin and Louis Riel despised one another. Grandin thought Riel was a madman, and he was not alone in this assessment. But if Grandins name is to be erased from history, lets remember his full name: Vital-Justin Grandin. Thats right, he was named for St. Vital. So, to be consistent, St. Vital will have to be renamed as well. And what about Tache, Des Meurons, Dorchester, Lagimodiere, and a few hundred other historical figures. If we are to judge yesterdays leaders by todays standards, every one of those names will be problematic. Every man, woman, and child who lived 100 or more years ago is guilty of thinking and acting like a person of their time, and not as a person of our enlightened time. We might even have to take a look at names like Chief Peguis. Many tribes practised polygamy, the buying and selling of wives, slavery, ritual torture, and bloody warfare. If we judge yesterdays leaders, like Grandin, by the standards of today, should we not judge indigenous leaders, like Peguis, by the same standards? The answer is to recognize that Grandin and Peguis were both good menbut men of their time. Manitoba has an honourable history. Grandin and Peguis both played an honourable part. Reconciliation is a worthy goal, but it wont be achieved by rewriting history. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Canadian Government Paid Half a Billion in Bonuses During Pandemic: Taxpayer Federation Almost every executive in the federal government98 percentreceived bonuses last year totalling just under $200 million, according to Canadian treasury data. That brings the total federal bonuses to more than half-a-billion during the pandemic years, says the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CFT). Canadians are worried about missing a meal, but bureaucrats arent even worried about missing their bonus, said Franco Terrazzano, CFT federal director, in a release March 21. Terrazzano pointed to government-published performance data showing federal departments have met less than half their targets in recent years. If you dont meet half of your targets in the real world you get shown the door, not handed a big fat bonus cheque, Terrazzano said. On March 21, CFT published data on federal bonuses from documents it obtained through an access-to-information request. Blacklocks Reporter also published data from Treasury Board briefing notes prepared for an appearance at the Commons government operations committee late last year. Matching Private Sector The briefing notes showed 98 percent of executives, covering every department and agency, received bonuses last year. Treasury staff said the bonuses were necessary to stay competitive with private sector corporations, which also paid bonuses. Similar plans that reward executives for the delivery of expected results are common among Canadian private and public sector organizations, said the briefing notes. Canada has a world class public service with employees committed to providing the highest level of service to Canadians, Treasury Board President Mona Fortier wrote in an Inquiry of Ministry tabled in the Commons last September, according to Blacklocks. In fact Canadas public service is regularly recognized globally for its quality and effectiveness. CFT summarized the bonuses for 2020 and 2021 as well, along with performance records. In 2020, the government paid $171 million in bonuses and public service hit 48 percent of its performance targets. In 2021, the government paid $190 million in bonuses and hit 45.7 percent of its targets. In 2022, it paid $198 million, and targets have not yet been reported on. The total from 2020 to 2022 is about $560 million in bonuses. Bank and VIA Rail Bonuses Two examples of Crown corporations giving bonuses even as their profits slumped are the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and VIA Rail, both of which CFT reported on earlier this year. BDC issued a total of $93 million in bonuses to its employees over the course of 2020 and 2021. CTF said in a Jan. 30 statement that BDC also gave its employees a total of $11 million in pay raises and did not issue any pay cuts. In 2020, BDC reported a net loss of $218 million. It did, however, recover in 2021 with a net income of $2 billion. VIA Rail gave its executives $6.4 million in bonuses and $1.4 million in raises in 2020. It did not give bonuses for 2021, but gave raises totalling $1.7 million. The Crown corporation received a $187 million bailout for the period of April 2020 to March 2022. Some are fearing protests could break out amid the possible indictment against former President Donald Trump. Others echo Trump, calling it a witch hunt. We hear from a congressman to explore the implications of a potential Trump arrest. President Joe Biden issues his first veto to end a Republican bill opposing environmental, social, and governance investing. What does it mean for your retirement account? A four-and-a-half-hour talk took place between Russias Vladimir Putin and Chinas Xi Jinping. What the two are saying, and how does the White House react to a peace plan put forward by the Chinese regime? Bidens tweet about taxes is fact-checked as incorrect. Well take a look at what that tweet says and hear what Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) has to say about Bidens tax plan. Democrats are raising concerns about Bidens nominee for a federal appeals court. At the heart of the issue is abortion and a legal brief from 2005. CDC Warns of Dangerous Fungal Infection Spreading Through US at Alarming Rate This undated photo made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows a strain of Candida auris cultured in a petri dish at a CDC laboratory. (The Canadian Press/Shawn Lockhart-CDC via AP) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning of an increasingly drug-resistant emerging fungus that the health agency says presents a serious global health threat. Candida auris is a rare fungal disease that is easily spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or from person-to-person and can cause severe illness in hospitalized patients and those with weakened immune systems, according to health officials. In some rare cases, the yeast can enter the bloodstream of patients and spread throughout the body, causing serious invasive candidiasis infections, which can affect the blood, heart, brain, eyes, bones, and other parts of the body and can prove fatal. Data from a limited number of patients shows that 30 to 60 percent of people diagnosed with the fungal disease have died. However, healthy people typically do not get sick from the fungal disease. The CDC said it is concerned about Candida auris for three main reasons: it is often multidrug-resistant, it is hard to identify using standard laboratory methods, and it has rapidly caused outbreaks in health care settings. Additionally, individuals who have been hospitalized in health care facilities for long periods of timeespecially those who have breathing tubes, feeding tubes, and central venous catheters going into their bodiesappear to be at the highest risk of contracting Candida auris. Other risk factors are generally similar to risk factors for other types of Candida infections and include recent surgery, diabetes, and recent use of antibiotics or antifungal medications, initial data shows. CDC Data Shows Rise in Cases Infections of Candida auris, also referred to as C. auris, have been found in patients of all ages, from preterm infants to the elderly, health officials say. According to CDC data, the drug-resistant fungus, which was first detected in the United States in 2016, has been spreading at an alarming rate among hospitalized patients in recent years, with clinical cases of the fungus nearly doubling in 2021 and continuing to rise in 2022. There were at least 2,377 confirmed clinical cases of Candida auris in the United States in 2022, according to CDC statistics, up from 1,474 cases in 2021 and 757 cases in 2020. Data shows the fungal disease is now present in more than half of U.S. states. Separate data from the CDC published in the Annals of Internal Medicine on March 20 also found that screening casesin which the fungus is detected but is not causing infectiontripled from 2020 to 2021, from 1,310 to 4,041 cases. The CDC has said it is concerned with the tripling in 2021 of the number of cases that were resistant to echinocandins, antifungal drugs that are typically the first line of treatment for Candida auris. CDC officials said in a press release that the number of Candida auris cases may have risen for multiple reasons, including poor general infection prevention and control practices in health care facilities, although enhanced efforts to detect cases may have also contributed to the rise. The timing of this increase and findings from public health investigations suggest C. auris spread may have worsened due to strain on healthcare and public health systems during the COVID-19 pandemic, CDC officials added. Risk to General Population Remains Low The rapid rise and geographic spread of cases is concerning and emphasizes the need for continued surveillance, expanded lab capacity, quicker diagnostic tests, and adherence to proven infection prevention and control, said CDC epidemiologist Dr. Meghan Lyman, lead author of the paper. Candida auris was first identified in 2009 in Japan, although retrospective reviews found that the earliest strain of the disease appeared in 1996 in South Korea. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), which has included Candida auris on its fungal priority pathogens list of life-threatening fungi, individuals most at risk of serious invasive candidiasis infections include those with cancer, HIV/AIDS, organ transplants, chronic respiratory disease, and post-primary tuberculosis infection. Emerging evidence indicates that the incidence and geographic range of fungal diseases are both expanding worldwide due to global warming and the increase of international travel and trade, the WHO said in an October press release. The CDC says screening for Candida auris can help protect people at increased risk of serious infection. Despite concerns from the CDC and WHO over the rise in cases and resistance to echinocandins, Dr. Ashley Lipps, an infectious diseases physician at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center told Healthline that the majority of cases are still treatable with the antifungal medications. If someone has an infection with C. auris, the fungus will need to be sent to the lab for susceptibility testing to determine which antifungal medication will work best to treat it, Lipps said. The risk to the general population remains very low. China Purges Top Executives in Finance, Nuclear, Petrochemicals, Real Estate, and Infrastructure The logo of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) is seen during the International Paris Air Show in Le Bourget, on June 25, 2017. (Eric Piermont/AFP via Getty Images) With Chinas Communist Party leader Xi Jinping now in his third term, his anti-graft probes are continuingwith millions of cases investigated since he took power in 2012. Recently, Beijings anti-corruption organs announced the investigation of multiple top officials from state-owned enterprises in finance as well as industries such as nuclear, petrochemicals, shipbuilding, and property development. Between March 14 and 16, at least 9 managerial-level officials were investigated for alleged legal and disciplinary violations. On March 16 alone, at least 12 senior cadres were sacked for alleged violations of Party discipline and Chinese law. AVIC Trust On March 16, Yao Jiangtao, the former chairman and Wei Yinghui, the former deputy general manager of AVIC Trust were investigated for such alleged violations. The investigation was conducted by the Communist Partys watchdog, which is affiliated with the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), and the supervisory committee of Ganzhou City, Jiangxi Province. According to public information, AVIC Trust is a subsidiary of AVIC Industry & Finance, a listed financial holding company held by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). AVIC Trust is a joint venture between Chinese and foreign investors, with AVIC Investment Holdings maintaining 84.4 percent of the shares, and Singaporean OCBC Bank holding 15.6 percent. Nuclear Industry Also on March 16, Guo Zhiping, former Party Secretary at China National Nuclear Corporation, was under investigation for suspected serious violations of Party principles and Chinese law. Petrochemicals Industry Chen Junhao, senior deputy general manager of refining, chemicals, and new materials at PetroChina, voluntarily surrendered himself to the Chinese regimes authorities for the investigation of alleged violations, according to the supervisory and disciplinary board. A gas station belonging to the state-owned oil company, PetroChina, is pictured in Beijing on March 21, 2016. (Kim Kyung-Hoon/Reuters) Shipbuilding Industry Chen Fusheng, the former director of the Huazhong Research Institute of Electro-Optical Technology at China State Shipbuilding Corporation, is being investigated for suspected serious violations of discipline and law. Real Estate On March 15, Liu Haitao, the former secretary of the party committee and chairman of Beijing Tianheng Real Estate Group, and Yang Wei, the general manager, are being investigated for suspected violations of Party discipline and laws. Beijing Tianheng Real Estate Group is a state-owned enterprise in urban construction and development, and is incorporated under the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council in Beijings Xicheng District. Transportation On March 14, Ye Xuebin, the former general manager of Shandong Hi-Speed Sichuan Industrial Development, and Zhou Shaolin, the former deputy general manager, were investigated for serious violations. The company is the Sichuan division of Shandong Hi-Speed Group, a state-owned enterprise in infrastructure in Shandong Province and a Fortune 500 enterprise. Last August, Sun Liang, former chairman of Shandong Hi-Speed Group, was investigated by the authorities for suspected serious violations of the law and occupational crimes. Li Jing contributed to this report. China Will Wage Full-Scale Unrestricted War Against US as Long as CCP in Power: Security Expert Russia's President Vladimir Putin (C) reviews a military honour guard with Chinese leader Xi Jinping (L) during a welcoming ceremony outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on June 8, 2018. (Greg Baker/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) As long as China is ruled by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), it will wage full-scale constant war against the United States, according to a cyber security expert. As long as the CCP is in power, we will have this forever war on a continuum. Its not a win or lose, its gonna be a constant pressure on the free world that we have to deal with, Casey Fleming, CEO of intelligence and security strategy firm BlackOps Partners, recently told the China in Focus program on NTD, the sister media outlet of The Epoch Times. This is a full scale-war thats going on by the Chinese Communist Party, with the help and support of the Russians, the Iranians, North Koreans, Pakistan, and the Taliban, Fleming added. He referred to the battle as unrestricted warfare, in which our adversaries are using combinations of military and civil power to expand the competitive space. He pointed to the Pentagons February report titled Joint Concept for Competing, and said that he agreed that what the CCP is waging is not a conventional kinetic war. War is not just peace or war. Its binary on or its off, the way that our Pentagon has seen it in the past. So our adversaries view war on a continuum, and theyre fighting everything short of war, he said. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin speaks to the press at the Pentagon in Washington on Aug. 18, 2021. (Oliver Douliery/AFP via Getty Images) International competitors have engaged in election meddling, stolen intellectual property through cyber means, probed networks and critical infrastructure through cyberspace and, most recently, engaged in provocative forms of surveillance with platforms such as high-altitude balloons, the DOD report stated. Fleming echoed the view presented by the document, singling out green lasers over Hawaii that allegedly stem from China. According to NASAs assessment, it was likely caused by Chinas Daqi-1 satellite, which the CCP says is a Chinese atmospheric environment monitoring satellite launched in April 2022. Read More China Lasers Hawaii, Prepares for War So we have to wake up to the fact that sending laser beams is not to track pollutants over Hawaii. Why are they concerned with pollutants over Hawaii, and instead of their own country, or other areas as well These are threats by the Chinese Communist Party to weaken our sovereign country and our sovereign state, he said. Fleming further cited aspects of the CCPs unrestricted warfare waged to weaken and subvert America, including but not limited to, fentanyl, Tiktok, and the theft of intellectual property to the detriment of U.S. economic investment. Same thing with the spy balloon, you can absolutely be rest assured it was a full blown electronics surveillance measure. But its what they say in their narrative, which is plausible deniability, he said. Paradigm Shift Fleming called the recent report critical as it manifests a seminal paradigm shift in the way that the Pentagon sees war, and that at the frontlines of this war is actually our companies, our economy, and our civilians. And now this is a wake up call by our Pentagon that says they realize it nowthat our enemy is trying to win a war without even fighting by attacking our civilians, our citizens, and attacking our economy, he said. He suggested that every American should read the report as it is the wake up call that America has been waiting for. Offensive Position He pointed to Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milleys assertion that for the United State to beat back an enemy in such an unconventional war, more of the same is not enough. Fleming urged the United States to apply the same combined approach of military and civil power against the Chinese regime. We have to do the same thing in responding not just to defend ourselves, but we need to be attacking them as well in an offensive position, he said. This whole thing about economic statecraft and emerging statecraft with economic theft and an economic challenge, we have to have a whole nation response and reply with that offensively, he added. Youre going to see more of a whole nations response to a whole nations attack against us. So youre going to see that the military is going to be aligning much more with the private sector, he noted. To that end, he called for a complete decoupling with China. We need to be decoupling, we need to stop investment in China. Whether its financial plants, technology, any of that type of stuff; we need to stop investing in China, we need to absolutely shut down leading edge technology sales or collaboration with China, whether its in our universities, whether its Silicon Valley, AI, quantum computing, and so on, Fleming said. Let me just ask the question, Would you really want to be giving technology to Nazi Germany, a year or two before World War Two breaks out? Chinas Influence in Canada Worse Than Expected A protester holds a sign that reads "No CCP interference in Canada" at a rally outside of the Wenzhou Friendship Society in Richmond, B.C., on Feb. 25, 2023. (Vivian Yu/NTD) Commentary Canada is in an uproar. On Saturday, the New York Times called Canadian concerns about Chinas election interference a political firestorm. The storm is from intelligence leaked to multiple Canadian reporters and authors over the past few years from Canadian security sources. The intelligence indicates that China allegedly sought to keep Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Liberal Party in power over the last two elections, albeit in a weak position as a minority government dependent on a third partys support. Apparently, Chinas communists see Trudeau as soft on the party, but they dont trust him further than they can throw him. The goal of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) with respect to Canada, according to experts interviewed by the National Post, a Canadian paper, is trying to keep Canada quiet about Chinas human rights abuses, disrupting Canadas relationships with its intelligence partners and finding ways to steal technology and trade secrets. Information from the sources is evidence that Chinese consulates in Canada, or those linked to the regime in Beijing, have allegedly invested in tech companies with sensitive technology, donated a million dollars to Trudeaus family foundation, made illegal cash transfers to Liberal Party campaigns, and volunteered Chinese nationals to work illegally for campaigns. The CCP has used gangs to intimidate Chinese dissidents, launder money, and traffic in illegal drugs, according to the sources, which include documentary evidence. All of thatas shocking as it still iswas known previously. US Intelligence Probed Canada New reporting from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) indicates that U.S. intelligence agencies have long been worried about Chinas influence in Canada, to the point of conducting a secret probe up North of the border as far back as the 1990s. The probe, called Operation Dragon Lord, is covered in a new book by former Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) intelligence official Scott McGregor and film-maker Ina Mitchell. (Full disclosure: the publisher of the book, Optimum Publishing International, published one of mine as well.) From 2014 to 2018, McGregor served in the RCMP as an intelligence adviser whose duties included combating organized crime. Previously, he spent 22 years in military intelligence. CBC reporter Alexander Panetta found sources to corroborate key information in the book, titled The Mosaic Effect: How the Chinese Communist Party Started a Hybrid War in Americas Backyard. National Broadcaster Confirms Allegations The book and CBC cite a 1998 U.S. Department of Justice memo completed in coordination with other U.S. intelligence agencies, including the Central Intelligence Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Defense Intelligence Agency. While CBC did not fully authenticate the memo, it corroborated concerns in it with both Canadian and U.S. intelligence officials from the time. The memo was broadly concerned with an alleged alliance between the CCP and Chinese gangs called triads. CCP-supported gang activity, according to the report, principally emanated from Canada. Canada was aware of these threats for 25 years and has allowed them to manifest, McGregor told the CBC. The CBC interviewed a former Canadian Security and Intelligence Service (CSIS) Asia-Pacific Bureau chief, Michel Juneau-Katsuya, who supports the key findings of the book authors. Juneau-Katsuya said that since the 1980s, each Canadian government would be implicated by a full public inquiry of connections between Canadian officials and Chinas United Front Work Department. Juneau-Katsuya declined to provide further evidence as to the claim during a CBC Newsroom interview on Sunday, but doubled down by saying that every prime minister was compromised by China since Brian Mulroney, who served from 1984 to 1993. Every prime minister has been compromised at one point or another by those agents of influence, Juneau-Katsuya told a CBC news anchor. It is a phenomenal security risk because basically you can ask yourself the question, who is really running the country? Is it a foreign entity, or is it our government? Juneau-Katsuya said that evidence about the prime ministers existed. He believes it should be made available to an independent public inquiry, not to find guilt in the past, but to develop better procedures to protect Canada so that future governments will not fall into the same groove. Juneau-Katsuya was the lead author of Canadas 1997 Sidewinder Report, which made many of the same conclusions as the 1998 U.S. memo. A leaked draft of Sidewinder alleged far-reaching spying and criminality by an alliance of Chinas regime and triad gangs. The Canadian government reportedly sanitized much of the draft report. Juneau-Katsuya will serve as a witness before a Canadian parliamentary committee on the countrys China relations in the coming days, according to the CBC. US Frustrated in 2015 Im not surprised by news of the probe. In about 2015, I heard from a knowledgeable source that U.S. intelligence was upset that China used permissive conditions in Canada to infiltrate spies into the United States. When U.S. intelligence complained, Canada did little, according to the source. While living in New York at the time, I befriended a relatively powerful Chinese-Canadian who worked at an important institution. U.S. authorities warned me off of him, saying he was dangerous and implying that he actually worked for China. They couldnt do anything about him, they lamented, because he was a Canadian citizen. Clearly, the U.S.Canada alliance was failing in that moment, failed before, and failed after, when it came to something as important as Chinas election interference, spying, and I might add, industrial espionage and intellectual property theft of as much as $600 billion annually in the United States alone. The United States and Canada desperately need a national discussion and legal reforms to protect against obvious issues of CCP attempts to interfere in our elections and influence our leading politicians. One of the national security officials who leaked intelligence about Chinas election interference wrote an anonymous opinion article published on Friday. In it can be found a piece of profound wisdom. The author wrote of hoping his or her leak would launch a conversation about how to improve transparency, how to enhance accountability, how to protect all members of our society against external threats, and ultimately, about how we continue to pursue a system of governance that best serves all of its citizens. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Chinas Peace Plan for Ukraine Could Pave the Way for Russian Aggression Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the Kremlin on March 21, 2023. (Pavel Byrkin/Sputnik/AFP via Getty Images) Commentary Nature, according to Aristotle, abhors a vacuum. The old Stagirite, writing in his Physics, was thinking about how the physical universe operates. But a cognate idea can be found in many who later noticed that what we might call political and social reality operates according to a similar economy. Readers of Francois Rabelaiss Gargantua and Pantagruel will find a social horror vacui in evidence throughout those books. I thought of that reality when contemplating the chummy meeting between two of the worlds chief despots, Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The chief item on the agenda was the war in Ukraine, which Putin started a year ago and Xi seems to be supporting with material as well as moral support. Amid a lot of smiling photographs, Xi praised his dear friend Putins strong leadership even as he offered a 12-point peace plan that called for an immediate ceasefire with no concessions by Russia. Putin smiled and said he had studied the plan, which he commended for following the principles of fairness. As far as I know, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has yet to express a judgment about Chinas Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis, but he cant be pleased about a peace plan that essentially rectifies Russias absorption of various bits of Ukraine while giving Putin respite from fighting in order to catch his breath and rearm. Zelenskyy will have an opportunity to make his views known soon when he and Xi have their scheduled talk. Some observers believe that he may acquiesce to something like Chinas plan. Ukraine has so far lost somewhere north of 120,000 men, fewer than Russia, but proportionally much more. Then theres the fact that the war has been entirely on Ukraines soil. The toll on Ukrainian infrastructure has been steep. Everyone expects Ukraine to mount some sort of counter-offensive in the springwhich began on March 20but few observers believe that Ukraine can prevail absent massive aid from the West. Will that aid be forthcoming? Opinions differ. I doubt it. Which means that we shouldnt be surprised if Zelenskyy is open to Xis overtures. As the commentator Spengler observed, the United States and its allies have been taken off guard by Chinas recent overtures, not only in Russia and Ukraine but also no one in the West anticipated that China would mediate between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Wasnt that sort of thing, those high-stakes international initiatives, the province of the United States? Since the end of World War II, they mostly have been. But the center of gravity has been shifting. Time and again under U.S. President Joe Biden, Washington has been missing in action. What began with Secretary of State Antony Blinkens humiliation by his Chinese counterparts in Anchorage, Alaska, early on in Bidens term has been accelerating in recent months as Beijing just ignores Washington in pursuit of its own economic and military aims. Although Washington has dismissed Chinas peace plan for Ukraine, Spengler wrote, [Zelenskyy] has not. According to Chinas plan, Spengler wrote, Russia would keep the Sea of Azov and most of the Donbas, a settlement that might be forced on Ukraine as it runs out of manpower and ammunition. Its too early to say with much confidence what will happen in Ukraine. But I suspect that Spengler is right that the conflict there is evidence of important shifts in the zeitgeist, the climate of opinion about the chief realities of power politics. The Ukraine war, Spengler wrote, has set in motion a global realignment, including the ChinaIranSaudi agreement. Looking at Americas blunders in Ukraine, the Saudis have concluded that America wont put boots on the ground in the Middle East and are looking for other friends. Other friends. People and states look for them when their old friends show themselves to be unreliable. Its how people react when confronted with a vacuum. That sucking sound you hear all about these days is evidence of American fecklessness and, consequently, Chinese adventurism. Its an unpleasant, admonitory sound whose warnings we ignore at our peril. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Chinese Consulate Worker Recounts Escape to Freedom 'Outside of the gates is the free world, but you just cannot get out' It has been five years since Dong Luobin told New Zealand police If you send me back to the consulate I will die. A staff member at the Chinese consulate in Aukland, Dong successfully escaped and applied for asylum. His escape is believed to be the first defection of a foreign government employee in New Zealand since the Cold War, and possibly the only one to date. At the time, Dong was 34 and working in the back office of the Chinese consulate. Although his position was not high, he was well-paid and well-dressed. However, despite appearances, he was a virtual prisoner. Inside the compound with its barbed-wire topped wall, Chinese staff were closely monitored and controlled. Knowing that freedom was just a few steps away from the consulates oppressive environment was painful. Dong shared his experience with The Epoch Times. Although he was granted asylum in 2018, his story was shelved due to security concerns. Only recently did he go public with his experience. Witness to Brutal Suppression Dong was born in 1984 in a rural village in Chinas Hebei Province, to a Roman Catholic family. Luobin is actually a Chinese transliteration of his Christian name Robin. As a child, he witnessed the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) violent persecution of Catholics. When Dong was five years old, the church in his village was brutally attacked by the CCP authorities. He said: Due to our history, more than 80 percent of the people in our village were Catholics. Our village was persecuted because the CCP wanted to bring all Catholicism and Christianity under the control of its Three-Self Patriotic Movement and the Catholic Patriotic Association. They wanted to tear down our existing church, built by Western missionaries, and build a new, CCP-approved church, with a CCP-appointed priest. The villagers resisted the CCPs suppression of their faith. Without providing proper cause, the regime found an excuse to demolish their church by force. In China, the Three-Self Patriotic Movement and the Catholic Patriotic Association are the only legal avenues for Protestants and Catholics, respectively, to practice their faith. Chinese who join the approved Catholic Patriotic Association ostensibly have freedom to worship, but in reality, are subject to censorship and strict control by the atheist CCP. Dong described the villagers resistanceand the regimes savage response: At first, they sent the riot police, but the people from the village were united against such oppression. So they sent in the military later, imposed a curfew, and surrounded the entire village. People were only allowed in, but not out. If you [tried] to leave, they would shoot you. I was only five years old when that brutal suppression happened, but I remember clearly that the military told us to put our hands behind our backs and not to move a muscle. We watched the armed police and the military beat the parishioners, including our priest. During the day, they used bricks and sticks to beat them. If you [came] out at night and [broke] the curfew, youd get shot. One man was shot several times and hid in the pigs den to survive. He is still alive today. There was a priest, and the parishioners wanted to protect him. So the soldiers beat the parishioners in the priests courtyard. Those who faint[ed] and could not move were piled on top of each other. Some of them died. Others were left disabled. The blood flowed from the courtyard to the outside. Dong continued, When I was in my 20s, I learned from the people of that generation that the hospitals were ordered not to treat the parishioners who had been injured. One church leader could have been treated, but the CCP knew that he was the leader of the resistance so they persecuted him. The man eventually was left in a vegetative state and lay in bed for over 20 years until his death. I saw this church leader several times, and he looked almost just skin and bones. Suppression of Humanity Stories of the brutal incident were told in the village, but few outsiders were aware of it. At the time, Dong was too young to comprehend the events; it was only as an adult that he fully understood what had happened. However, the violent suppression left a deep impression. The older he got, the more he felt the suppression of his humanity, he said. Like millions of other Catholics who have refused to join the Catholic Patriotic Association, his family practiced their faith through the underground Catholic Church. As I grew older, he recounted, I realized that we could only go to church in other peoples homes and could not attend openly. The priests had to leave in a hurry after Mass, not daring to stay for a moment longer and always going through the back door. At Christmas, Easter, and other major festivals, the priests in the village would be summoned by the authorities. We often had to invite priests from other parishes to lead the Mass in the middle of the night even when it was extremely cold. Not only that, but the universal values I had been taught, such as fraternity, love, consideration for others, and forgiveness for your enemies, suddenly appear[ed] to be not accepted in society when I [became] older. On the contrary, people think there is something wrong with you. This kind of oppression is hard to understand for ordinary people. Life Without Privacy When Dong was 28, he was nearly arrested for an article he published online. He recalled: Once I posted an article on QQ [Chinese social media] about the current state of the church and social issues in China, at approximately 9 oclock at night. It was almost midnight when I suddenly heard a lot of cars and noises at the apartment entry downstairs. I was lying down to rest, but I start to sweat and realized I was in danger. However, they didnt arrest me. I found out sometime later from an elder in the village that they were going to arrest me that night because of my article. The elder vouched for me, and I was spared. Thats when I realized that there was no freedom of expression at all on the internet in China. Later, when I got [Chinese messaging app] WeChat, I would post some articles that reflected on the current situation of Chinese society, but I noticed that they were quickly deleted. Within a few hours of posting them, they were all gone; even other stuff I wrote was gone. We were living without any privacy. All this had sowed the seeds of my escape later on. At that time, my desire to leave China was already very strong. I thought about it every now and then how and when can I leave the country. Sooner or later, Dong thought to himself, he would disgrace the CCP through his actions. No Different Than China In 2016, Dong had an opportunity to work at a service center under Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs. After two years there, Dong was sent to the Chinese consulate in New Zealand. In March of 2018, Dong arrived in Auckland. He soon realized that working in New Zealand did not mean more freedom. As soon as he left the airport, his passport was confiscated by consulate staff. He had barely eaten his first meal there when his superiors announced disciplinary rules for the new arrivals. Workers were not allowed to leave the compound alone, or even in groups of two. Dong explained: There must be at least three to keep an eye on each other. Every time I [went] out of the consulate, there were four to six, or sometimes dozens of people. It [was] always a group activity. When youre out of the consulate, youre not allowed to have any contact with the outside world, and if you [got] caught doing so, the consequences were severe. A recent example was reported in all Chinese diplomatic missions around the world. One of the embassys office staff spoke a few words with a local Chinese-speaking person outside of the embassy and was noticed by the embassys military attache. That person he spoke to was from Taiwan, and the office staff was immediately fired and repatriated back to China. Dong found that he did not even have freedom of thought. He recalled: You [would] be shown some CCP propaganda films every week, and you [would] be brainwashed continuously to enhance the so-called ideological training. The consulate staffs work and life were all inside the walls of the consulate, and they werent allowed to read local newspapers or browse overseas websites. Our cell phone SIM cards were given to us by the consulate, and the internet was all set up with Chinese equipment. Each office had a different code. The Consul General also said that all of our activities here were monitored. So to me, it was no different, or even worse, than back in China. Dong knew that employees from other ministries also worked in the consulate, but you [wouldnt] really know what were their jobs even if they [told] you their positions in the consulate. So there were probably spies and secret agents. We all had different jobs, and we were expected to supervise each other. They wanted to create this kind of atmosphere where people were very nervous about what they might say or do. Dogs Have More Freedom To outsiders, his life looked comfortable, Dong said. Our jobs seemed to be very decent, and we [were] always well-dressed. However, whether youre a logistician or a diplomat, you werent living a normal human life. You know very well that outside of the gates is the free world, but you just cannot get out. One day, Dong experienced a pivotal moment. One of his superiors commented, Chinese people have less freedom than foreign dogs. Dog is often a derogatory term in Chinese culture. Hearing the diplomat express that the lowest of the low in the Western world had more freedom than common people in China, Dong made up his mind to escape. The opportunity came on May 7, 2018. Dong had been questioned: he had left the compound secretly to attend Mass, and his absence had been noticed. Coincidentally, that morning he had been given his passport temporarily so he could obtain his New Zealand drivers license. He saw his chance. Dong walked out of the consulate without looking back. He knew very well he would never be able to return. After his escape, not only did CCP authorities hunt for him, his family in China was questioned and harassed. His wife raised their children alone in China. After more than four years of hardship, his whole family was finally reunited in New Zealand. Now that his family is together again, Dong tells his story to help others understand the importance of freedom. Press Release March 21, 2023 Legarda thanks colleagues as Senate adopts concurrent Resolutions granting her consent to accept awards given by ASEAN, Italian Republic Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda thanked her colleagues in the Senate for recognizing her efforts as the Chamber adopted two (2) Resolutions granting consent for Legarda to accept prestigious recognitions conferred to her by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the government of the Republic of Italy. Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 6, sponsored by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, grants permission for Legarda to accept the award of "Commendatore" to the order of merit of the Italian Republic in appreciation of her role in strengthening bilateral relations between the Philippines and the Republic of Italy. "Having had the opportunity to meet foreign dignitaries with her, I can attest to her matchless ability to forge meaningful ties with our foreign counterparts. She is so adept at disabusing them of any belief that we are a fledgling country with little to offer, instead leaving them excited about the opportunities for cultural and economic exchange with our country," Zubiri stated in his sponsorship speech. The other Resolution, Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 9, sponsored by Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, allows Legarda to accept the ASEAN Biodiversity Hero Award bestowed by the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity (ACB), in partnership with the European Union and Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, for her significant contributions to biodiversity efforts in the country. "We recognize and commend her for her continuous and consistent efforts in championing landmark environmental laws, including the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, Philippine Clean Air, Clean Water Act, Renewable Energy Act, Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, and the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act, among other measures," Villanueva said. Other senators congratulated Legarda and recognized her exemplary achievements in public service by addressing the pressing needs of the society, bringing development to the people's lives, and making every Filipino proud of their rich culture and colorful ethnicity. "Senator Loren, from the time I've known her, has always set a gold standard. She is a household name among climate change advocates. She knows her stuff. It's Women's Month and it's a great opportunity for us to recognize a female stateswoman in our midst. Thank you, Senator Loren, for inspiring all of us and for the work that you do," Senator Pia Cayetano said. As for Deputy Majority Leader Joseph Victor Ejercito, Legarda is the best Ambassador of the Philippine Senate and the Philippines. "I'm also a living witness to how people from different parts of the world, especially in Europe, see the combination of the beauty of brains that is Loren Legarda. She has consistently fought for environmental issues here in the Senate," he added. Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros also congratulated Legarda for her achievements. "Ako po'y nagpupugay kay Senator Loren, isang kabaro, kapwa lider-kababaihan dito sa Senado, at ayon sa depinisyon na ibinibigay sa kanya at kadakilaang ibinibigay sa kanya ng Italian Republic, isa pong maginoong babae," she stated. With these manifestations, Legarda expressed gratitude for her colleagues' support and appreciation. "I simply want to express my gratitude to each and every member of this Chamber. Each and everyone of you has provided me with the inspiration to even work harder, even being the most senior member of this Chamber. I'm a lifelong learner, I learn from each and every member, and I will continue to learn from you. Maraming salamat po," she remarked. All members of the Senate were made co-authors of both Senate Concurrent Resolutions. HONG KONG (AP) Google has suspended the Chinese shopping app Pinduoduo on its app store after malware was discovered in versions of the app from other sources. Google said in a statement Tuesday that it suspended the Pinduoduo app on the Google Play app store out of security concerns and that it was investigating the matter. The suspension of the Pinduoduo app mainly used in China comes amid heightened U.S.-China tensions over Chinese-owned apps such as TikTok, which some U.S. lawmakers say could be a national security threat. They allege that such apps could be used to spy on American users. Pinduoduo is a popular e-commerce app in China which often offers discounts if users team up to buy multiples of an item. Google warned users Tuesday to uninstall any Pinduoduo app not downloaded from its own Play Store. Downloads of Android and even iOS apps can often be found on websites that allow people to download apps without going through official app stores. Google Play Protect enforcement has been set to block installation attempts of these identified malicious apps, Google said in its statement. Users that have malicious versions of the app downloaded to their devices are warned and prompted to uninstall the app. It was unclear if there are similar security concerns around the Pinduoduo app for Apple users, and Pinduoduo was still available to download from Apples iOS store Tuesday. In a statement, Pinduoduo said that Google had not shared more details with the company beyond informing it that the current version of its app was not compliant with Google's policy. We strongly reject the speculation and accusation that Pinduoduo app is malicious just from a generic and non-conclusive response from Google, Pinduoduo said in the statement. Hong Kong-traded shares in the company tumbled 14.2% on Tuesday. Clinton-Era Proposals Key to Ending Immigration Crisis: Advocacy Group Police Lt. Marco Santana leaves his vehicle to inspect a section of the southern border wall at San Luis, Ariz., on Jan. 27, 2023. (Allan Stein/The Epoch Times) For the United States, the problem of immigration is nothing new, having plagued the nation for decades. But while the issue stands as one of the most divisive in party politics today, there was a time when lawmakers on both sides of the aisle were able to reach a bipartisan agreement on what needed to be done. Now, amid increasing concerns over record-high crossings at the U.S.Mexico border, one advocacy group is calling on legislators to reconsider those decades-old recommendations. The NumbersUSA Education and Research Foundation is the nations largest immigration-reduction grassroots organization in the country, according to the organizations vice president and deputy director, Chris Chmielenski. A nonpartisan nonprofit founded in 1996, NumbersUSA cites the recommendations of the bipartisan Commission on Immigration Reforma mid-1990s congressional effort led by the late Rep. Barbara Jordan (D-Texas)as its primary inspiration and blueprint for fixing the nations immigration system. Our organizations missions pretty much mirror what that bipartisan commissions recommendations were, Chmielenski told The Epoch Times. And that was that having legal immigration of over a million per yearcombined with uncontrolled illegal immigrationis bad for the national interest, its bad for American workers. Advocating for a more controlled system, NumbersUSA is pushing for several key reforms that it has deemed to be in alignment with the commissions recommendations and beneficial to restoring the nations immigration numbers to sustainable levels. An Untenable Situation 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 state, Mexico, on March 12, 2023. (HERIKA MARTINEZ/AFP via Getty Images) According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol encounters with illegal immigrants at the southern border totaled more than 251,000 in Decemberthe highest monthly total on record. Since then, official numbers have decreased, though that may be due to the Biden administrations creation of a new legal pathway to entry for noncitizens from Latin American countries under a humanitarian parole program. They want some sort of an orderly process, but theyre not changing the message, Chmielenski noted. And the message is that if you can make it to the United States, well let you in. Describing the administrations overall handling of the crisis as abysmal, he added: Until they start to discourage people from coming in the first place the numbers are going to be unaffected and were going to continue to have rampant illegal immigration. So, the administration needs to take their role seriously, and say, Enough is enough, were not going to let anybody else in the country. Enforcing the Law In its 1994 preliminary report (pdf), the Commission on Immigration Reform wrote, The credibility of immigration policy can be measured by a simple yardstick: People who should get in do get in; people who should not get in are kept out, and people who are judged deportable are required to leave. In keeping with that sentiment, Chmielenski noted that one of the easiest reforms to implement would be for the administration to simply enforce the laws already on the books. Existing law already requires the federal government to detain everybody who crosses the border illegally, including those that claim asylum, he said. And what this administration is doing instead is theyre granting them parole and putting them in what they call Alternatives to Detention, giving them ankle bracelets or cell phones so they can track their movements once they get into the United States. But such alternatives are easy to circumvent, Chmielenski added, noting, You can rip off an ankle bracelet and you can toss the cell phone in the trash can, so people are disappearing left and right. A group of illegal aliens walk up the road after crossing the Rio Grande from Mexico. Further up the road, they will board a bus bound for the Border Patrol processing facility in McAllen, Texas, on April 18, 2019. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) However, on March 8, U.S. District Judge T. Kent Wetherell struck down the administrations Alternatives to Detention policy, holding that it had effectively turned the Southwest Border into a meaningless line in the sand and that asylum seekers must be detained per U.S. law. Recently, Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) put forth legislationdubbed The Border Safety and Security Actthat would likewise require the Homeland Security secretary to detain asylum seekers, or, where that is not possible, turn them away. NumbersUSA supports the measure as a good first step, Chmielenski said, but he noted that more needs to be done to address the exploitation of the nations current asylum policies. The administration is abusing our asylum policy, he held. Theyre abusing our credible fear policy. Theyre abusing the authority that Congress has given them to grant parole on a case-by-case basis that people cross the border illegally. All those issues still need to be addressed. Revamping the Legal Process Another area for reform that NumbersUSA highlights is how eligible individuals are selected through the legal immigration process. Two-thirds of all of our immigration comes from family preference Green Card categoriesand it doesnt just include nuclear family members, Chmielenski noted. Under current law, certain family members of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residentsalso known as green card holdersare eligible to become permanent residents. Migrants begin walking in a caravan on their way to the United States, in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, on March 30, 2021. (Wendell Escoto/AFP via Getty Images) For citizens, those family members can include not only their spouses and children (including married children), but also their parents and brothers and sisters, if the citizen is at least 21 years old. Those green card holders can then sponsor additional family members to join them, though for them, the list of eligible individuals is shorter. What happens is when you allow one immigrant to start sponsoring their parents, their parents can then sponsor their other children, their other children can sponsor their spouses, which then leads to in-laws, and it creates these endless chains of migrationhence the term chain migration, Chmielenski explained. NumbersUSA is very much in favor of allowing new immigrants to be able to sponsor their spouses and their minor children to come here along with them, but when we start getting into extended family beyond the nuclear family, thats where we would say we draw the line. The Commission on Immigration Reform had recommended reordering the categories of family preference so that spouses and minor children were given top priority. That recommendation does not seem to have been followed, as they are currently listed as the second preferred category behind the unmarried sons and daughtersage 21 and olderof U.S. citizens. The commission had also recommended a greater emphasis on employment-based immigration and requiring employers to verify workers eligibility status. The latter, Chmielenski noted, could be accomplished through mandatory E-Verify as outlined in bills recently introduced by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) in the Senate and Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Calif.) in the House. Additionally, NumbersUSA promotes ending the Diversity Immigrant Visa lottery program, through which green card applicants are drawn at random, and limiting total legal admissions to about 550,000 per year, as per the previously introduced Reforming American Immigration for a Strong Economy (RAISE) Act. Ending Birthright Citizenship A pregnant Honduran immigrant stands in line with fellow immigrants for a bus to a U.S. destination from McAllen, Texas, on Aug. 15, 2016. (John Moore/Getty Images) Lastly, Chmielenski said NumbersUSA advocates for an end to birthright citizenship in the United Statesa proposal often met with backlash among some conservatives. Our position is that we dont think that illegal aliens are covered by the 14th Amendment, he said. We think that Congress has the authority to determine who is subject to the jurisdiction thereof of the United States. The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states, All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. While many feel the amendment is meant to cover every individual born in the United States, others argue the framers of the Constitution likely did not mean for that to include individuals in the country temporarily or illegally, and that certain exceptions already exist. For instance, Chmielenski noted that birthright citizenship is denied to the children of foreign diplomats. Others have also expressed support for repealing birthright citizenship in recent years, including former President Donald Trump, who suggested in 2018 that he could do so via executive order, raising questions about the legality of such a move. While Chmielenski held that the legislature could and should clarify the meaning of the 14th Amendment, he also acknowledged that any attempt to do so would likely be met with a swift legal challenge. But, you know, lets have it out, he said. Lets have a public debate and see what happens, if it gets to that point. Confronting Civilizational Challenges According to Roman historian Livy, the Roman Republic fell because of a degredation of moral character. Capriccio with ruins of the Roman Forum, circa 1634, by Claude Lorrain. Art Gallery of South Australia. (Public domain) Commentary Never before has humanity seen laid before it such an endless field strewn with earthly wealth at the very moment of realization that the treasure has become devoid of meaning. Humanity at the peak of its prosperity is always reminded of the transience of its fortuneand then humiliated by the realization that wisdom evaporates from societies too long favored by wealth, leaving them unprepared to face the hardships that follow hubris. Omar Khayyams Rubaiyat sets out our fate: The Worldly Hope men set their Hearts upon Turns Ashes or it prospers; and anon, Like Snow upon the Deserts dusty Face Lighting a little Hour or two is gone. So here we are, suddenly serious, ready to ask what is to become of us as we face a global decline from what had seemed limitless continued wealth. A precipice looms, and beyond it a wasteland of possible war, famine, and decline. Nowhere is a leader visible. Nowhere is there evidence that if wisdom could be called forth to devise options for the future that there would be an audience to heed it. Uncertainty and anxiety dont easily create clear visions of future paths. And all the while, the fatalists say that the gods of climate are angry and are about to deliver their final judgment on humanity. Certainly, many aspects of recent history have run their course: economic patterns; the evolution of democracy; the constancy of the energy needed to propel us through the future. And the viability or primacy of huge population concentrations may, too, be due to fracture if energy sources cant be sustained because of breakdowns in supply chains or, more importantly, value chains. Large-scale population decline has been on the horizon for the past two decades and is now starting its uneven impact on the world. This almost certainly will be exacerbated by economic decline and communications disruptions, let alone by war. So we ponder the challenges confronting the civilizations that have nurtured us for millennia. Will our civilization survive? We can look to history for some answers, noting the elimination of many societies, languages, belief systems, and the like from the great collapse of Eastern Mediterranean and Levantine societies around the 12th century BCE (and what endured beyond that collapse), or the collapse of Greek or Roman civilizations. Its probable that none of those ancient societiesand the countless more whose identities were lost to the windsunderstood that they, at some stage, reached the turning point in their fortunes. Many left runic hints at their greatness; many, thinking their mark on the earth was permanent, left nothing. And in only one century, this past century, modern humanity has attempted to record all its achievements in the most fragile and transitory formats, all less stable than the papyrus that helped preserve Egypts history. And as electrical supply becomes uncertain, as it will in some areas, we have to ask, then, what our times will endure. Already we have forgotten the realities of the 20th century, which foretells what more we will lose in the coming century. Most of us at work in the engine-rooms of our ships of state toil daily to keep the machinery going, and to meet the imminent threats identified by our governments. So our able practitioners have little time to contemplate the indefinite future. Yet it has to be done: not only to contemplate long-term national or societal goals into the mid-term (i.e., beyond, say, a half-century), but to determine how the intervening crisis period can be managed. Before that, we need to ask ourselves what are the tenets of civilization that need to be considered: Relationships with geography? Language? Religion? Culture? Structures, architecture, institutions? All contribute to our core identity, and a break in any one spells a break with historical values. What have we already lost in civilizational terms during the transition over recent decades? Wealth, and therefore strength in a society, can be said to be a byproduct of those tenets of civilization. They create the hierarchy, structures, and disciplines that enable productivity and the attainment of security. Some things that have been tools in the evolution of our civilizations have been transitory. Modern iterationschanging literally dailyof democracy have facilitated interpretations of the social contracts that define how societies interact with their hierarchies. Equally, these devices of society, as they become more complex and arcane, tend to provide social binding so that faith in ones own society cant easily be destroyed by a strong wind. How, then, do we understand at its core who we are? In 2007, I spearheaded a study called Australia 2050, An Examination of Australias Condition, Outlook, and Options for the First Half of the 21st Century. What became apparent from that was that many educated people think little about their civilization, or even their values. As in all things, most of society depends on the inspiration of intellectual and physical leadersleaders in the true sense. And civilizations survive on the strength of wisdom appreciated by leaders. Theres no mechanism and no will to plan beyond the coming crises. But someone should be making notes. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Conservative Motion on Foreign Interference Probe Defeated The Parliament Hill Peace Tower is framed in an iron fence on Wellington Street in Ottawa on March 12, 2020. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press) A Conservative motion to have a parliamentary committee investigate allegations of foreign election interference failed on March 21, following an announcement the same day that the prime ministers Chief of Staff Katie Telford will testify at another committee on the issue. The motion, introduced by Conservative MP Michael Cooper, would have transferred a parliamentary investigation from the Liberal-chaired Procedure and House Affairs committee (PROC) to the Conservative-chaired ethics committee. The motion was defeated, with 147 MPs voting in favour and 177 opposed. The Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green, and Independent MPs voted in favour of the motion, while the Liberals and New Democrats opposed it. Cooper told the Epoch Times following the vote that he was not surprised by the New Democrats choosing to vote against his motion, following the partys pattern of aligning with the Liberals. Cooper said the Liberals and NDP caved in to Conservative pressure to allow Telford to testify at PROC after weeks of obstructing and blocking her appearance. Telford is a key witness to get to the heart of the scandal, [which is] what the prime minister knows, and what did he fail to do about Beijings interference in two federal elections under his watch? The motion called for Telford, among others, to be ordered to appear before PROC as a witness no later than April 14, 2023, and answer questions for three hours. The Conservatives want Telford to testify on what she was told by security agencies, following media reports that the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) was briefed multiple times on attempts by Beijing to interfere in the 2019 and 2021 elections. Liberal and NDP MPs had repeatedly blocked PROC motions calling for Telford to testify. But in a shift on March 21, Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus office announced that Telford would be appearing before the committee to testify about foreign election interference. While there are serious constraints on what can be said in public about sensitive intelligence matters, in an effort to make Parliament work, Ms. Telford has agreed to appear at the Procedure and House Affairs Committee as part of their study, the PMO said in a statement. Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister Katie Telford arrives to appear as a witness at the Public Order Emergency Commission in Ottawa on Nov 24, 2022. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press) Earlier in the day, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said his party would back the Conservative motion if the Liberals continued the obstruction of Telfords testimony. They have a choice. They can stop blocking that and they can allow the chief of staff to testify or we will force them to do that, he said. Following question period today, Singh told reporters that Telford being allowed to testify rendered the Conservative motion useless. Singh said he forced the Liberals to allow Telford to testify by threatening that his party would vote for the motion. Liberals have not answered Canadians questions, and its really called out the importance of a public inquiry. Thats what would satisfy me, and more importantly to me, thats what would satisfy Canadians who are worried, he said. Following question period, opposition House Leader and Conservative MP Andrew Scheer told reporters that Trudeau only reversed course on Telford after he tried everything else. Scheer said the Liberals engaged in desperate filibustering for weeks, but it was only after the Conservative motion that they allowed Telford to testify. And now Justin Trudeau is expecting a gold star for exhausting every attempt to delay and block Telford from testifying. None of this takes away from the urgent need for a full independent public inquiry, he said. Consumer Privacy Bill in Tennessee Raises Concerns, Sponsor Says It Solves Current Lack of Regulation A protester holds a sign during a demonstration calling for better consumer protection and online privacy outside of Facebook headquarters in Menlo Park, Calif., on April 5, 2018. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) A bill in Tennessee with the intention of protecting consumers was set to be discussed in committees last week but due to time in the Senate and the sponsor requesting that discussion of the bill be held a week in the House, the bill has so far not moved anywhere. It is expected to be taken up again in committees on Tuesday, March 21. The bill, the Tennessee Information Protection Act (pdf), would guard the personal data of Tennessee consumers from being abused by companies including big tech, the House sponsor Republican Rep. Johnny Garrett said in an interview with The Epoch Times. While the bill is touted as a privacy protection measure, members of Friends of Hamilton, a citizen group that advocates for legislators following the Constitution, say the bills language might have the opposite effect of protecting Tennesseans from having their data used against them. In committee last Tuesday, Rep. Garrett said he needed additional time to make amendments to the bill. A spokesperson for the House Republican Caucus said, Rep. Garrett is continuing to work with stakeholders, businesses, and consumers to make sure the language of the bill is in the best posture to secure its passage. He added the amendment is only expected to include some minor changes to the bill as currently written. The bill is sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Bo Watson (R) who did not respond to multiple email invitations for comment by The Epoch Times. The Legislation Rep. Garrett told The Epoch Times the legislation was inspired by privacy concerns of his young children and their friends. Whats out there that makes companies protect your data, Garrett said he asked himself. Come to find out, theres nothing out there, this is sort of an unregulated space, he said. Garrett said other states such as Florida, Utah and Virginia have passed similar legislation to protect residents data online, which he calls your virtual you. This was born by figuring out how to make companies that engage in data collection and the sale of data somehow be regulated, he said. Somehow, you would have the ability to know what theyre collecting, that theyre keeping it protected, or if they transferred to somebody else or sell it to somebody else. This legislation makes companies have some guardrails in order to keep your data safe as you travel the internet. The Bills Exemptions There are many companies or entities that would be exempted from the bill. However, Garrett said the exemptions exist because those entities may already be covered by different laws and regulations. The exemptions are there because theres some industry like your healthcare, insurance, credit reporting agenciesthey are already subject to federal laws that say how they must protect your data, he explained. And so, I dont want them to be doubly regulated. As for how those entities would be covered if federal laws were theoretically removed, he said he was not worried as many laws, such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), are a standard that wont be going anywhere. Now, you can go online and grab your data about your blood draw or whatever, that stuff is protected by HIPAA, so theres no need to have another law to say they cant share or sell that information. A woman checks her phone in Orem, Utah, on Nov.14, 2019. (Rick Bowmer/AP Photo) He added the protections are there for between 95-100 percent of the exemptions in his bill. If theres not already a state or federal law that covers your interaction with a business, thats the purpose of this legislation: to cover those that arent already covered under some federal or state law, he said. That would be the purpose of this, is that [consumers] have rights and recourse to have [companies] delete their data, have [companies] give them a copy of their data, or to never sell or transfer their data. The mechanism of enforcement would be for consumers, if any company violates their rights under the statute, to contact the Tennessee Attorney Generals office who would then explore any potential claims on behalf of the individual. There is no civil right of action for consumers, he said, but the AGs office would be able to levy a $10,000 fine per occurrence against the company. Concern About Exemptions and Social Credit Scores Chris Matthews, founder and president of Friends of Hamilton, said the argument for including exemptions since they are covered by U.S. Code does not sit well with him. If something is indeed exempt by U.S. Code, it should just be referenced in the bill for each specific exemption, he said in a phone interview with The Epoch Times. I think theyre playing a shell game in there. Concerns brought forward by Matthews and Friends of Hamilton include exemptions related to: bodies, boards, commissions, agencies of the state, political subdivisions of the state, entities under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services governance, non-profit organizations, and institutions of higher learning. The group says for example in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the U.S. Department of Transportation, the City of Chattanooga, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga have partnered to install smart city cameras. Under the legislation, they say, the City is exempted as well as UT Chattanooga from regulations under the bill. So all of the data obtained by them collectively or independently is fully exempt from this privacy bill, Matthews said. Another concern is an exemption for personal information, processed and related to human subjects research conducted in accordance with good clinical practice guidelines issued by The International Council for Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use. International, harmonization, pharma, tech, humans: these are words that should never be together, Matthews said. Another exemption the group is concerned about is the collection, maintenance, disclosure, sale, communication, or use of personal information bearing on a consumers credit worthiness, credit standing, credit capacity, character, general reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of living by a consumer reporting agency or furnisher that provides information for use in a consumer report, and by a user of a consumer report, but only to the extent that such activity is regulated by and authorized under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act. The group views the language of this exemption in particular as being akin to a social credit score. Using all of the surveillance data to impart data for determining, using, and selling ones social credit score would be legal and exempt from privacy law in Tennessee with the passage of this bill, Matthews added. Last Years Bill A similar bill was proposed by Garrett last year but never made it to the House or Senate floor for a vote. He said the biggest hurdle to the bill passing then was the business world being a little bit fearful of the cost of complying with the regulations. He said the reason was because a California privacy law imposes regulations that are extremely cumbersome and very expensive for companies to comply with. He said the bill needed to be reworked and legislators needed more education on the matter. As far as costs for his proposed bill, Garrett said he didnt see there being much of a cost for companies other than paying employees or possibly buying some software. The Tennessee state capitol in Nashville, Tenn., on Aug. 31, 2018. (FaceMePLS via Wikimedia Commons/CC BY 2.0) According to the Tennessee Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Law website, which offers legal advice for companies related to privacy breaches, the bill was introduced as an amendment to an existing bill dealing with campaign finance disclosures. [The Act] was proposed in the Tennessee State House of Representatives as an amendment to an existing bill dealing with campaign finance disclosures, the group states in an overview. The website also says the proposed amendment last year contains similar provisions as those found in the CCPA, Californias Privacy Law, and the CDPA, Virginias privacy law, with an overall goal of protecting the data privacy of Tennessee consumers. The CDPA also includes many exemptions, but it differs from the Tennessee bill because it specifically states U.S. Code that covers the exemptions in the Virginia legislation. The bill is set to be brought up again in committees in the House and Senate on Tuesday. The amended bill had yet to be filed on the Tennessee General Assembly website prior to the meeting on Monday. Court Throws out Scandalous Case Against Former Opposition Leader Matthew Guy Victorian Opposition Leader Matthew Guy is seen at St Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne, Australia, on Nov. 20, 2018. (Daniel Pockett - Pool/Getty Images) A judge has labelled a petition brought by an independent candidate against former Victorian opposition leader Matthew Guy as an exercise in vanity as he threw out the case. David Vincent, who ran as an independent candidate against Guy in last years state election, filed a petition in the Supreme Court to remove him as the member for Bulleen and instead give himself the seat. He came last in the race for Bulleen, securing 0.5 per cent of the vote compared to Guys 48.06 percent. Vincent, who represented himself in the proceedings, also wanted to be given the role of speaker in the Legislative Assembly or president in the upper house. He claimed Guy was not fit or proper to sit in parliament and said the petition was a public interest application to improve state parliament. Vincent wanted the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission to produce documents from its investigation into Guy and indicate whether charges would be recommended. The Victorian Electoral Commission referred Mr Guy to the corruption watchdog in November after it was alleged he tried to circumvent political donation laws along with his former chief of staff Mitch Catlin. Justice John Dixon dismissed the petition on Tuesday, finding it was groundless and doomed to fail. The petition is an abuse of process, foredoomed to fail. It was an exercise in vanity, he wrote in written reasons. Vincents claims that Guy had committed malfeasance in public office and voters acted under duress in electing him were scandalous and unsupported, the judge said. I have concluded that the petition is not based on any recognised legal ground, and allegations made in the petition are irrelevant, inappropriate, scandalous, or incapable of proof or substantiation in some other acceptable way, he said. It is therefore scandalous, frivolous and vexatious because it is groundless and lacking in basis or merit. However, Justice Dixon found Vincent did not intend to waste public resources and abuse the court process by lodging the petition as he was not legally assisted because he could not find a lawyer to help him. That lack of guidance is probably what resulted in his unsustainable petition, he said. He ordered Vincent to pay for Guys costs. Culture Wars Come to Ontario Law Society Election The Law Society of Ontario has lost its way, writes Murray Klippenstein. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) In the run-up to the Ontario law societys election in April, a group of lawyers is taking a stand against what they say is the regulators imposition of woke ideology on its members in the form of equity and diversity initiatives. Lawyers and judgesthe latter of whom are former lawyersshould be a bastion of impartiality, says one candidate running in the unusually contentious Law Society of Ontario (LSO) bencher election on April 28. The legal profession is supposed to be the last line of defence against state overreach and tyranny, lawyer Lisa Bildy of London, Ontario, told The Epoch Times. [In the long term], the judiciary will also absorb this ethos and such that the prospect of coming before a neutral arbiter in the courts becomes less sure. Benchers are elected LSO members who serve on the societys decision-making body, known as Convocation. Before the last LSO bencher election, in 2019, these contests were fairly ho-hum. But the regulator passed a motion in 2016 to require all lawyersas a condition of being allowed to practiseto sign a diversity and equity statement of principles (SOP). For the first time in bencher election history, a large slate of lawyers ran together in 2019 on a contentious political issue. They called themselves StopSOP. And they won, taking 22 of the 40 seats. With bencher elections taking place every four years, the next is due this April, and for the first time ever it now has two opposing groupsthe other side was fragmented in 2019 but has since formed into a unified Good Governance Coalition. This years election not only has the SOP issue at its centre, but seemingly a whole parcel of issues connected to what Bildy calls the culture wars of today. Bigger Than the SOP This years iteration of StopSOP is calling itself FullStop. Our goals are more broadly to rid the Law Society of its politicization, Bildy said. The Good Governance Coalition has said it will not bring back the SOP. But FullStop candidates say its no longer only about SOP. Ottawa lawyer Stephane Serafin, a FullStop candidate, told The Epoch Times via email that Good Governance candidates forcefully opposed the repeal of the SOP, showing their commitment to it. They could bring it back in a different form, he said, but even if they dont, the LSO still has the power to discipline members for failing to comply with woke ideology. Serafin believes Good Governance candidates cant be trusted with that power. A slew of cases have made headlines in recent months regarding professional regulators disciplining their members over public statements, including social media posts, on controversial topics. Bildy and Serafin said theyre wary of their own regulator following suit. Serafin said hes only aware of one similar case in the LSO so far. A paralegal candidate narrowly avoided being refused licensing over Facebook posts critical of mask mandates and Black Lives Matter, because she had expressed regret, he said. The posts had put into question whether she was of good character. The suggestion that it is a potential breach of the rules of professional conduct to make posts such as these (even in the absence of a Statement of Principles!) is chilling, to say the least, he said. Candidates Running Against FullStop The Epoch Times reached out to many of the 45 Good Governance candidates but none accepted a request to be interviewed. One of the groups incumbent candidates, Atrisha Lewis, sent a statement saying Good Governance candidates will take our fiduciary responsibility seriously. Thats what a $100 million organization responsible for regulating lawyers and paralegals in the public interest requires. Lewis said in an op-ed for Canadian Lawyer magazine in March that her experience as a racialized lawyer has shown her that both direct and indirect discrimination exists. She said characterizations of equity initiatives as wokeism and regressive identity politics are truly shocking to me. She said the StopSOP slate was successful partly because opposition votes were split among over 100 non-slate candidates. Thats why the Good Governance Coalition formed this year, to avoid vote-splitting. I dont believe political parties belong at Convocation. I want to work with colleagues who are leaders in the bar and whom I respect. There are many important issues to be debated, Lewis wrote. Another Good Governance candidate, Rebecca Duran, said via email, We have different opinions on different matters as a result of our experiences. That being said, we are all committed to discharging the bencher role in accordance with fiduciary duties. None of us will be resurrecting the Statement of Principles. When asked to comment on lawyer Bruce Pardys statement in a recent National Post op-ed that the SOP was only one small part of an aggressive political agenda that remains in place, Duran said only, I respectfully disagree with Mr. Pardys opinions. Pardy, a law professor at Queens University, LSO member, and part of the FullStop team, wrote that the regulator is set on establishing ideological requirements to maintain our licences and livelihoods. Incorporating the substance of the SOP into the rules of professional conduct, tracking and publishing the racial makeup of each firm over 25 lawyers, and requiring licensees to take compulsory re-education programs in EDI [equity, diversity, inclusiveness] are among the many items waiting to be reactivated by a big-governance coalition of establishment benchers who hope to retake the law society in this springs election, Pardy wrote. LSO Equity Initiatives The Statement of Principles was number three on a list of 13 items the Law Society enacted in 2016. Pardy referred to some of the others, and there are many similar measures in the works, including amending rules of professional conduct requiring members to acknowledge their obligation to promote equality, diversity and inclusion, developing policies to address the challenges faced by racialized licensees, and a requirement for law firms with 25 lawyers or more to submit demographic data to facilitate measuring progress. Bildy said that even though the big governance slate says they are not bringing back the SOP, they have not disavowed the many other politicizing initiatives that were passed at the same time. (Big governance is the name FullStop uses to refer to Good Governance.) Toronto lawyer Alexander Boissonneau-Lehner, who is a member of the electorate, not a candidate, was among those who signed the SOP reluctantly. I dont want any problems. Ill check the box, was his approach, he said. I personally believe that diversity is a good thing, but I did think it was kind of untoward that the Law Society would require me to click that box, to commit to that. I thought that was a little much. He told The Epoch Times hes worried that our Convocation is infused now with ideological politics on both sides. I dont think its in the public interest for Convocation to engage in political debates, and I think they should return to the original mandate, which is just regulate the profession in the public interest, he said. Serafin, who is a professor at a Canadian law school, said that even if the LSO were to remain free of these ideological debates, the law schools are not free of those debates and will influence the next generation of lawyers. He said his law school has adopted its own version of the SOP, which remains in effect and is supposed to bind law students. The problem of ideological capture is in many ways worse in law schools than at the Law Society. Much of it is because there is no equivalent group to FullStop that can push back, he said. Bildy agrees. Our law schools are also becoming increasingly focused on social justice and equity notions, rather than classical liberal and foundational tenets of (blind) justice and equality, she said, adding that students are often not exposed to competing ideas. Critical thinking in universities generally is being punished rather than developed as a necessary skill. Detransitioned Teen Girl Sues Kaiser Permanente Over Gender Transition Gone Wrong A detransitioned teen is suing Kaiser Permanente hospital because doctors removed her breasts during her transgender procedure. Layla Jane is an 18-year-old woman who began to identify as transgender at age 11. Jane, at the time, wanted to transition to a male. Initially, doctors at Kaiser denied her any transition hormones, saying she could take them after turning 16. However, doctors changed their minds, approved her request, and performed a double mastectomy when she was 13. Jane wrote on Twitter, Mind boggling to me that a doctor signed off on a double mastectomy for me before I took a sex ed course. I barely started 8th grade, I was 13. Chloe Cole participates in a demonstration in Anaheim, Calif., on Oct. 8, 2022. (Brad Jones/The Epoch Times) In the letter of intent to sue (pdf), her attorneys at LiMandri and Jonna LLP accused the doctors of approving the breast-removal surgery without performing an adequate evaluation and treatment of Laylas extensive mental health co-morbidities. According to the letter, Jane suffers from anxiety, depression, pubertal struggles, body dysmorphia, and serious self-image concerns. These doctors also pushed Layla and her parents down this transition path engaging in intentional, malicious, and oppressive concealment of important information and false representations, the letter states. The lawsuit demands unspecified amounts of pay for damages related to her health issues during her transition period from ages 12 to 17. The case listed Jane as suffering from permanent, irreversible mutilation, an induced state of endocrine disease, an increased risk of being infertile, and the fact that she would never be able to breastfeed a child. During an appearance on Fox News with her attorney, Harmeet Dhillon, Jane said, I dont think Im better off for the experience, and I think transition just completely added fuel to the fire that was my pre-existing conditions. In a statement to DailyMail, Kaiser said that its doctors practice compassionate, evidence-based medicine founded on sound research and best medical practices. When adolescent patients, with parental support, seek gender-affirming care, the patients care team carefully evaluates their treatment options, Kaiser spokesman Marc Brown said. The care decisions always rest with the patient and their parents, and, in every case, we respect the patients and their families informed decisions about their personal health. The Epoch Times reached out to Kaiser for comment. Chloe Cole, 18, is another young woman who detransitioned and filed a lawsuit against the hospital giant. She was prescribed puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones and had her breasts removed when she was 15. She says she regrets getting the procedures done. The adults who were supposed to take care of and guide me as a child failed to do so, and they will take responsibility for it, Cole told The Epoch Times on Nov. 11. My parents were sold a lie just like I was. Coles parents supported their daughter during a demonstration in Anaheim, California, last Fall. Cole recently expressed her frustration and continued pain after her procedures. At this point, Im far from whole. Im far from healed. Im still processing and dealing with what I went through, Cole told Fox News Digital in an interview. Ive lost all my trust in my health care provider and possibly even health care, she said. Its not loving to lie to a child. It is not loving to disrupt a childs natural, healthy development or to encourage them to do so, she said. Cole reported that the double mastectomy procedure causes fluid to leak. They use skin grafts as part of it. Two years after the surgery, I thought the healing was going fairly well save for the grafts being slightly dry on the surface. But they started to leak fluid, and Ive had to start wearing bandages over them again, Cole said during the Fox News interview. Last summer Cole testified on Californias State Senate Judiciary Committee against a bill that would make the state a sanctuary for gender surgeries. Im afraid that my generation and the generation, the generations following mine, are going to be led to led astray down the same path that I was on. It is not loving to lie to a child. It is not loving to disrupt a childs healthy natural development. Or to encourage them to do so, she said during an interview. I stayed quiet about it for a little while . But at the same time, I was also speaking to other people who regretted their transactions and people who were harmed medically. Cole continued, And seeing how these people were suffering, how a lot of them had all the same struggles that I did and some even worse offI realized that this is this experience is a lot more common than previously thought. And not everybody in the situation feels that theyre able to speak up. And thats a large part of what motivates me to speak out. Federal Agency Issues Public Safety Alert Warning on Flesh-Eating Tranquilizer A driver is seen handing drugs over to a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) official in a file photo. (Patrick Fallon/AFP via Getty Images) The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued a warning Monday about a nationwide increase in fentanyl containing a tranquilizer that can lead to amputation and has caused a spike in fatal overdoses. The agency said that it discovered fentanyl mixed with xylazine, sometimes called tranq, in 48 out of 50 states last year. It said that in 2022, 23 percent of fentanyl powderitself a highly addictive substance that has caused a surge in overdoses in recent yearscontained xylazine, while 7 percent of fentanyl pills contained the tranquilizer. Xylazine and fentanyl drug mixtures place users at a higher risk of suffering a fatal drug poisoning, said the DEA in a public safety alert. Because xylazine is not an opioid, naloxone (Narcan) does not reverse its effects. Still, experts always recommend administering naloxone if someone might be suffering a drug poisoning. Media reports about xylazine have said that causes its users to develop a zombie-like appearance due to its sedative effect, while it can cause necrotic skin wounds that lead to tissue death or even amputation in some cases. A warning issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said that repeated exposure to the tranquilizerwhich is used only for animals, not humanscan lead to severe necrotic ulcerations. People who inject drug mixtures containing xylazine also can develop severe wounds, including necrosisthe rotting of human tissuethat may lead to amputation, the DEA noted Monday. Figures released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that from August 2021 to August 2022, about 107,735 Americans died from drug overdoses. Some 66 percent of those overdoses were attributed to opioids like fentanyl, said the DEA. The Sinaloa Cartel and Jalisco Cartel in Mexico, using chemicals largely sourced from China, are primarily responsible for the vast majority of the fentanyl that is being trafficked in communities across the United States, the agency said. The animal tranquilizer isnt a controlled substance under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act and isnt approved by the FDA for human use. Health officials say that it is a central nervous system depressant that can cause drowsiness, slow breathing, slower heart rate, and can bring an individuals blood pressure down to very low levels. Some members of Congress have signaled making xylazine a controlled substance via legislation, while the DEA has reportedly started its internal rulemaking process to consider making it a scheduled drug. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said he would work to curb xylazine-related drug overdoses in his state, including telling the FDA to track down major sources of xylazine. Its a terrifying drug, Schumer told local media. These evil drug traffickers who are always figuring out ways to hurt our kids and our people have figured out that when you lace xylazine with fentanyl or heroin or some other drug, the high is even greater. Earlier this month, the FDA confirmed that it moved to restrict the illicit importation of the animal tranquilizer, while allowing veterinarians to continue to legitimately use it. It is often used in tandem with the dissociative anesthetic drug ketaminealso a drug that has been illegally used in clubs for decadesto sedate dogs, cats, horses, deer, and other animals. It has been identified as a contaminant found in combination with opioids such as illicit fentanyl and in combination with other illicit products that contain stimulants such as methamphetamine and cocaine, the FDA said in a statement. While xylazine is not an opioid, it is dangerous because it can depress breathing, blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature to critical levels, the agency added. Additionally, people who inject drugs containing xylazine can develop severe skin wounds and patches of dead and rotting tissue that easily become infected and, if left untreated, may lead to amputation. In a recent report (pdf), the DEA said that xylazine is cheap and is used as an adulterant to increase the profit for heroin and fentanyl traffickers and dealers. A number of drug users may not be aware that the tranquilizer is being added, the DEA said, although it noted that some users will actively seek out the drug. A kilogram of xylazine powder can be purchased online from Chinese suppliers with common prices ranging from $6-$20 U.S. dollars per kilogram, the report said. Fighting Donorism: Will DeSantis Fall Behind Ramaswamy? Commentary The question Will Ron DeSantis soon fall behind Vivek Ramaswamy? may be prematurefor nowbut former President Donald Trump is already using that possibility in a Truth Social posting that taunts the Florida governor. (DeSantiss criticism of the potential Alvin Bragg indictment of Trump over the Stormy Daniels payment, it should be noted, was less than full-throated.) Ron DeSanctimonious is dropping in the Polls so fast that he soon may be falling behind young Vivek Ramaswamy, the former president wrote, adding later, Nothing good happens when you are a disciple of Super RINO Paul Ryan. Speaking of Ramaswamy, as it happens, I spent the better part of two days last weekend motoring around South Carolina with the man his own press releases call an outsider candidate. I had never met him before. I had opinions about what to expect. Some were right and some were wrong. I knew he was wicked smart from spontaneous speeches. I had seen him on television and knew that he had made a fortune as a biotech entrepreneur. The former proved to be true. This is a man who can bang out a detailed Wall Street Journal op-ed on his laptop about the Federal Reserves destructive free market meddling in what seemed to be less than five minutes, while riding along in an SUV, simultaneously talking on the phone to a university professor and carrying on a conversation with the four other people in the car, and have the article be first rate. I knowI watched it happen. Ramaswamy told me, I love writing. Already a best-selling authorby himself, for onceI dont think hes going to need speech writers. He also apparently has little use for professional political strategists, those overpaid adjuncts to major campaigns that often end up dictating what candidates should sayand usually, out of fear for their jobs, guiding those candidates to the most conventional, safe, and therefore unproductive decisions. Of course, to have a successful campaign does involve all sorts of planning, publicityhe already has a good publicistand so forth, so you do have to have a genuine, functioning apparatus, but its clear that Ramaswamy wants to run his own campaign, drawing from the expertise of others but not being guided by it. As for that fortune, I never asked Vivek his net worth. My grandmother told me that was bad manners. But like the bulk of humanity, I am connected to our friendly enemy, the internet, where at least one site (Forbes) claims he is worth $600 million from his entrepreneurialism (attempting to cure Alzheimers, no less, other diseases as well). That should be more than sufficient to get at least a good distance into self-financing a presidential campaign, even in these days of outlandish costs. Nevertheless, according to a March 21 statement from his campaign, hes doing well on the fundraising front, stating, interestingly, Nearly a third of Vivek 2024 reported donors are new or first-time digital political donors. Ramaswamy has been deliberately asking for support at much lower numbers, even $1, than the typical candidate. This prompted me to ask him about something many have found both disturbing and ironic in our culture. We have come to a point where it seemed you had to be someone of significant wealth, a billionaire or near, such as Ramaswamy or Trump, in order to have the courage unabashedly to speak the truth as you saw it, especially on the political stage, but other places as well (See: Elon Musk). It was only those candidates with their own dough-re-mi that couldnt be touched, were free of the influence and vetoes of donors, who had become effectively a class of their own, a donor class, practically the dominant ruling class in America that worked through the Democratic Party and the more traditional wing of the Republican, aka the Uniparty. This made their candidates prey to what Ramaswamy called, in a spur-of-the-moment neologism when we were talkingdonorism. He realized, and its obvious that Trump also realized from his recent Truth post, that this reliance on the donor class was a criticism that could be leveled against DeSantis. The Florida governor has been reported to have been meeting with the wealthy establishment supporters of the Bush family who look askance, to put it mildly, on Trump and probably soon will be on Ramaswamy as well, if they arent already. Although he is plunging ahead with his candidacy, Ramaswamy told me he was personally disturbed that only the mega-rich were free of excessive donor influence. Indeed, it keeps him up at night, he said. He was looking for alternatives and had studied one recommendation that every citizen be given a stipend to contribute to the campaign of their choice, but finally rejected the idea. The rap against Ramaswamy, I had been told by people who are veterans of many campaigns, is that hes perhaps too smart, spoke too quickly, for hoi polloi (the Republican masses) to spark to him. They also said he was too young, unseasoned. He should bide his time. Although Im twice his age (hes 37), that second argument means little to me. Who cares? I agree with Ramaswamy. We have been and should be again a meritocracy. Forget age. The Founding Fathers, with the exception of Benjamin Franklin (70), were the same or even younger than Vivek at the beginnings of our republic. Alexander Hamilton was 21 when he signed the Declaration of Independence and Thomas Jefferson was 33 when he penned it. Sorry, Vivek. Youre too old. (Kidding, obviously.) That first criticism, basically an anti-intellectual argument against him, ironically came from people whom I often considered snobbish or elitist themselves, but still I suspect it might contain a kernel of truth. Occasionally, I had watched Ramaswamy rattle off facts on television with the rapidity, ease, and, possibly off-putting for voters, confidence of a Jeopardy winner. Wrong, again. Meeting him in person and, equally, if not more, importantly, watching him interact with many people from party regulars at a Charleston Republican convention to parishioners at a black church in Manning, South Carolina, this man is indeed whats known as a people person. His interest in others didnt appearas it does so often with politiciansto be manufactured. He genuinely wanted to know what everyone thought and enjoyed interacting. He thrived on it. I saw this notably at the Rock Hill Missionary Baptist Church that wasnt entirely blackthere was a handful of whites presentalthough the service had the usual gospel-bluesy accompaniment associated with the black church. Ramaswamy gave a spontaneous speech that didnt pander to anybodyno phony Southern accent a la Hillary; in fact, it contained a reference to French mathematician/philosopher Blaise Pascalbut demonstrated a deep religious feeling that drew a warm and emotional response from his audience. The pastor, Rev. Leon Winn, had already told Ramaswamy that, if he ran, the other side for once couldnt accuse the Republican candidate, an Indian American, of being a racist. (I liked the reverendwho described himself as the only black Republican pastor in that part of South Carolinabut doubted that. The Los Angeles Times was perfectly able to call the black Larry Elder a white supremacist when he ran for California governor.) Regarding Trumps taunt, he may be correct that Vivek constitutes a greater threat to DeSantis than he does to him. Ramaswamy has positioned himself, to some degree, as more MAGA than Trump, calling for the complete dismantling of the FBI and the use of our military to annihilate the Mexican drug cartels. (Both seem to want to do away with a number of government agencies.) No doubt he will be providing more details as the campaign progresses. Presumably, he would replace the FBI with something more responsive to the public and less inclined to spy on us. We desperately need it. But the fight against pernicious donorism and all it implies for our country may, in the end, be a better lane, to use that recent term of political art, for the outsider candidate. I departed from Ramaswamy on that Sunday afternoon with regret. Besides the obvious degree to which hes elevating discussion in our politics, he was definitely a fun guy to hang with. But he was off to spend some cherished family time with his 3-year-old and 8-month-old children and his wife, Apoorva, herself a distinguished laryngologist and cancer specialist. Its a heady family. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Finland and NATO: Into a Deeper Escalation in Europe Commentary In his recent speech in Warsaw, U.S. President Joe Biden stated that one of the consequences of Russias recent actions in Ukraine was that neighboring Finland applied to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO. Now this has become a reality, after the Finnish parliament voted in favor of NATO membership with an overwhelming majority of 184 to 7. The only part currently missing from the official application for full membership in the alliance is the signature of President Sauli Niinisto, which he has promised to provide. After that, full membership of Finland requires only ratification by two remaining NATO countries who have not yet done it: Turkey and Hungary. In this article, I will discuss the current geopolitical position of Finland. I will also discuss why Finlands full membership of NATO is likely to lead to an escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian war and possibly even to a wider European war. The nature of NATO has been changing during the Russo-Ukrainian war, which has also been acknowledged by its leadership. On Feb. 15, Jens Stoltenberg, the secretary general of NATO, stated that its now important to ensure that Ukraine defeats Russia militarily. Stoltenberg effectively stated what many of us following the Russo-Ukrainian war closely have known for months. NATO is committed to a proxy-war against Russia by supporting Ukraine with funds, arms, operational intelligence, heavy weaponry, and volunteers. This view is also now shared by the Kremlin, as recently stated by President Vladimir Putin. Theres no indication that those in Finland supporting efforts to rapidly join the military alliance have given any attention to this. Any such discussions have apparently been held in confidential surroundings. To the public at large, membership has been marketed as an opportunity to unquestionably and simply enhance Finlands security. The very modest domestic discussion on possible preconditions indicates a lack of willingness to formally commit to any constraints on what the alliance may place at or do along the (long) FinnishRussian border. Given that NATO at least temporarily appears to have evolved into an offensive alliance, the concrete implications of Finlands NATO membership have evolved too. Russia has repeatedly indicated that it doesnt welcome NATO at its borders and refers to this as a reason for the Ukraine war. If Finnish politicians as well as NATO members are interested in reducing the likelihood of Finland becoming an object of particular military interest to Russia, the implications and desirable constraints of Finlands positions should now finally be made clear. After all, one would assume that Finland and NATO certainly wouldnt want Finlands membership in NATO to become a major point of escalation in the tensions brewing between the alliance and Russia. From Neutrality to Escalation Finland and Russia have a long, somewhat complicated but also prosperous, joint history. Finland was part of the Swedish Empire for over 500 years, until Russia finally took the whole of Finland from Sweden, effectively ending her empire in 1809. Finland became a rapidly developing autonomous Grand Duchy of the Russian Empire. Finland got her own currency, the markka, in 1860, which basically started the long process toward Finlands independence, which was declared on Dec. 6, 1917. Finland gained her independence as a result of the Socialist revolution in Russia, with the hope of the leader of the revolution, Vladimir Lenin, that Finland would soon find her way to socialism by herself. In Finlands civil war, which erupted shortly after the declaration of independence, Russia did support the Reds, consisting of the industrial and agrarian populace, against the middle- and upper-class Whites. The war ended with a victory for the Whites on May 15, 1918. This marked the beginning of a somewhat uneasy coexistence between Finland and Soviet Russia, temporarily interrupted by two wars. The two wars between Finland and the Soviet Union were a reflection of the wider World War II. The Winter War was largely bilateral, caused by territorial claims of the then-leader of the Soviet Union, Joseph Stalin, and the secret amendment of the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact placing Finland under the Soviet sphere of influence. The Continuation War was fought alongside Nazi Germany in an effort to reclaim territories lost in the Winter War. Finland actually had very little choice under the constraints created by the ongoing European war. There was a constant threat of a Soviet invasion, and Finland held the largest known nickel deposit in Europe in Petsamo, the northern arm of Finland, which both Hitler and Stalin sought to command. It thus had to either join forces with Germany or face a possible new Soviet invasion. The wars resulted in the loss of around 12 percent of Finlands territory, including Petsamo. The Moscow Armistice, signed on Sept. 19, 1944, marked the beginning of a period of eight decades during which Finland has, until now, generally chosen to remain neutral in geopolitical matters. The Agreement of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance, or YYA, signed on April 6, 1948, cemented Finlands position. It agreed to remain outside alliances and to treat Germany or any of its allies threatening Russia (the Soviet Union) through its territory as an enemy and defend itself as an independent nation. The agreement kept Finland outside the Warsaw Pact and also initially outside Western organizations. Presidents Juho Paasikivi and Urho Kekkonen formulated a policy line of passive neutrality called the PaasikiviKekkonen doctrine in the 1950s. While the Paris Peace Treaty limited the size of Finlands military for some time after World War II, Finland systematically built up her army to be able to counter any further Soviet Union aggression. The policy was a great success, with Finland strengthening its independence while trade with the Soviet Union, whose international trade was heavily sanctioned by several Western governments, grew rapidly, feeding Finlands economic growth. Its military policy was aimed at creating a credible threat to counter or at least inflict heavy damage on any Soviet (or other) aggression. The PaasikiviKekkonen doctrine made possible a peaceful and prosperous co-existence with the Soviet Union. Finland is one of the crucial pieces in the pan-European security structure, with a 1,340 km border with Russia. When Finland now apparently ends her close to 80-year-old policy of neutrality, it will, most likely, have consequences for all of Europe. It will most likely be seen by Russia as another act of major escalation by NATO. Russian leadership will probably feel threatened by the increase in the number of countries in Europe unwilling to consider its perceived national security needs. Finland can now, unless it applies some visible brakes, be seen as a newly revealed enemy of Russia, its future credibility compromised, committed to taking part in NATOs external policies, which have been turning increasingly hostile toward Russia. Finland Is an Asset NATO Wants The extent to which Finlands territory may be available for permanent future NATO military assets is presently quite unclear to probably everybody in the country. However, Putin has already made clear that Russia will respond if NATO military assets are placed in Finland (or Sweden). The president and the defense minister of Finland have suggested that nuclear weapons or permanent bases might not be immediately required or desired. However, no formal decisions have been made. As a full member of NATO, Finland will surely be expected to support war operations in Ukraine more actively. If the conflict between NATO and Russia escalates further, the risk of military incursions and a nuclear attack by Russia on Finland will also rise accordingly. A common claim in Finland has been that the nuclear shield of NATO members would prevent any attacks. This view, however, doesnt consider the fact that a full-scale war between NATO and Russia (and China) is now a real possibility, which would make Finland a key frontline state. There would probably be a lesser risk for Finland if it werent a full member of NATO. Using (limited) Russian resources to defeat one of the strongest armies in Europe, not posing a direct threat, would be simply foolish. Moreover, in a region where NATO is increasingly activethe Baltic Sea and ScandinaviaFinland holds a strategically important position due to geography and its sizable army. We can thus safely assume that if a bilateral war between Finland and Russia does ignite for some reason, NATO would be very likely to provide Finland with all the assistance it needs regardless of membership (c.f. Ukraine). Finland definitely is an asset NATO wants. As Max Bergmann and Sophia Besch report in Foreign Affairs, European forces are in worse shape than previously thought, and many nations have depleted their stockpiles of weapons to assist Ukraine, including the UK. This, quite straightforwardly, implies that the relative weight of Finland in NATOs European security structure has increased, likely dramatically. Now, if NATO seriously intends to weaken Russia militarily, which seems to be the case in Ukraine, using Finland as a buffer could prove very attractive to NATO planners. Indeed, should Ukraine lose its war, as seems increasingly likely, NATO might wish to increase military pressure elsewhere. This could be done by, for instance, establishing new bases containing strategic long-distance armaments along the Russian border, in practice Finland and Poland, which have national armies still able to defend their own territories. This, as warned by Putin, would force Russia to act. Theres No Fate but that Which We Create Recently, Fiona Hill and Angela Stent argued in Foreign Affairs that the victory of Russia in Ukraine would pose a direct threat to the Baltic States and Finland. However, its difficult to see how a possible Russian victory in Ukraine would change the concrete security situation of Finland (I cant take any stance on Poland or the Baltics). While Russia has been building up its military during the Putin presidency, its still no match for the relative military power of the Soviet Union. The assumption that Russia would choose to establish a security zone in Finland through military aggression is simply not credible. Finlands well-trained and well-equipped army would be very costly to eliminate. The Finnish population would very actively oppose occupation, increasing the cost of managing a mandatory buffer zone. Any such zone would therefore have to be based on voluntary neutrality by the Finnish state, which has been the case until now. The other threat Hill and Stent present, namely subversion to favor Russia, is also quite unrealistic. While one can imagine extreme theoretical scenarios, where a large portion of Finns could resort to a widespread revolt, the risk of an actual Russian-led coup in Finland is essentially zero. Finlands society is one of the most stable in the world and it has over time grown very resilient to Russian influence, which, again, is minuscule compared to that encountered during the Soviet era. The arguments of Hill and Stent of even an indirect threat to Finland from the Ukrainian conflict seem unfounded. However, joining an alliance engaged in a proxy-war against Finlands eastern neighbor (Russia) would naturally change things radically, as it would immediately become a party in an ongoing war. A much more relevant question is, what will happen to NATOs ability to provide a security guarantee for Finland and others if Russia isnt defeated in Ukraine as the NATO leadership so fervently wishes to do? In the worst case, Ukraine will become the country that breaks the credibility of NATO. In that case, NATO membership could actually become a serious new security concern for Finland. Finland Joins a (Proxy-) War, but at What Cost? Fear has seldom been a good ally to important decisions, but thats what both the mainstream media and the political leadership in Finland have fomented. The fear of a Russian military threat has become important in opinion polls, which have seen a majority of the populace turning to support membership of NATO for the first time ever. However, the level of popular support isnt unequivocally established. There was no referendum held on NATO membership, even though Niinisto stated, for example on 4 Feb. 2022, that the question of NATO membership is so fundamental that the people need to be heard. The favorite quote of Paasikivi, who was the mastermind behind the YYA -agreement, was, The beginning of all wisdom is acknowledgment of facts (attributed to English historian Thomas Carlyle). If this had been the guiding principle among EU and NATO leaders concerning Ukraine, we would probably not be on the brink of yet another all-European war. Russian leadership has made clear, time and time again, that Ukraine is the red line. These warnings were analyzed thoroughly by John J. Mearsheimer in Foreign Affairs in October 2014. For example, Mearsheimer reported that Alexander Grushko, Russias former deputy foreign minister, stated in 2008 that Georgias and Ukraines membership in the alliance is a huge strategic mistake which would have [the] most serious consequences for pan-European security. One Russian newspaper reported that when Putin and President George W. Bush met, Putin hinted that if Ukraine was accepted into NATO, it would cease to exist. These were clear warnings, indicating that Ukraine was an integral part of the security concept bezopasnost (directly) translated as the absence of threat, as understood by the Kremlin. Moreover, in 2021, George Robertson, a former British Labour Party defense secretary who led NATO between 1999 and 2003, stated in an interview that in the first meeting with Putin, it became clear that they [Russia] wanted to be part of that secure, stable prosperous west [Western Europe] that Russia was out of at the time. Such views were monitored closely in Finland, where the economic and societal ties with Russia grew stronger. Naturally, the unusual openness of Russia was taken with a grain of salt, as Finns knew very well how fast the mood could change in the Kremlin. Yet, the Finnish political elite has, at least until now, understood that an integrated Russia is a much safer neighbor than a nationalistic and isolated Russia, and that Finland has a major role in that integration. Still, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Finland took the opportunity of her newborn freedom to join the Partnership for Peace program of NATO in 1994. After the annexation of Crimea in 2014, Finland and NATO signed a memorandum of understanding, which allowed for joint military exercises on Finnish soil and made it possible to accept assistance from NATO in disasters, disruptions, and threats to security. These were clear steps toward a NATO membership, but Finland remained a neutral country, which was a stance in the geopolitical theater widely supported by the general populace. That stance is now changing in a profound manner, which could have serious consequences for the whole of Europe and possibly the world. Possible scenarios of what NATO membership could mean for Finland, and Europe, were virtually absent from the public discussion before the parliamentary vote. It even remains unclear whether the Finnish leadership truly comprehended what it is likely to be committing to as a full member of NATO. Be that as it may, the proposal by the government of Prime Minister Sanna Marin, accepted by the Finnish Parliament, didnt even mention that NATO is engaged in a proxy-war against Russia, much less analyze what this implies for Finland now or in the near future. Transparency was avoided, very effectively, even though Finland will be having parliamentary elections on April 2. The question that now faces us is, what does NATO want? If they want an outright war with Russia, Finland as a full member may bring just that. If they want peace, Ukraine and Finland should remain neutral. Has the die already been cast? The author wishes to thank Dr. Peter Nyberg and an anonymous Constitutional law-office for their comments and suggestions. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. The cause of a two-alarm blaze Monday night in outdoor piles containing construction debris at a business not far from Buffalo Central Terminal appears to be suspicious, Buffalo fire officials said Tuesday. Firefighters responded to H&R Construction Equipment Parts, 20 Milburn St., at about 9:20 p.m., Fire Commissioner William Renaldo said at a press briefing Tuesday. The fire which a department spokesman described as "large" and "difficult to reach" also involved tires and other materials and was about 1,000 yards from the Central Terminal. Hydrants in the area were considered "low volume," meaning they provide water at a slower rate than elsewhere in the city, the commissioner said. Firefighters had to relay water "a considerable distance," he added. They used aerial ladders to reach the fire. Firefighters were called back to the scene shortly after 9 a.m. Tuesday as the pile was smoldering, Renaldo said. The commissioner said the business on Tuesday afternoon was using construction equipment to break apart the pile in order to give firefighters better access to what is burning. "That operation is still ongoing," he said. While investigators are still working to determine the cause of the blaze, they have ruled it to be suspicious in nature, Renaldo added. Damage was estimated at $50,000. Former US Rep. John Jenrette, Jailed in Abscam Scandal, Dies at 86 Rep. John Jenrette (D-S.C.) (R), accompanied by his lawyer Kenneth Robinson, walk outside the house Ethics Committee room in Washington on Dec. 10, 1980. (John Duricka/AP Photo) CONWAY, S.C.Former U.S. Rep. John Jenrette, who was convicted in the Abscam bribery scandal in the late 1970s, has died. He was 86. Jenrette, who had been in declining health, died Friday, according to his obituary from Goldfinch Funeral Home in Conway, South Carolina. Jenrette served three terms as a Democrat in the U.S. House, and while his crime and escapades received the most attention, he also was known for securing federal help for his mostly rural district, including aid to tobacco and other types of farmers and a new bridge in Georgetown tall enough to allow ships to easily pass. Jenrette was elected to the U.S. House in 1974, knocking off the incumbent Republican in the wake of the Watergate scandal. Democratic leaders respected Jenrette and his ability to accomplish things. There was talk of leadership positions. But his splashy, outspoken nature would be his downfall. A FBI informant approached Jenrette and other congressional members in the late 1970s, offering bribes if they would help pass immigration bills to help get into the country foreigners who wanted to run casinos in the United States. Ive got larceny in my blood, Jenrette said on the grainy video as the FBI, for the first time in the agencys history, taped politicians taking bribes. Jenrette said he was drunk when he took the $50,000 bribe. He was convicted and served 13 months of a two-year prison sentence. He resigned from the U.S. House in 1980 just before his term ended. Even with all the news about the bribery scandal, Jenrette nearly won reelection. The book Capitol Steps and Missteps: The Wild, Improbable Ride of Congressman John Jenrette by John Clark and Cookie Miller VanSice detailed his life. Both were former aides. They chronicled Jenrettes productive life after prison, where he helped tobacco companies sell cigarettes in Eastern Europe after the fall of communism, bred horses in Bulgaria, and bought and sold land in Myrtle Beach, eventually settling into a beachfront home with his third wife, Rosemary. Greens Seek to Legislate Ambulance Response Times Ambulances arrive at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney, Australia on December 28, 2021. (Photo by Jenny Evans/Getty Images) The South Australian parliament will be asked to legislate ambulance response times and require the government to report against those targets under a bill proposed by the South Australian Greens. The legislation will be introduced this week amid ongoing ramping issues outside Adelaides major hospitals. Ending the ramping crisis was the centrepiece of Labors election campaign, yet one year on ambulances are still spending far too long stuck outside hospitals, Greens SA health spokesperson Robert Simms said. Without clear, legislated targets its impossible to measure success and ensure that our health system is getting the resources it needs. The targets in the Greens bill are based on those stated in the South Australian Ambulance Services annual report. They include responding to priority one cases within eight minutes 60 percent of the time and to priority two cases within 16 minutes 95 percent of the time. The bill will require the health minister to publicly report each month to parliament and online on the performance against those targets and on what measures are being taken to achieve them. The minister must also immediately advise the public when the ambulance service is running at capacity. Simms said the Labor government and the previous Liberal government had not met the stated targets in recent years. But on Monday, Health Minister Chris Picton said the latest SA Ambulance data showed that inroads were being made into improving response times. Picton said there had been a rise in meeting priority one response times from 47 percent in January 2022 to 63 percent last month, above the stated target. Priority two response times were also met in 53 per cent of cases last month, compared with 36 percent at the beginning of last year. In its efforts to cut ramping, the government has also pointed to its moves to hire an extra 350 ambulance officers, bring on more ambulances, build new ambulance stations and upgrade others, and establish a new headquarters for the ambulance service. Gun Suspect Prompts Lockdown on Huntington Beach College Campus HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.Golden West College officials locked down the campus in Huntington Beach March 20 as police searched for a possible gunman, but no threat was found. The lockdown began at 12:49 p.m. and was lifted at 1:22 p.m. when police determined the suspect was no longer on campus, said Golden West College spokeswoman Andrea Rangno. College officials have been working on updating safety protocols following a pair of recent public safety issues, so educators and employees were given the option this week to work remotely, Rangno said. Some in-person classes were also shifted to remote. On March 9, two students said someone showed a gun to them on campus, Rangno said. The students went home and told their families, who called the college campus safety department, Rangno said. Police were called to the campus Monday when someone reported seeing a man matching that persons description, Rangno said. We were trying to be very cautious given how on edge we were, Rangno said of the lockdown decision. Earlier this month, a former employee who had been harassing current employees and faculty popped up on campus, which upset some employees, Rangno said. Next week, the college is on spring break so there will be no classes, Rangno said. Haley Defends Trump as 2024 GOP Rival Faces Possible Arrest Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley speaks to guests at the Republican Jewish Coalition Annual Leadership Meeting in Las Vegas, Nev., on Nov. 19, 2022. (Scott OlsonGetty Images) Nikki Haley, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, came out in defense of her primary opponent, former President Donald Trump, amid reports Trump may be arrested and charged by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs office. Over the weekend, Trump said he had learned Braggs office would bring charges against him. The charges could stem from a $130,000 payment Trump allegedly facilitated to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in 2016 to stop her from going public with claims they had an affair. Legal scholar Jonathan Turley has said Braggs office may argue the payment should have been classified as a campaign expense but was wrongly classified as a business expense by the Trump organization, in violation of Section 175 of New York law, which can classify the falsification of business records as a Class E felony. Trump predicted he could be formally charged by Tuesday, March 31. In an interview with Fox News on Monday, they said, Right now, its rumor. And I certainly hope its not the case. I guess we will find out tomorrow. Braggs office has yet to announce any charges. Haley, who served as Governor of South Carolina and then as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations under Trump, said, From everything I have seen from this New York district attorney is that this would be something hed be doing for political points. And I think what we know is, when you get into political prosecutions like this, its more about revenge than it is about justice. The Manhattan DAs Offices investigation into the Stormy Daniels payment predates Bragg. In a November 2020 interview with CBS, then-DA candidate Bragg said the case against Trump could be charge ready by the time he takes office. In an interview with Business Insider during the 2021 Manhattan DA election cycle, Bragg noted he had experience suing the Trump organization and the Trump administration more than 100 times, including a case that led to the exclusion of a citizenship question on the 2020 census survey that the Trump administration sought to include. Other 2024 GOP Hopefuls Back Trump Haley was not the only 2024 Republican presidential candidate to defend Trump against a potential case brought by Bragg. Vivek Ramaswamy, another candidate for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, also denounced the possible charges against Trump on Twitter on Sunday. It is un-American for the ruling party to use police power to arrest its political rivals, said Ramaswamy, a tech entrepreneur who launched his presidential campaign last month. If a Republican prosecutor in 2004 had used a campaign finance technicality to arrest then-candidate John Kerry while Bush & Cheney were in power, liberals would have cried fouland rightly so. This will mark a dark moment in American history and will undermine public trust in our electoral system itself, Ramaswamy added. I call on the Manhattan District Attorney to reconsider this action and to put aside partisan politics in service of preserving our Constitutional republic. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has been considered a potential 2024 frontrunner but has not announced a campaign, called the possible charges by Braggs office a manufactured circus. DeSantis further criticized Bragg for going after Trump while taking a comparatively relaxed approach to local crime. What I can speak to is you have a prosecutor who is ignoring crimes happening every single day in your jurisdictions, and youre choosing to go back many, many years ago to try to use something about porn star hush money payments, DeSantis said. Thats an example of pursuing a political agenda and weaponizing the office. And I think thats fundamentally wrong. Bragg Hits Back At Republican Questioning In addition to individual remarks by 2024 Republican candidates, House Republicans said Braggs potential case against Trump would represent an unprecedented abuse of prosecutorial authority. The House Republicans also called on Bragg to testify before Congress. Braggs office pushed back on Republican statements pre-emptively discredit the case against Trump. We will not be intimidated by attempts to undermine the justice process, a spokesperson for Bragg told news outlets in his offices first public response since Trump raised the possibility of being arrested. In every prosecution, we follow the law without fear or favor to uncover the truth. Our skilled, honest, and dedicated lawyers remain hard at work, the spokesperson added. From NTD News Hawley to Introduce Bill to Revoke Chinas Sweetheart Trade Status Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) at a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, on Sept. 13, 2022. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images) Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) will introduce legislation on March 21 to revoke Chinas permanent normal trade relations status with the United States. If passed, the Ending Normal Trade Relations With China Act of 2023 (pdf) would withdraw Chinas normal trade relations status within two years, subject Chinese imports to higher tariffs, and afford the president the authority to increase duties even higher. As we face a new age of competition with China, we need an agenda in Washington that will make our working class strong and independent, Hawley told The Epoch Times on March 20. We can start by revoking the sweetheart deal D.C. elites handed to China 23 years agoend normal trade relations, put in place strong tariffs, and protect American workers. Most-Favored-Nation Status China has enjoyed normal trade relations statusalso known as most-favored-nation (MFN) statuswith the United States since the passage of the U.S.-China Relations Act of 2000. A year later, China joined the World Trade Organization (WTO), and in the two decades since, the communist nation has become one of the United States largest trade partners. Hawleys bill follows the introduction of similar legislationdubbed the China Trade Relations Actin January by Republican Sens. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, Rick Scott of Florida, Ted Budd of North Carolina, and J.D. Vance of Ohio. For 20 years, Communist China has held permanent most-favored-nation status, which has supercharged the loss of American manufacturing jobs, Cotton said in a Jan. 27 statement. China never deserved this privilege in the first place, and China certainly does not deserve it today. Its time to protect American jobs and hold the Chinese Communist Party accountable for their forced labor camps and egregious human rights violations. But while that billlike Rep. Chris Smiths bill in the Housewould require China to seek annual presidential approval to maintain its MFN status, Hawleys measure would go a step further, permanently revoking that status. Last year, the United States revoked Russias MFN status due to its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Currently, the only other countries the U.S. denies MFN status to are Cuba and North Korea. Hawleys legislation marks the first bill he has introduced relating to his Workers Agenda to Rebuild America. Providing China privileged trade status contributed to the loss of 3.7 million good jobs across manufacturing industries in America, Hawleys office noted in a statement on March 20. When these jobs and factories disappeared, communities suffered. The unwinding of the social fabric in these forgotten places led to declining rates of marriage and fertility, and rising rates of addiction, divorce, and suicide. Policies that weaken working men and women in America and enrich the Chinese Communist Party must be repealed. Eva Fu contributed to this report. What may be the biggest racket of the century wont hit prime time news anytime soon. Yet, internal documents and correspondence reveal this government agencyinstead of working to protect your healthmay be in the business of actually creating public health threats so it can profit from them. Scientists vying for grants also recognize that in order to get funding, they have to play by the rules, and that means doing work that supports establishment narratives on public health policy. The NIH distributes $32 billion of taxpayer funds as research grants each year. As the largest federal grant-maker, the NIH has a monopoly on what research gets done and what doesnt. As a patent holder who profits from royalties, the NIH has a significant stake in regulations that impact patents and vaccine mandates, and may use its influence to benefit itself rather than the public. Taxpayers fund government research, while Big Pharma, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and NIH scientists keep all the profits. Under the Bayh-Dole Act, government scientists can collect royalties from drug companies for discoveries they make while working on the publics dime. In late February 2023, Moderna agreed to pay $400 million to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) for the patent it holds on Modernas mRNA shot.1 The patent process is a part of the COVID mRNA shots that the media havent really addressed and people in general dont know anything aboutprobably because its a total racket. Based on internal documents and correspondence, it appears the NIAID funded the creation of SARS-CoV-2. At the same time, it patented and receives royalty payments for the vaccine against said virus. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is supposed to be the primary government agency responsible for public health research, but by the looks of it, it appears instead to be in the business of creating public health threats in order to profit from them. And the agency itself isnt the only one raking in profits. Many patents are held by individuals working at the NIH/NIAID. So, taxpayers fund research that may or may not work out, while Big Pharma, the NIH and individuals at the NIH profit from products that end up on the market. This is a clear conflict of interest that can hurt public health in any number of ways. For starters, it incentivizes the NIH to support and promote potentially dangerous drugs, as weve clearly seen during the COVID pandemic. The NIH also has a significant stake in regulations that impact patents and vaccine mandates, and may use its influence to benefit itself rather than the public. Conflicts of Interest Influence Public Health Policy In the Full Measure video above, investigative journalist Sharyl Attkisson reports the findings of watchdog group Open The Books, which recently took a deep dive into the issue of government scientists collecting royalty payments from pharmaceutical companies for discoveries made while working on your dime. The NIH distributes $32 billion of taxpayer funds as research grants each year. As the largest federal grant-maker, the NIH has a monopoly on what research gets done and what doesnt. According to OpenTheBooks.com founder and CEO Adam Andrzejewski, the NIH distributes $32 billion of taxpayer funds as research grants each year to an estimated 56,000 different entities. That basically buys you the entire American health care space, he says. As the largest federal grant-maker, the NIH has a monopoly on what research gets done and what doesnt, as it decides which scientists and projects get that money. Scientists vying for grants also recognize that in order to get a piece of that pie, they have to play by the rules, and that means doing work that supports establishment narratives on public health policy. But thats not all. The NIH is also gobbling up patents, which further weakens its incentive to protect and promote whats truly in the publics best interest due to the financial conflicts of interest that come into play. How the Third-Party Royalty Complex Works As explained by Andrzejewski, under the 1980 Bayh-Dole Act, government scientists can collect royalties from drug companies for discoveries they make while working on the publics dime: Heres how the third-party royalty complex works. You have a government scientist funded by taxpayers, and they work in a government lab thats also funded by taxpayers. And when they have an invention [a drug, device, or therapeutic] the NIH then licenses that invention to the private sector. And the private sector then pays royalties back to NIH. NIH then distributes those royalties on a royalty split schedule, back to the scientist. Details of those royalty payments to government scientists are kept as strictly held secrets. In fact, these royalty payments are kept under such closed wraps, scientists who receive them arent even required to divulge them on their financial statements, let alone to the public. Congress cant even access those data. In mid-June 2022, Sen. Rand Paul questioned then-NIAID chief Dr. Anthony Fauci about whether hed ever received royalty payments from an entity to which he had given a research grant, and whether he or anyone else on the vaccine committee had ever received payments from vaccine makers.2 Fauci suffered one of his now-famous lapses of memory and wouldnt answer. NIH Fights to Shield Conflicted Parties Pauls questioning of Fauci came on the heels of a lawsuit filed against the NIH to obtain these payment disclosures. The lawsuit was filed by Open The Books in October 2021. But while the NIH eventually did release them, many of the most crucial pieces of information were redacted, and Pauls attempt to get answers led nowhere. As noted by Andrzejewski: That lawsuit unearthed 3,000 pages of royalty payments to NIH scientists from 2010 to 2021. During that time, 2,407 government scientists received $325 million in secretive royalty payments, averaging out to more than $135,000 each. But much is left unknown. NIH redacted or blacked out key details. We dont know who paid it. We dont know how much each individual scientist received. We can only see their names and count the number of times that each scientist received a payment. And they also redacted the invention, the license number or the patent number So, every single one of those individual, third-party royalty payments has the appearance of a conflict of interest We need to be able to follow the money. Unelected bureaucrats are running the entire American health care complex without any scrutiny. Theyre basically telling the American people, Sit down, shut up, pay up. Well run things. And thats not how the federal government is supposed to operate. COVID Jabs Are Rife With Conflicts of Interest Conflicts of interest also appear to have played a role in the U.S. governments preferential treatment of Pfizer and Moderna during the pandemic. Pfizer was the first to receive government authorization for its COVID jab, and it just so happens to be part of an NIH royalty-sharing agreement. Moderna also has such an agreement. What this all means is that the NIH helped invent certain technologies that went into these shots, and then licensed those technologies to Pfizer and Moderna in return for royalty payments. So, the NIH has been making tens of millions of dollars from the COVID shots. Could that financial incentive influence the NIHs stance on vaccine mandates? What do you think? As you may recall, Johnson & Johnsons COVID jab was vilified for causing blood clots, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) even limited the authorized use of the Janssen shot to people over the age of 18 who have no access to Modernas or Pfizers jabs, and/or those who voluntarily opt for the Janssen shot, understanding the risks.3 Meanwhile, Pfizers and Modernas shots also cause blood clots, but neither of them was placed under restrictions. Instead, both were added to the U.S. childhood and adult vaccination schedules. Janssen wasnt. The NIH Royalty Cash Cow The NIHs secret royalties and the conflicts of interest these payments create were also addressed by Rising hosts Robby Soave and Briahna Joy Gray in a recent episode (video above). Alexander Zaitchik, author of Owning the Sun: A Peoples History of Monopoly Medicine from Aspirin to COVID-19 Vaccines, also joined them on the program. In Zaitchiks view, the biggest scandal is not that government scientists are receiving royalty payments from drug companies but, rather, the intimate relationship that exists between government and an industry that is using the monopoly system to price gouge the American people. The NIH has basically abandoned its role to serve the public, Zaitchik says, and instead has become much too aligned with the industry and is an enabler, an accomplice and a protector of these monopolies. The vaccines are a point in case. Government science was basically given, along with these massive research subsidies, through Warp Speed, to Moderna, for example. And there were no public interest provisions attached. There were no pricing promises, there were no requests that technology be transferred [shared] with other parts of the world. It was basically a conveyor belt for private industry So, for me, the real problem is NIH [being] fully aligned with industry on the monopoly question when public science is involved Public Gets Fleeced Coming and Going When public monies are being used for research, any scientific discoveries ought to be used for the publics benefit, and the patents should remain public property with broad licensing rights. This used to be the default position, but not anymore. In the 1970s, Big Pharma convinced Congress that this policy was slowing down innovation, and that if companies were allowed to claim exclusive rights to the patents, theyd be more apt to innovate. The Bayh-Dole Act was an outgrowth of this. But we can now see why and how that doesnt work. Public health is literally being sacrificed for profit, and since government agencies are in on it, theres no one left to look out for the publics interests. Additionally, the public ends up getting fleeced twice. First, our tax dollars are being used to fund the research that private companies then lay claim to, and then we end up paying top dollar for the products we funded the development of, as theres no price competition. As noted by Zaitchik, while the Bayh-Dole Act is a bad law, it does have a rider that says generic production of drugs created with government funding can be mandated. However, every time patient groups have approached the NIH and asked for this provision to be enforced, as the monopoly is hurting patients who cannot afford the exorbitant prices, the NIH has rejected those requests. For example, the U.S. Army invented a breakthrough prostate cancer drug, and Americans are paying six times the price for this drug compared to other parts of the world. But even though the government has the power to lower the price by mandating generic production, it refuses to do so. The whole system, up and down, has been completely corrupted by the amount of money and power the industry has been allowed to amass, because of the corruption in the patent system in general, Zaitchik says. Big Pharma Endangers Public Health In closing, Id like to draw attention to a paper published in Surgical Neurology International in October 2022, titled The Pharmaceutical Industry Is Dangerous to Health. Further Proof With COVID-19.4 The COVID-19 period highlights a huge problem that has been developing for decades, the control of science by industry, the author, Fabien Deruelle, an independent researcher in France, writes. In the 1950s, the tobacco industry set the example, which the pharmaceutical industry followed. Since then, the latter has been regularly condemned for illegal marketing, misrepresentation of experimental results, dissimulation of information about the dangers of drugs, and considered as criminal. Therefore, this study was conducted to show that knowledge is powerfully manipulated by harmful corporations, whose goals are: 1) financial; 2) to suppress our ability to make choices to acquire global control of public health. Deruelles paper reviews a long list of techniques that drug companies use to shape and control the science, including the following: Falsification of clinical trials and making data inaccessible. Faked studies. Conflict-of-interest studies. Concealment of the jabs short-term side effects. Concealment of the fact there is no knowledge of the long-term effects of the COVID-19 jab. Dubious composition of the COVID shots, with many ingredients remaining unlisted. Inadequate testing methods. Conflicts of interest within governments and international organizations. Bribing of physicians. Denigration of renowned scientists who express differing views. The banning of alternative effective treatments. Unscientific countermeasures that eviscerate liberties and freedoms. Government use of behavior modification and social engineering techniques to impose isolation, masks wearing, and vaccine acceptance. Scientific censorship by the media. White Collar Crooks Are Running the Show Deruelle points out that all but one of the primary drug companies producing COVID vaccinesPfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Merck, and Johnson & Johnsonhave long criminal histories, having been busted and fined huge sums for illegal marketing, recommending drugs for off-label use, misrepresenting trial results, and concealing information about known dangers of their drugs. Moderna is the only exception, as its only been around since 2010. Deruelle writes:5 In 2007, Merck paid $670 million, in 2009, Pfizer paid $2.3 billion, in 2010, AstraZeneca paid $520 million, and in 2012, Johnson and Johnson paid a fine of $1.1 billion Since 1995, Pfizer has been assessed more than $6.5 billion in penalties for 42 instances of misconduct; 36 instances of misconduct since 1995, resulting in over $11.5 billion in penalties for Johnson and Johnson; 35 instances of misconduct since 1995 and $8.8 billion in penalties for Merck. Pfizer is singled out as having persistent criminal behavior and casual disregard for the health and well-being of patients. Pfizer is no different from other pharmaceutical companies, but it is larger and more egregious. Pfizer is a habitual offender, persistently engaging in illegal business practices, bribing physicians, and suppressing unfavorable trial results. Will Pfizer Stand Trial? True to form, Pfizer is also accused of scientific fraud in its COVID-19 jab trial. Brook Jackson, who worked at one of Pfizers trial sites, sued Pfizer in 2021 for violating the False Claims Act.6 U.S. District Judge Michael Truncale heard oral arguments on the motions to dismiss on March 1. As reported by The Epoch Times on March 2 7 defense attorneys for Pfizer argued that whether protocol violations occurred was ultimately irrelevant because the federal government was made aware of them but still granted emergency authorization to Pfizers vaccine. Jacksons lawyers countered by saying the FDA authorized the vaccine before reviewing Jacksons complaint. Judge Truncale has not issued a ruling as of this writing, and Jacksons attorney suspects it may be weeks or even months before the judge issues his opinion.8 Conflicts of Interest Shaped COVID Responses Deruelle also specifically delves into the conflicts of interest and relationships between the drug companies involved during COVID-19 and governments, international organizations, and media and how they worked the COVID emergency for their own benefit. Here are some select excerpts:9 In 2009, the H1N1 episode should already have been enough to reveal that governments and the WHO [World Health Organization] are not autonomous. Work has shown that the 2009 H1N1 pandemic seems (based on case fatality rates [CFRs]) to have been the mildest influenza pandemic on record. Following investigations by the BMJ, it appears that this event declared by the WHO is significantly tainted by conflicts of interest. A report by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has heavily criticized the WHO, national governments, and EU agencies for their handling of the swine flu pandemic: distortion of priorities of public health services all over Europe, waste of huge sums of public money, provocation of unjustified fear among Europeans, and creation of health risks through vaccines and medications which might not have been sufficiently tested before being authorized in fast-track procedures. According to former head of health at the Council of Europe, W. Wodarg, the swine flu outbreak was a false pandemic driven by drug companies that influenced scientists and official agencies During the COVID-19 period, France hired private consulting firms, mainly McKinsey and Company, which is known for working with pharmaceutical companies. The Senate Inquiry Commission reports that McKinsey contributed on all aspects of the health crisis, notably for social engineering strategies on the vaccination campaign and the extension of the health pass The suppression of good science and scientists is not new, but COVID-19 unleashed state corruption on a grand scale, suppressing science for political and financial reasons Since the beginning of COVID-19, much scientific data and expert opinion have been censored or labeled as false or misleading by many internet platforms In June 2019, the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the United Nations signed a partnership (2030 agenda). In the field of health, this alliance is designed to combat key emerging global health threats and achieve universal health coverage. In October 2019, in New York City, the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security and its partners the WEF and the Gates Foundation, hosted Event 201, a fictional coronavirus pandemic Among the partners of the WEF, there are: Pfizer, AstraZeneka [sic], Johnson and Johnson, Moderna, McKinsey, and Facebook et [sic] Google. A few months later, a coronavirus pandemic is declared, accompanied by its highly mediatized universal solution, the vaccine In addition to Event 201, other pandemic simulations, civil (MARS and SPARS in 2017) and military (Dark Winter in 2001, Atlantic Storm in 2003, and 2005, Global mercury in 2003, and Crimson Contagion in 2019), have taken place over the past 20 years. All these simulations correspond to fear programs induced by false media. For the general welfare of the population, all these scenarios lead to the same methods (identical to those used during COVID-19): Isolation, control of movements and liberties, censorship, propaganda, and coercive vaccination of the population [T]here is no doubt that this is an event manipulated by governments, international agencies, pharmaceutical industries, and the media. In addition to the huge profits obtained by the pharmaceutical groups involved, the primary goal of this pandemic seems to be compulsory vaccination, because the introduction of a European vaccine passport had already been planned since 2019 The objective of the WHO is to impose the Chinese model to become the norm. That is to say, a system with centralization of each persons health data and restriction of freedoms for the unvaccinated A period such as COVID-19 represents a powerful lever for increasing the effectiveness of global governance. Conflicts of Interest Threaten Our Freedom In the final analysis, conflicts of interest and the collusion between government and industry does more than rob us of our hard-earned money. It now threatens our very freedom, as these monopolies are being used to further a totalitarian takeover of global proportions. As such, we can no longer turn a blind eye or accept excuses such as these relationships dont influence our decision-making. They absolutely influence the decisions being made, and the public is consistently on the losing end. Congress needs to start taking this seriously, and revisit laws such as the Bayh-Dole Act, which is currently allowing private monopolies to profit while no one is looking out for our interests. Originally published References: High blood pressure or hypertension is called the silent killer because it often has no symptoms to warn someone that something is wrong. Because it brings a higher risk of heart disease and stroke, the leading causes of death in the United States, its good to know what can cause it and how to manage it. Hu Naiwen, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) physician at the Shanghai Tong Te Tang in Taipei, Taiwan, explained in his YouTube program Hu Naiwens Health Talks that pressing some key acupoints can be used to control blood pressure and potentially avoid the health risks associated with long-term use of antihypertensive drugs. Causes of High Blood Pressure Hu says that TCM believes there are different reasons for high blood pressure, for example, negative emotions can lead to hypertension. In 2021, a large-scale research study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences analyzed the effects of stress and emotions on blood pressure for more than 20,000 people. The findings show that blood pressure increases with negative emotions (such as feeling angry) and decreases with positive emotions (such as feeling contentment). Hu suggested that everyone should begin to change their negative perceptions of high blood pressure. You should be grateful for your high blood pressure. It is helping you, not hurting you. For example, the heartbeat increases with pain, stress, and worries, causing an increase in the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, resulting in vasoconstriction and elevated blood pressure. In this case, we should work to eliminate pain, tension, and worries, which will cause blood pressure to naturally return to normal. For the increase in blood pressure caused by cold, keeping the whole body, hands, and feet warm will often resolve the problem. High blood pressure can be a helpful indicator of abnormalities that need someones attention. Stroke Risk From High Blood Pressure Medications The fast-paced way of life seen in the modern-day population can easily cause blood pressure to soar. Some people get nervous when they see high blood pressure, so they quickly turn to drugs to lower it. In this regard, Hu suggests that patients should first consult a doctor to determine if an antihypertensive drug is suitable for their situation. Hu reminded patients that it is dangerous to indiscriminately take medicine to lower blood pressure. He also said that the more drugs you take, the less chance that the blood can reach the brain and internal organs, which can lead to symptoms such as back stiffness, soreness, and dizziness. He emphasized that if you blindly take antihypertensive drugs to lower blood pressure too much, it can lead to cerebral thrombosis or other kinds of stroke. A study published in the journal Stroke in 2015 showed that a successfully treated (SBP<120 mm Hg) hypertensive person on 3+ antihypertensive medication classes was at marginally higher stroke risk than a person with untreated stage 1 hypertension. In this study, a total of 26,875 black and white participants were assessed and followed for incident stroke events. The results showed that within blood pressure strata, the risk of stroke increased with each additional class of required antihypertensive medication, indicating that maintaining the normotensive status solely through pharmacological treatment has a profound impact, as nearly half of this general population cohort were treated to guideline (SBP<140 mm Hg) but failed to return to risk levels similar to normotensive individuals. Pressing Two Acupoints to Control Blood Pressure: Chize and Jianzhong Hu pointed out that blood pressure increases when the body is working harder to transport blood to the brain. Taking drugs that expand blood vessels is a good way to help blood flow. After achieving this objective to let blood flow easier to the brain and various organs, blood pressure will naturally come down. Pressing corresponding acupoints, as suggested in TCM, can also help dilate blood vessels, improve carotid artery blockage, reduce blood pressure, and allow blood to flow unimpeded. At the same time, the patients neck stiffness and headache can also be relieved, and the symptoms of dizziness are less likely to occur. Hu said that the two key acupoints in this respect are called Chize and Jianzhong. When your palm is facing the ceiling, the Chize acupoint is located on the horizontal crease of the elbow, along the line of the thumb. The Jianzhong acupoint is located three fingers down from the shoulder (outside). When you feel that your body has an insufficient blood supply to the brain, such as neck stiffness, you can try to press the Chize and Jianzhong points. Doing so will help lower blood pressure, even without taking antihypertensive drugs. (The Epoch Times) (The Epoch Times) Acupuncture has been used to treat high blood pressure since ancient times. A 2021 review of various studies published in Medical Acupuncture confirmed that acupuncture points not only can be used as a stand-alone therapy to treat high blood pressure, but can also be used in tandem with antihypertensive drugs to reduce the patients dosage, thereby reducing possible side effects. In TCM theory, the meridian is the energy channel of the human body, and the internal organs are connected to the surface of the human body through the meridian. Some points on the meridian with special functions are called acupoints. Stimulating the corresponding acupoints through acupuncture and/or massage can treat the corresponding diseases of the viscera. Frequent Dizziness: an Important Warning Signal Hu reminded everyone not to be complacent about the symptoms of dizziness, as severe cases may lead to seizures or even death. According to his analysis, the common causes of dizziness in people are either postural cerebral ischemia or anemia. Hu said that dizziness is only a symptom rather than a disease. TCM can solve dizziness by dilating blood vessels or replenishing blood in order to achieve enough blood flow to the brain to relieve the condition and avoid danger. When an anemic person suffers from dizziness due to insufficient cerebral blood supply, they should immediately adopt a sitting or lying flat position to allow blood to flow quickly into the brain. Hu recommended several commonly used prescriptions, such as Radix Puerariae Decoction, which has the effect of dilating blood vessels, and Notopterigium and Tuhuo Decoction. But he reminded patients to ask a doctor to prescribe the most suitable combination for them. He also recommends Bazhen (eight combinations) Decoction, which can help provide sufficient blood to send to all parts of the body and stop blood pressure from rising too much. The ingredients of Bazhen Decoction include ginseng, Poria cocos, Atractylodes macrocephala, licorice, Angelica sinensis, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, Rehmannia glutinosa, and white peony root. A review and meta-analysis published in Current Vascular Pharmacology in 2017 found that Korean red ginseng can lower blood pressure in patients with prehypertension or acute or long-term hypertension, and can lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Some of the previously mentioned herbs may sound unfamiliar, but many are available in health food stores and Asian groceries. In addition, because each persons physique is different, the corresponding treatment methods are also different. Please consult a professional physician for specific treatment plans and prescriptions. House Freedom Caucus Opposes Unlimited Bank Deposit Guarantees Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.) speaks during a news conference with members of the House Freedom Caucus outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, on Feb. 28, 2022. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) House conservatives have voiced their opposition to any increased guarantees on bank deposits, which comes amid debate on whether expanding deposit insurance coverage is needed to stem a financial crisis marked by a drain of uninsured deposits away from smaller and regional banks. A crisis of confidence in the banking sector was touched off earlier this month by the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), with uninsured business depositors fleeing smaller community and regional lenders toward the biggest banks perceived as too big to fail. This has led to calls for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to temporarily waive its usual $250,000 deposit guarantee limit and provide blanket coverage to restore confidence and prevent bank runs. Among voices calling for expanded deposit guarantees is the Mid-Size Banks Coalition of America. It said in a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and key regulators that FDIC insurance should be extended to all deposits for two years to restore confidence among depositors before another bank falls. But members of the House Freedom Caucus are opposed to raising the deposit coverage cap. They issued a statement on Monday, blaming out-of-control spending in Washington for the bank turmoil and saying they oppose any expansion of guarantees on bank deposits over the current limit. Any universal guarantee on all bank deposits, whether implicit or explicit, enshrines a dangerous precedent that simply encourages future irresponsible behavior to be paid for by those not involved who followed the rules, the group said. The House conservatives also said they want the Federal Reserve to unwind its emergency bank liquidity programenacted in the wake of the SVB collapseas soon as possible. Expanded Coverage for SVB, Signature The FDIC normally guarantees deposits up to $250,000 per depositor per account category. However, in the wake of the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, the FDIC acted on the basis of extraordinary systemic risk designations for the two institutions to waive the coverage cap. Acting as receiver, the FDIC set up two bridge banksSilicon Valley Bridge Bank and Signature Bridge Bankand transfered to the newly created institutions all their respective customer deposits. The two bridge banks have continued operating as full-service banks, though a buyer has since been found for Signature Bridge Bank. The FDIC extended its deposit insurance coverage at the two bridge banks to prevent an exodus of uninsured deposits since that would have stymied efforts at stabilizing their operations. Both banks had an unusually high proportion of uninsured deposits, meaning ones above the customary coverage limit of $250,000. Its a move reminiscent of the FDICs decision during the financial crisis of 200809 to expand its protection to unlimited deposit insurance for business checking accounts used for payroll and other operating expenses in order to prevent runs on smaller banks. We did this to protect community banks who were losing uninsured business customers to banking giants such as JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo, former FDIC chair Sheila Bair wrote in a recent op-ed in the Financial Times. The program was successful in ending runs on community banks, Bair added. While Bair opposed SVB and Signature getting special treatment under systemic risk exemptions and their depositors getting bailed out by blanket coverage, she backed a temporary expansion of the FDICs cap across the entire U.S. banking sector as a confidence-building measure if the crisis worsens. Former FDIC chair Sheila Bair attends the PBS 2023 TCA Winter Press Tour at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 17, 2023. (Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images) Biggest Fear Bair told Reuters in a recent interview that she opposed designating SVB and Signature as systemically important, and argued that the deposit insurance cap shouldnt have been raised for the two banks. She said the two failed banks could have been resolved through the FDICs normal takeover process, with uninsured deposits subject to a haircut, where a relatively small portion would be lost but depositors likely getting most of their money back over time as the recoveries process played out. Bair said it wasnt realistic for other banks to get one-off systemic risk designations like SVB and Signature did, and so if uninsured deposits start fleeing smaller banks, Congress should grant authority to the FDIC and the Treasury Department to temporarily guarantee all transaction accounts and uninsured deposits. My biggest fear now is that that lack of trust in the banking system takes hold and uninsured deposits start fleeing banks of all sizes to the biggest banks, just making them bigger again, Bair told Reuters, and that otherwise healthy banks get into trouble because their deposit base is unstable and running. There has been unconfirmed media speculation that U.S. officials were studying ways to temporarily expand the FDICs coverage to all deposits in the U.S. banking sector. Expanding deposit guarantees would, under changes put in place in the 2010 Dodd-Frank financial reform law, require approval by Congress. But with at least 37 Freedom Caucus members opposed, that could make passage difficult in the closely divided Republican-controlled House. Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.), chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, said he would explore the adequacy of FDIC deposit insurance and the impact of raising the coverage cap. McHenry said he wanted to weigh the trade-offs of higher deposit insurance limits, the moral hazard of having more risk taking in the financial sector, and also the impact it would have on community banks. U.S. Rep.-elect Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) delivers remarks in the House Chamber during the fourth day of voting for Speaker of the House at the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6, 2023. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Its unclear whether U.S. officials see an expansion of deposit coverage as necessary, given that steps taken by regulators so far seem to have shored up financial stability. Since our administration and the regulators took decisive action last weekend, we have seen deposits stabilize at regional banks throughout the country and, in some cases, outflows have modestly reversed, White House spokesman Michael Kikukawa told Bloomberg. We will use the tools we have to support community banks, he added. Yellen Says Situation Stabilizing Yellen said Tuesday in excerpts of prepared remarks to an American Bankers Association conference that the situation in the U.S. banking system is stabilizing, but that further steps may be warranted if smaller banks suffer deposit runs. The steps we took were not focused on aiding specific banks or classes of banks. Our intervention was necessary to protect the broader U.S. banking system, Yellen said in the remarks, which were released by the Treasury. And similar actions could be warranted if smaller institutions suffer deposit runs that pose the risk of contagion. Yellen did not provide details on what further actions may be justified, but credited steps taken thus far for shoring up financial stability. Rohit Arora, CEO and founder of Biz2Credit, whose company was a customer of SVB, said that he backs an expansion of the FDICs coverage cap. The first thing the government must do is quickly pass legislation enabling the FDIC to insure commercial deposits up to $10 million, which would cover 90 percent of businesses in this country. It would get bipartisan support, Arora told The Epoch Times in an emailed statement. The banks will be able to charge a higher fee for this extended insurance, which has been far too low for well over a decade. Banks will pass along the costs to their commercial customers, and thus taxpayers will not have to foot the bill for this action, he added. Nathan Claire, founder and real estate investor at Buying Jax Homes, said that raising the coverage limit could help prevent panic withdrawals that can lead to bank runs and exacerbate the financial crisis. Still, its a move thats not without its downsides, he said, including incentivizing risky behavior. This could lead to the creation of a moral hazard, where banks are incentivized to take excessive risks with the expectation of a government bailout if things go wrong, he told The Epoch Times in an emailed statement. Claire also said blanket coverage could impose additional costs on bank customers through increased FDIC assessments. Meanwhile, during a press briefing on March 20, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was asked if the Biden administration was supportive of a push from smaller banks to expand FDIC insurance beyond $250,000. Jean-Pierrre replied by saying that there isnt any new announcement at this time on the subject, while insisting that Americans should be confident of their deposits and that their deposits will be there when they need them. She added that our goal is to ensure the financial system is stable. How Concentration of Powers Undermines the Rule of Law in Australia Commentary Over the last three years, the Australian government has exercised coercive powers over its citizens on a scale never previously attempted. At some moments, it took oppressive control over almost every aspect of our personal lives: where we could go, whom we could meet, what we could do even within our own homes. Australians believed to have violated COVID-19 guidelines could have been arbitrarily punished with little regard for the rule of law and its impact on fundamental human rights. The ideal of legality, known as the rule of law, can be traced to the ancient Greeks. For example, Aristotle argued that it is better for the law to rule than one of the citizens, so even the guardians of the laws are obeying the laws. As aptly stated by the late Sir Owen Hood Phillips, who was a jurisprudence professor, historically, the phrase was used with reference to a belief in the existence of law possessing higher authoritywhether divine or naturalthan that of the law promulgated by human rulers which imposed limits on their power. According to Trevor Allan, a legal philosophy professor at Cambridge, the rule of law encompasses traditional ideas about individual liberty and natural justice and, more generally, ideas about the requirements of justice and fairness in the relations between governors and governed. A statue of Themis, the Greek God of Justice, stands outside the Supreme Court in Brisbane, Australia, on Oct. 20, 2016. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt) That being so, Allan concludes that even if, from their perspective, officials are acting with good faith and in the publics interest: It would be foolish to ignore or deny the real threat to liberty that discretionary powers represent; they leave the citizen at the mercy of the judgement of public officials, who may have little incentive to allow even reasonable objections to thwart their pursuit of their own policy agendas. Power and Its Corruption Unfortunately, however, writes Mortimer Sellers, a law professor and past president of the International Association for Philosophy of Law and Social Philosophy, Advocates of rule by law sometimes undermine the rule of law by legitimating the enactments of tyrants. Positive laws may sometimes be an advance on otherwise unregulated tyranny. Promulgations and the other virtues of legal formalism often advance the empire of laws. But they are only secondary and contingent requirements of the rule of law, not the thing itself. It has long been held that prevention against tyranny requires an effective separation of legislative, executive, and judicial powers. The idea rests on the view that when power becomes too concentrated in the hands of a few, the risk of tyranny naturally increases. In the words of Sir Ivor Jennings, All power is likely to be abused unless it is adequately checked. This is, it must be stressed, a problem of unchecked power, and here we are reminded of Lord Actons warning: Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely. To restrain the abuse of power, Montesquieu, one of the great political philosophers of the Enlightenment, wrote, it is necessary from the disposition of things that power should be a check to power. According to him, When the legislative and executive powers are united in the same person, or in the same body of magistrates, there can be no liberty; because apprehensions may arise, lest the same monarch or senate should enact tyrannical laws, to execute them in a tyrannical manner. Fusion of Power In Australia, the present design and operation of the nations parliamentary system are not about distributing institutional powers, thus making accountability difficult to achieve. Under our parliamentary system of government, there is no separation of powers. Such a vast concentration of power in the hands of a few naturally facilitates the enactment of legislation that undermines the realisation of the rule of law. As stated by constitutional law professor Nicholas Aroney: Under contemporary conditions of [Australias] parliamentary government, there is a tendency for both executive and legislative power to be concentrated effectively in a very small group of senior ministers, dominated by the prime minister or premier. A general view of the High Court of Australia in Canberra, Australia, on Nov. 5, 2020. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch) To make it worse, according to another constitutional law professor, Suri Ratnapala, the High Court, despite having full judicial power, has declined to impose on Parliament any significant constraint on its competence to delegate its legislative power to the executive. Pointing to decisions such as Victorian Stevedoring & General Contracting Co Ltd v Dignan, Ratnapala laments how the courts have chosen to not draw the line in the sand against excessive delegation despite functional parliamentary democracies relying heavily on judicial oversight of executive action. As can be seen, there is no real or authentic separation of powers in Australia. In fact, even judges are not entirely independent since they are ultimately appointed by the ruling political class. Furthermore, Section 64 of the Australian Constitution requires executive ministers to be Members of Parliament, a provision that undermines the separation of powers and that is, therefore, in sharp contrast to Article 1, sec. 6, cl. 2 of the United States Constitution. To conclude, the nations parliamentary system of executive supremacy lies at the very heart of a system of government that authorises a vast concentration of powers with respect to legislation and administration. The negative consequence of this fusion of legislative-executive powers is demonstrated by the lack of proper judicial scrutiny of executive decrees that violates the most basic principles of the rule of law. Coupled with a matrix of social institutions (political parties, legal associations, the media, etc.), they have miserably failed to keep the Australian government more accountable for its incursion on the peoples basic rights. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Video Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:00 How Soros money could swing the potential Trump trial 7:00 The George Soros connection 15:00 Does Soros money constitute a legal bias? 22:10 Pseudo legalization of crime 39:50 Braggs pre-existing bias? 54:00 Bidens ties to the Trump prosecution 1:04:00 Fauci goes door-to-door for the vaccines 1:12:00 Xi and Putin reinforce multipolar world order 1:18:00 Q&A with Josh District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who is allegedly planning the arrest of Donald Trump, is being accused of receiving $1 million from billionaire Democrat financier George Soros. The Soros money allegedly went through the Color of Change PAC, and was given to help appoint district attorneys who support altering prosecutions mainly based on race. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden is being accused of involvement in the pending arrest of Trump, who would be a key political opponent in the coming 2024 elections. Investigations are already beginning into potential involvement from the federal government. In this live Q&A with Crossroads host Joshua Philipp, well discuss these stories and others, and answer questions from the audience. How the Waning of Religious Belief Impacts America: Sam Sorbo 'We can get our culture back,' actress and education activist says Sam and Kevin Sorbo attend the inaugural Gateway Celebrity Fight Night, in Phoenix, Ariz., on March 12, 2022. (Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Gateway Celebrity Fight Night Foundation ) In a world gradually diverging from religions and traditions, the Sorbo family is exploring the hard question of whether people need religious beliefs, and looking at the impact of irreligion and atheism on American society. Actress, filmmaker, and author Sam Sorbo, and her husband, actor Kevin Sorbostar of the hit TV series Herculeswere approached to lead a tour to Israel. They produced a documentary sharing the insights the travelers gained from the journey, with the goal of re-discovering the meaning of religion in human life. What do we mean by religion? What does it mean to us? The couple posed the two questions in the recently released documentary Irreligious Nation. Those questions are reciprocal, Sam Sorbo said. What do we mean by religion and what does it mean to us are two different things. Weve broken with tradition in big, big ways. We are reaping problems that we have not experienced in our lifetimes, certainly, and in our recent memory as a culture. In our culture today and in our schools, we are trained to look away from spirituality [and] religiosity, Sam Sorbo told EpochTVs Crossroads program in an interview on Feb. 17. The schoolthe representative of educationignores religion, religious values, and religious ideas, Sorbo explained. By ignoring religion, it teaches students to disdain it. Although some schools teach world religions, Sorbo continued, by putting all religions out there as equivalent, what youre saying is they have no value because theyre all equally valued. The Bibles Meta-Narrative There is an idea that the Bible is an antiquated book that does not apply to todays world, Sorbo said. I disagree. And, in fact, my children would disagree. The Sorbos children are aged 21, 19, and 17. Sorbo called the Bible the only book that reads you. Its a history book, she said. We disdain it but it is the best history book that we have. The stories in the Bible are not only true in the sense that they tell the real story, they also give a meta-narrative, Sorbo explained. Responding to claims that the Bible is not relevant to todays TikTok generation, Sorbo said,It absolutely speaks to TikTok because it speaks to the meta-narrative. Frankly, TikTok is nothing new. Its a new iteration of an old, old thing. So when you arm your children with the teachings in the Bible, you are arming them against current-day culture. Connecting Israel to Americas Roots The documentary made by the Sorbos includes a family who joined the tour to Israel, trying to get back to roots because they felt that they had lost something of family, something of meaning, in their lives, Sorbo said. The tour in the documentary featured places in Israel that are associated with the origins and early history of Christianity and Judaism, and with Biblical events. Sorbo said that the film shows the connection between what they saw and learned in Israel and the roots of Judeo-Christian culture in America. The documentary really delves intofrom a personal viewpointhow people respond when they are faced with actual events in history, the filmmaker said. She expressed the hope that it will inspire people to delve further into these events, both personally and from an American perspective. Jesus was the author of freedom, Sorbo asserted. He was the first person who said that people should be free, because they are individually created by a Creator. Christianity spread this idea of human freedom throughout Europe, but the cultures that embraced it are waning today, Sorbo noted. Meanwhile, slavery and an enslavement mentality is growing, along with resistance to a Judeo-Christian worldview. Those who go through the American school system come out espousing the principle that slavery is wrong. But on the other hand, they support socialism because the schools have infused them with socialist ideas, Sorbo said. She called socialism slavery. What our school system has managed to do is confuse us Im hoping that with this documentary, we get people to start thinking. Although Sorbo describes herself as outgoing, an extrovert, and a person who loves people, she said that the trip to Israel moved her deeply and changed her as a person. I came back from Israel loving people more. I love them more now. Driving a Wedge Between Parent and Child The school system separates children from their parents by driving a wedge between the parent and the child, Sorbo said. The American public school system teaches children critical race theory (CRT), gender ideology, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), she noted. When a child comes home and shares what they learned in school about these topics, parents may disapprove of it. However, what parents dont understand is when you surrender your child to an institution, youre telling that child: Darling, the institution knows better than I do. Trust them; I cede my authority. When the child comes home and challenges the parents knowledge or wisdom, the parent has already lost; theyve already given up their authority, Sorbo stressed. CRT stems from an offshoot of Marxist thought known as critical theory, which is based on the Marxist concept of class struggle. Marxism pits two social classes against each other: the bourgeoisie, the oppressor, and the proletariat, the oppressed. In CRT, however, the statuses of oppressor and oppressed are assigned to people on the basis of their skin color. Gender ideology is built on the premise that the persons gender may be different from their biological one. Based on this ideology, teachers teach children as early as preschool that that there is an unlimited number of genders and that gender can change every day, so kids must discover what their gender is. Common Core Math As an example of the education systems challenges to parental authority, Sorbo pointed to Common Core math. Common Core standards are a set of academic standards in mathematics, English language arts, and literacy imposed on the American school system by the Obama administration. The Common Core has been criticized for its dumbed-down standards and the centralization of education at the national level, said Alex Newman, an award-winning international journalist and educator, writing in The Epoch Times. According to Newman, the only math expert on the Common Core Validation Committee, Dr. James Milgram of Stanford University, actually spoke out against the standards. The Core mathematics standards are written to reflect very low expectations, Milgram said. They are as non-challenging as possible with extremely serious failings. A federally funded study released in 2019 found that Common Core produced significant negative effects in both English and math, Newman wrote. Common Core changed the standard way of doing math and fixed it with something that was completely untried and untested, Sorbo said. Common Core math is one step further removed from logic. Math is the language of logic. And so clearly, they dont want the children thinking logically. Sorbo describes a likely scenario: a child asks his or her parents for help with math homework, but the parentswho were taught math in the traditional, logical waycannot help because they are not familiar with Common Core. The child, however, is instructed by the teacher only to do math using Common Core methods. That child then begins to look down on his or her parents for being unable to help with basic math, Sorbo cautioned. Home Schooling Many teachers in American schools were educated by teaching colleges that are notoriously Marxist, Sorbo said, but Marxism is against the family unit [and it] seeks to isolate individuals, so they are more easily controlled. Sorbo maintains that schools separate the child from the parent by undermining parental authority. In doing so, they destroy the family and destroy children. However, she does not put the entire blame for this on teachers. The teachers who subscribe to this scenario are supporting an enslavement ideology, Sorbo explained. They just dont realize it. Im not saying that theyre bad people. But Im saying that theyre very misguided, she said, admitting, however, that there are some very bad teachers in the system. We can fix that, and the moment that we fix it, we have a nation of free thinkers. We can get our culture back very, very easily and quickly by home-teaching our children, by not sending them to the institution, Sorbo, an education activist, said.They will challenge us, which is a good thing. We will grow, we will learn as parents, and the children will grow in love. And its the cohesion of the family. Two large banks in the United States, Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, have recently failed. Most people are aware of it, and it has left many people wondering if their money is safe in a bank. Besides the bank failures, other economic conditions have added to the confusion causing people to wonder how to protect your money. The Banks That Failed, and Why Nearly every bank in the United States is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). When the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and the Signature Bank failed, the FDIC took over the banks, ABC7Chicago said. The problem that the SVB had was that it invested billions of dollars in the 10-year Treasury bonds. These bonds usually perform very welltypically gaining about 10 percent interest annually. Unfortunately, the economy was poor and they underperformed. The bank run led to the bank selling them for a loss to give customers their cash. The result was that too many people tried to withdraw their money, which hurt the bank further because it could not pay out enough to meet the demand. The collapse brought in the FDIC, which has promised that every investor will get all their money backeven amounts that far exceeded the insured amount. So far, this is what the FDIC has always done in the past. Another large bank, the First Republic, is on the verge of collapse. Several Wall Street banks are developing a plan to rescue it with a $30 billion package. About Your Money in the Bank Most banks and online banks have FDIC coverage that insures your money up to $250,000. You will need to inquire at your bank or on its website to determine if your bank is insured. If it is not, withdraw your money and put it elsewhere. Some banks will insure people for more than that, but that amount is common with most banks. Credit unions are insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). If your bank is not FDIC-insured, your money could be at risk. The $250,000 is the insurance coverage given per person per account type, which means you could have up to $250,000 in your checking account, another $250,000 in a savings account, another $250,000 in a retirement account, etc.and it is all insured. It also means that if you have a joint account, your money is insured for up to $500,000. Forbes warns that not every kind of account is covered by the FDIC. Chase claims that they also cover: individual retirement accounts (IRAs) self-directed 401(k)s self-directed Keogh plan accounts revocable and irrevocable trusts and others Once you exceed the $250,000 amount, the money above that amount in a single account is not insured. If there should be a bank failure at your bank, your money above the insured amount is at risk. Replacing Your Money Could Take Some Time If a bank does fail, the FDIC will take overas it did the SVB. The bank may then be turned over (sold) to another bank that can cover the financial burden, or it may continue to be controlled by the government. Although you will get your insured monetary value back, it may not happen overnight. The Associated Press says that the FDIC historically has provided customers of failed banks their money within just a few days. They would either create a new account at a different insured bank or give them a check for their money. What to Do with Larger Deposits If you have more than the insured limit to deposit, you can get around this problem by putting money up to the limit in multiple banks. This step would make your money even safer because the likelihood of several banks in the same area collapsing would be very rare. Forbes mentions that in 2020, there were only four banks that collapsed. If your business has more than the FDIC-insured limit to deposit and you do not want to put it in the same bank, there are ways to simplify depositing the money into multiple banks. CBSNews mentions a company called IntraFi that takes large deposits and insures multimillion-dollar amounts through the FDIC and then distributes the money to various banks and other investment sources according to your financial goals. It is generally not a good idea to keep your money at home. You could lose it in a natural disaster, a fire, or a robberyand it would be uninsured. How Millionaires Protect Their Money One way to protect your money is to learn from millionairesif you have enough money. According to SmartAsset, millionaires keep about 25 percent of their money in cash or cash equivalents. These accounts include CDs, money market mutual funds, and Treasury bills. They keep their money easily accessible when needed. They are often tight with their money, but always keep enough cash on hand for emergencies or investment opportunities. A Zero-Balance Bank Account for Businesses Zero-balance bank accounts are only offered to businesses and always maintain a zero balance. At the start of the day, when money is needed, money is transferred into the zero-balance bank account from a master account. Then, all the unused money is returned to the master account at the end of the dayalways maintaining a zero balance at the end of each day. If you want to protect your money and have more than the insured amount of money in a single account, it may be time to remedy that potential problem. If you are single, you could move some money to other accounts or open accounts at other banks. Married couples could open two individual accounts and one joint account at the same bank, which would enable them to keep $1 million at the same bank. You may also want to look into some investment opportunities to diversify your assets even more. The Epoch Times Copyright 2022 The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors. They are meant for general informational purposes only and should not be construed or interpreted as a recommendation or solicitation. The Epoch Times does not provide investment, tax, legal, financial planning, estate planning, or any other personal finance advice. The Epoch Times holds no liability for the accuracy or timeliness of the information provided. Ahead of Potential Trump Indictment, Manhattan DA Faces Questions Over Tenuous and Untested Legal Theory Reporters outside the Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City on March 20, 2023. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times) As former President Donald Trump appears poised to become the first former U.S. president to be indicted on criminal charges, a potential prosecution could have grave consequences for the nations justice system and the democratic election process, scholars and political leaders say. After leaked information about the secret grand jury process made its way into news reports, talk of Trumps impending indictment in New York ramped up last week. On March 18, Trump acknowledged that he expected to be indicted and arrested on March 21. It was unclear whether the expected indictment could be delayed or changed after a new witness, attorney Robert Costello, came forward to testify to the grand jury on March 20. Costello raised concerns about the credibility and honesty of Michael Cohen, a former Trump attorney, who testified to the Manhattan grand jury on March 15 and is considered a key witness against Trump. Costello, Cohens former legal adviser, obtained an attorneyclient privilege waiver from Cohen. Even before any official criminal action has been taken against Trump, the prospect of an indictment has plunged Trump and the nation into uncharted waters as the world watches. Bracing for Impact New York Court officers watch police drop off metal barricades in front of the Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City, on March 20, 2023. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) Law enforcement officials erected barricades in Manhattan on March 20, preparing for possible protests, as Republican congressional leaders chastised New York County District Attorney (DA) Alvin Bragg Jr., a Democrat, for pursuing charges against Trump. An indictment of Trump would erode confidence in the evenhanded application of justice and unalterably interfere in the course of the 2024 presidential election, a letter from a trio of congressional leaders said. Trump, the frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination, insists that like all the previous Democrat attempts to charge him with a crime, theres no crime there. He fired off a barrage of statements railing against the latest witch hunt against him; his supporters point to Democrat politicians who have evaded accountability for serious allegations of wrongdoing. Meanwhile, Trumps foes are salivating at the thought of seeing the former president indicted in a tawdry scandal. Adult film actress Stormy Danielss book, Full Disclosure, which describes her alleged affair with Donald Trump before he was elected president, is pictured at a Barnes & Noble store on Oct. 2, 2018, in Chicago, Ill. (Scott Olson/Getty Images) During Trumps successful 2016 presidential campaign, Cohen paid $130,000 in hush money to a lawyer representing Stormy Daniels. Shes an adult film actress who claimed she had an affair with Trump in 2006. Trump, who denies the affair, has faced scrutiny over the alleged misclassification of the Daniels payment in his business records. Such payments are commonly made when famous people execute nondisclosure agreements with accusers to protect their reputations. Legal scholars say laws are being twisted to turn such a scenario into a crime. Republican lawmakers, and others, including fellow GOP presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy, worry the case could have a seismic effect on American democracy. Another potential Republican contender, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, denounced the impending prosecution as an example of weaponizing a prosecutors office. Former Prosecutor Weighs In Michael Bachner, a New York defense lawyer and former Manhattan prosecutor, told The Epoch Times that he sees two main opposing arguments about the possible prosecution of Trump. Some see the pending case as an abuse of prosecutorial discretion, a waste of resources, and an inappropriate influence on the 2024 presidential campaign. But, Bachner said, others may assert that The law should apply to everybody, no matter who you are. Then, the argument goes: Why shouldnt you be charged just because you ran for president? Or you were the president? Bachner said that if Richard Nixon had been president in todays political landscape, instead of the one that existed in the 1970s, Nixon wouldve been indicted in the Watergate scandal. Instead, under pressure from his fellow Republicans, Nixon resigned because of his administrations role in the break-in of the Democratic Partys national headquarters in Washington. The times we live in always impact the perceptions that we have, Bachner said. Bachner, who worked for the Manhattan District Attorneys Office in the 1980s, points out that prosecutors have discretion on whether or not they want to bring charges, even when they believe they have enough evidence to support a conviction. Theres an old line we used when I was a prosecutor: Just because you can bring an indictment doesnt mean you should, he said. He said certain circumstances could make prosecution seem particularly unfair or unwise. But this time, Bragg apparently came to a different conclusion with Trump, it appears. Reviving Dead Prosecution Bragg, who became district attorney in January 2022, decided against prosecuting Trump for financial improprieties last year, drawing criticism and staff resignations in protest, Bachner noted. Bachner thinks something has changed, and Bragg must now believe that he has sufficient evidence against Trump or he wouldnt be proceeding. But the leaders of three powerful congressional committees interpret Braggs actions differently. They think that Bragg seems to be bowing to critics pressure. The impending prosecution appears to be motivated by political calculations, according to a letter that U.S. Reps. Jim Jordan, Bryan Steil, and James Comer sent to Bragg on March 20. The legal theory underlying your reported prosecution appears to be tenuous and untested, the lawmakers stated in the letter. Professor Jonathan Turley listens during a House Judiciary Committee hearing on the impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump in Washington on Dec. 4, 2019. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images) In a series of tweets, George Washington University Law School professor Jonathan Turley denounced the legal insufficiency of the impending prosecution. Braggs indictment is Frankensteinian in its effort to assemble parts of the federal and state codes to reanimate a dead criminal theory, he wrote. It is the ultimate gravedigger charge, where Bragg unearthed a case from 2016 and, through a series of novel steps, is seeking to bring it back to life. Facts Known for Years Braggs office hasnt publicly acknowledged what charge or charges are being considered. But based on publicly available facts about the TrumpDaniels payment, legal experts have offered their educated guesses about what accusations Trump might face. An offense that could apply to Trumps situation, known as falsifying business records, is a misdemeanor that must be prosecuted within two years of the alleged crime. But state law allows a district attorney to elevate nominal misdemeanor conduct to a felony charge if the intent to defraud includes an intent to commit another crime or to aid or conceal the commission thereof,' the congressional letter says. Under that approach, the statute of limitations would be five years. Bachner said the clock on that five-year limit would begin to run on the date of the filing of the document in Trumps business records. So it depends on when that was done, Bachner said. The DAs office is sufficiently sophisticated that it would be mind-boggling if the office brought a case outside the statutory limit. He said such an attempt would be tossed out by a court immediately. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg in New York City on Jan. 13, 2023. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) The letter to Bragg says the five-year time limit would likely expire soon, explaining his alleged rush to indictment. This indictment comes after years of your office searching for a basisany basison which to bring charges, ultimately settling on a novel legal theory untested anywhere in the country and one that federal authorities declined to pursue, the letter says. The New York County District Attorneys Office has been investigating Trump since at least 2018, looking for some legal theory on which to bring charges. The facts of this matter have not changed since 2018, and no new witnesses have emerged, the letter says. The Justice Department declined to pursue charges in 2019. Yet, news reports indicated that Braggs office convened a new grand jury in January to investigate. The only intervening factor, it appears, was President Trumps announcement that he would be a candidate for President in 2024, the letter says. Trump announced his candidacy in November 2022. In their letter to Bragg, the congressmen are asking Bragg to provide documents and information from January 2017 to the present about the Trump investigation. They also requested that Bragg testify as soon as possible before Congress. The letter says that Congress needs to examine how public safety funds are being used, considering Braggs decision to pursue such a politically motivated prosecution while allowing career criminals to run free. Also, because Bragg decided to go forward with a case that federal authorities dropped, laws may need to specify the prosecutorial powers of federal and local officials and how they interact, the letter said. Braggs office didnt respond by press time to a request by The Epoch Times for comment. Mugshot, Fingerprints Expected If Trump is indicted, he likely would be allowed to surrender voluntarily, and his lawyer has publicly stated he would do so. Bachner, whose law practice focuses mainly on white-collar crime cases, said people accused of financial crimes are customarily permitted to turn themselves in. Afterward, Trump would have to go through standard booking procedures, including having a mugshot and fingerprints taken. Given the level of security needed for a former president, its unclear how all that would be done. Based on New Yorks bail reform act, Trump would be freed pending trial, without having to post bond, Bachner said. While very complex white-collar crime cases may take up to two years before going on trial, recently amended New York laws require the prosecution to provide the defense with virtually all of their discovery within weeks of the arrest, he said. Therefore, Trumps team could expect grand jury transcripts, emails, and bank statements very quickly. Theoretically, a case against Trump could be ready for trial within six to eight months, which would mean it could hit before the 2024 election, Bachner said. Then, the question becomes, does Trump want to delay it? Or does he want to be on trial while hes running for office? he said. And I think the answer is hes probably going to want to delay it because if he gets elected, then the criminal case will go away. Certainly, a sitting president cant go to jail. Defense Has Strong Arguments If the case goes to trial, Trump would have strong arguments that can be made in his defense, Bachner said. Bachner said that the payment to Daniels couldve been mistakenly entered into the wrong category, or there may have been valid, legal reasons for the way it was listed. Trump has excellent attorneys in his corner, including Susan Necheles, whom Bachner knows to be very tenacious, very smart. Bachner predicted that Cohen, who has many credibility issues, would be subjected to a lot of target practice from Trumps lawyers. Cohen has made many public anti-Trump statements and admitted to several offenses, including lying to Congress. He spent time in prison and was disbarred. One significant factor working against Trump: Jurors for any case against Trump in Braggs district would come from a Democrat-heavy jury pool, Bachner said. But he still thinks the jurors would make prosecutors prove their case. Trump Cites Braggs History In a series of posts on his Truth Social platform, Trump protested the absurdity of his current situation. New York City police for the first and only time in history endorsed a presidentTrumpand honored him as man of the year. Yet, Trump said, New York police are forced to defend and protect people who called for defunding the police and others who want to put their greatest champion and friend in prison for a crime that doesnt exist. Also, in a preemptive strike, Trumps campaign on March 20 issued a statement titled, Meet Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg. On his first day in office, Bragg directed prosecutors not to seek bail or jail time for criminals to treat armed robbery as a misdemeanor, ignore retail thefts, to not prosecute people for resisting arrest and to deny felony charges in several violent attacks, the statement says. Since then, Bragg has been criticized for prosecuting innocent victims and being soft on career criminals, the statement says, alleging that he downgraded more than half of all felonies to misdemeanors. Yet he seeks to do the opposite in Trumps case, legal experts say. Bragg is a rogue prosecutor who allegedly has tried to take down Trump for many years, Trumps statement said. In one news article, Bragg stated that hes the most qualified candidate to prosecute Trump, having sued the Trump administration over 100 times, according to the statement. The Associated Press contributed to this report. IMF Approves Nearly $3 Billion Bailout for Sri Lanka A man walks past the International Monetary Fund (IMF) logo at its headquarters in Washington, D.C., on May 10, 2018. (Yuri Gripas/Reuters) The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Monday said its executive board approved a nearly $3 billion bailout for Sri Lanka, and the countrys presidency said the program will enable it to access up to $7 billion in overall funding. The decision will allow an immediate disbursement of about $333 million, the IMF said, and will spur financial support from other partners, potentially helping Sri Lanka emerge from its worst financial crisis in over seven decades. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said Sri Lanka also needs to undertake various reforms. For Sri Lanka to overcome the crisis, swift and timely implementation of the EFF-supported program with strong ownership for the reforms is critical, Georgieva said in a statement. EFF refers to the IMFs Extended Fund Facility. She emphasised the need for ambitious revenue-based fiscal consolidation. For the fiscal adjustments to be successful, sustained fiscal institutional reforms on tax administration, public financial and expenditure management, and energy pricing are critical, Georgieva said in the statement. Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghes office said in a statement that the IMF program will help improve the countrys standing in international capital markets, making it attractive for investors and tourists. Wickremesinghe told the countrys parliament earlier that there were signs the economy was improving, but there was still insufficient foreign currency for all imports, making the IMF deal crucial so other creditors could also start releasing funds. The island nation aims to announce a debt-restructuring strategy in April and step up talks with commercial creditors ahead of an IMF review of a bailout package in six months, its central bank governor told Reuters earlier this month. In Michigan, a Modicum of Justice for a COVID-Exploiting Teachers Union Commentary Americas teachers unions exploited the COVID-19 pandemic to maximum effect, leveraging school lockdowns for which they lobbied to pursue political demands stretching far beyond their salaries and benefitsand helping drive a $190 billion windfall in taxpayer dollars to K-12 schools. The public bore that cost, in childrens learning loss and mental health struggles; in the burdens the closures placed on parents already struggling to make ends meet in an economy crippled by government decree; and on the literal costs that the teachers unions passed on to taxpayers. Adding insult to injury, some teachers unions also apparently defrauded Americans under a pandemic relief program never intended for them. Now, thanks to a Michigan court case, one union is finally facing a modicum of justice for it. Earlier this month, the Michigan Education Association (MEA) and Michigan Education Special Services Association (MESSA), its health insurance arm, reached a settlement requiring the entities to pay the U.S. government more than $200,000 in reimbursements and fines, and the Mackinac Center $77,000, covering the legal fees the think tank incurred in taking the union to court over its alleged misconduct. That alleged misconduct occurred in 2020 when the union entities applied for $12.5 million in federal loans, which they ultimately received, under the Small Business Associations (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The Mackinac Center argued that the entities were ineligible for such loans, that they knew this when applying for and obtaining them, and that they had therefore violated the False Claims Act. The nearly $800 billion in forgivable loans extended pursuant to the PPP program were largely intended as relief for small businesses struggling under the dire economic conditions wrought by the government-driven shutdown of the U.S. economy. The assistance would help such concerns make payroll, re-hire laid-off employees, and cover overhead. Labor organizations like the MEA, and voluntary employee-benefit associations like MESSA, were not among the types of entities that qualified for such loans under the program at the time they applied for them. So, in January 2022, the free-market and limited-government-oriented Mackinac Center sued them. Prior to filing suit, The Mackinac Center said that it had confronted the MEA with evidence of its legal violation, and that the union falsely claimed it had returned the PPP fundsonly to do so four days after being apprised of its infraction. Despite the unions returning of those funds, the SBAwhich is to say, the publichad incurred processing fees, which the agency paid to the lenders who extended the government-backed PPP funds. The Mackinac Center bore the cost of litigation. Hence the settlement that the parties reached. Those who violate the False Claims Act by fraudulently receiving SBA pandemic program funds meant for eligible small businesses will be held accountable, said Special Agent in Charge Sharon Johnson of SBA OIGs Central Region. Todays settlements send a strong message that those responsible will be held accountable. Time will tell if that holds true. The governments COVID-19-related programs have proven rife with fraud, and efforts to prosecute are ongoing. Michigans teachers union was not alone among organized labor groups in seeking out PPP funds for which it was apparently ineligible. According to a January 2022 Freedom Foundation report, labor unions and related organizations procured some 223 loans totaling $36.1 million during the period between the passage of the CARES Act in March 2020, which created the PPP program, and the American Rescue Plan in March 2021, which modified it. Leading recipients included teachers unions, government employees unions, and AFL-CIO advocacy groups. As the Freedom Foundation asserted in its report: The ineligible loans diverted resources away from the purpose of the PPP, namely helping businesses keep employees on payroll. Further, given that union revenue derives primarily from dues deducted from members paychecks, direct support to unions was unnecessary; to the extent the PPP loans to businesses allowed union employees to keep working, it also allowed unions to continue collecting dues from their paychecks. While the Mackinac Center successfully pursued a case against what appears to have been the largest teachers union recipient of such funds, no other such party is known to have faced a similar fate. The Mackinac Center told RealClearEducation that it was not aware of any other such cases pending or completed, though it noted that other suits could have been filed under federal seal. From RealClearWire Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Japan Plans $75 Billion Investment Across Indo-Pacific to Counter China Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (L) shakes hands with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi before their meeting at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi on March 20, 2023. (Adnan Abidi/Reuters) TOKYO/NEW DELHIJapans Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Monday announced a new plan to promote an open and free Indo-Pacific, promising billions of dollars in investment to help economies across the region in everything from industry to disaster prevention. The plan he announced in New Delhi is seen as Tokyos bid to forge stronger ties with countries in South and Southeast Asia to counter Chinas growing aggression there. Kishida also said Japan wanted Russias invasion of Ukraine to end as soon as possible and called on the Global South, a broad term referring to countries in Africa, Asia, Oceania, and Latin America, to show solidarity after his talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Kishida said there were four pillars to Japans new Indo-Pacific plan: maintaining peace, dealing with new global issues in cooperation with Indo-Pacific countries, achieving global connectivity through various platforms, and ensuring the safety of the open seas and skies. Japan pledged $75 billion to the region by 2030 via private investment and yen loans and by ramping up aid through official governmental assistance and grants. We plan to expand the cooperation of the free and open Indo-Pacific framework, Kishida told the Indian Council of World Affairs. He emphasized the increasing connectivity among countries and promoting freedom of navigation, with an eye on increasing maritime defense and security among like-minded countries. The Chinese regime has ramped up its military presence in the Indo-Pacific and rapidly modernized its navy while promoting its Belt and Road Initiative. The kind of connectivity where you only rely on one country breeds political vulnerability, Kishida said. We aim to increase the number of options each country has so that they can overcome these vulnerabilities and achieve further economic growth through connectivity, he added. Naval Drills We will conduct joint maritime exercises with India and the United States, as well as goodwill exercises with ASEAN and the Pacific Islands, Kishida said. Japan, India, Australia, and the United States are members of the so-called Quad grouping, created to balance Chinas growing dominance. The four are will participate in the annual naval wargaming exercise Malabar to be held in Australia this year. India and Japan have deepened their ties in defense and strategic affairs in the face of a dominant China. India is an essential partner when it comes to realizing our free and open Indo-Pacific vision, Kishida later told reporters when asked why he chose New Delhi to announce his plan. Modi said strengthening the India-Japan partnership is not only important for both our countries, it also promotes peace, prosperity and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The two have different stances on the war in Ukraine, however. We want to stop the invasion by Russia as soon as possible. In order for that to happen, its important for the international community, including the so-called Global South, to show solidarity, Kishida said when asked about his discussions with Modi. Japan has imposed sanctions on Russia, as have many other nations. India has not, and it has refused to blame Moscow for the conflict and has ramped up its buying of Russian oil. Giving voice to the priorities of the Global South is an important pillar of our G-20 presidency, Modi said after his talks with Kishida. By Sakura Murakami and Krishn Kaushik Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Makes Surprise Visit to Ukraine, Meets Zelenskyy Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (R) and Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (L) shake hands after the signing of bilateral documents before their joint press conference after their meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, on March 21, 2023. (Genya Savilov/AFP via Getty Images) BUCHA, Ukraine/TOKYOJapans Fumio Kishida met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Tuesday during a rare, unannounced visit by a Japanese leader that underscored Tokyos emphatic support for Ukraine in its fight against Russias invasion. The Japanese prime minister had been the only leader of the Group of Seven (G-7) rich nations yet to visit Ukraine, which has seen an outpouring of popular support in Japan following the Russian invasion. Zelenskyy posted footage of him greeting Kishida, whom the Ukrainian leader called a truly powerful defender of the international order and a longtime friend of Ukraine. Earlier, Kishida toured the town of Bucha, where the mayor has said more than 400 civilians were killed last year by Russian forces. He laid a wreath outside a church before observing a moment of silence and bowing. The world was astonished to see innocent civilians in Bucha killed one year ago. I really feel great anger at the atrocity upon visiting that very place here, Kishida said. I would like to give condolence to the all victims and the wounded on behalf of the Japanese nationals. Japan will keep aiding Ukraine with the greatest effort to regain peace. The trip was kept secret until the last minute for security reasons. It is rare for a Japanese leader to make an unannounced foreign visit. It coincides with Chinese leader Xi Jinpings state visit to Russia. In what appeared to be a response to Kishidas trip, Russias defense ministry said on Tuesday that two of its strategic bomber planes flew over the Sea of Japan. Zelenskyy said Kyiv had suggested to China that it joined a Ukrainian peace formula to end the war but had yet to receive an answer. Beijing has proposed a 12-point peace proposal, but Kyiv insists on a full Russian troop withdrawal. Japan is due to host a G-7 summit in Kishidas hometown of Hiroshima in May. Tokyo has continually voiced support for Ukraine and joined sanctions against Russia. Zelenskyy, speaking at a joint briefing with Kishida, said he would join the Hiroshima summit via an online link. Kishida says the summit should demonstrate a strong will to uphold international order and rule of law in response to the Ukraine war. Japan has its own territorial dispute with Moscow that dates back to the end of World War II. Russias invasion has also deepened concern in Tokyo and among the Japanese public about what would happen to Japan if the Chinese regime were to invade Taiwan. Encouraged by the United States, Japan in December unveiled its biggest military build-up since World War II, with a commitment to double defense spending within five years. Kishida will also meet his Polish counterpart before returning to Japan on Thursday, the ministry said. Prior to leaving for Poland en route to Ukraine, Kishida visited India, where he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Japans Leader Arrives in Ukraine for Meeting With Zelenskyy Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (C) prepares to leave Haneda airport in Tokyo on Jan. 8, 2023. (Kota Endo/Kyodo News via AP) Japans Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visited Kyiv in war-hit Ukraine on Tuesday to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, according to Japans Foreign Ministry, just a day after Chinese leader Xi Jinping arrived in Russia. Kishida was seen boarding a train from the Polish station of Przemysl near the border with Ukraine at around 1.30 a.m. (local time) after concluding a meeting in India, Japanese broadcaster NHK reported. The Japanese Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Kishidas visit to Ukraine was at the invitation of the Ukrainian leader and that he will visit Poland on Wednesday before returning to Japan. Kishida will use the visit to convey Japans solidarity and unwavering support for Ukraine while resolutely rejecting Russias aggression against Ukraine and unilateral changing of the status quo by force. The ministry stated that the Japanese leader would also reaffirm his commitment to defending rules-based international law. Due to the limitations of Japans pacifist constitution, this trip was arranged secretly. The Ukraine visit made Kishida the first Japanese postwar leader to enter a war zone. In a statement on Twitter, U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel praised Kishida for making such an historic visit to Ukraine and for standing up for freedom amid the ongoing Russian war in Ukraine. Approximately 900 kilometers away, a different and more nefarious partnership is taking shape in Moscow, where Xi Jinping is visiting to protect [Russian President] Vladimir Putin from the International Criminal Court and pardon him from international public opinion against this war, he stated. Xi Meeting Putin in Russia The summit between Kishida and Zelenskyy occurs while Xi meets with Putin in Moscow. Xis Russia visit, set to run through to Thursday, March 23, is his first visit to Russia since Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with Chinas President Xi Jinping at the Kremlin in Moscow on March 20, 2023. (Sergei Karpukhin/Sputnik/AFP via Getty Images) China and Russia are not in a formal military alliance, but they announced a no limits partnership just weeks before Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The ties between China and Russia seem to have increased months after Russian forces entered Ukraine. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has described Xis visit to Russia as an effort to promote a peaceful end to the ongoing fighting in Ukraine. But U.S. officials believe his visit will serve a longer-term goal of solidifying a partnership and power alignment with Russia. I think in the short term, you know, Chinas trying to insert itself into the Ukraine conflict and present itself as a peacemaker, congressman Mike Waltz (R-Fla.) told NTD News on the sidelines of a House Republican Party retreat in Orlando, Florida on Monday. But really, I think in the longer term, its cementing this alignment of authoritarianism that were seeing with China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, with the [Chinese Communist Party] as the leader of the pack and the leader of the axis of evil, so to speak, he added. Japans Support of Ukraine Japan has strongly condemned Russias invasion of Ukraine and imposed a series of sanctions to pressure Moscow to back off. It banned Russian banks from the SWIFT global interbank network, blocked the assets of Putin and several other Russian leaders, and prohibited exports to Russian entities. Due to its pacifist principles, Japans support for Ukraine has been limited to non-combative military equipment such as helmets, bulletproof vests, drones, and humanitarian supplies, including generators. Japan has contributed more than $7 billion to Ukraine, accepted more than 2,000 displaced Ukrainians, and helped them with housing assistance and support to get jobs and educationa rare move for a country known for its strict immigration policy. In October last year, Zelenskyy signed a decree recognizing Japans sovereignty and territorial integrity, including the disputed Kuril Islands, which have been under Russian control since 1945. Japan has claimed that the Kuril Islands have never been held by foreign countries and that they have been under illegal occupation by Russia and by the former Soviet Union before that since 1945. The two countries never formally signed a peace treaty due to the dispute. Japan initiated peace talks with Russia that the Kremlin terminated after Japan imposed several sanctions against Russia over the Ukraine war. Ryan Morgan and the Associated Press contributed to this report. Judge Blocks 1999 California Law Requiring Specific Safety Features for Handguns Gun instructor Tom Nguyen (L) watches as Kelly Siu fires a pistol during a Defensive Pistol Class at Burro Canyon Shooting Park in Azusa, California, on Feb. 12, 2023. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images) A federal judge has granted a preliminary injunction against key parts of Californias Unsafe Handgun Act that would require new semiautomatic handguns to be fitted with certain safety features, finding it violates the right to bear arms under the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. U.S. District Judge Cormac Carney on March 20 ruled in favor of the California Rifle & Pistol Association (CRPA) and four individuals who had filed a lawsuit last year challenging the constitutionality of the law in the wake of a landmark decision from the U.S. Supreme Court setting new standards for evaluating firearm restrictions. Californias Unsafe Handgun Act, which was enacted in 1999, sought to prevent accidental discharges according to advocates, and required new handguns to have three specific safety features. These included an indicator showing whether the handgun is loaded and a disconnect mechanism to prevent it from being fired if the magazine is not fully inserted. Under the law, new handguns also needed to have microstamping capability, enabling microscopic characters representing the handguns make, model, and serial number to be transferred onto shell casings when the handgun is fired so that law enforcement officials can more easily link the used casings to the guns they were fired from. Safety Features Not Commercially Practical In their lawsuit, plaintiffs had argued that the law violates the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms because no handguns were being manufactured that complied with all three of those features. Specifically, they argued that the law and subsequent design features meant that buyers in the state had simply been left unable to purchase new state-of-the-art handguns because since 2013, when the microstamping requirement was introduced, not a single new semiautomatic handgun has been approved for sale in the state. In his ruling on Monday (pdf), Carneywho was appointed by former President George W. Bushnoted that the technology effectuating microstamping on a broad scale is simply not technologically feasible and commercially practical, and that as a result of the law, Californians purchasing handguns today are largely restricted to models from over sixteen years ago. The Second Amendment enshrines a fundamental constitutional right for law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms for self-defense, the judge wrote. Increasingly in modern times, with the ubiquity of guns and our countrys high level of gun violence, ordinary law-abiding people feel a need to possess handguns to protect themselves against violence. Californians have the constitutional right to acquire and use state-of-the-art handguns to protect themselves. They should not be forced to settle for decade-old models of handguns to ensure that they remain safe inside or outside the home. But unfortunately, the UHAs CLI, MDM, and microstamping requirements do exactly that, Carney continued. Because enforcing those requirements implicates the plain text of the Second Amendment, and the government fails to point to any well-established historical analogues that are consistent with them, those requirements are unconstitutional and their enforcement must be preliminarily enjoined, the judge wrote in his ruling. State Could Appeal Ruling The judge ultimately ruled that the law is unconstitutional and cannot be enforced and granted a preliminary injunction against its enforcement. However, he noted the injunction will not take effect for 14 days, allowing the state a chance to appeal. Mondays ruling is the latest in a line of decisions striking down state gun laws following the U.S. Supreme Court ruling last year setting new standards for evaluating firearm restrictions. Chuck Michel, president of the California Rifle & Pistol Association, welcomed Mondays ruling in a statement, noting that the three safety features required on new handguns were impossible to satisfy. For decades this roster law has deprived law-abiding citizens of the right to choose a handgun appropriate for their individual needs, Michel said. If we can hold on to this great Second Amendment win, people will be able to choose from among thousands of the latest, greatest, and safest handguns made today. However, California Attorney General Rob Bonta championed Californias Unsafe Handgun Act in a statement, adding that it saves lives and that the state will likely appeal Mondays ruling. We will continue to lead efforts to advance and defend Californias gun safety laws, said Bonta. As we move forward to determine next steps in this case, Californians should know that this injunction has not gone into effect and that Californias important gun safety requirements related to the Unsafe Handgun Act remain in effect. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Judge Dismisses Biden Admins Motion to Dismiss Big Tech Collusion Case A woman stomps on a free speech sign at the University of CaliforniaBerkeley in Berkeley, Calif., on Sept. 24, 2017. (Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images) A federal court in Louisiana has denied the Biden administrations motion to dismiss a landmark case alleging collusion between the federal government and Big Tech to censor disfavored users and viewpoints related to COVID-19. In Missouri v. Biden, the states of Louisiana and Missouri allege that social media companies, such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube, censored certain viewpoints and users on their platforms at the direction of, and under coercive pressure by, top Biden administration officials and various federal government agencies. The defendants, including the Biden administration, sought to have the case dismissed, claiming the states lacked standing to bring the claims. However, the states argued that a previous ruling already established standing. U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana Judge Terry Doughty dismissed the Biden administrations motion to dismiss the case. The Court finds that the Complaint alleges significant encouragement and coercion that converts the otherwise private conduct of censorship on social media platforms into state action, and is unpersuaded by Defendants arguments to the contrary, Doughty wrote in his ruling (pdf). Doughty noted that he was unpersuaded by some of the governments arguments, which attempted to write off the coercive threats as isolated episodes in which federal officials engaged in rhetoric about misinformation on social media platforms. Such attempts to downplay the threats by claiming no single defendant had the unilateral authority to carry through on them is clearly contradicted by the overwhelming weight of authority, the judge added. Further, while the Government may certainly select the messages it wishes to convey, this freedom is limited by the more fundamental principle that a government entity may not employ threats to limit the free speech of private citizens, Doughty wrote. In the lawsuit, the states argue that the governments alleged encouragement of Big Tech companies to engage in censorship exceeds its legal authority, violates the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), and infringes First Amendment rights. The government filed a motion to dismiss the case claiming a lack of subject-matter jurisdiction and failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. However, the judge disagreed. Lawsuit Plausibly Alleged State Action The Biden administration argued against the motion to dismiss, contending the states lacked standing to bring the claims and that there was no waiver of sovereign immunity for any of the claims against the defendants. However, the states argue the court had previously found standing to exist in a previous ruling. Meanwhile, the states asked the court to declare that the censorship actions violated the U.S. Constitution and states constitutions, and requested an injunction to put a stop to the alleged unlawful conduct. According to the court filing, the court ultimately found that the states had plausibly alleged state action under the theories of joint participation, entwinement, and the combining of factors such as subsidization, authorization, and encouragement. Plaintiffs have clearly and plausibly alleged that Defendants engaged in viewpoint discrimination and prior restraints, the judge wrote. Doughty noted in his ruling that, contrary to what the government has argued, the states are not seeking a judicial gag order to prevent the executive branch from expressing its views on important matters of public concern. The judge cited a previous case, Matal v. Tam, to explain that while the government-speech doctrine is important, it is susceptible to dangerous misuse. If private speech could be passed off as government speech by simply affixing a government seal of approval, government could silence or muffle the expression of disfavored viewpoints, the ruling stated. The Complaint alleges more than the exercise of permissible government speech. It alleges extensive and highly effective efforts by government officials to silence or muffle the expression of disfavored viewpoints,' the judge wrote. Accordingly, the Court finds that Plaintiffs have plausibly alleged state action under the theory of significant encouragement and/or coercion. Missouri v. Biden centers around Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which allows social media companies to censor content deemed offensive. The lawsuit brought by the states argues that Section 230 has given broad immunity for censorship of disfavored viewpoints and that the government has used threats of amending or repealing this section to encourage more aggressive censorship on social media platforms. The case is scheduled for a preliminary injunction hearing on May 12. It has been a challenging March for preservationists. A 1931 Art Deco building at the Clinton-Bailey Farmers & Flea Market was demolished March 7, despite a pending local landmark nomination before the Common Council's Legislation Committee that, under the City Code, should have automatically put a demolition permit on hold. Meanwhile, in the West Side's Columbus Park neighborhood, at Busti and Rhode Island streets, Empire State Development has assembled equipment to remove the worn slate roof of the Hutchinson Memorial Chapel of the Holy Innocents. Despite preservationists' objections, the development agency has the approval of the State Historic Preservation Office to replace the local landmark's slate roof with asphalt shingles, and is starting asbestos removal. "It is not being treated as a restoration project at this stage," office spokesman Dan Keefe said, but, instead, as a plan to remove and store the steeple and replace the roof with asphalt shingles in order to prevent further deterioration. Empire State Development plans to spend $400,000 to stabilize the building, which, in addition to roof work, includes repairing masonry and ornamental features and removing and storing the steeple. That decision came after the state agency, working with its engineering consultant, determined the roof needed to be replaced and the steeple removed for safe keeping until a permanent owner could be identified, according to ESD spokeswoman Laura Magee. Asphalt shingle was chosen because of its cost and long lead times for certain other materials, Magee said. "It is important to note that ESD will only be stabilizing the chapel at this time, not completing work for any specific development," Magee said in January. "When comparing asphalt shingles versus slate and/or synthetic slate, the cost of slate was estimated to be as much as more than three times as expensive as asphalt shingles." Because the Hutchinson Chapel is a state project, the city's Preservation Board isn't required to weigh in on the project. "Both of these changes would completely destroy the historical significance of this 128-year-old, intact Romanesque building," said Linda DeTine, a Prospect Hill resident. "When looked at from its long sides, the chapel's existing slate roof takes up almost two-thirds of the view, so it is one of its most prominent features. As for removal of the steeple, that is a singularly important feature of any church." Preservationists question state plans for historic chapel near Peace Bridge New York State's plans for a historic chapel in the shadow of the Peace Bridge are raising objections among preservationists who fear a loss of architectural integrity and protection from the elements if inferior materials replace the current slate roof. DeTine, a retired attorney, contends state law makes it clear that Empire State Development must maintain the chapel in an historically accurate manner. She also said that when the state demolished the site's locally landmarked Thornton Hall, it pledged to preserve the chapel. Adding to its importance, she said, was the determination in March 2022 by the State Historic Preservation Office that the property was eligible for placement on the National and State Register of Historic Places. State preservation laws put the onus on preserving the building, which, in this case, would mean a slate roof, as well as keeping the steeple intact, DeTine said. "ESD has indicated that it can go forward with these adverse alterations because ESD is not 'restoring' the chapel," she said. "I have found no statute or regulation that would support that position." Assemblyman Jonathan Rivera said he has requested a community meeting with Empire State Development officials. "Too many of our historical buildings in Buffalo are lost due to owner neglect," Rivera said. "This property has been in the state's hands for years. They have a responsibility to ensure its maintenance, not just for this phase, but into the future." The tiny Medina sandstone chapel is the last remaining structure on the site of the former Episcopal Church Home, a nursing home complex owned by the Episcopal Diocese of Western New York that was torn down several years ago. At one time, the Peace Bridge Authority eyed the 3.7-acre property for expansion of its Buffalo plaza, but those plans never proceeded. "Its another case of a public authority that we have very little input with and who didn't keep their promises to the community," West Side resident Andy Goldstein said. "We feel like we've been scarred again after the Peace Bridge Authority took down historic houses on Busti and the state knocked down Thornton Hall next to the chapel." Art Deco building lost Preservationists are also lamenting the loss of an art deco building that was part of what was originally known as the Niagara Frontier Growers Co-operative Market. The building at 1443 Clinton St. was in poor condition and closed for more than a year. A fence was erected around it because of the threat of falling bricks. "This building was built as the identifying structure in the art deco style of what was Buffalo's largest farmer's market," said Tim Tielman, executive director of the Campaign for Greater Buffalo History, Architecture & Culture. "It's a loss of potential, because if you were going to think of restoring the market to its former prominence, you would have started with that building." Cathy Amdur, commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services, said the demolition occurred because the status of the preservation process was not communicated to her department, despite a process for doing so. "The actions of preservation staff are being reviewed so that we can prevent this from occurring in the future," Amdur said Tuesday. "I had been in this building hundreds of times when my grandparents sold produce at the Clinton Bailey Market. My brothers' names were still carved into the steps of the building before it was demolished." The Buffalo Preservation Board approved local landmark status for the building in November 2021. A public hearing was held by the Common Council Legislative Committee, and the issue was still before the committee, which automatically puts a temporary moratorium on demolition permits. The cooperative wanted to construct a new structure, saying it was not economically feasible to invest in the 92-year-old building. Fillmore Council Member Mitchell Nowakowski put the onus on the cooperative, which has owned the structure for generations and which, he said, bore responsibility for its condition. Nowakowski, who tabled the landmarking application to work with the cooperative, laments its loss, but said he's willing to work with the cooperative "for the good of the Clinton Bailey Market and the fresh produce and products it offers to the neighborhood and the city." Judge OKs Lawsuits Against JPMorgan, Deutsche Bank for Epstein Connections Jeffrey Epstein (C) appears in court in West Palm Beach, Fla., on July 30, 2008. (Uma Sanghvi/Palm Beach Post via AP) JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Deutsche Bank will face lawsuits over claims they enabled disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein to traffic his victims, a New York federal judge ruled on March 20. Two women referred to as Jane Doe filed federal class-action lawsuits against the banks in November last year, and the U.S. Virgin Islands filed its lawsuit against JPMorgan Chase & Co. in December. In his four-page order (pdf), U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff said the women can try to make a case on claims that the defendants knowingly benefited from participating in a sex-trafficking venture, obstructed enforcement of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, and negligently failed to exercise reasonable care to prevent physical harm. They can also pursue a claim that the banks negligently failed to exercise reasonable care as a banking institution providing non-routine banking, the judge said. However, all other claims are dismissed from the lawsuits. With regard to the lawsuit against JPMorgan Chase & Co. by the U.S. Virgin Islands, the judge ruled that the defendants can pursue the claim that the bank knowingly benefited from participating in a sex-trafficking venture. Some of the other claims were dismissed. Little St. James Island, one of the properties of financier Jeffrey Epstein, near Charlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands, on Aug. 17, 2019. (Marco Bello/Reuters) The judges opinion explaining the reasons for his rulings is set to be published soon. In their lawsuits, the two women had claimed that Epstein sexually abused them, and also accused the banks of aiding his sex trafficking operation by maintaining a financial relationship with him because he was a high-profile client. They also claim that multiple cash payments came from the banks to pay Epsteins victims. Virgin Islands Accuses Bank of Enabling The lawsuit brought by the U.S. Virgin Islands accused JPMorgan of enabling Epsteins sex trafficking by providing banking services to the financier after he had been convicted of sex charges and concealing suspicious wire and cash transactions, despite the fact that employees at the bank had raised concerns over the institutions relationship with Epstein. It also suggests that JPMorgan senior officials at the bank were aware of Epsteins crimes on the private and secluded island of Little St. James in the territory, and of the banks role in advancing them. The banks denied being aware of Epsteins abuses and sought to have the lawsuits dismissed. Rakoffs decision means the banks may be held financially liable for their relationships with Epstein if the plaintiffs succeed with their lawsuits in court. Epstein, 66, died in a New York City jail in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. He had been a client of JPMorgan from 2000 to 2013 and Deutsche Bank from 2013 to 2018. Following Rakoffs ruling, Carol Thomas-Jacobs, the acting attorney general for the U.S. Virgin Islands, said the government looked forward to ultimately proving our case in court. This Case Is Critically Important We are pleased that the U.S. Virgin Islands will continue to work alongside survivors to hold JPMorgan Chase accountable for enabling Jeffrey Epsteins heinous sex-trafficking venture, Thomas-Jacobs said in a statement. This case is critically important to ensuring that financial institutions do their jobs, with the detailed, real-time information available to them, as a first line of defense in identifying and reporting potential human trafficking, as the law expects. Jes Staley, then CEO of Barclays, arrives at Downing Street for a meeting in London, UK, on Jan. 11, 2018. (Tolga Akmen/AFP via Getty Images) Elsewhere, Brad Edwards, the attorney representing Epsteins accusers, called the rulings Monday a monumental victory for the hundreds of survivors of Jeffrey Epsteins sex-trafficking scheme and survivors of sexual abuse in general, all of whom can rest easier knowing no individual or institution is above accountability. Epsteins sex-trafficking operation was impossible without the assistance of JPMorgan Chase, and later Deutsche Bank, Edwards said, according to CNBC. And we assure the public that we will leave no stone unturned in our quest for justice for the many victims who deserved better from one of Americas largest financial institutions. The Epoch Times contacted JPMorgan for comment. Deutsche Bank declined to comment. Mondays ruling comes after JPMorgan filed a lawsuit against its former investment banking chief Jes Staley earlier this month, alleging that Staley protected Epstein and demanding that he return all of his compensation from 2006 through 2013 while employed at the bank, totaling more than $80 million. Staley has claimed that he was unaware of Epsteins sex crimes despite maintaining a friendly relationship with him while he worked as a top executive for the bank. I thought I knew him well, and I didnt, he told The Wall Street Journal in early 2020. For sure, with hindsight, with what we all know now, I deeply regret having had any relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Reuters contributed to this report. Landlords in Michigan Fight Forced Provision of Voter Registration Forms to New Tenants A sign for Michigan State University is seen near the campus in East Lansing, Mich., on Feb. 1, 2018. (Rebecca Cook/Reuters) Its been 10 years in the making, but a family of East Lansing, Michigan, landlords finally have their day in court. The Hagan family, represented by attorneys from the Thomas More Society, filed a civil rights complaint against the city on March 16, in the U.S. District Court in the Western District of Michigan. The Hagans complaint centers on a 2013 city ordinance mandating landlords to provide new tenants with voter registration forms and how to information. It requests that the court declare portions of the ordinance unconstitutional and a violation of federal civil rights law. The ordinance reads in part, At the time occupancy is given the owner or owners legal agent must provide information on how to register to vote and the requirements to register, [a] notice that election information and further registration information is available on the Secretary of States website as well as the Citys website and a copy of the State of Michigan Voter Registration Application. And finally, A violation of this section shall be deemed a civil infraction. Attorney Erick G. Kaardal. (Courtesy Erick G. Kaardal) This is a blatant violation of the landlords First Amendment rights, said Thomas More Society Special Counsel Erick Kaardal in a March 17 press release. East Lansing is out of line. Kaardal likened it to the government conscripting the local grocer to hand out property tax bills while ringing up his customers orders. Why would the East Lansing City Council resort to unconstitutional means to register voters but to achieve a political end? asked Kaardal in a March 20 phone interview with The Epoch Times. East Lansing is the home of Michigan State University with its more than 50,000 students. The population of the city of East Lansing was 46,854 in 2021. When contacted for comment, East Lansing Communications Administrator Mikell Frey told The Epoch Times in an email, As a general practice, we do not comment on pending litigation. Landlords Seek Injunction The plaintiffs also asked the court for a permanent injunction to stop the city from enforcing the 10-year-old ordinance, now and in the future. According to the pleadings, the Hagans and other landlords had expressed their opposition to the measure as early as February 2013 at a public hearing held just before the adoption of the ordinance by the city. At the time, landlord Tom Kashinski asked, What does voter registration have to do with our relationship with our residents? What does it have to do with behavior issues or safety? What is the next thing that you would like to require us to do that has nothing to do with our business? Collin Cronin, another landlord, stated, Pushing political agendas or political emphasis isnt something I believe should be pressed on landlords to do. How extreme are we going to get here? asked Matt Hagan. The Penalty for Disobedience Out of fear of being slapped with a civil infraction penalty, a fine the complaint says could be up to $1,000 and have implications on the landlords licenses, the plaintiffs obeyed the terms of the ordinance. A decade later the arguments against the measure remain the same. Last weeks court filing asserts, Increasing citizen participation in elections through registering voters is unrelated to renting a residence to tenants. Kaardal stated in the press release, that no matter how acceptable the idea of increasing voter participation is to some, those interests cannot outweigh the First Amendment rights of landlords who refuse to pass on the city governments message. By compelling a landlord to inform and provide information to tenants regarding where to register to vote, or by engaging them to act as couriers of the municipalitys ideological messages to prospective tenants, East Lansing is infringing on landlords rights, he said. The First Amendment protects an individuals right to refrain from speaking just as much as it protects the right to speak freely. Compelled speech is a violation of the free speech clause. Advancing the Progressive Agenda As precedent, Thomas More Society attorneys cite a 2020 case in Minnesota where a federal judge declared unconstitutional a similar ordinance involving Minneapolis and Saint Paul when those cities tried to require landlords to provide voter registration information to new tenants. Kaardal told The Epoch Times that he is concerned about every instance of what he called biased voter registration programs. Government should be a neutral player, he said. It should not be assisting progressives in accomplishing their political purposes. The Thomas More Society is a national, not-for-profit, public-interest law firm based in Chicago. The Society is dedicated to restoring respect in law for life, family, religious liberty, and fair elections, according to its website. Latest Border Encounter Numbers Expose Bidens Ports of Entry Bait-and-Switch Would-be illegal immigrants wait to be processed by U.S. Border Patrol after crossing into the United States from Mexico via a hole cut in the border fence in El Paso, Texas, on Dec. 21, 2022. El Pasos border crossings together form one of 11 land ports along Texas 1,254 mile-long border with Mexico. (Allison Dinner/AFP/Getty Images) Commentary As expected, the Biden administration has started using its port parole program shell game to feign lawfulness and distract from the true numbers of illegal aliens entering the United States each month. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on March 15 reported the lowest number of southwest land border encounters since January 2022. Taken at face value, that may look like progress. The full picture, however, shows that as southwest land border illegal-alien encounters trended downward in January and February after the rollout of the unlawful port parole program and the CBP One app, the number of nationwide inadmissible alien encounters at ports of entry is steadily rising, as shown in the chart below. In fact, CBPs February Office of Field Operations inadmissible alien encounters at ports of entry were 82,365, more than four times greater than in February 2021 and more than double the number in February 2022. These ports of entry encounters are steadily rising because the administration has directed would-be illegal aliens of numerous nationalities to use the CBP One app to make an appointment at a port of entry, where they will be paroled into the country. Thus, the same illegal aliens who would otherwise be attempting to cross between ports of entry are being shifted directly to them. The administration calls this process a lawful pathway, but mass paroling tens of thousands of inadmissible aliens through the ports make neither the process nor the aliens using it lawful. In fact, the executive branch does not have the constitutional authority to provide this visalike benefit to hundreds of thousands of illegal aliens. To prevent difficult questions stemming from the bad optics of sustained, historic levels of border encounters, the administration is hoping interested Americans will only look at the southwest land border encounters, rather than looking at nationwide encountersand in particular, the Office of Field Operations numbers. With the administration using ports to process and parole en masse and now larger numbers of illegal aliens crossing the northern border between the ports of entry, nationwide encounterswith Office of Field Operations numbers includedprovide the most accurate picture of the number of known illegal aliens entering the United States during any given month. The border crisis will continue so long as the policies of this administration are in place. The goal is clear: Encourage asylum fraud and use and abuse parole to process and release more aliens into the country quickly and ensure that they are never removed, providing mass de facto amnesty while demanding actual amnesty from Congress. When what its doing is not politically expedient, the administrations move is to continue its open-borders agenda more quietly and, it hopes, unnoticed. Meanwhile, even officials such as the chief of the U.S. Border Patrol, Raul Ortiz, are admitting the failures of President Joe Bidens border and immigration policy. In a congressional hearing on March 15, Ortiz made a few consequential statements that ran counter to the Biden administrations typical talking points and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkass claims. : Border Patrol chief Raul Ortiz just told @RepMarkGreen that DHS *does not* have operational control of the southern border. This is huge, because Secretary Mayorkas recently said DHS did have operational control. Huge admission. pic.twitter.com/rDezfonqST John Cooper (@thejcoop) March 15, 2023 In addition to going against Mayorkass previous statements under oath claiming that we have operational control of the border, Ortiz admitted that known gotaways are probably 10 percent to 20 percent higher than reported, that fentanyl is indeed coming into the United States between ports of entry, and that CBPs duties now require a processing enterprise, as more aliens are encountered and released into the United States. Wow: Border Patrol chief Raul Ortiz just made an amazing statementa key CBP mission under Biden's leadership is now "the processing enterprise." It's not just detaining illegal aliens and securing the border. It's processing and releasing them into the U.S. #BidenBorderCrisis pic.twitter.com/vPI7vyajuu John Cooper (@thejcoop) March 15, 2023 This is not the only example of CBP personnel, especially Border Patrol agents, speaking out against the Biden administrations reckless policies. Last year, agents confronted Mayorkas directly about being pulled off the border to process illegal aliens, with one agent physically turning his back on the DHS chief and stating that Mayorkas turned his back on them first. Agents have reported feeling abandoned by their leadership under the Biden administration and overwhelmed by the border crisis. Ortiz himself has said that agency morale is at an all-time low. The men and women on the ground know this administration is putting our nation at risk. Despite CBP being strained and thrown under the bus repeatedly, Biden and Mayorkas continue full speed ahead with their CBP parole program, the latest installment of a dangerous border policy, and their lies to the American public. This administration disregards our nations laws and national security at the expense of their political agenda and must be held accountable by Congress and the states through the legal system. Reprinted by permission from The Daily Signal, a publication of The Heritage Foundation. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Memories of Pre-Dawn Raids at Gunpoint Haunt Pro-Life Activists, Friends, and Family Activists say family members held at gunpoint by FBI more than a year after attending protests at abortion clinics Mark Houck with his daughter, Imelda, at their home in Kintnersville, Pa., on March 17, 2023. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times) Jonathan Darnel woke at 5:30 a.m. to fists pounding on his door. There was a crash as it was torn from its hinges, then shouts of armed men, he told The Epoch Times. Without warning, FBI agents swarmed in to arrest him. His crime: participating in what he calls a peaceful pro-life protest nearly two years prior. Similar scenes have played out at the homes of several of the 26 pro-life activists arrested nationwide in 2022 and 2023. Some were given the opportunity to turn themselves in. At least one was arrested at work. Many of these pro-life activists now face up to a year in prison for violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act. They also could be sentenced to more than 10 more years for the charge of conspiracy against rights, because they were acting in a group. As of yet, none have been sentenced. At least one was taken from his home at gunpoint as his wife demanded to see a warrant and his terrified children cried. An 11-year sentence would be an unprecedented punishment for participating in protests that were not violent, a legal expert told The Epoch Times. Unequal Treatment? The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has deployed predawn raids with dozens of armed agents and coordinated ambushes against these protesters whose alleged crimes neither damaged property nor harmed people. Yet attacks on centers that seek to give pregnant women options other than abortion have failed to attract the same attention from federal law enforcement. Pro-abortion protesters march into San Franciscos Civic Center Plaza to counter the Walk for Life West Coast on Jan. 21, 2023. (Lear Zhou/The Epoch Times) There were 82 confirmed attacks on crisis pregnancy centers in 2022, according to Catholic Vote, an organization that advocates living out the Catholic faith in public life. As of March 2023, the FBI has arrested just two people thought to be responsible for some of the attacks, the organization noted. In a press release, the FBI said it is continuing to investigate threats against pregnancy resource centers, faith-based organizations, and abortion clinics. The incidents are being investigated as potential acts of domestic violent extremism, FACE Act violations, or violent crime matters, depending on the facts of each case, the statement reads. The FBI takes all violence and threats of violence very seriously and we are working closely with our law enforcement partners at the national, state, and local levels to investigate these incidents. The Epoch Times reached out to the DOJ for comment but didnt receive a response by press time. Rounding up Pro-Life Activists Federal agents forced their way into the homes of at least three pro-life activists in 2022. The raids have left children terrorized, homes damaged, and families worried about their future. And in the wake of the raids, families lives are forever changed, as the charged activists face the uncertainty of prison time and legal bills that quickly mount into the six-figure range. Jonathan Darnel stands beside a door that the FBI smashed in during a predawn raid on his house. Photo taken near Alexandria, Virginia. (Courtesy of Jonathan Darnel) In the case of Darnel, the FBI agents wouldnt let him change clothes before taking him from his home on that chilly morning. So he walked into the agencys Washington headquarters on March 30, 2022, in a sweater, pajamas, and shoes with laces removed, he told The Epoch Times. Agents didnt tell him why hed been brought in, he said. Id just woken up, Darnell told The Epoch Times almost a year later, as he awaits trial. I was trying to plan my day in my head. Soon after his arrest, Darnel discovered that he faced 11 years in prison for his role in protest he characterizes as peaceful. Other crimes that carry a similar sentence include arson, kidnapping, and negligent homicide. FBI agents didnt show him a warrant, he said. It was just an early morning dawn raidgrab this guy and throw him in a car and drive off with him, said Darnel, the founder of the Christian, pro-life website GetSeriousChurch.com. It was very, very spooky. Before he could make sense of what was happening, agents had smashed through two doors in his home, he said. I guess I delayed too long. Darnels housemate, Ed Caughlan, and three others in the home confirmed the details. They described looking down the barrels of pointed at them, while a bomb disposal robot waited outside. Bewildered, Darnels four roommates were handcuffed and forced to sit against a wall inside. The most vivid image was multiple M16s being pointed at me, as I answered the downstairs door to a peacetime standing army, Caughlan said. En route to the FBI facility, Darnel tried to tell agents they were in the wrong. If theyre called upon to arrest people for trying to save babies or give babies a decent burial, they really need to reconsider their line of work, he said. Nationwide Prosecution of Protesters The protesters with Darnel at the Washington Surgi-Clinic werent the only pro-life protesters to face harsh law enforcement tactics over the past two years. The DOJ also has filed charges against 11 pro-life protesters who say they entered peacefully and simply sat down in a Mount Juliet, Tennessee, abortion clinic in March 2021. They face possible sentences of up to 11 years in prison for violating the FACE Act and conspiracy against rights. Eight other protesters were charged and face similar sentences for violating the FACE Act and conspiracy against rights for blockading a Sterling Heights, Michigan, abortion clinic by sitting and praying in front of the door in August 2020. These groups have some overlap. Protesters Chester Gallagher, Calvin Zastrow, and Caroline Davis each face one 11-year sentence for blocking access to both the Mount Juliet abortion clinic and another 11-year sentence for blocking the Sterling Heights clinic. Eva Edl and Eva Zastrow each face an 11-year sentence for violating the FACE Act and conspiracy against rights for blocking access to the Sterling Heights clinic. They also both face a potential one-year sentence for violating the FACE Act at the Mount Juliet clinic. Heather Idoni, who participated in all three protests, faces three 11-year sentences. In a separate incident, the government charged Rev. Fidelis Moscinski, a Catholic priest in Hempstead, New York, for violating the FACE Act. He used chains to block a clinic entrance. And after an October 2021 dust-up with a pro-abortion activist at an abortion clinic in Philadelphia, armed agents surprised pro-life activist Mark Houck at his home in a pre-dawn raid. As his children cried and his wife asked for information, they put him in a car and drove away, charging him with violating the FACE Act. Houck is the founder of a Catholic mens mentorship group, The Kings Men, according to the DOJ website. Before that, Houcks attorneys had told federal prosecutors he was willing to submit himself to the FBI if needed for questioning. It appeared the FBI didnt want him to come in on his own, Houck said. Breakfast Interrupted It was before dawn, and Houck was whipping up a quiche for his wife and seven homeschooled children. I hear a heavy banging at the door, and the doorbell is rung repeatedly, Houck told The Epoch Times. And all I hear outside is someone yelling, Open up! like theres some sort of problem outside. He wondered if there had been an emergency, he said, or if there was a madman trying to get into my house. Nearly a year had passed since his scuffle with a pro-abortion activist. So that wasnt on his mind, he said. When he opened the door, he saw FBI agents wearing bullet-proof vests and ballistic helmets. There were 15 law enforcement vehicles and two battering rams. Then there were the guns. State police pointed pistols at him, he said. Five agents on his porch holding shields pointed M16 rifles at him, and then they pointed the guns at his wife, Ryan-Marie Houck, as well, he said. Mark Houck, a Catholic pro-life activist, along with five of his seven children. (Courtesy of Mark Houck) A senior FBI source told Fox News that Houck never had guns pointed at him. Houck told The Epoch Times that the denial is patently false. Behind Houck and his wife, their seven children stood on the stairs terrified and weeping. It was just completely reckless, because someone could have been shot, Houck said. And when his wife asked for a warrant, Houck said, the agent replied, Were taking him, with or without a warrant. They wanted to scare pro-life America The FBI cuffed Houck, put him in a black SUV, and drove him away in his flip-flops, shorts, and T-shirt. He wasnt allowed to put on clothes or brush his teeth, he said. They didnt even give me permission to say goodbye to my children, Houck said. Houck was belly-shackled, with handcuffs that connected to a chain around his stomach. He was held for six hours, cuffed to a table at a local federal office, he said. Agents fingerprinted him, interrogated him, and conducted a hearing. They released him 10 hours later, he said, after indicating that theyd determined he wasnt a flight risk and posed no threat to the community. You have to ask yourself, why the tremendous show of force when they knew that already? Mark Houck and his family seen in a file photo. (GiveSendGo screenshot via The Epoch Times) On Jan. 30, 2023, a jury found Houck not guilty of violating the FACE Act. But Houck still wonders why he was arrested with such force, and in a way he believes put his familys safety at risk. He doesnt have a criminal record and owns no guns, he told The Epoch Times. He also said he has no skills dangerous enough to justify using over 15 armed agents to arrest him, he added. Its not logical, Houck said. They wanted to show and silence other pro-lifers and scare pro-life America. According to the FBI, there are inaccurate claims being made about Houcks arrest. The FBI then employs the personnel and tactics deemed necessary to effect a safe arrest or search, reads a written statement about Houcks arrest. While its the FBIs standard practice not to discuss such operational specifics, we can say that the number of personnel and vehicles widely reported as being on scene Friday is an overstatement, and the tactics used by FBI personnel were professional, in line with standard practices, and intended to ensure the safety of everyone present in and outside the residence, the statement reads. Conflicting Details Others involved have questioned whether the dramatic arrests, including predawn raids and coordinated multi-state round-ups, were warranted. Houck had been providing sidewalk counseling outside a Planned Parenthood clinic in Philadelphia with his 12-year-old son Mark, Jr. on Oct. 13, 2021. He was trying to talk women approaching the clinic out of abortion. The details of exactly what happened vary, depending on whos telling the story. According to Houck, trouble began when a 72-year-old clinic escort approached and started aggressively telling Mark, Jr. that his father was a bad person who was hurting women. Hes extremely vulgar, very belligerent. Hes taught my son the F-word, Houck said. Mark Houck with his son Mark Jr., in the backyard of their home in Kintnersville, Pa., on March 17, 2023. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times) Houcks son backed away, but the person continued to approach, staying within feet of the boy, while hurling insults, Houck alleged. Fuming, Houck shoved the person away from his son, he said. Houcks attorney said the men werent near anyone else. The person fell, but got up with nothing more than a scraped arm, Houck said. The clinic escorts criminal complaint against Houck differs from Houcks account. In a criminal trial in the U.S. District Court of the East District of Pennsylvania, the person said Houck verbally confronted him and shoved him while he was escorting women out of Planned Parenthood, according to a DOJ press release. A half-hour later, Houck allegedly walked over to him, threatened him, then shoved him again, the person testified. The person also said he never spoke to Houcks son. The Epoch Times contacted the Philadelphia Planned Parenthood where the incident took place, but didnt receive comment by press time. The Epoch Times also reached out to the clinic escort but did not receive a reply. Prior to his acquittal by a jury, Houck had faced the possibility of 11 years in prison. More Punishment for Protestors The chain of events that brought Darnel to FBI headquarters in March 2022 began 17 months earlier, on Oct. 22, 2020. On that day, Darnelalong with other pro-lifers, and some activists with the Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising (PAAU)acted out what they call a direct action rescue at the Washington Surgi-Clinic abortion center. The nine-person group included people from many backgrounds, including evangelical Christians, Catholics, progressives, and anarchists. They all agreed that abortion was murder and they planned to peacefully oppose it by trying to enter the clinic and persuade women not to go through with abortion. Darnels website encourages all Christians to dedicate 2 percent of their time to peaceful action against abortion. Hes been arrested many times by police, he said, for what he describes as peaceful protest. But no sacrifice is too great, because there are millions of children being murdered in the nation every year, he told The Epoch Times. Will Goodman, a pro-life activist in Stevens Point, Wis., has dedicated his life to protesting against abortion. (Courtesy of Will Goodman) Pro-abortion activist group We Engage posted pictures of the Surgi-Clinic protest on its Facebook page. The pictures show pro-life activists tied or chained to chairs inside the clinic. The chairs appear to block one door inside the clinic. Activist Will Goodman was part of the group that day. Surgi-Clinic staff allegedly became violent when they entered the building, Goodman told The Epoch Times. Clinic workers attacked group members and attempted to slam doors on the fingers of Goodman and fellow protester Idoni, he alleged. They were even using a broom handle or a mop handle to hit the pro-lifers, who were now on the ground, Goodman said. In response, the pro-life protesters went limp, as theyd been trained, he said. Rev. [Martin Luther] King [Jr.] taught that we will not use violence to end violence. Rather, it is through non-violent direct action, through mercy and dialogue, that we will try to change hearts. The Epoch Times contacted the Washington Surgi-Clinic abortion center to respond to the allegations but didnt receive a comment by press time. Arrested, But Not Charged During the confrontation between the protestors and Surgi-Clinic staff, men in suits arrived, Goodman said. They watched, and they photographed the pro-life band. Goodman suspected the bystanders were federal attorneys from the Civil Rights Division of the DOJ. Other pro-life participants said they suspected the men were with the FBI. After the men in suits had watched for a while, police arrested Goodman, Darnel, Idoni, PAAU activism director Lauren Handy, Jay Smith, Paulette Harlow, Jean Marshall, John Hinshaw, and Joan Bell. Bell, the oldest, was 74. Five group members were older than 60. The nine pro-life activists arrested at the Washington Surgi-Clinic pose with friends after their release from jail in Washington on Oct. 22, 2020. In the back row, they are: (From L) Emiliano Andrews, Jonathan Darnel, an unidentified Operation Save America protester, Jean Marshall, Paulette Harlow, Joan Andrews, Heather Idoni, and John Hinshaw. In the front row are: (From L) an unidentified Operation Save America protester, Will Goodman, Herb Geraghty, Lauren Handy, the daughter Paulette Harlow, and Jay Smith. (Courtesy of Terrisa Bukovinac) While in jail, group members faced interrogation from FBI agents, Goodman said. Both he and Darnel said they didnt recall police reading them their rights. All of us were essentially interrogated under duress and without being given clear direction that we should have our counsel present when being interrogated by the FBI, he said. They spent hours in Washingtons Second District Police Department, but were never charged, he said. Two years later, in March 2022, FBI agents swept in to arrest all of them at almost the same time in a coordinated, multi-state operation. FBI Infiltrators After their arrests, the activists started to wonder if the FBI had been trailing them, Handy told The Epoch Times. PAAU members knew for sure that the FBI had infiltrated their activist planning meetings, said Terrisa Bukovinac, the groups executive director. An agent produced an audio recording of a group meeting in January 2023 to argue in federal court that, by planning a protest, Handy had violated her terms of release from jail after being arrested in October 2020. We were very concerned about pro-abortion people infiltrating, Bukovinac said. We werent really thinking about the FBI. Bukovinac said the FBI plant was a man who called himself Eric Mike Santos. Santos arrived at PAAUs online meeting late, left early, and emailed Handy, asking for information about her plans. We realized [later] that he was the only person no one knew, Bukovinac said. We went back to look at his Facebook page, and it had been deleted. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and U.S. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) wrote a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland pressing him for answers on the alleged FBI infiltration of PAAUs meeting and why it happened. Other events also suggested the FBI had infiltrated PAAU, Bukovinac said. Terrisa Bukovinac, the founder of Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising, protests outside the Supreme Court in Washington on May 8, 2020. (Courtesy of Terrisa Bukovinac) In one incident, a PAAU member used a fake social media account to ask about a planned pro-abortion protest by Rise Up 4 Abortion Rights (RU4AR). PAAU members hoped to stealthily obtain the details so they could prepare a counterprotest, Bukovinac said. A representative of RU4AR replied and asked the PAAU member to plan a pro-abortion protest event, she said. The PAAU member posing as a pro-abortion activist agreed, Bukovinac said. Fellow members were giddy about the plan to pretend to arrange a pro-abortion demonstration for RU4AR, she said. When RU4AR members showed up, PAAU members plotted to surprise them with a pro-life demonstration, complete with media coverage, Bukovinac said. We were hysterically laughing about this plan for a week, said Bukovinac. It was so hilarious. But 10 minutes before the protest was scheduled, RU4AR somehow caught on to the trick, she said. The group removed online details about the protest and blocked PAAU members on social media. Somehow, Bukovinac said, RU4AR members learned PAAU was planning the event, not as a pro-abortion protest, but as a pro-life gathering. She blames a mole, possibly a tip-off from the FBI. They found out somehow, and we didnt know how, she said. In another incident, PAAU planned to protest at three Washington abortion clinics. Our plan is to go in, hand out roses, and leave, Bukovinac said. But, when the pro-life activists rolled up, all three clinics had police present, she said. Were like, what the hell? Theres no way they were at all 21 abortion centers in the DMV area. How would they know its these three? she said. Then, a plainclothes police officer revealed to a journalist accompanying PAAU that the group was under surveillance, Bukovinac said. The journalist, she said, told the group that the officer had said, Were tracking everything theyre doing. We know where theyre going when we see their conversations. The Raids On March 30, 2022, FBI agents arrested eight participants in the Surgi-Clinic protest, all within a few hours of each other, Handy said. It was 17 months after the incident. Some were taken quietly. Some faced armed agents. That morning, messages and calls alerted Handy to the FBI sweep. Moscinski, the priest, was first to call Handy to tell her the FBI had arrested another ally, Hinshaw. You need to prepare yourself, he advised. Then Darnel didnt return messages, and Handy learned from one of his roommates about the raid on their house in Alexandria, Virginia. The FBI just took him! Whats going on? the baffled roommate asked. Pro-life protester Lauren Handy, the director of activism with Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising, protests outside the US Supreme Court on June 15, 2022 (Jackson Elliott/The Epoch Times) Handy, who wasnt home, wondered when theyd come for her. It already had been a nightmarish day. She feared the FBI would visit her parents house because shed just moved from there, she said. She headed to her apartment in an Uber, she said. When she stepped out, the street burst into activity. About 10 suited FBI agents jumped from black vehicles and rushed at her. It was so surreal, Handy said, recalling a female agent gently removing her eyebrow piercings. Soon, she found herself in the roach-infested Central Cell Block in Washington. I was like, OK, I understand whats happening now,' she said. Police let her out before the end of the day. She was charged with conspiracy against rights because shed been part of the group at the Surgi-Clinic confrontation. She also was charged with violating the FACE Act. But Handy didnt feel bothered by her arrest, she said. She was still trying to process the horror shed witnessed over the previous few days. Human Remains Found Before returning to her apartment, Handy had been trying to give police potential evidence of a horrific crime. Five days earlier, she and her friend Bukovinac asked for help from a man collecting medical waste from a medical clinic. They wanted to see what was being thrown away, they told him. He obliged. As Handy began to examine the waste, she recoiled. The baby boy didnt have a name, but had thin black hair, perfectly formed tiny fingers and toes, and pink, slightly-peeling skin. He was dead, dumped in a bucket of blood-dark fluid. Handy picked him up in gloved hands and cried. Her apartment and its refrigerator would be his tomb temporarily, she decided, until she could figure out what to do next. She called the Metropolitan Police Department. She wanted answers. Was he a baby murdered by the clinic, or a legally terminated fetus? Was his death evidence of a crime? And he wasnt the only one. The medical waste allegedly included 114 more bodies of babies estimated to be aborted at up to 35 weeks gestation. Broken-hearted, the woman reached out to other pro-life friends for help. A priest working with PAAU buried 110 of the bodies in an undisclosed location, Bukovinac said. Group members kept five of the bodies to turn over to the police as potential evidence of an illegal partial-birth abortion or infanticide. Partially delivering, then killing, a growing baby has been illegal nationwide since 2003. Handy said one could never forget holding many murder victims in your own hands. Police said they couldnt come right away, she said. In the meantime, Handy decided to stay at Bukovinacs place out of respect for the dead. She was headed home when she began to hear of the arrests of fellow protestors. Thats when she was taken. I just suffered such a massive personal trauma with finding 115 dead children that getting arrested didnt really feel or mean anything to me, she said. Even more bewildering, it later seemed the FBI had used Handys efforts to turn over potential evidence as a way to arrest her. On April 8, 2022, 69 Republican Congressmen sent a letter to Garland, demanding that police investigate whether the babies Bukovinac and Handy found were victims of partial-birth abortion. The letter asked for police to perform an autopsy. A day after her arrest, Metropolitan police finally came to Handys home to collect the five bodies. Police still havent questioned her or Bukovinac about them. Its just business as usual for DC police: cover up and ignore, Bukovinac said. Maximum Sentences for Pro-Life Protesters The Thomas More Society represents Houck, several Surgi-Clinic protesters, several Mount Juliet pro-life protesters, and several Michigan pro-life protesters. People of faith and pro-life people are not going to get a fair shake out of the Biden administration, said Peter Breen, the organizations executive vice president and head of litigation. The administration has stretched the law to hand pro-lifers the maximum possible sentence, he said. The Epoch Times reached out to the White House for comment, but did not receive a response. People associated with Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising (PAAU) protest outside the U.S. Supreme Court on June 15, 2022. (Jackson Elliott/The Epoch Times) The FACE Act makes it a crime to use or attempt the use of force, physical obstruction, or intimidation to block access to reproductive services. Normally, a violation of the FACE Act without violence could draw a sentence of up to a year in prison and would be charged as a misdemeanor. But the Biden administrations DOJ also has charged pro-life protesters with conspiracy against rights, adding a penalty of up to 10 more years in prison. Felony vs. Misdemeanor Being convicted of a felony, instead of a misdemeanor, has long-standing consequences that are far more significant. Convicted felons often lose voting rights permanently. They cant own guns, so they lose their right to bear arms. They lose the right to serve on a jury. It can also be harder for felons to obtain certain jobs and housing. And felonies have harsher sentences. Normally, for a conspiracy charge to be a felony, the crime planned by conspirators must be a felony, said Breen. It usually isnt possible to convict someone of conspiracy felony charges if the crime they conspired to commit was a misdemeanor, he said. But conspiracy against rights breaks this rule, Breen said. If people conspire against the rights of another person, it counts as a felony, even involving a crime thats a misdemeanor, he said. This law can severely punish any group of peaceful protesters who commit misdemeanors involving others rights, Breen explained. In his clients cases, those found guilty of conspiring to block access to an abortion clinic would become felons. Sit-ins usually involve multiple people chatting and sitting in, Breen said. You dont normally just have one person go and plop themselves down in front of an abortion clinics door. Because sit-ins or entry-blocking protests usually involve more than one person, conspiracy against rights charges can be used against them, Breen said. Its unprecedented to use conspiracy against rights charges to try to send peaceful protesters to prison for more than a decade, Breen said. The statute theyre using was intended to stop the Ku Klux Klan, he said. It shouldnt have anything to do with peaceful sit-ins in an abortion clinic. Facing the FACE Act The government usually allows non-violent defendants to present themselves to the justice system, instead of sending agents to arrest them, Breen said. Even those charged with serious financial crimes often are given the opportunity to turn themselves in, he said. But many accused of protesting abortion face armed federal agents. Breen said he doesnt know of anyone officially offered the option to appear on their own recognizance, instead of facing arrest. There was no reason to go and grab them, instead of allowing them to just present themselves, Breen said. Houck, Handy, Bukovinac, and Goodman told The Epoch Times they believe they didnt violate the FACE Act or do anything to deserve charges of conspiracy against rights because they never blocked access to any abortion clinic. The group Janes Revenge, which fights against any restriction to abortion access, was blamed for graffiti at Harbor Church in Olympia, Washington on May 22, 2022. (Courtesy of Harbor Church) Non-violent crimes, such as creating graffiti, shouldnt land anyone in prison for a year, Bukovinac said. Graffiti is used by some pro-abortion activists to damage crisis pregnancy centers, leaving threats and accusations on the sides of the buildings. In the same way, protesting abortion without violence also shouldnt lead to prison time, Bukovinac said. Yet, the FACE Act often has been used as a weapon against the pro-life movement, she said. Its applied almost exclusively throughout history to silence peaceful pro-life activism, and it needs to be repealed, Bukovinac said. Its completely unfair. Its ineffective. It makes no sense. Its unjust. Its applied in an unfair way. Goodman said he suspects the pro-abortion politics of the Biden administration drive the harsh sentencing recommendations. Were being treated as enemies of the state, he said, because we believe life is sacred. No Predawn Raid, No Problem Will Goodman was the ninth Surgi-Clinic protester arrested by the FBI, 17 months after the conflict. The FBI couldnt find him because hes homeless, technically, and lives on odd jobs. He describes himself as an activist, who has given up his home for the babies, or as a pro-life nomad. To follow his passion for defending the unborn, he sleeps on friends couches, camps in a tent, stays at a monastery, whatever it takes to stay on the ready. If Im going to rescue, its hard to have a regular nine-to-five job when theres always a chance to get thrown into jail for a week or two. Or a month, or a year, Goodman said. A rescue refers to when a pro-life activist tries to intervene at an abortion clinic and persuade a woman from following through on a planned abortion. In graduate school, Goodman watched a short film about abortion. Since then, he has lived on whatever money he can make to travel from anti-abortion protest to anti-abortion protest. According to his friend Richard Bonomo, Goodman often gives away the few possessions he has. At some point, someone else in the movement needed a car and a cell phone, so he just gave them to them, Bonomo said. Pro-life activist Will Goodman. (Courtesy of Will Goodman) When the FBI came looking for Goodman, a pair of agents in jeans and flannel knocked on Bonomos door in Madison, Wisconsin. The agents told him not to mention their visit. Of course, Im going to tell him you are here looking for him! Bonomo said he told the agents. When Goodman heard the FBI wanted him for questioning, he asked his fellow crusader Moscinski for a ride to the nearest FBI headquarters. It was about 20 minutes away. Solidarity With The Unborn Goodman said that when he got in the car, he didnt know he was facing the possibility of 11 years in prison. But he was acutely aware that, in the hands of the DOJ, he controlled nothing. Theres a sort of spiritual solidarity I have with [the unborn] because I dont have security and a place to live, he said. On the way to the FBI facility, Goodman prayed, thought, and talked of spiritual matters with Moscinski, his priest friend. You begin to think, Lord, into your hands, I commend my spirit. I trust you know where you will want me to go,' Goodman said. By the end of the day, the FBI had arrested and released Goodman. He still faces the possibility of an 11-year prison sentence. His trial date has not been set yet. Six months later, Moscinski was arrested and charged with a violation of the FACE Act, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office of the eastern district of New York. Fidelis was convicted, and currently awaits sentencing for his role in the Oct. 22, 2020, Washington Surgi-Clinic protest. Goodman remembers watching the gates of the Yonkers FBI facility close behind him the day he turned himself in. What will happen once the federal government takes me into custody? he remembers wondering. What will they do with me? What started as an effort to protect the unborn has left the activists questioning what the future might hold. You feel very small, Goodman said. You can be crushed like a bug under a draconian system. Met Police Chief Apologises After Damning Report but Denies Force Is Institutionally Racist, Misogynist, or Homophobic Undated photo showing the New Scotland Yard sign outside the Metropolitan Police headquarters in London. (Kirsty OConnor/PA Media) Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley apologised for letting Londoners down on Tuesday after a damning review said theres institutional racism, misogyny, and homophobia in the police force. But the police chief rejected the word institutional, saying it has become politicised and ambiguous in recent years. The review into the Mets standards of behaviour and internal culture, released by Baroness Louise Casey on Tuesday, was commissioned last year after serving Met Police officer Wayne Couzens kidnapped, raped, and murdered 33-year-old marketing executive Sarah Everard. The report said the Met has faced significant challenges in recent years such as the lack of resources, changes in crime patterns, greater non-crime demand and public expectations, and a regulatory system that makes it difficult to sack people. The Met, which employs more than 47,000 officers, is run as a set of disconnected and competing moving parts, the report found. Vetting processes are not vigilant in identifying clear warning signs, and periodic re-vetting has been perfunctory, and self-declarations are relied upon, it added. The review welcomed the recent change in the Mets leadership, but condemned deep seated cultures such as having too much hubris and too little humility, being defensive and quick to deny criticism, stifling complaints, failure to reflect on systemic issues, and not prioritising frontline policing. The review found that violence against women and girls has not been taken as seriously as other forms of violence, citing the testimony of an officer who told the investigators that a whole team of experienced and specialist trained detectives would be assigned to a murder investigation, while a woman raped and left in a coma would likely be dealt with by one trainee detective constable. Within the force, discrimination had been allowed to become baked into the system, the report said. It also said Caseys team found widespread bullying, particularly of those who are disabled, identify as LGBTQ+, female, or from an ethnic minority. The report said it has found institutional racism, misogyny, and homophobia in the Met. It also said the force is not diverse enough to reflect Londons various ethnic groups, as officers are 82 percent white and 71 percent male. Asked if there could be more Met officers like Couzens or his former colleague, serial rapist David Carrick, Casey said, I cannot sufficiently assure you that that is not the case. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley appearing before the London Assembly Police and Crime Committee, to answer questions about the David Carrick case, at City Hall in east London, on Jan. 25, 2023. (Yui Mok/PA Media) Responding to the review, Rowley, who took over as Met commissioner in September last year, said, I accept her diagnosis about the racism, misogyny, and homophobia in the organisation. And also that we have these systemic failings, management failings, cultural failings, he added, but said he wouldnt use the term institutional. I understand her use of the term institutional. Its not a term I use myself, he said. Im a practical police officer. I have to use language thats unambiguous and is apolitical, and that term means lots of different things to different people and has become politicised in recent debate over the last decade or so. Rowley said he couldnt ensure there are no bad officers, but the Met is doing everything [it] can do to reduce that risk. After Carrick was jailed, all police forces in England and Wales were told to conduct checks on their staff. Rowley previously said he expected two or three officers a week to appear in court charged with offences linked to dishonesty, sexual offences, violence, or domestic violence. He said on Tuesday that a full update will be given in the coming weeks. The Met chief also apologised to Londoners who feel let down by the police. We let people down. I repeat the apology I gave in my first weeks as commissioner to Londoners and to our own people in the Met, he said. The appalling examples of discrimination, the letting down of communities and victims, and the strain faced by the front line are unacceptable. Im deeply sorry for that. Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the trust in police has clearly been hugely damaged, but said work is already underway to regain it. Its not just in London, across the country weve changed the guidance for police forces, for how they vet new police officers, he said. All police forces are checking all their police officers again against the police database, and theyre all being inspected by the independent inspector of police forces to make sure that thats all happening. London Mayor Sadiq Khan told the same programme that Tuesday was one of the darkest days in the history of our almost 200-year-old Met Police service. He said it is really important that if the Met is going to have a future it must embrace the recommendations of Caseys report. Home Secretary Suella Braverman making a statement to MPs in the House of Commons, London, on Dec. 14, 2022. (House of Commons/PA Media) Speaking in Parliament following the publication of the review, Home Secretary Suella Braverman paid tribute to police officers for their sacrifices, and said Caseys report makes for very concerning reading. Its clear that there have been serious failures of culture, leadership, and standards within the Metropolitan Police. Thats why Sir Mark Rowleys top priority since becoming commissioner has been to deliver a plan to turn around the Met and restore confidence in policing in London, she said, adding that the report underlines the fact that the Met faces a long road to recovery. Braverman said she will increase funding and ensure the Met has all the support it needs from central government, and urged all forces to focus relentlessly on commonsense policing that stops crime and keeps the public safe. She also said she would hold the Met and the mayor of London to account, and asked the public to judge them on their actions and not words. Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said the report is thorough, forensic, and truly damning, and expressed Labours support for the work Rowley is doing to start turning the Met around. But she also raised concern that the home secretarys statement is dangerously complacent, saying, Astonishingly there is no new action set out in her response, simply words saying that the Met must change. Some of the issues raised are particular to the Met because of its size, history, particular culture, where the home secretary and mayor are jointly responsible for oversight and where the commissioner is responsible for delivering. But the report also raises serious wider issues for the Home Office, Cooper said. Responding to Cooper, Braverman said she was disappointed by Coopers tone, adding, Today is not a day for crass political point-scoring; it is a day for serious and sober consideration of the Mets shortcomings and how those shortcomings have a devastating impact on peoples lives. Alexander Zhang and PA Media contributed to this report. Middletown Man Indicted by Grand Jury Following Downtown Robbery, Violent Attack A Middletown police squad car on Wickhamd Avenue in the City of Middletown, N.Y., on Feb. 9, 2023. (Cara Ding/The Epoch Times) David Johnson was indicted by a grand jury on March 17 for allegedly robbing and beating a pedestrian in downtown Middletown, according to the county district attorneys office. Such a random, violent attack on a downtown sidewalk in broad daylight is a rare occurrence in the city, according to crime statistics provided by the police department. The victim, an Asian immigrant in his 50s who wishes to remain anonymous out of concern for his safety, suffered significant facial injuries and remains shaken from the incident, he told The Epoch Times. He said he appreciated the swift police response in rendering aid and arresting the suspect. Da Tang Supermarket, in front of which the violent attack took place, in downtown Middletown, N.Y., on March 20, 2023. (Cara Ding/The Epoch Times) Middletown police Lt. Jeffrey Thoelen told The Epoch Times that the incident highlighted the challenges the police face because of lax bail law and diminished mental health care. Just two days before the robbery, Johnson was arrested by Middletown police for allegedly threatening a store clerk at 76 East Main St. and stealing about $200, according to a police release. He was charged with robbery in the third degreean offense not eligible for bail under the reform lawand was released on his own recognizance. A 2019 reform law eliminated bail for most misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies in New York. Within hours of his release, Johnson allegedly acted erratically and attempted to barricade a common door of his apartment building, according to a citizen complaint. Officers arrived at the scene and tried to speak with Johnson, who refused. Shortly after, Johnson allegedly attempted to enter the Middletown police department through a few locked doors and was asked by officers to stop. He was believed to have mental health problems, having been sent to Garnet Medical Center by a local resident for evaluation and released shortly afterward by the hospital, according to a police release. On March 12, just hours before committing the robbery, Johnson was evaluated by the Orange County Mobile Response Team, who didnt recommend sending him for hospital treatment. Johnsons housing provider, Rehabilitation Support Services, had requested the evaluation. De Filippis Bakery in downtown Middletown, N.Y., on March 20, 2023. (Cara Ding/The Epoch Times) He was then found to be yelling at staff members at De Filippis Bakery, who didnt want to file charges after the police arrived. Officers sent Johnson on his way and left the bakery. Minutes later, at about 11 a.m., Middletown police received calls that Johnson was assaulting a victim outside a supermarket on 8-10 East Main St. The victim told The Epoch Times that he was about to enter Da Tang supermarket when Johnson moved to barricade the door and demanded money. He gave $1 to Johnson, who refused and said something that the victim took to mean that he wanted more (the victim speaks little English). The victim then attempted to return to his car but was grabbed by Johnson by the neck. He gave $10 to Johnson, who refused again and started to beat the victim in the face. After several punches, the victim lost consciousness. Johnson allegedly took the victims purse and fled the crime scene. The victim was taken to Garnet Medical Center for treatment and released home. Johnson was arrested by Middletown police on the same day, charged with robbery in the first degree, and remanded to jail on $250,000 bail. Missouri Issues Emergency Regulation to Curb Gender Transition Procedures for Minors Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey speaks to reporters after taking the oath of office in Jefferson City, Mo., on Jan. 3, 2023. (David A. Lieb/AP Photo) After a Missouri medical clinic refused to voluntarily stop the gender-transitioning of minors, the states attorney general announced an emergency regulation adding safeguards to the practice temporarily. At the same time, state lawmakers are advancing a law intended to permanently ban these surgical and hormonal interventions for youths. Attorney General Andrew Bailey says existing state law covers unfair, deceptive, and unconscionable business practices, and he considers the transgender procedures to fall into that category unless patients are duly warned about the consequences. The regulation is necessary due to the skyrocketing number of gender transition interventions, despite rising concerns in the medical community that these procedures are experimental and lack clinical evidence of safety or success, Bailey wrote in a March 20 news release. Fairfax County mother Stacy Langton (L) protests against the school districts pro-transgender policies and gender-affirming care outside a Fairfax County School Board meeting in Falls Church, Va., on Nov. 3, 2022. (Terri Wu/The Epoch Times) Baileys proposed regulation clarifies that providers of these procedures must comply with specific guardrails, including informed-consent disclosures that warn patients about the experimental nature of hormone treatments that are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. His action comes amid a fierce state, national, and international debate over whether gender-transitioning procedures help or harm vulnerable, gender-questioning youths. Epicenter of US Debate Missouri has taken center stage in the national controversy because Bailey and U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) launched investigations into alleged unethical and illegal practices at a St. Louis transgender clinic. Earlier this year, ex-clinic worker Jamie Reed went public with accusations, touching off a firestorm. She is believed to be the nations first such whistleblower. On March 21, about two months after Baileys probe began, a spokeswoman told The Epoch Times via email that the investigation was continuing; she gave no further information. Nationwide, The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has been a staunch opponent of attempts to restrict or regulate the procedures. The ACLUs Missouri chapter denounced Baileys proposed regulation as a dangerous and reckless restriction on life-saving health care. The group argues that gender-distressed youths may kill themselves if they cannot fulfill their desire to medically alter their appearance to match their perceived gender identity. However, opponents of the procedures say theres no proof that gender transitioning saves lives. In fact, they say the only long-term study of transsexuals well-being, done in Sweden, shows the risk of death from suicide and all other causes went up among adults who underwent sex-reassignment procedures. Bailey says he is trying to protect children and enforce the laws as written. The new rule he cited would take effect after it is entered in the Missouri Register, and would last for 30 legislative days or 180 days, whichever is longer, Bailey said. Even Europe recognizes that mutilating children for the sake of a woke, leftist agenda has irreversible consequences, and countries like Sweden, Norway, and the United Kingdom have all sharply curtailed these procedures, Bailey wrote. I am dedicated to using every legal tool at my disposal to stand in the gap and protect children from being subject to inhumane science experiments. Clinic Defends Actions Julie Hail Flory, responding on behalf of The Washington University Transgender Center at St. Louis Childrens Hospital, said the organization is aware of Baileys announcement and will review any proposed regulations when they are filed. We take the care and safety of our patients very seriously, she told The Epoch Times in an email. Our focus remains on our commitment to providing compassionate, family-centered care to all of the patients and families we serve. A young patient at a childrens hospital on Oct. 11, 2022. (Getty Images) Last month, The Transgender Center turned down Baileys request to halt the procedures pending the results of a multi-agency investigation. Reed alleged that children with serious mental issues were inappropriately treated with various drugs, including puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones. State agencies are investigating whether medical professionals at the center should face disciplinary action on their professional licenses and whether there were billing irregularities, as Reed has claimed. The center was also conducting its own internal probe, Flory has said. Undaunted by Antifa Meanwhile, Missouri is among about two dozen states where lawmakers have proposed or approved banning the procedures for minors. Despite a Democrat-led filibuster that persisted for about 13 hours, attempting to block the Missouri legislation, a Republican-backed measure passed the state Senate on March 21. It now heads to the state House of Representatives. Legislators in states such as Missouri say they are standing up for parents and youths who are being misled about the potential for lifelong emotional, social, and physical problems that gender transitioning can cause. Scott Newgent, a transsexual who was born female, crusades against children undergoing such procedures. (Courtesy of Scott Newgent) But transgender activists have attacked regulatory efforts as transphobic government intrusions into the doctor-patient relationship. These activists also say that such medical regulations contradict the consensus of large U.S. medical organizations. Scott Newgent, who nearly died after undergoing sex-reassignment surgeries as an adult and opposes medical gender-transitioning of children, says that consensus is forced and is based on fallacies. Born female, Newgent now appears male but freely acknowledges: I will never be a man. Newgent has boosted legislative efforts in more than a dozen states, including Missouri. Newgent spoke at a rally in Jefferson City, Missouri, on March 20; on March 21, Newgent was slated to testify in Indianapolis to support a proposed Indiana law that would halt medical gender-transitioning of minors. In between, Newgent spoke to The Epoch Times. A group clad in black outfits and facial coverings, believed to be associated with Antifa or a similar antifascist group, showed up in Missouri, Newgent said. A packed house listens to debate over a proposed ban of gender-transitioning medical procedures for minors at the Missouri Statehouse in Jefferson City, Mo., on March 20, 2023. (Courtesy of Scott Newgent/TreVoices.com) However, a broad coalition of gays, transgender people, and Christians stood strong despite the apparent effort to intimidate the group into silence, Newgent said. A supporter wrote a message to Newgent: Thank you for your [incredible] bravery, even while staring Antifa in the face. Newgent, who has crusaded against the procedures for nearly five years, has said the U.S. public used to be very unaware of the issues related to the gender transitioning of minors. Now, Newgent said, the tide seems to be turning. More Americans are informed about the serious consequences of gender-transitioning children, including mental, physical, and emotional damage, Newgent said. Activists such as Newgent say they have received death threats and threats of violence for opposing medical treatments of children. Newgent reports being shoved in California and spat upon in Nebraska, but remains undaunted. Despite Newgents status as a transgender person and lesbian, Newgent describes being accused of harboring internalized transphobia. Before undergoing masculinizing surgery, Newgent bore three children. Now Newgent is focused on protecting those childrenand those of other peoplefrom succumbing to marketing ploys and social trends, and suffering the life-altering effects. You kids matter to me and I wont let you down like I let myself down, Newgent said in a recent tweet. Newgent has told news reporters, shame on you, for refusing to reveal the harms that can be done. Newgent also has used that phrase against lawmakers opposing transgender-treatment bans. But on March 21, the tables were turned. Young people who have been led to believe that the procedures are beneficial were chanting shame on you to adults considering banning them. Newgent recorded the youths words echoing in the Indianapolis Statehouse. On Twitter, Newgent reacted: I felt like a parent having to adult better and deal with being firm today to save tomorrow. These kids broke my heart. Today I was 100 percent Mom this is my temperament when I am broken, scared, and trying so hard to be strong for kids that dont know I am loving them today. New York Trump Supporters Say Indictment a Politicized Prosecution During Protest Gavin Wax, president of the New York Young Republican Club, speaks near the office of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Brag and the New York County Criminal Court in New York City, on March 20, 2023 . (Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images) The possible impending indictment of former President Donald Trump is a politicized prosecution, according to members of the New York Young Republican Club, who protested in Manhattan on Monday. A modest group of Trump supporters, handpicked to guarantee peace and safety, gathered outside New York County Criminal Court in Manhattan where the former president could be arraigned in the coming days, which would be an unprecedented event in U.S. history. Responding to leaked information about the secret grand jury process over the weekend, Trump called on supporters to protest his possible indictment by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Bragg has faced criticism for his decision to revive an investigation into Trump over hush money paid to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign. This is a politicized prosecution and persecution without any merit, New York Young Republican Club President Gavin Wax told reporters. Wax, who organized the demonstration, framed Braggs probe as a political witch hunt spurned by Trumps popularity ahead of the 2024 presidential election cycle. During his campaign, Bragg often spoke of his efforts to prosecute Trump, the Trump family, and Trump organizations throughout his career. Trump and other Republicans have accused Bragg of being a radical left Democrat prosecutor and noted his campaign received a large donation from billionaire Democrat donor George Soros via a political action committee. On Monday, House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan, a Republican, accused Bragg of an unprecedented abuse of prosecutorial authority. Its politicized prosecution, and this is a disgrace to our country, to our judicial system, to our legal system that the leader of the opposition, the presumptive [GOP] nominee for president, will be prosecuted, will be put in handcuffs, will be dragged in front of a court for a novel legal theory thats never been tested, Wax said. We think its absolutely disgusting, and its a total indictment, not on Trump, but on Alvin Braggs office, he went on to say. Gavin Wax, president of the New York Young Republican Club, speaks near the office of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Brag and the New York County Criminal Court in New York City on March 20, 2023. (Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images) Addressing the size of the protest, Wax noted that it turned into more of a press conference. He said they were on the fence about whether to proceed with a protest, given concern amongst conservatives that bad actors might instigate unwanted trouble. We threw it together at the last minute, the last 24 hours, Wax said. We werent sure we even wanted to come out because some people dont like us, but we are here to show that there is support for President Trump in the bluest area in the country, here in Manhattan, Wax said. Drop the Witch Hunt on Donald Trump Citing Soross support for Bragg, Trump on Sunday accused the district attorney of being a pawn for the billionaire, who is known for supporting left-wing causes and political candidates, including DAs. According to public filings, shared in a press release by the Trump campaign, the Soros-backed Color Of Change PAC pledged $1 million to Braggs campaign to support criminal justice reforms. Trumps statement cited crime figures (pdf), which show that while murder might be down, rape is up over 18 percent, robbery is up over 32 percent, burglary is up over 21 percent, petty larceny is up over 40 percent, grand larceny is up over 57 percent, grand larceny auto is up over 100 percent, and transit crime is up over 53 percent over a two-year period. Upon election, Bragg issued a memo informing DAs not to prosecute all but the most serious crimes, prompting weeks of pushback from police officers, small business owners, and public officials. For this, Bragg was labeled as being soft on crime by Republicans and some Democrats. He eventually backtracked on some of his edicts. Hours after Trumps statement, Bragg issued an internal memo saying his office doesnt tolerate attempts to intimidate our office or threaten the rule of law in New York. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. speaks during a press conference regarding Steven Lopez and the Central Park jogger case at the state Supreme Court in New York on July 25, 2022. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) on Monday accused Bragg of abusing his office. Alvin Bragg is abusing his office to target President Trump while hes reduced a majority of felonies, including violent crimes, to misdemeanors, McCarthy said on Twitter. He has different rules for political opponents. McCarthy pledged to investigate any use of federal funds that are used to facilitate the perversion of justice by Soros-backed DAs [sic] across the country. Outside the courthouse on Monday, Vish Burra, the NYYRCs executive secretary, agreed with critics who say Bragg is soft on crime. Alvin Bragg needs to go back to doing his job. Crime is through the roof in New York City, said Burra. We need him to focus on doing his job, cleaning up the crime in the city and filling this building behind us with criminals to the brim and not an audience of one, named Donald Trump. We need a DA whos going to do his job and not weaponizing his office to pursue political persecutions that are neither wanted nor warranted, he added. Drop the witch hunt on Donald Trump, he added. Witness testimony is wrapping up in the Manhattan District Attorneys investigation of former President Donald Trump. NTD takes a look at protests on the streets of New York. Chinese regime leader Xi Jinping and President Vladimir Putin engaged in a second day of talks in Moscow. We speak to a retired Marine colonel for his take on the meeting, and what it means for the rest of the world. Americans will soon have more insight into the origins of the COVID-19 virus. President Joe Biden signs a bill declassifying government intelligence on the matter. Topics in this episode include: 1. Xi and Putin Engage in Second Day of Talks in Russia 2. Analysis on Xi Jinpings Visit to Moscow 3. Biden Signs Bill Declassifying Virus Origin Intel 4. Chinas Sweetheart Trade Status in Crosshairs 5. DA Nearing Decision on Trump Indictment 6. Robert Costello Grand Jury Testimony in Trump Probe 7. NY Republicans Protest Possible Trump Charges 8. DeSantis Calls Out Biden on Digital Currency 9. USS America Docked in Manila Port for 4 Days 10. Google Suspends Chinas Pinduoduo App 11. New Book Teaches to Be High Performing Human Former Assistant District Attorney Marc Ruskin weighs in on the possible indictment of former President Donald Trump. Ruskin shares concerns that the prosecution is a publicity stunt, and speaks on the broader implications if there is an indictment. Video clips from 2021 of Dr. Anthony Fauci and Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser are circulating online. The two were confronted by a D.C. resident about the COVID-19 vaccine while going door-to-door promoting the shot. President Joe Biden on Monday signed the COVID-19 Origin Act of 2023, mandating the director of national intelligence to declassify COVID origin-related intelligence. Topics in this episode include: 1. Fauci Confronted by Man While Promoting Vax 2. President Biden Signs Bill Declassifying COVID Origin Intel 3. Rare Fungal Disease Spreading in U.S. 4. Decision on Trump Indictment Nearing 5. Robert Costello Testifies in Trump Probe 6. NY Republicans Protest Possible Trump Charges 7. DA in Trump Case Cant Try Federal Charges 8. Senators Want Answers on Train Chemical Burn 9. 1.5 Million Gotaway Illegal Immigrants 10. Judge Denies Biden Motion in Censorship Case 11. Minor Sues over Needing Parental Consent 12. White House Briefing Room in Uproar 13. Christian Club Claims Discrimination 14. Legal Group Says NBA Acting as Foreign Agent 15. S. Dakota: Sliding Semi Slams into Trooper 16. Frozen Fruit Recalled over Hepatitis A 17. Xi Invites Putin to China: Moscow Talks Day 2 18. Senator Takes Aim at Chinas Sweetheart Trade Status 19. TikTok Sibling Capcut Sees Popularity Surge in U.S. 20. Google Suspends Chinas Pinduoduo App 21. USS America Docked in Manila Port for 4 Days 22. Vietnam Seizes over 7 Tons of Ivory 23. $3 Billion Bailout for Sri Lanka 24. Macrons Govt Survives No-Confidence Vote 25. Banks in Tight Spot as UBS Buys Credit Suisse 26. UK Rail Union Accepts Pay Offer 27. Italy Seizes Drug Haul with Mafia Mugshots 28. UAE: Persian Gulf Oldest Pearl Town Found 29. Alpine Ski Properties Add Value in 2022 30. Europe Suffering Shortage of Chinese Tourists 31. Norway Bans EU Boats from Fishing Snow Crabs 32. Fiery Space Debris Falls Over Sacramento 33. NASA Ends Cloud Study at Edge of Space 34. Studying People Resistant to Alzheimers 35. Dont Like Aerobic Exercise? Try This Instead 36. Athens Zoo Saves Tiger Cub Found in Garbage 37. Wildlife Agency Seeks Pro Bear Huggers 38. The End of the World Wedding Photoshoot A Buffalo man who fraudulently obtained more than $72,000 from various banks and an insurance company pleaded guilty Monday in State Supreme Court to 10 felony charges, according to the Erie County District Attorney's Office. Prosecutors said 25-year-old Christian D. Johnson, who is currently in federal custody, faces a maximum of 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on June 9. Between April 2019 and November 2020, Johnson defrauded various banks out of $52,340 by depositing forged checks into bank accounts which he created for fictitious businesses, then withdrew the funds before the checks were returned. He also used fraudulent means to obtain an additional $20,000 from an insurance company after he was involved in a car accident in March 2020. Johnson claimed that, as a result of the crash, he lost wages while employed by one of his phony businesses. Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree insurance fraud, one count of first-degree identity theft and three counts of third-degree grand larceny. He also pleaded guilty to four counts of second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument and one count of first-degree scheme to defraud. As part of the plea deal, Johnson signed confessions of judgment to pay full restitution to the insurance company and banks he defrauded. Oklahoma Governor Disavows Letter Supporting Drivers Licenses for Illegal Immigrants Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt signs documents in an undated photo downloaded on Oct. 14, 2022. (Courtesy of State of Oklahoma) A letter purportedly stating Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitts support for a bill allowing illegal immigrants to obtain an Oklahoma drivers license does not reflect his position, the governors communications director said. To be very clear: The letter was not written by Governor Stitt, Carly Atchison wrote in an email to The Epoch Times. The bill, SB 669, was scheduled to go before the Oklahoma Senate on March 21. According to the bills author, Oklahoma City immigration attorney and Democratic State Sen. Michael Brooks-Jimenez, the bill could allow illegal immigrants to obtain drivers licenses. The letter was sent to several members of a Second Amendment rights organization in Oklahoma who had emailed Stitt asking about his position on the issue. Atchison said the letter was not written by Stitt and should not have been sent. She did not explain who wrote the letter or how it came to be sent. She wrote that Stitt is aware of the legislation and its companion bill in the Oklahoma House of Representatives but has no comment on either of them. The Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City on Sept. 30, 2015. (Reuters/Jon Herskovitz) We withhold comment on bills until they reach the governors desk. Currently we are reviewing this bill along with many others making their way to the House and Senate floor this week, Atchisons email reads. Don Spencer is president of the Oklahoma Second Amendment Foundation. He said several members of his organization received the message as an automatic response to an email they sent asking where Stitt stood on issuing drivers licenses to illegal immigrants. Spencer confirmed that a letter dated March 16, 2023, acquired by The Epoch Times, is the letter in question. The letter expresses support for HB 2114, the companion to SB 669 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, and lists potential benefits and safeguards in the law. Spencer posted a video on his groups YouTube channel on March 17 of Brooks-Jimenez discussing the bill before the Aeronautics and Transportation committee. At that meeting, State Sen. Joe Newhouse, a Republican, asked Brooks-Jimenez if the bill could be construed to allow an illegal immigrant to receive a drivers license. Gov Stitt Does Not Support Illegal Immigration If theyre paying their fair share, if theyre paying their taxes arm-in-arm with the rest of us, then they should have that opportunity, Brooks-Jimenez answered. Atchison said Stitt adamantly opposes illegal immigration and has been a vocal critic of President Joe Bidens policies on the southern border. She wrote that Stitt is part of a coalition of 10 governors who have devised their own plan to deal with the fallout of illegal immigration. Governor Stitt does not support illegal immigration, Atchisons email reads. The Biden administration has been a total failure, leaving it up to governors like himself and Greg Abbott to solve the many problems that come with having an open border, including human and drug trafficking. Ontario Woman Sues Tim Hortons for $500,000 Alleging Superheated Tea Caused Second-Degree Burns Cups of coffee sit on a counter in a Tim Hortons in Oakville, Ontario, in a file photo. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press) Jackaline Lansing, a 73-year-old woman from the small town of Rosseau, Ontario, had no idea a simple stop at a coffee shop with her sister would send her to the hospital with second-degree burns and leave her permanently scarred. Lansing has filed a $500,000 lawsuit against coffee chain Tim Hortons, alleging she suffered burns and permanent scarring on her stomach and legs from a cup of tea she ordered at the drive-through of a Tim Hortons restaurant in Huntsville, Ontario, on May 18, 2022. Lansings lawyer Gavin Tighe, of Torontos Gardiner Roberts LLP, provided The Epoch Times on March 20 with a copy of the filed Statement of Claim from December 2022, as well as a Statement of Defencefiled by the Tim Hortons primary leaseholder, TDL Group Corp., and Greenwood Enterprises, the operator of the restaurant. Tim Hortons was contacted but declined to comment on the matter as it is before the courts. A lawsuit filed in Ontario alleges a faulty Tim Hortons cup led to second-degree burns, permanently and disfiguring scarring a 73-year-old woman. (Courtesy of Gavin Tighe) Tighe told The Epoch Times that his client ordered a tea with milk, and when she picked it up, the cup collapsed, scalding her with 14 ounces of superheated liquid. Lansings court documents allege the Tim Hortons cup was faulty and deficient and the tea was at an unnecessary and dangerous temperature. According to the lawyer, Lansing suffered severe, painful, and permanent injuries, including second-degree burns to 6 percent of her total body, particularly to her stomach and legs. The statement of claim lists extensive damage including fluid filled blistering of the skin, puss accumulation and skin sloughing, which the documents state have left severely disfiguring and visible scars. Lansing was treated at the Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare hospital after the incident, prescribed morphine for pain, and attended the hospital daily for dressing changes for three weeks while the burn wounds healed, the legal documents state. Tighe said his client is suing the corporation because it was a traumatic experience for the happily married mother of three and grandmother of many. The lawyer said his client has had ongoing issues since being painfully burned, which have compromised her overall well-being, emotional well-being, and body image. This is not an isolated thing. Ive been flooded by people with similar incidents, he said. One of the most well-known cases of people launching legal action against food chains over burning with hot liquids occurred in February 1992. A 79-year-old grandmother in Albuquerque, New Mexico, accidentally spilled McDonalds coffee on herself, served at a reported 87.7 degrees Celcius, and suffered severe third-degree burns. She was originally awarded $2.9 million but the amount was later reduced to half a million dollars. McDonalds announced in a March 2, 2021, statement that they were changing their coffee cup to a double-walled paper cup. Tim Hortons also made a change to its cups. In an Oct. 21, 2020, news release, the coffee chain announced it was ending the practice of double-cupping hot liquids, and would instead offer guests a recyclable cardboard sleeve. The company said it would save unnecessary use of more than 200 million cups per year. We understand that millions of our guests request double-cupping at our restaurants because our coffee is always 20 minutes fresh and piping hot, Hope Bagozzi, chief marketing officer for Tim Hortons, said at the time. The release said Tim Hortons had recently expanded a trial in Calgary and Toronto and was testing hot beverage cups made with 30 percent recycled materials. A lawsuit filed in Ontario alleges a faulty Tim Hortons cup led to second-degree burns, permanently scarring and disfiguring a 73-year-old woman. (Courtesy of Gavin Tighe) The statement of defence, filed at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice by Tim Hortons franchisee and leaseholder, denies all the allegations made by Lansing. The defendants deny the alleged incident occurred as alleged or at all, and deny they are the owners or had jurisdiction over the location where the incident is said to have occurred. The defendants alternatively argued they took sufficient and reasonable care, and fulfilled all duties of care in regards to the sale and delivery of hot beverages. They also deny any deficient condition of the beverage container, and that if the condition of the beverage container contributed to the injuries allegedly sustained, then the customer voluntarily assumed the risk of harm. The statement of defence suggests that if Lansing suffered the injuries and damages alleged, then she failed to keep a proper lookout; failed to take reasonable care for her own safety; mishandled the beverage container; or used excessive force in moving the beverage, among a list of other suggested defences. She was the author of her own misfortune, said the statement of defence. Tighe said Tim Hortons is seeking a jury trial. On behalf of his client, he plans to argue that the tea was overheated to an excessive temperature creating a hazard, that Tim Hortons failed to supply cups that were sufficient and safe for the hot liquids, and that the restaurant did not have an effective quality control system in place to inspect cups on a regular basis. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, being exposed to 65.6 degrees Celcius tap water for two seconds will result in a third-degree burn for most adults. At 60 degrees Celcius, burns will happen in six seconds, while at 54.5 degrees Celcius, a burn will occur with 30 seconds of exposure to hot tap water. Ottawa Investing $1.4 Billion on Special Forces Training Centre Upgrade Minister of National Defence Anita Anand holds a media availability on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on Jan. 26, 2023. (The Canadian Press/Spencer Colby) The federal government is upgrading facilities for the Canadian militarys counter-terrorism unit to meet its long-term growth and high-readiness operational needs, National Defence Minister Anita Anand announced March 21. The $1.4 billion upgrade to the Dwyer Hill Training Centre in Ottawa will add over 100,000 square feet and replace 89 aging and temporary structures with 23 new facilities. It is expected to take a decade to complete and create 2,000 jobs, Anand said, speaking from defence headquarters. The facilities will be net-zero ready with fully electric systems with the federal targets for lowering carbon emissions in mind, Anand said. The Joint Task Force 2 (JTF 2), which is a unit of Canadian Special Operations Forces Command, will continue training and operations throughout the renovations, which are set to begin in May. Defence Spending Anand told reporters the new project will more than double JTF 2s current operational work and training capacities. She said the investment shows the governments willingness to increase national defence spending. We are very committed to NATO, she said. We will continue to ensure that we are contributing to our multilateral alliances across the boardNATO and NORAD included. Anand also said there has been an upward trajectory in defence budgeting by the government in recent years, referencing a nearly $5 billion investment into the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) that she announced in June 2022. However, as of the last fiscal year, Canadas defence spending still fell below the amount NATO asks of its member countries. NATO has asked its members since 2006 to devote at least two percent of their GDP to national defence funding, but a 2022 NATO report showed that Canadas military spending declined to just 1.27 percent of its GDP in 2022. U.S. President Joe Biden will be visiting Canada from March 23 to 24, and reporters asked Anand if the Liberal government is planning to unveil any new national defence expenditures during the presidents visit. Anand did not directly answer the question, saying Canada will remain committed to its multilateral alliances. NATO is no exception, she added. Isaac Teo contributed to this report. Over 30 Million Chinese Elderly Make a Living Doing Manual Labor Farmers transplant rice seedlings on June 1, 2011, in Hubei Province. Chinas Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MHRSS) made an announcement on June 5 that it will raise the retirement age for collecting pension payments. (ChinaFotoPress/Getty Images) More than 30 million elderly people aged 60-69 in rural China make a living through physical work. To them, theres no retirement, said a Chinese demographer. An analysis of Chinas recent national data shows there were about 150 million Chinese between 60 to 69, and 51.04 million of them were working, reported the Chinese media China Business Network (CBN). Among the working elderly, the majority of them engaged in agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, and fishery, accounting for 62.44 percent. Thats more than 30 million people aged 60 to 69 years who are still engaged in manual labor work. An Aging Labor Force Dong Yuzheng, the director of the Guangdong Population Development Research Institute, said the rural elderly generally remain working to earn their living because they dont have a stable income. To them, retirement is not an option, according to the CBN report. According to a report from December 2022, data showed that Chinese peasants received a pension of 188 yuan ($27.3) per monthjust 5.26 percent of the average monthly pension of 3,577 yuan ($519.41) given to urban retirees. An elderly Chinese woman uses a cart to collect firewood for cooking near the Yangtze River city of Jiujiang, on March 7, 2007. (Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty Images) Similar situations were also seen among some of the urban elderly, said the CBN report. A Chinese online hiring platform, BOSS Zhipin.com, reported that active job seekers aged 55 and above increased by 27 percent in 2022. According to research on the re-employment of elderly in 2022 by the Chinese recruitment platform 51job, nearly 70 percent of Chinese elderly have a strong desire to return to the workforce. Among them, 34.3 percent needed the income to meet higher consumption costs. Numerous Chinese media reports claimed that governmental propaganda was encouraging retirees to return to the workforce to meet the ever changing needs of Chinas aging society. However, Chinese media described the challenges encountered by elderly jobseekers. A successful former executive of a foreign enterprise was reportedly frustrated for not being able to find one job that would offer him a monthly salary of 5,000 yuan ($724.66). The media report said its clear that few businesses prefer to hire older candidates, and even fewer jobs match the qualifications of the candidates. Regarding governmental policy, Ding Changfa, an associate professor at the School of Economics at Xiamen University, believed the type of work determines its accessibility for retirees. He told CBN that he suspected manual workers would find it harder to re-enter the workforce than those in other sectors. Fang Xiao contributed to this report. Pat Nixon Comes Back to Life at Nixon Library Cindy Scott (L) interviews Nixon family friend and Pat Nixon actress Maureen Nunn onstage at the Nixon Library in Yorba Linda, Calif., on March 16, 2023. (Carol Cassis/The Epoch Times) In celebration of Pat Nixons 111th birthday March 16, the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda, California hosted the late first lady with cake, free admission, and a talk with Nixons life-long friend, Maureen Nunn, who portrayed the first lady in her signature nylon blazer topped off with a customized wig. The celebration was part of the museums day of fun with a purpose, wherein local nonprofitsof which Nixon supportedwere present to recruit volunteers including the Pat Nixon Republican Women Federated, Guide Dogs of America, Girl Scouts of America, and others. Onstage in the museums chandelier-lit East Room replica, Nunn re-lived some of Nixons most intimate life events, including how she came to date and marry the late president. The first time I met [President Nixon], he opened the door for me and said you may not know this, but someday, Im going to marry you, Nunn said during her portrayal. Former First Lady Pat Nixons American Red Cross uniform on display at the Nixon Library in Yorba Linda, Calif., on March 16, 2023. (Carol Cassis/The Epoch Times) Nunn continued on, describing Pat Nixons initial reluctance and eventual marriage to the 37th president. Attendees were allowed to interact with Nixon, as portrayed, asking her questions including her reaction to the 1972 Watergate scandal, which led to her husbands resignation. My husband didnt authorize that break-in. So when he found out about it, he tried to protect the people who had [orchestrated Watergate], the actress said. It was later revealed that Nixon led a cover-up regarding the scandal and he left office before he could be impeached. She also recalled Pat Nixons difficult beginnings of being orphaned as a teenager, as well as her rise to fame alongside her husband and their legacy while in office. A local Girl Scout troop lays garlands on President and First Lady Nixons graves at the Nixon Library in Yorba Linda, Calif., on March 16, 2023. (Carol Cassis/The Epoch Times) The actress also recalled the first ladys pivotal role in U.S. government relations with China as the first presidential family to visit the country. She said the visit, which happened amid Cold War tensions, played a major role in improving relations between the two countries and even resulted in Pandas making their first appearance at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. after her humorous conversation with former Chinese premier Zhou Enlai. Ill give you some [pandas], the actress said Enlai told Pat Nixon after she conveyed her admiration of the animals following a visit to the Beijing Zoo. Other festivities included a wreath-laying ceremony during which a local Girl Scouts troop laid rose garlands on Pat and Richard Nixons grave, which reside on the museum grounds beside the former presidents childhood home. The former first lady was also honored March 16th when officials dedicated a 2-mile stretch of the 91 Freewayin Cerritos, her hometownin her name, as well as a park. Peel Police Bust Prolific Auto Theft Ring, Lay 34 Charges Against Ontario Men Stolen vehicles worth over $10 million destined for shipment overseas Peel Regional Police say they have laid a combined total of 34 charges against four Ontario men in connection with what police called a prolific auto theft ring. The arrests were announced on March 21 at a news conference at police headquarters, with an accompanying release indicating that police investigators had recovered 78 stolen vehicles worth over 10 million dollars. The investigation, dubbed Project R&R, saw Peel police collaborate with numerous law enforcement agencies, officers from the Canada Border Services Agency, as well as partners from the Port of Montreal and Equite Association over a three-month period. Police have charged four Ontario men with various counts of possession of property obtained by crime: six counts against Imad Assi, 29, of Mississauga; one count against Altayeb Brafcany, 28, also of Mississauga; four counts against RefAt Faris Mustafa Khatabeh, 44, of North York; and four counts against Michael Zureiqat, 48, of Aurora, Ont. Brafcany was additionally charged with 15 counts of theft of a motor vehicle, fraud under $5,000, and use of a debit card not authorized. Assi was additionally charged with theft of a motor vehicle, and possession for the purpose of trafficking. Zureiqat was charged with failing to comply with a release order. Peel Regional Police announced on March 21, 2023, that charges have been laid against four men suspected to be part of an auto theft ring in Ontario. (Peel Regional Police Handout) Police say they also seized a prohibited magazine, a quantity of cocaine, a stolen vehicle-loading ramp, and Canadian and U.S. currency as proceeds of crime. The results of Project R&R demonstrate that organized auto theft is a priority for Peel Regional Police. In addition to the nearly 2,400 stolen vehicles recovered in 2022, our officers have recovered over 500 vehicles in the first two months of this year, said Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah, at the news conference. Duraiappah said that it would be an understatement to call auto theft an epidemic nationally and in Ontario. He said the police saw a significant increase in auto theft in 2022, which represented almost a 90 percent increase in thefts across the GTA. Duraiappah said that the Peel region has the highest per capita auto theft rate in the country, and that Canada has become a known source country for organized auto crime. High-End Vehicles Targeted According to police, Project R&R was set up after a number of high-end vehicles, in particular, a significant number of Range Rovers, were stolen within the Peel and Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Police allege that the auto ring targeted specific vehicles at various locations including Pearson International Airport. Police said they identified members of the ring who were actively stealing vehicles and then investigated the locations the vehicles were loaded and shipped. The stolen vehicles were being loaded and secured within containers and shipped by truck or train to the Port of Montreal to be exported overseas, police said. Over 25 containers were intercepted and held at various locations and ports including Brampton, Montreal, Germany, and Spain. Many stolen vehicles were destined for the United Arab Emirates, according to Peel police. Police recovered the vehicles at various transport locations including rail yards, or at temporary holding and shipping locations, as well as at the Port of Montreal. Some vehicles were intercepted at overseas ports as part of the investigation. Methods of theft including targeted underground parking garages and residential neighbourhoods at night while victims slept, said the news release. In some cases, thieves were able to remove GPS units from vehicles in less than 10 minutes, said Peel Police Detective Trevor Oldham, who spoke at the news conference. Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder holds a media briefing at 2:00 p.m. ET on March 21. Potential Ukraine-Russia Peace Proposal Brokered by China Would Undermine US Reputation: Expert Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) meets with Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the Kremlin in Moscow on March 21, 2023. (Photo by Grigory SYSOYEV / SPUTNIK / AFP via Getty Images) A potential Ukraine-Russia peace proposal brokered by China would undermine the reputation of the United States, according to Gregory Copley, president of the International Strategic Studies Association. China released a Feb. 24 position paper that outlined the communist regimes desire to be a mediator in the conflict. On March 20, Chinese leader Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow for a three-day state visit to Russia, with Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin expected to discuss Chinas proposal for resolving the conflict in Ukraine. While the proposal from Beijing offers nothing tangible or substantive for either country, it does give them the excuse to sit down and negotiate, Copley told China in Focus on NTD, the sister media outlet of The Epoch Times. Copley believes that if Xi can translate the meeting into some kind of success, such as a prolonged ceasefire or the start of a new negotiating regime, then he will have gained enormous prestige, and the United States will have lost it. Copley said Xi was in that prestigious position because both of the leadersPresident Zelenskyy in Ukraine and President Putin in Moscowhave agreed that the PRC peace proposals had merit and were worth discussing. According to Copley, Zelenskyy might somehow agree to the Chinese deal, as it would enable him to survive within the Ukrainian polity. The generals are very angry with him [Zelenskyy] for having gotten them into this war in the first place, and for having managed it in such a way that there were huge losses to Ukraine, he said. Face-Saving Compromise Copley said the deal is likely to involve some kind of face-saving compromises by both combatant presidents, while creating a larger trading environment postwar for Beijing and the Eurasian trading bloc. It may be that Russia will allow postwar Ukraine to trade through the Sea of Azov forts in Donbass, such as Mariupol, he said. Maybe itll be some kind of joint governance mechanisms which will be in place, which recognize the sovereignty of Eastern and Western Ukraine, or those parts which have now been absorbed into Russia. But there will have to be something which enables both sides to save face and improve their economic position, he added. The result of such a deal, he said, could be very damaging to the United States, as a huge amount of the Southnamely Africa, Middle East, Latin America, the Pacific and the likeactually are very happy to trade with the Eurasian bloc, Moscow, Beijing and the like. Statesmanship In his opinion, the true intention of Beijing is to keep the United States engaged in Ukraine. They are not unhappy that the United States is being driven by the White House and State Department into escalating the conflict in Ukraine, he said. Meanwhile, Copley said the Pentagon is advocating exactly the reverse of that policy: a tamped down Ukraine and focusing on the main threat, which is China. Copley believes that the US and its allies will attempt, at all costs, to undermine the Chinese peace deal and to insist that Ukraine keep fighting the war, which he said would lead to some dangerous levels of escalation. With Poland increasing their supplies of lethal weapons into Ukraine and the United States committing so much funding, equipment, and, to a degree, manpower, into Ukraine, he said that the war there is on the verge of no longer being a mere Western proxy war against Russia. Its being seen as a direct war against Russia. And if that breaks through some magical line, it could become a declared real war between Russia and the NATO states. And that would be really, really dangerous for all concerned, he said. The reality is that we are going to see a need for greater statesmanship in the West, instead of this jingoistic policy of attempting to deflate Beijings successes by Western rhetoric building up the conflict. We need a lot more skilled approaches to see the West outflank Beijing, in the Middle East and Africa and in Europe, for that matter, Copley said. Putin, Xi Pledge Deeper Cooperation Amid Concerns Over Growing Alliance Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping shake hands during a signing ceremony following their talks at the Kremlin in Moscow on March 21, 2023. (Mikhail Tereshchenko/Sputnik/AFP via Getty Images) Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin deepened their no limits partnership during talks in the Kremlin on March 21, signing a series of agreements furthering the two countries strategic cooperation. The two leaders signed a joint declaration on deepening the nations comprehensive strategic partnership, and an agreement on economic cooperation after Tuesdays meeting, according to Chinas state broadcaster CCTV. The agreements solidify Beijing and Moscows growing de-facto alliance since Putin and Xi declared a no limits partnership a month before Putins invasion of Ukraine. Since the war, China has become Russias most important trade partner helping Moscow stay afloat amid crippling sanctions from the West. Washington has criticized Xis visit to Moscow amid the ongoing Ukraine war as providing diplomatic cover for the isolated Russian leader. Economic Support Xi said the two countries should push for further cooperation and that the early harvest of the cooperation have already shown, according to Chinas state media. Putin said Russia is willing to support Chinese companies to replace Western business that had left the country over the Ukraine war. They also discussed the Power of Siberia 2 project, the second pipeline that could double the gas exports to China, Putin said. The Russian leader also said the two countries should encourage businesses to use their own currencies. The two neighboring countries have deepened their trade ties since the start of the Ukraine war, with Chinas overall trade with Russia hitting a record high of $190 billion in 2022. On Tuesday, Russian state-owned energy company Gazprom announced that it had set a new historical record for daily gas supplies to China. The Russian oil giant had inked a 30-year deal with state-owned China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) in February last year. Russia also overtook Saudi Arabia as Chinas top oil supplier for the first two months of this year, importing a total of 15.68 million tonnes in the two-month period. Xi is the first leader in the world to sit down with Putin after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for the Russia president last week, accusing him of war crimes of deportation of children from Ukrainian occupied territories into the Russian Federation. After landing in Moscow on Monday, Xi and Putin had a four-and-half hour informal talk before enjoying a state dinner, during which the two leaders called each other a dear friend. Prior to the start of their Tuesday talk, Xi held talks with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. According to Chinas state-run media, Xi invited the prime minister to visit China and called for regular meetings between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Mishustin. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg speaks at a NATO defence ministers meeting at the Alliances headquarters in Brussels, on Feb. 14, 2023. (Johanna Geron/Reuters) As Putin and Xi were meeting in Moscow, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) warned the Chinese regime against providing lethal aid to Russia. We havent seen any proof that China is delivering lethal weapons to Russia, but we have seen some signs that this has been a request from Russia, and that this is an issue that is considered in Beijing by the Chinese authorities, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in a press conference in Brussels. China should not provide lethal aid to Russia, that would be to support an illegal war. The U.S. administration has warned that Beijing is considering providing military aid to Russia but has not confirmed that China has taken those steps. But trade data has shown that the regime has supplied Moscow with dual use equipment that can be used to aid its military efforts. Chinas Proposal The two leaders also discussed Beijings proposal for a ceasefire in Ukraine, a plan largely dismissed in the West as a ploy to buy Putin time to regroup his forces and consolidate his front lines. The Chinese regime released a 12-point peace plan on the one-year anniversary of Moscows invasion as part of the effort to portray itself as a neutral broker to mediate an end to the war. The document called for an end to the war and the commencement of peace negotiations, but offered few concrete plans. Kyiv insists the withdrawal of Russias troops from its soil is a precondition for any peace talks. The United States has warned Beijings ceasefire plan could be a stalling tactic. The world should not be fooled by any tactical move by Russiasupported by China or any other countryto freeze the war on its own terms, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at a March 20 press conference. Calling for a ceasefire that does not include the removal of Russian forces from Ukrainian territory would effectively be supporting the ratification of Russian conquest, Blinken told reporters. Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the Kremlin in Moscow on March 21, 2023. (Photo by Grigory SYSOYEV / SPUTNIK / AFP via Getty Images) According to Chinas state media, Putin and Xi agreed the legitimate security concerns of all countries must be respected and voiced their opposition to unilateral sanctions, Chinese Communist Party mouthpiece Peoples Daily reported. Throughout the war, the Chinese regime has consistently decried Western sanctions on Russia and has blamed the United States and the West for starting the conflict. Putin said Beijings plan could form the basis of a peace settlement in Ukraine, but noted that he saw no such readiness by the West and Kyiv to take up the plan. Experts have warned that Xi is calling for peace talks to divert attention from its domestic challenges and the regimes aggression in the Indo-Pacific. Xi is expected to talk with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after the three-day trip in Moscow. Iryna Vereshchuk, Ukraines Deputy Prime Minister, in an interview on March 21, said Kjiv is watching whether a telephone call between its president and Xi would take place. Xi Wants Putin to Win Prior to the latest Sino-Russian announcement, several U.S. lawmakers criticized Xis trip and the partnership between the two neighbors. Among them was House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Texas). Chairman Xis visit to Moscow is further proof the Chinese Communist Party has chosen to side with Russia, doubling down on the no limits partnership Xi and Putin established before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, McCaul wrote in a March 20 statement. Make no mistake: Xi wants Putin to win and cannot serve as a neutral peace broker. McCaul warned that Xis assistance comes with strings attached. And the world should expect Xi to call on Putin to return the favor if China invades Taiwan by providing military, economic, and diplomatic support, the congressman added, Increased CCP support of Russia should not be toleratedby the United States or our allies and partners. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), ranking member on the Houses select committee on China, dismissed Chinas proposed peace plan. The CCP claims they want peace in Ukraine, but on Vladimir Putins terms, not those of the people of Ukraine, Krishnamoorthi wrote on Twitter on Monday. This is a non-starter. Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), who sits on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, labeled China a bad actor. The fact that Xi would give Vladimir Putin the international diplomatic recognition he so desperately craves indicates how bad of an actor China is on the global stage, Lawler wrote in a statement. Xi and Putin are a pernicious pair who are busy plotting dominance of Eurasia, he continued. The United States and our allies must continue to apply diplomatic pressure to ensure that the entire Eurasian region does not fall under their control and influence. We Aint No Idiots When Putin and Xi declared their no limits partnership in February last year, Russia said it endorses Chinas position on Taiwanan inalienable part of China and opposition to any forms of independence of Taiwan. Taiwan is a self-ruled island with its own democratically-elected government, military, and currency. However, the Chinese regime views the island as part of its territory that must be united with the mainland, by force if necessary. During a Chinese Communist Party meeting in October last year, Xi reiterated that China will never give up the use of force to take over Taiwan. Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu speaks at Globsec forum in Bratislava, Slovakia on October 26, 2021 during his visit to Slovakia and the Czech Republic. (Photo by VLADIMIR SIMICEK / AFP) (Photo by VLADIMIR SIMICEK/AFP via Getty Images) On Tuesday, Taiwans Foreign Minister Joseph Wu took to Twitter to criticize Chinas attempt to play the role of a peacemaker. [China] threatens war against #Taiwan & others, but wants to propose a peace plan to #Russia, who initiated the war against #Ukraine. We aint no idiots, Wu wrote. Want peace? Both autocrats should immediately stop their threats, aggression & expansionism, Wu added. In Taiwan, Wong Ming-hsien, director of the Institute of International Affairs and Strategic Studies at Tamkang University, told The Epoch Times ahead of the summit that Xi made the trip with the aim of elevating bilateral ties since China is dealing with increasing U.S. trade and technology restrictions. In October last year, the Biden administration announced a sweeping set of export controls, including a measure that denies China access to advanced semiconductors made with U.S. technologiesdealing a blow to the regimes economic and military ambitions. Chinas bid to advance its semiconductor industry was further stymied earlier this month, when the Dutch government agreed to block Beijing from buying advanced semiconductor equipment. Going forward, Wong predicted that Russia and China would enhance their economic ties in Eurasia, particularly by linking Beijings Belt and Road Initiative, a trillion dollar infrastructure investment initiative, with the Eurasian Economic Union, a Moscow-led bloc that includes Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Luo Ya contributed to this report. Rand Paul Says Trump Indictment Would Be a Disgusting Abuse of Power Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) decried Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs purported plans to indict former President Donald Trump on March 21, holding that it was Bragg who belonged behind bars. A Trump indictment would be a disgusting abuse of power, Paul wrote in a tweet. The DA should be put in jail. Rumors of a potential indictment began to swirl last week amid a leak from Braggs office, which has been investigating the former president over a $130,000 payment to his former personal attorney Michael Cohen as reimbursement for hush money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in the weeks leading up to the 2016 presidential election. It has been widely speculated that the case being built against Trump is rooted in the theory that he violated campaign finance laws by failing to report those payments as a campaign expensean argument some elected officials and law scholars have found to be tenuous and without legal foundation. For instance, George Washington University Law Professor Jonathan Turley described the anticipated indictment as Frankensteinian on March 19, holding that Bragg was stitching together federal and state legal codes to reanimate a dead criminal theory. It is the ultimate gravedigger charge, Turley added, where Bragg unearthed a case from 2016 and, through a series of novel steps, is seeking to bring it back to life. After taking office in 2022, Bragg had initially hesitated to move forward with the case, citing concerns that the case against Trump was not strong enough. Ultimately, however, the investigation that was launched under his predecessor continued. Responding to speculation of a forthcoming indictment on March 20, House Republicans sent a letter to Bragg questioning his motives and requesting documents and testimony on the matter. According to Fox News, a spokesperson for Bragg responded to that letter, noting: We will not be intimidated by attempts to undermine the justice process. Many false claims have been lobbed out, so lets set the record straight. New York remains one of the safest big cities in the United States. Trump Slams Witch Hunt Without commenting specifically on the case against Trump, the spokesperson reportedly added: In every prosecution, we follow the law without fear or favor to uncover the truth. Our skilled, honest, and dedicated lawyers remain hard at work. Meanwhile, Trump has maintained his innocence on the matter, criticizing Braggs investigation as another political witch hunt. These four horrible, radical-left, Democrat 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 said on March 20 in a video posted to his Truth Social account. Describing the situation as an absolute disgrace, Trump added, Whether its the Mar-a-Lago raid, or the Unselect Committee hoax, the perfect Georgia phone call or the Stormy Horse-faced Daniels extortion plot, theyre all sick, and its fake news. According to RealClearPolitics, the 45th president currently leads the field of contenders for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination by a wide margin. Noting this, Trump asserted that the investigations against him were merely an effort to keep him out of the Oval Office. However, he also assured his supporters that he had no intention of backing down. They know that we can defeat them, they know that we will defeat them, he said. But theyre not coming after me; theyre coming after you. Im just standing in their way, and I always will stand in their way. A Cheektowaga man who engaged in sexually explicit online messages and texts with someone he thought was a 13-year-old girl has pleaded guilty to attempted receipt of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced. According to prosecutors, Mohammed Uddin, 34, unaware that he was communicating with an undercover law enforcement officer, discussed having sexual relations, sent pornography and tried have sexually explicit photos and videos sent to him over a course of about three weeks. Prosecutors said he finally arranged for a meeting for sex at an address in Rochester that he believed was the child's home. He was taken into custody when he arrived. Investigators said they seized his cell phone and candy that he brought along as a gift for the child. He faces a minimum of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, a lifetime of supervised release and a $250,000 fine when he returns for sentencing June 29 before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci Jr. Russia Defies Putin Arrest Warrant by Opening Its Own Case Against ICC Russian President Vladimir Putin takes part in the opening ceremony of the Year of Teacher and Mentor via video link in Moscow on March 2, 2023. (Sputnik/Mikhail Metzel/Pool via Reuters) Russias top investigative body said on Monday it had opened a criminal case against the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor and judges who issued an arrest warrant for President Vladimir Putin on war crimes charges. The move was a symbolic gesture of defiance, three days after the ICC accused Putin and his childrens commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova of the war crime of deporting children from Ukraine to Russia. The state Investigative Committee said there were no grounds for criminal liability on Putins part, and heads of state enjoyed absolute immunity under a 1973 U.N. convention. The ICC prosecutors actions showed signs of being crimes under Russian law, the committee said, including knowingly accusing an innocent person of a crime. The prosecutor and judges were also suspected of preparing an attack on a representative of a foreign state enjoying international protection, in order to complicate international relations. The Kremlin has called the issuing of the warrant outrageous but legally void, as Russia is not a signatory to the treaty that created the ICC. On Monday it said the courts move was a sign of the clear hostility that exists against Russia and against Putin personally. The ICC officials targeted in the Russian investigation are prosecutor Karim Khan and judges Tomoko Akane, Rosario Salvatore Aitala, and Sergio Gerardo Ugalde Godinez. The criminal prosecution is obviously illegal, since there are no grounds for criminal liability, the Russian statement said. The ICCs move obliges the courts 123 member states to arrest Putin and transfer him to The Hague for trial if he sets foot on their territory. Putin is unlikely to take that risk and Russia does not extradite its citizens, but the rare move against a serving president was an important symbolic step to pin responsibility on him for the consequences of his invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine says more than 16,000 children have been illegally transferred to Russia or Russian-occupied territories since the war started nearly 13 months ago. Russia has publicly said it has brought thousands of Ukrainian children to Russia in what it presents as a humanitarian campaign to protect orphans and abandoned children in the conflict zone. By Mark Trevelyan San Juan Capistrano Student Honored by City After Brain Tumor Battle After being rushed to surgery following the discovery of a life-threatening brain tumor, a local elementary student was honored by San Juan Capistrano city officials this month for his bravery, including an honorary role in the citys upcoming Swallows Day Parade. Edward Reising, 9, was transported by helicopter to Childrens Hospital of Orange County last August where the tumor was removed, according to San Juan Capistrano Mayor Howard Hart. City officials honored him with an award for his courage and resilience during a March 7 council meeting. Mr. Reising has shown extraordinary courage in the face of daunting physical peril, Hart said during the meeting. Reising displays a positive can-do attitude towards life that many with far fewer challenges before them can learn from. Reising will now ride in a fire truck with members of the Orange County Sheriffs Department and Fire Authority in this years paradethe 63rd annualMarch 25. Jim Taylor, president of the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association, which organizes the event, also presented Reising with a vest, badge, and honorary association membership during the meeting. San Juan Capistrano Police Chief Justin Montano was also in attendance, and described Reising as strong, courageous, and tough. He also offered the child an open invitation to visit the police station any time he wantsto visit the police dogs and see police vehiclesand presented Reising with a child-sized deputy hat. Were so proud of what youve gone through, he told Reising. Saskatchewan Joins Other Provinces Fighting Against Federal No More Pipelines Legislation Province will join Supreme Court of Canada reference case as intervenor An oil sands facility seen from a helicopter near Fort McMurray, Alta., on July 10, 2012. (Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press) Saskatchewan will join as an intervenor in a case before the Supreme Court of Canada, alongside other provinces in arguing that a federal environmental law is unconstitutional. Every other province and territory in Canada has joined the lawsuit, except for Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan said in a March 20 news release. Alberta brought the challenge, stating the law threatens development of the provinces natural resources and gives the federal government too much power to deny or delay developmentsfor example, an oil sands project or a new natural gas power plant. The case is a reference case, with the Alberta government requesting that the top court provide an advisory opinion rather than a ruling. Reference cases can shape policy direction, however. The legal case is being fought by the provinces and territories against a bill previously known as C-69, the no more pipelines bill, said the province. Now renamed the Impact Assessment Act (IAA), the provinces are fighting the bill on the grounds the Trudeau government has exceeded its jurisdiction under the Constitution Act, 1867. Last spring, the Alberta Court of Appeal held that, with the IAA, the federal government had taken a wrecking ball to exclusive provincial jurisdiction under 92A, Justice Minister and Attorney General Bronwyn Eyre said in the news release. This is precisely the kind of continued, unconstitutional, federal infringement that led to our passing the Saskatchewan First Act. Clearly, most provinces agree that the IAA is a significant federal overreach that will stop future infrastructure and resource development in Canada. The IAA was proclaimed in 2019 and authorizes the federal governments appointed regulators to determine how pipelines, mines, highways, and other major infrastructure projects may impact environmental and social issues, according to Saskatchewan. The provinces have exclusive jurisdiction over resource development, argues Saskatchewan, and exclusive authority to develop natural resources and create provincial environment regulations. The provinces and territories have had one success in court to date. In May 2022, in a 41 majority, the Alberta Court of Appeal ruled that the entire IAA and regulations were unconstitutional; however, the federal government has appealed to the top court. The appeal courts decision said the federal environment legislation presented an existential threat to provincial sovereignty, and criticized the clear and present danger this legislative scheme presents to the division of powers guaranteed by our constitution and thus, to Canada itself. The Court of Appeal said provinces could be put in an economic chokehold, and said the legislation undermines Canadas division of powers. Ottawa argued it has shared jurisdiction over the environment. Some First Nations communities have indicated they trust the federal government, and not the provinces. The Mikisew Cree and the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nations are acting as intervenors in support of the federal law being upheld as constitutional. The hearing is scheduled from March 22 to March 23. Tara MacIsaac and The Canadian Press contributed to this report. Scandinavian Activist Who Wanted to Burn Quran in Wakefield Refused Entry Into UK Minister says his presence 'not conducive to the public good' Politician Rasmus Paludan holds up a copy of the Quran as he speaks in front of a mosque in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Jan. 27, 2023. (Sergei Gapon/AFP via Getty Images) The British government has banned a Scandinavian politician from entering the country after he announced plans to burn a copy of the QuranIslams holy bookin the West Yorkshire city of Wakefield. Security minister Tom Tugendhat said Rasmus Paludan would not be allowed into the UK because it would not be conducive to the public good. Wakefield, a city with 11,000 Muslim residents, has seen considerable community tensions in the last month after an incident when a Quran was damaged by a schoolboy. A year 10 student took a copy of the Quran to Kettlethorpe High School on Feb. 23 and its cover was torn and pages dirtied by a 14-year-old boy, apparently after he was dared by others. The boy, who has not been identified, subsequently received death threats from some members of the towns Muslim community. His mother said he has high functioning autism and West Yorkshire Police said although they originally treated the Quran damage as a hate incident they had investigated and decided no criminal offence had been committed. West Yorkshire Police said words of advice were given to one student at the school who sent malicious communications to the boy. Kettlethorpe High School said it suspended four students over the incident. The schools head teacher Tudor Griffiths said in a statement at the time, We would like to reassure all our community that the holy book remains fully intact and that our initial enquiries indicate there was no malicious intent by those involved. Paludan Added to Warnings Index Paludan, who is Danish and the leader of the Stram Kurs (Hard Line) party, which was founded in 2017, has been added to the UK Border Forces warnings index and will be turned away if he tries to enter the country. Paludan has burned the Quran on a number of occasions, often leading to violent counter-demonstrations by outraged Muslims. In August 2020 a riot broke out in the city of Malmo in southern Sweden after a copy of the Quran was burned. The Aftonbladet newspaper said Paludan had been denied permission to have a meeting in Malmo and was stopped at the Swedish border. Smoke billows from the burning tyres, pallets, and fireworks during a riot in the Rosengard neighborhood of Malmo, Sweden on Aug. 28, 2020. (TT News Agency via Reuters) On Sunday, Paludan posted a video on Twitter in which he said he planned to burn a copy of the Quran in a public square in Wakefield to mark the beginning of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The local Labour MP Simon Lightwood, who was elected in a by-election last year, raised concerns about Paludans visit in the House of Commons on Monday. Lightwood said: Far-right Islamophobic Danish politician Rasmus Paludan said he is going to travel from Denmark to Wakefield for the sole purpose of burning a Quran in a public place. He added: Mr. Paludan was previously jailed in Denmark for his hateful and racist statements. He is a dangerous man that should not be allowed into this country. Can the home secretary assure me and my community that the government is taking action to prevent this? Tugendhat replied, May I inform the House that Mr. Paludan has been added to the warnings index and therefore his travel to the United Kingdom would not be conducive with the public good and he will not be allowed access. Yorkshire Teacher Got Death Threats Over Cartoon In March 2021 a teacher at a grammar school in the Yorkshire town Batley went into hiding after receiving death threats after discussing the controversy over cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed in a lesson. In October 2020 a French teacher, Samuel Paty, 47, was hailed as a martyr of free speech in France after he was attacked and decapitated by an 18-year-old Chechen refugee. Paty showed his class cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed during a civics lesson to illustrate the concept of liberty. It prompted accusations of Islamophobia from at least one parent and the controversy led to his murder. Security Minister Refuses to Confirm Government Action on Iran Revolutionary Guards Campaigner says UK's reluctance to proscribe IRGC could be owing to its state status Minister of State for Security Tom Tugendhat speaks at a fringe meeting at the annual Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, England, on Oct. 2, 2022. (Leon Neal/Getty Images) Britains security minister has refused to definitively state whether a branch of Irans armed forces will be proscribed after increasing concerns over the regimes activity in the UK. Speaking in the Commons on Monday, Tom Tugendhat declined to directly answer questions from several MPs on whether the UK will make the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) illegal. However, Tugendhat did state that the government is taking dangers posed by the IRGC seriously, and said the UKs response to the vile threat from Iran has increased over recent months. His comments came following reports that one of Irans main UK outposts promoted sheikhs calling for the downfall of Western democracies and the compassionate killing of gay people. The Times of London said it analysed speakers at the Islamic Centre of England, where it found some held offensive and inflammatory views about Zionism, the LGBT movement, and the 9/11 terror attacks. The centreregistered as a British charityalso promoted speakers who have called for academic jihad in schools and the eradication of Western empires, and those who have said death was a compassionate sentence for gay people, according to the newspaper. It is run by a direct representative of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and is one of many across the UK with apparent links to the regime, according to the newspaper. Demonstrators protest against the Iranian government following the death of Mahsa Amini, at Trafalgar Square, London, on Jan. 8, 2023. (Aaron Chown/PA Media) Vile Threat The centre is being investigated by the Charity Commission over serious concerns about its governance. Some of the controversial activities organised by the centre include a large vigil for the IRGC leader Qasem Soleimani, who was one of Irans most senior military commanders before he was killed in a U.S. drone strike. Referring to the Times of London reports about the Islamic centre, Labour MP Christian Wakeford asked the security minister whether it is now time to proscribe the IRGC. Tugendhat replied that the work the government has been doing against the Iranian threat in the United Kingdom has not diminishedin fact, it has increased in recent months. He said that the Islamic Centre of England is not alone and the work of the IRGC is not limited to those Iranian proxy organisations. Tugendhat added that the government is pulling together the resources and the attitude to deploy against the vile threat from Iran. Responding to a similar question from Conservative MP Alicia Kearns about the proscription of the IRGC, the security minister again avoided confirming the governments intention to do so. Kearns said, There are threeif not sevencut-outs of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps operating here in the UK, silencing critics of the ayatollah, inciting hate, celebrating terrorists, and recruiting for a terrorist state. The government know that this House wants the IRGC proscribed, but in the immediate term, will they please protect us from transnational repression by shutting down these cut-outs of the Iranian state? Tugendhat replied that the government has had this work ongoing for a number of months now, but asking for actions to be taken means we must be legally compliant with the responses. That is where we are getting towe are increasingly at the point where we are taking more and more action against the IRGC, he said. Conservative MP Alicia Kearns, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, speaks during a debate on the Procurement Bill in Parliament, London, on Jan. 9, 2023. (Screenshot via The Epoch Times) Different Beast When again asked about government action against the Iranian military group, Tugendhat told Democratic Unionist Party MP Jim Shannon he could not go into detail about individual proscriptions. Referencing the beginning of Ramadan on Thursday, the minister added: The reality is that this is a time for communities to come together, yet in Tehran it is time for the regime to ignore the Islamic faith and to tear people apart. Catherine Perez-Shakdam, a research fellow with the Henry Jackson Society, said the UK governments reluctance to proscribe the IRGC might be owing to its state status. Speaking to The Epoch Times on Tuesday, she said, I think theres been an argument made that because the IRGC is a state institution that they [the UK government] would be overstepping [the mark]. When the UK, for example, proscribed Hamas and Hezbollah, they did so on the basis that they were not state actors, they were militias, that they were behaving like a terrorist organisation, because they are a terrorist organisation, and as such the UK had jurisdiction and had the ability to quite safely proscribe. I think that the IRGC is a slightly different beast. Perez-Shakdam said that although the IRGC might masquerade as a legitimate institution, it is anything but. They may want to portray themselves as a legitimate institution, but it doesnt make it so by claiming it, she told The Epoch Times. She said the ISIS terrorist groupwhich claimed to be a nation state but was internationally designated as a terrorist organisationis a perfect example of that. She said that when Irans Islamic regime was founded in 1979, everyone was unaware of what they would become and what was the agenda, because we were all lied toincluding Iranians. They were lied to essentiallynone of the things that they were promised actually came true in terms of protection of their rights and human rights and civil liberties. The research fellow said that on the basis that Iran violated everything, the UK could very safely proscribe IRGC, which she said had hijacked the institution. Its an argument that hasnt been made yet, but I feel that it might be the only argument that we have left, she said. In January, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly revealed that over 300 individuals and entities had been sanctioned by the UK over Irans violent suppression of protesters. In February, Parliament heard how armed groups linked to the Iranian regime were behind at least 10 kidnap and death plots on British soil. The Epoch Times has previously spoken to a number of BritishIranians who say they fear for their safety in the UK after speaking out against the Iranian government. Speaker of Czech Parliaments Lower House to Visit Taiwan Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu holds a speech during his visit to Czech Senate in Prague on Oct. 27, 2021. (Petr David Josek/AP Photo) PRAGUEThe speaker of the Czech Parliaments lower house is set to visit Taiwan to boost mutual ties. Marketa Pekarova Adamova said Monday she will be heading a large delegation on the March 2530 trip that focuses on business, trade, research, education, culture, and other relations. She will be accompanied by around 150 people, including representatives of some 100 Czech companies as well as academia, lawmakers and others. The Czech Republic, like most countries, has no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, but it maintains robust informal contacts. Taiwans high-tech companies are also significant investors in the Czech Republic. Pekarova Adamova said she will meet the islands leaders, including Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and the prime minister, and she will address the Parliament. She said China has warned against the trip. The Chinese regime in recent years has upped its threat to bring Taiwan under its control, by force if necessary, prompting new sales of tanks and missiles to the island by key ally the United States and steps by Tsais administration to extend compulsory military service and bolster the domestic defense industry. The Chinese communist regime recently condemned a phone call between newly elected Czech President Petr Pavel and Tsai. A representative of Pavels office will also fly to Taipei. Taiwan split from mainland China amid a civil war in 1949, but the Chinese regime considers the self-ruled island part of its territory despite that Taiwan is a de facto independent country, with its own military, democratically-elected government, and constitution. The Czech government recognizes the one-China principle. Special Rapporteurs Mandate on Foreign Interference Probe Released A file photo of Canada's then-governor general, David Lloyd Johnston, giving a speech during the 70th anniversary ceremony of the 1942 Dieppe Raid in Dieppe, northwestern France, on August 19, 2012. (Charly Triballeau/AFP/GettyImages) Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus office announced the mandate of Independent Special Rapporteur David Johnston, who is tasked with assessing the extent of foreign interference in Canadas elections. Johnston will recommend whether to hold a formal public inquiry by May 23, 2023. As Independent Special Rapporteur, Mr. Johnston will play a crucial role in reinforcing the integrity of and upholding Canadians confidence in our democratic processes, and I look forward to receiving his recommendations on how we can keep taking steps to ensure Canada is protected against any attempts at undermining our democracy, the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) said in a press release. Johnston, who was chosen as the special rapporteur on March 15, 2023, will build on the work of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) and the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency (NSIRA), to identify any outstanding issues requiring attention. The PMO said this will be done with a view to uphold Canadians confidence in our democratic institutions and electoral processes. Following this, Johnston will recommend additional mechanisms or transparent processes, including a formal public inquiry if deemed necessary to reinforce Canadians confidence in the integrity of the countrys institutions, by May 23, 2023. Additionally, Johnston will identify ways to improve the ability of public agencies to work together in combatting foreign election interference. To fulfill his mandate, Johnston will be given access to relevant records and documents, both classified and unclassified. He will work with institutions, agencies, and officials across the federal government to complete his mandate, including the Communications Security Establishment, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, the Privy Council Office, and Elections Canada. Johnston will submit regular reports to Trudeau, which will also be shared with the leaders of the opposition and all Canadians. His final review is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, 2023. Trudeau appointed Johnston after facing pressure from opposition parties to act on reports of foreign interference in Canadas elections by Beijing. Reporting from the Globe and Mail and Global News said that the Chinese Communist Party interfered with the 2019 and 2021 elections, including by attempting to help the Liberals win a minority government. Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre and Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet have both raised concerns about Johnstons appointment as independent special rapporteur. Justin Trudeau has named a family friend, old neighbour from the cottage, and member of the Beijing-funded Trudeau foundation, to be the independent rapporteur on Beijings interference, Poilievre said in a previous statement to the Epoch Times, in reference to Trudeau calling Johnston a family friend back in 2017. Johnston, who served as governor general for seven years after his appointment in 2010 by then-Prime Minister Stephen Harper, has also been criticized by opposition MPs for being a member of the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation, which was created in the name of former prime minister Pierre Trudeau. State Senators Press Norfolk Southern CEO About Burning of Toxic Chemicals After Train Derailment Alan Shaw, president and CEO of Norfolk Southern Corporation, speaks during a hearing with the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington on March 9, 2023. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) As he did before a U.S. Senate committee hearing on March 9, Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw apologized to residents in East Palestine, Ohio, and surrounding communities during a hearing before the Pennsylvania state senate on March 20. Unlike his appearance at the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee in Washington, Shaw faced in-depth questioning about the release and burn of vinyl chloride from five cars three days after the derailment. That decision averted an explosion but created additional health concerns. I want to begin today by expressing how deeply sorry I am for the impact this derailment has had on the citizens of East Palestine and the communities in western Pennsylvania, Shaw told the Pennsylvania Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee on March 20. A black plume rises over East Palestine, Ohio, as a result of a controlled detonation of a portion of the derailed Norfolk Southern trains, Feb. 6, 2023. (Gene J. Puskar/AP Photo/File) Ive been to East Palestine and Pennsylvania many times over the past six weeks. Ive talked with community leaders, business owners, school officials, faith-based leaders, and others throughout the community, Shaw added. Theyve shared their stories and their concerns about the health of their families, their businesses, and the future of the community they love. I am determined to make this right. Train Derailment and Aftermath On Feb. 3, a 151-car freight train operated by Norfolk Southern derailed in a fiery crash in East Palestine, a village of around 4,700 residents in eastern Ohio a mile from the Pennsylvania border. Eleven of the 38 cars that derailed contained hazardous chemicals, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. Fearing a major explosion that would spread shrapnel, authorities decided to release and burn vinyl chloride from five cars into a trench on Feb. 6, sending a massive cloud of black smoke into the sky that could be seen for miles and was likened to the mushroom cloud caused by a nuclear weapon. Before the release and burn residents in a one-mile by two-mile area surrounding East Palestine, which includes western Pennsylvania, were urged to evacuate by Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine. The vinyl chloride contents of five rail cars are currently unstable and could potentially explode, causing deadly disbursement of shrapnel and toxic fumes, according to a statement from DeWines office on Feb. 6. To alleviate the risk of uncontrollable shrapnel from an explosion, Norfolk Southern Railroad is planning a controlled release of the vinyl chloride at approximately 3:30 p.m. today. A map showing a red zone and a yellow zone was released by officials. Norfolk Southern said that people who remain in the red area will be exposed to deadly toxins, and those who stay in the yellow area could experience skin burns and serious lung damage. Everyone in Pennsylvania and Ohio whos in this area, you know, you need to leave. You just need to leave, DeWine added. This is a matter of life and death. Vinyl chloride is a chemical used to make PVC pipes and other products. The National Cancer Institute notes that vinyl chloride has been linked to cancers of the brain, lungs, blood, lymphatic system, and liver. DeWine held a press conference on Feb. 8 and announced that the evacuation order had been lifted and that it was safe for East Palestine residents to return to their homes. Since returning, people in the village and in surrounding communities have reported headaches, nausea, skin rashes, blurred vision, and other ailments. Questions About Burn and Release On March 20, Pennsylvania senators repeatedly asked Shaw about the events leading to the burn and release. The ultimate decision made by unified command under the leadership of the incident commander was made on Monday, Feb. 6, based on the conditions on the ground as we knew them, Shaw said. There was concern about an uncontrolled catastrophic explosion that would shoot harmful chemicals and shrapnel through the area. So the decision made by unified command under the direction of the incident commander was a controlled vent and burn. Legislators at the hearing expressed displeasure with the decision to release and burn the toxic chemicals instead of exploring other options. When pressed about who approved the release and burn, Shaw said that DeWine, and state, and federal officials who were part of the command post were involved, but the ultimate decision belonged to East Palestine Fire Chief Keith Drabick. State Sen. Doug Mastriano was astonished by Shaws response. Youre blaming it on a chief in East Palestine, correct? said Mastriano, who is chairman of the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. So your cars are on fire, its your rail, its your incident and youre going to leave it to a local fire chief whos likely never had to deal with this before? I find it hard to believe that the local fire chief would be the one making the decision to set an explosion off to ignite eight carloads of toxic chemicals, Mastriano added. Mastriano, a Republican, lost the states gubernatorial race to Shapiro, a Democrat, last November. In a letter to Shaw last month, Shapiro accused Norfolk Southern of ignoring the command structure in the derailments aftermath. This was based solely on the safety and health of the community, Shaw said about the decision to release and burn the toxic chemicals. I think its important to know the vent and burn worked, he said. The air testing throughout the process notes that the air is clean. We avoided the potential for a catastrophic uncontrolled explosion. A black plume rises over East Palestine, Ohio, as a result of a controlled detonation of a portion of the derailed Norfolk Southern trains, on Feb. 6, 2023. (Gene J. Puskar/AP Photo) Shaw noted that Norfolk Southern has placed $7.5 million into a fund to provide relief for residents and reimburse emergency and environmental agencies in Pennsylvania. The railroads family assistance center, which opened a day after the crash, has served hundreds of Pennsylvanians, Shaw explained. Norfolk Southern is negotiating with stakeholders to develop a long-term fund that will pay for health costs, environmental testing, and lost property values, he added. Shaw also told lawmakers that ongoing state and federal tests have shown that the air and water are safe. Why is it necessary [to cover health costs] if no one was poisoned? Sen. Katie Muth, the committees ranking Democrat, asked. Health Concerns Linger Dr. Andrew Wheltonwho is a professor of Civil, Environmental, and Ecological Engineering at Purdue University said that the derailment and the release and burn affects up to 37 million people in a five-state region. During his first visit to the derailment site, Whelton said his team discovered that acute health risks remained, even though the narrative was that they were not there. Local, state, and federal agencies who are testing air, soil, and water for contamination are inconsistent and not screening for multiple chemicals that would be related to the crash, including known carcinogens, Whelton said. We have urged these agencies to correct their testing approaches, and we havent seen that yet, Whelton said. Its pretty hard to understand what the health risks are for something if youre not testing for them. After the March 20 hearing, Muth expressed frustration about Shaws remarks. Dont tell me everythings fine and not give us any data, Muth said. Why do you need all these compensation funds if everythings fine and theres no contamination? Supreme Court OKs Deaf Students Discrimination Lawsuit Against Michigan School District Now-Justice Neil Gorsuch during a hearing in the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington on March 22, 2017. (Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images) The Supreme Court ruled unanimously on March 21 that a deaf former student who accuses a Michigan public school system of failing to properly educate him may move forward with his discrimination lawsuit. The decision comes as parents nationwide have become increasingly protective of the rights of their children and are taking legal action and demanding accountability from government officials. Among other things, parents say public schools have lost their focus on properly educating students and are spending inordinate resources on trendy projects such as critical race theory and gender identity education. But in this case, the justices ruled on a narrow, technical issue involving the interplay of two federal statutes that affect education. High Court Ruling The High Court ruled that Miguel Luna Perez, now in his late 20s, is not barred from suing Sturgis Public School District under the federal American with Disabilities Act (ADA), even though he already sued the district under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The IDEA provides that disabled students must be educated according to their specific needs, while the ADA forbids discrimination against disabled individuals. Perez immigrated to the United States from Mexico when he was 9 years old, and argued that the public schools of Sturgis, Michigan, hindered his education by failing to give him a qualified sign language interpreter. A school employee who was not familiar with American Sign Language improvised a signing system but the two people were the only ones who understood it, which made it hard for Perez to communicate with anyone else. The school system allegedly deceived Perezs parents, leading them to think he was on his way to being awarded a high school diploma but when it came time to graduate they were informed he would be given a certificate of completion, as opposed to a diploma. Districts Shameful Conduct The school districts shameful conduct permanently stunted Miguels ability to communicate with the outside world, Perezs attorney, Roman Martinez of Latham and Watkins, told the Supreme Court during oral arguments on Jan. 18. The family sued under the IDEA and eventually settled the case. Sturgis schools agreed to provide additional educational instruction to Perez, along with sign language lessons for him and his family. The family then sued under the ADA for monetary damages which the IDEA did not provide for, but the trial court ruled the family couldnt seek ADA damages. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit affirmed that decision. Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote in a 10-page opinion that the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act seeks to ensure children with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education. Toward that end, the law sets forth a number of administrative procedures for children, their parents, teachers, and school districts to follow when disputes arise. The question we face in this case concerns the extent to which children with disabilities must exhaust these administrative procedures under IDEA before seeking relief under other federal antidiscrimination statutes, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Judgment Reversed Although the lower courts found that a provision of the IDEA blocked Perez from suing under the ADA, [w]e clarify that nothing in that provision bars his way. The judgment of the 6th Circuit is reversed, and the case is remanded for further proceedings consistent with this opinion, Gorsuch wrote. Perezs lawsuit now goes back to the lower courts to determine if he is entitled to the damages he seeks. The Biden administration argued in support of Perezs position at the Supreme Court hearing in January. Perezs lawyer, Martinez, welcomed the new Supreme Court opinion in the case. We are thrilled with todays decision, he told The Epoch Times by email. The Courts ruling vindicates the rights of students with disabilities to obtain full relief when they suffer discrimination. Miguel and his family look forward to pursuing their legal claims under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Martinez said. The Epoch Times has reached out for comment to school system attorney Shay Dvoretzky of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher, and Flom. The case is Perez v. Sturgis Public Schools (court file 21-887). Supreme Court Questions Whether Foreign Trademark Infringement Verdict Should Stand Associate Justice Clarence Thomas sits for a group photograph of the justices at the Supreme Court in Washington on April 23, 2021. (Erin Schaff/Pool/AFP via Getty Images) A domestic manufacturer urged the Supreme Court on March 21 to uphold a $90 million award against a foreign company for trademark infringement almost all of which took place outside the United States. The case concerns the reach of the Lanham Act of 1946, a federal law that regulates trademarks and unfair competition. The presumption in the United States is that U.S. laws do not apply to foreign conduct but that presumption is called into question here because the conduct that took place outside the country had an effect on U.S. commerce. The court is being asked to determine if the law, which was enacted at a time when the domestic economy was less globally integrated than it is nowadays, covers conduct infringing trademarks that takes place outside the United States. Foreign governments have expressed concern about the extraterritoriality of U.S. laws. The case is Abitron Austria GmbH v. Hetronic International Inc., court file 21-1043. Abitron, of Altheim, Austria, argues the Lanham Act does not reach extraterritorial conduct; Oklahoma-based Hetronic argues that in some situations it does. Hetronic, which makes and sells radio remote controls for construction equipment, is the owner of U.S. trademarks covering distinctive features of the remote controls. As Hetronics European distributor, Abitron was licensed to assemble and sell Hetronics remote controls under Hectronics brand. Abitron was required by contract to buy parts from Hetronic. But Hetronic claims Abitron clandestinely used proprietary information it obtained through the licensing pact to reverse-engineer Hetronics products. Abitron then sold those products to Hetronics customers as if they were genuine Hetronic devices. Hetronic further alleges that Abitron continued selling Hetronic-brand products even after the parties licensing agreements were terminated, according to a SCOTUSblog summary of the case. Although the misconduct happened overseas, Hetronic filed suit against Abitron in the U.S. for trademark infringement under the Lanham Act. A federal jury in Oklahoma found for Hetronic, awarding it $114 million, about $90 million of which was for trademark infringement. Out of the $90 million, just $240,000 was for items Abitron sold in U.S. markets and around $2 million was for sales to foreign purchasers who said the United States was the intended destination for the products. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit affirmed the verdict. During oral arguments on March 21, Hetronic attorney Matthew Hellman said the Lanham Act covers activity outside the country. Since 1952, this Court has held and repeatedly reaffirmed that the Lanham Acts uniquely broad language reaches infringement of U.S. marks that is carried out overseas. And during those 70 years, Congress has amended the Act 36 times, and it has never pulled back on the Acts extraterritorial reach, he said. Hellman was referring to the Supreme Courts ruling in Steele v. Bulova Watch Co. (1952), which involved a watchmakers complaint about counterfeits manufactured and sold in Mexico. A U.S. court was found to have jurisdiction to hear the case because the defendant was a U.S. citizen and some of the counterfeits found their way to the United States. Hellman said the Act has protected U.S. trademark holders by providing a much-needed remedy in cases just like this one against foreign trademark pirates who market knockoff goods that siphon the goodwill and sales of U.S. trademark holders. Seventy years of experience shows that the floodgates havent opened and that the Lanham Act has instead served as a bulwark against infringement, Hellman said. Justice Clarence Thomas questioned how far the statute could reach. Beyond your jurisdictional point, I dont see what the outer limits are, Thomas said. Justice Samuel Alito asked if Hellman agreed that the world takes a territorial approach to trademark law. The lawyer replied: I do agree with that, but I dont agree with what that means for this case. The territorial approach to trademark law simply means that each nation is the ultimate arbiter of its own trademark laws. The Germans decide what a German mark is, and the U.S. decides what a U.S. mark is, Hellman said. Abitron attorney Lucas Walker said the Lanham Act does not apply to the companys use of trademarks in foreign countries because nothing in the Act provides the clear, affirmative, and unmistakable indication needed to overcome the presumption against extraterritoriality, especially as to foreign defendants like Abitron. The text of the statute never says it applies to uses of trademarks outside the United States. And it is a foundational principle of both U.S. and international trademark law, embodied in multiple treaties, that trademark protections are inherently territorial and do not extend beyond the borders of the country granting protection, Walker said. Extending the Lanham Acts reach into foreign countries would create the very risk of international friction that this courts current extraterritoriality doctrine seeks to avoid, the lawyer said. Justice Amy Coney Barrett asked if the Steele case would be decided the same way if it were heard today. Walker replied: I think probably not. U.S. citizens are also entitled to the presumption against extraterritoriality, and Steeles reasoning is really out of step with how this court deals with extraterritoriality now, he said. The Supreme Court may rule on the case by June. Kenneth Speaker of Depew still doesn't like to talk about how he was wounded in Vietnam 55 years ago, but, if there is a positive, he does have fond memories of recuperating in Japan. "I loved it there," said the commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 187, Buffalo, following a ceremony honoring Vietnam veterans Monday in the Wheatfield Community Center. Speaker, 74, was one of over 75 local veterans, mostly from Niagara County, who were honored by Rep. Brian Higgins of Buffalo and Wheatfield Supervisor Don MacSwan in advance of the 50th anniversary of the final U.S. troop withdrawal from Vietnam on March 29, 1973. "Decades ago, Vietnam veterans put their lives on the line and returned to a nation that did not properly welcome them home," said Higgins. "When these veterans came home, they were ridiculed. They were spat on. They were criticized." Speaker, who served in Vietnam from January to December 1968, recalled the mistreatment he said he received after his service. "When I came back, I've got to tell you, I got treated like dirt. I got spit at," he said. In recognition of the veterans' service and willingness to put their lives on the line, each of them including MacSwan, who is himself a Vietnam veteran was presented with a commemorative lapel pin and a certificate. According to Higgins' office, the America Vietnam War Commemoration was authorized by Congress and launched to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the official end of the Vietnam War. Under the program, veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces between Nov. 1, 1955, and May 15, 1975, or their surviving spouses, are eligible to receive the commemorative pin that has the message "A grateful nation thanks and honors you" inscribed on it. "We lose 390 Vietnam War veterans every day. They age out," said Higgins, who spoke to the isolation, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and struggles with substance abuse that some Vietnam veterans have endured. "So we're always trying to reconcile our gratitude for their service, even if you were opposed to the war. And the nation was deeply split at that time during the turbulent '60s. There were all kind of societal disruptions and the Vietnam War was one them," Higgins added. Debra Wesp of Buffalo was one of a handful of women veterans honored during the ceremony. "I served during that era. I was one of the first women to be trained as an MP in the Army in 1973," Wesp recalled. Though she never served in Vietnam, Wesp was a military police officer on an Air Force base in Germany, even though she was with the Army. "I actually belong to Chapter 77 of the Vietnam Veterans of America. I can be there on a technicality, because I served during that time," Wesp said. She and other veterans on Monday said it felt good to be recognized and appreciated, even a half century later. "You know what? That's the first thing that they did when I went to Chapter 77 for the first time. They told me welcome home. And you know what? It gave me shivers. It really did. It's amazing how that makes you feel so good," she said. "So I've done everything I can, even back then, back in the '70s, to make them feel welcome," Wesp added. "In fact, I couldn't tell people I served in the military when I first got home because people looked down on that." Walter Stevenson, 75, of the Town of Niagara, served in the Air Force from 1965 to 1969, also was proud and pleased to be honored. He was stationed with the 355th Civil Engineering Squad and was stationed in Takhli, Thailand, where, as a staff sergeant, he oversaw the construction of 97 structures in one year. Robert "Rader" Parker, who served 18 months in the Army from December 1965, said he did not recall being treated badly when he returned from his service "My friends welcomed me. I didn't notice nothing bad. Some people did, but I didn't," said Parker, who added that he felt honored by Monday's ceremony, nonetheless. He worked at Harrison Delphi in Lockport for 38 years until his retirement in 2006. "It shows they respect us," he said. "It was really nice that they put this on." Teacher Shot by 6-Year-Old Describes Challenging Recovery Police look on as students return to Richneck Elementary in Newport News, Va., on Jan. 30, 2023. (Billy Schuerman/The Virginian-Pilot via AP) RICHMOND, Va.A Virginia teacher who was shot and wounded by her 6-year-old student said she has had four surgeries and is going through a challenging recovery. Speaking publicly for the first time since the Jan. 6 shooting, first-grade teacher Abby Zwerner said during an exclusive interview with NBCs Savannah Guthrie that she has some days when she cant get up out of bed, while others she is able to go about her day and make it to appointments. For going through what Ive gone through, I try to stay positive. You know, try to have a positive outlook on whats happened and where my futures heading, Zwerner said in a portion of the interview that was aired Monday on NBC Nightly News. Zwerner was hospitalized for nearly two weeks after being shot in the chest and left hand as she taught her class at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia. The shooting rattled the community and sent shock waves around the country. Zwerners attorney, Diane Toscano, told reporters in January that concerned staff at the school had warned administrators three times that the 6-year-old had a gun and was threatening other students in the hours before Zwerner was shot. Toscano said the school administration was paralyzed by apathy and didnt call police, remove the boy from class or lock down the school. Messages of support for teacher Abby Zwerner, who was shot by a 6-year-old student, grace the front door of Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Va., on Jan. 9, 2023. (John C. Clark/AP Photo) In early February, Zwerners legal notice of her intent to sue the school district said the boy who shot Zwerner had constantly cursed at staff and teachers, tried to whip students with his belt, and once choked another teacher until she couldnt breathe. Two days before the shooting, the boy allegedly slammed Zwerners cellphone and broke it, leading to a one-day suspension. When the boy returned to her class the following day, he pulled his mothers 9mm handgun out of his pocket and shot her while she sat at a reading table, the legal notice said. The Newport News School board fired its superintendent in the wake of the shooting. Ebony Parker, an assistant principal who was a primary focus in Zwerners intent to sue notice, resigned. Newport News top prosecutor said earlier this month that he would not seek charges against the 6-year-old because the child lacked the competency to understand the legal system and what a charge means. But Newport News Commonwealths Attorney Howard Gwynn said his office hadnt decided if any adults would be held criminally accountable. The boy used his mothers legally purchased gun, according to police. James Ellenson, a lawyer for the childs mother, stated in January that the weapon was secured on a high closet shelf and was locked away. Ellenson said it was unclear how the boy got access to the gun. He also said that the boy was under a care plan at the school that included his mother or father attending school with him and accompanying him to class every day. In a statement released through Ellenson, the boys family said the week of the shooting was the first week when we were not in class with him. We will regret our absence on this day for the rest of our lives, the statement said. Trudeaus Chief of Staff Telford to Testify on Foreign Interference at Committee: PMO Katie Telford, Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, leaves after a meeting of the Liberal Caucus on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on Wednesday, March 8, 2023. (The Canadian Press/Justin Tang) Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus Chief of Staff Katie Telford will appear before a parliamentary committee to testify on foreign interference in Canadas 2019 and 2021 elections, says the Prime Ministers Office (PMO). During a meeting on March 21, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (PROC) voted in favour of calling Telford to testify on the issue following Liberal opposition to having the prime ministers top advisor appear for questioning on the matter. While there are serious constraints on what can be said in public about sensitive intelligence matters, in an effort to make Parliament work Ms. Telford has agreed to appear at the Procedure and House Affairs Committee as part of their study, the PMO said in a statement provided to the National Post on March 21. All opposition party members on PROC had previously voiced support for a motion that wouldve ordered Telford to appear for testimony on the matter, but Liberal members on the committee filibustered several meetings to avoid a vote on the matter. The Liberal governments shift on having Telford testify at committee comes on the same day that MPs in the House were set to vote on a Conservative motion that, if passed, wouldve ordered Telford to appear for questioning under oath before the Commons Standing Committee on Ethics. The Bloc Quebecois had voiced support for the motion and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said he would support it if the Liberals continued to block voting on the PROC motion to order Telford to testify. In addition to compelling Telford to testify, the Conservatives motion also wouldve moved the study of foreign interference from PROC, which is chaired by a Liberal MP, to the Conservative-chaired Commons ethics committee. However, the House vote on the Conservatives motion that was set for March 21 is now moot because of PROC voting to bring in Telford for questioning. Trudeau has accused opposition parties of playing political games in their calls for Telford to testify, while Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre says the governments hesitancy on the matter inspires a lot of suspicion. Opposition MPs on PROC have also said they believe Telford can shine some light on what the government knew about foreign interference in Canadas past two elections given her position as Trudeaus chief of staff. The Canadian Press and Noe Chartier contributed to this report. The Founders and the Constitution, Part 1: Introduction 1787: The painting "Signing the Constitution of the United States" by Thomas Pritchard Rossiter. Painted in 1878, it resides at Independence National Historical Park, in Philadelphia, Penn. (MPI/Getty Images) Commentary This series of essays focuses on those American Founders who exercised the most influence on the original Constitution as amended by the Bill of Rights. Each essay thumbnails the life and contributions of at least one individual. The essays also will tell you more about the supreme Law of the Land. Before proceeding with the series, some terminology may be helpful. When the series uses the word framers, it means the 55 men who drafted (framed) the Constitution. They were the delegates to the Constitutional Convention, held in Philadelphia from May 25, 1787, to Sept. 17, 1787. The word ratifiers means the 1,648 delegates at the 13-state ratifying conventions meeting from December 1787 (Delaware) to May 1790 (Rhode Island). The term Founders includes the framers, the most significant ratifiers, and major opinion leaders in the public debate over the Constitution. A Reason for this Series Most discussions about the original Constitution over-emphasize the roles of just a few Founders. Americans hear a lot about James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and George Washington, but little about others. For example, in 1791before the final ratification of the Bill of Rightsmembers of the Washington administration debated whether the new Constitution authorized Congress to charter a national bank. Heres how that debate is usually portrayed: President George Washington asked Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton and Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson to write legal opinions on whether the Constitution authorized Congress to charter a national bank. Hamilton interpreted the Constitution expansively and concluded Congress could do so. Jefferson interpreted it narrowly and concluded that Congress could not. The president agreed with Hamilton, and even James Madison, who initially opposed the bank, later relented. The lesson is that expansive interpretation makes more sense than narrow interpretation. Thats pretty much how I learned the story in high school and college. But it leaves out key factsand the omissions render it, as we lawyers say, materially misleading. Heres the rest of the story: First: When the Constitution was written, the dominant way of reading legal documents was neither expansive nor narrow. It was a middle ground known as fair construction. Jefferson was wrong to interpret the document narrowly, and Hamilton was equally wrong to interpret it expansively. Second: Whether the Constitution gave Congress the power to charter a bank was a genuinely close question. Both opponents and advocates had reasonable arguments. Third: The typical narrative omits another Founder of great importance: Edmund Randolph. Randolph was the U.S. attorney general, and it was his jobnot that of Jefferson or Hamiltonto write legal opinions for the president. Fourth: Randolph was far more qualified than either Jefferson or Hamilton to address the issue. Prior to becoming U.S. attorney general, he had served for 10 years as attorney general of Virginia. He was a member of the committee that wrote his states constitution. As governor of Virginia, he led his states delegation to the Constitutional Convention. As a member of the conventions committee of detail, he participated in writing the first draft of the Necessary and Proper Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 18), which was at the center of the bank dispute. And at the Virginia ratifying convention, Randolph (not Madison) was the lead spokesman for the Constitution, and addressed the Necessary and Proper Clause. By contrast, Jefferson had been in France during the constitutional debates. Hamilton had been absent during most of the framing. Moreover, he admitted that the Constitution didnt match at all what he favored. After the convention, he even wrote a private memorandum (pdf) evidencing his intention to try to subvert the Constitutions limits and triumph over the state governments and reduce them to an entire subordination. Thus, neither Jeffersons nor Hamiltons constitutional opinions were particularly reliable. Fifth: Randolph duly submitted a legal opinion using the fair construction method. He concluded that Congress had no power to charter a bank. When you know these facts, you can see that what happened was very different from what is usually taught in schooland that Randolph has been unfairly neglected. In this series, he will be given his due. The Founders Places on the Political Spectrum Another common, and erroneous, narrative is that the Constitution was the product of a conservative counterrevolution against the radicalism of the American Revolution. This is categorically false. The Constitution, especially as amended by the Bill of Rights, wasnt the product of any one faction, conservative or otherwise. It was the product of negotiation among people of different viewswith moderates working to bring all parties together. The result was a coalition spanning most, although not all, of the American political spectrum. What was the political spectrum during the constitutional debates of 17871790? And where on the spectrum did the key Founders reside? Different writers describe the spectrum in different ways, but I divide it into six loose categories, running from right to left. (Keep in mind that this isnt the same way we use right and left today.) The six groups are as follows: Group #1: Unreconstructed Tories On the far right were the unreconstructed Tories. These were Americans who had been loyal to the Crown during the Revolution, and who never accepted the wars outcome. They favored limited monarchy over republicanism, with privileges for the aristocratic few. Their view of individual rights was more constricted than that of other Americans. Instead of a new constitution, they preferred a deal with Britain whereby the states became largely self-governing units of the British empire. During the Revolution and immediately afterward, many unreconstructed Tories fled to Canada or Britain, so during the constitutional debates relatively few remained in America. For reasons of personal and professional safety, they tended to keep quiet. Unreconstructed Tories were not part of the coalition that adopted the Constitution. Ironically, the closest modern American analogs to unreconstructed Tories are on the political left: todays progressives. While there are significant differences, progressives echo some key Tory beliefs: a limited view of individual rights, a broad view of government prerogatives, a tendency to promote certain government-created privileges as if they were rightsand disdain for the original Constitution. Group #2: High Nationalists Next from the right were the high nationalists. Unlike the Tories, they welcomed American Independence. But they admired the British political system and would have preferred to partially replicate it in America. However, the high nationalists recognized that Americans would never accept a king or hereditary aristocracy. As the next best alternative, the high nationalists proposed a high toned republic: an executive chosen for life and lifetime senators to complement an elected house of representatives. High nationalists also favored the British model of an all-powerful central government. Although the Constitution didnt meet all their desires, several high nationalists contributed greatly to it. Featured in this series are Hamilton, John Adams of Massachusetts (in Europe during the Constitutional Convention, but the author of a widely consulted book on constitutions), and Gouverneur Morris, a New Yorker representing Pennsylvania at the convention. Group #3: Moderate Nationalists Next on the spectrum were the moderate nationalists. They also sought a very powerful central government, but they were more republican and democratic than the high nationalists. Moderate nationalists were willing to reserve a constitutional place, although a subordinate one, for the states. From this group, the series will profile James Madison of Virginia, James Wilson of Pennsylvania, and George Washington (although his political stance is difficult to categorize). The Virginia Plan, presented to the Constitutional Convention on May 29, 1787, embodied the moderate nationalist position. Group #4: Centrists The final terms of the Constitution reflect many of the centrists positions because they played a pivotal role in negotiating the final bargain. Centrists favored a strong federal government but wanted to restrict it to specifically listed (enumerated) powers. Some centrists wanted the states to participate in selecting federal officials. The original Constitutions provision giving state legislatures power to elect U.S. senators was a centrist proposal. Like the moderate nationalists, centrists favored a fair amount of democracy. Unlike the moderate nationalists, they wanted enhanced protections for the rights of individuals and the position of the smaller states. Prominent centrists included in this series are John Dickinson of Delaware, John Rutledge of South Carolina, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, and Roger Sherman of Connecticut. Group #5: Conditional Federalists Just to the left of the centrists were the conditional federalists. I coined that term for them because they (1) favored the federalism of the Constitution but (2) only on condition that the document be amended. Among the changes they sought were a bill of rights, a more democratic House of Representatives, stronger protection for the states against central interference, and full state control of federal elections. Because they differed on which amendments would be sufficient, the conditional federalists ultimately split on whether the Constitution should be ratified. Randolph eventually favored ratification, while his Virginia compatriot, George Mason, opposed it. Both men are thumbnailed in this series. Group #6: Firm Antifederalists Anchoring the far left were the firm antifederalists. Some wanted to retain the Articles of Confederation, with a modest increase in congressional power. Others didnt think a 13-state union was viable in the long run and favored dividing the country. The most notable firm antifederalist was Patrick Henry of Virginia. Some of the Constitutions advocates were convinced that this group on the far left was receiving quiet support from unreconstructed Tories on the far right. (In my political experience, I have seen similar phenomena.) Perhaps the Tories were thinking that if the country split, some sections might return to British tutelage. Thus, the coalition that ratified the Constitution excluded the two extremes, but otherwise spanned the political spectrum. To the individuals mentioned above, I reserve the right to add one more. Final Comments Two facts will become clear as the series progresses: First, several of the figures profiled have been seriously underestimated or underappreciated. Perhaps the leading examples are Dickinson and Randolph. Second, although the men profiled in this series often disagreed with each other, each played a part of which Americans can be proud. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. The Role of Newsoms Diversity Mandates in SVBs Failure Commentary In the wake of the Silicon Valley Bank collapse, many are questioning whether the bank was distracted by woke policies over its core mission of protecting depositors money. A lot of evidence has already come to light that it did. We must also examine the role California Governor Gavin Newsom played in the banks demise. Newsom championed the California rules that corporate boards must maintain a specified number of minorities, women, and LGBT, regardless of their qualifications. The first such law was passed in 2018, mandating that boards of six persons or more have at least three women. Despite the laws purported goal of diversity, it permitted a board to consistent entirely of women. A second mandate came down in 2020, signed by Newsom, requiring that a corporate board of nine or more members have a least three minorities or LGBT members. Again, the so-called diversity requirement is met even if the board consists, for example, entirely of gay Hispanic females. Also, neither law required that the members have any particular qualifications. The only qualification that mattered was the gender, race, or sexual orientation of the member. The laws were separately struck down as violating the equal protection clause of the state constitution. They are discriminatory on their face. If you are a straight, white male, there are a limited number of board seats available. For all others, the number of seats is unlimited. Despite the laws being struck down years after they passed, they had their intended effect. Corporations, including SVB, moved to comply with the laws. Last year SVB touted its boards diversity, noting that 45 percent of its board are women, in addition to other diversity like one black member, and one LGBTQ+. (Its worth noting the banks chief risk officer (CRO) was also female, and the head of financial risk management in the UK was a queer female.) Were these board members minimally qualified? Since that was not a requirement, we cannot be sure. Were they the best qualified? Likely not, since the pool of applicants was restricted for these positions. Further, because of the law and other diversity requirements, these categories of people are in high demand, making it difficult to find highly qualified applicants. Did the failure to exclusively hire the most qualified people lead to SVBs demise? We do not yet know, but the ongoing investigations will likely be revealing. For instance, investigators want to know why the CRO position was open for nine months prior to a woman taking over in January. The prior CRO was also female. Did the position sit open longer because the board was intent on replacing her with another female? Welcome to the new world, where questions about the effects of equity requirements will now be regularly asked whenever things go wrong. It is only natural when you abandon meritocracy and make race, sex, and sexual orientation more important than education, experience, and intelligence. Illegal affirmative action, implemented through diversity, equity and inclusion officers in both the public and private sector, is now rampant in America. Thus, its role in bank failures, and a host of other failures, must be considered. The Federal Aviation Authority is under scrutiny due to the spate of near collisions at airports. Our military faces scrutiny for its abysmal execution of the Afghanistan withdrawal. The East Palestine, Ohio train derailment, followed by the intentional destruction of hazardous materials, resulting in disastrous water contamination, has called into question the competence of the Transportation Department. Did equity and diversity in hiring play a role in these problems? People can judge for themselves the impact of equity-based hires in evaluating the performance of the Vice President, who President Biden chose from an applicant pool he limited to just seven percent of the population. I used to oppose affirmative action and equity because it was unfair to those who were better qualified, unfair to those in protected groups who did not need the affirmative action, and was just slapping a band aid on a problem without addressing root causes. But seeing it now implemented on a widespread, full scale, it actually has a far more insidious impact on all Americans. The failure to simply seek and place the most qualified people in private and public sector positions has undoubtably reduced productivity, ingenuity, and success. And with organizations involved in health and safety, it has undoubtably caused unnecessary death and destruction. The concern was highlighted very well by the nonprofit Citizens for Sanity. It asked in a recent ad, Have you ever boarded a plane and thought to yourself, I hope the pilot is a transgender refugee? Or have you ever gone to the emergency room and said, I hope my medical team is incredibly diverse? Or, have you said, I hope the police department hit its equity goals for the year? Thanks to the SVB failure, we can now add, Have you ever deposited money in a bank and said, I sure hope the board is diverse and the risk manager is expert on LGBT issues? Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Toronto and UK Concern Groups Rally for Release of All 47 Pro-Democracy Political Prisoners in Hong Kong Hong Kong 47 Political Concern Group held a rally at Mel Lastman Square in Toronto on Mar 17, 2023. About 100 people gathered in cold weather to support political prisoners in Hong Kong. (Courtesy of Hong Kong Watch) Political Prisoner Concern Groups launched rallies in Toronto and London on March 17, to urge the Hong Kong government to release all political prisoners unconditionally. Protesters who joined the rally in Toronto urged the Hong Kong government to release all political prisoners and encouraged the international community to keep observing the ongoing political trials in Hong Kong. The group stated since the implementation of the National Security Law in Hong Kong in 2020, the Hong Kong government has arrested and charged more than 240 people for violating the National Security Law. Nearly 100 people join a rally in London to speak up for Hong Kong political prisoners. (Courtesy of Hong Kong Watch) The Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) published two Hong Kong human rights reports dated July 12, 2022, and Feb. 28, 2023. The commission named 15 officials involved in political prosecutions, including Commissioners of Hong Kongs Criminal Prosecution. CECC pointed out that the 15 government officials had violated human rights and suggested the U.S. government sanction those officials. In the report in February, it specifically named 6 of the prosecutors for severely violating human rights in the case of 47 people and asked the U.S. government to urgently sanction those named. The London Rally Sam Goodman, Director of Policy and Advocacy of the Hong Kong 47 Political Concern Group, attended the London rally. Goodman noticed how the National Security Law had been used as a terrorizing tool to create social division and suppress dissidents. He believed that people should always unite together and remember there was hope. Other speakers in London included Simon Cheng, Founder of Hongkongers in Britain, Isaac Cheng, former Vice-Chairperson of now-defunct Demosisto, and Vincent Lam, former Legislative Assistant to Claudia Mo and Andrew Chiu. Mo and Chiu were among the 47 democrats remanded while awaiting their trials. A UK concern group spokesperson said, We are united and demand the unconditional release of all Hong Kong political prisoners. Even though we have left Hong Kong, we will never forget our fellow friends and comrades who remain in Hong Kong and jail. In Toronto The Canadian group also urged the Canadian government to stand with Hong Kong and its political prisoners to defend their rights. The group spokesperson also thanked Canada for allowing Hongkongers to seek freedom and a new home in its country. Aileen Calverley, co-founder and trustee of Canada and Hong Kong Watch, encouraged overseas Hongkongers to resist the Hong Kong regime in any way possible, regardless of whether it is a rally, a protest, or a joint signature signing campaignanything to help the international community to persist its solidarity with Hong Kong political prisoners. Because officials in democratic countries listen to the peoples voices, said Calverley. In the joint signature statement, Hong Kong 47 Political Concern Group called on the Canadian government to demand the Hong Kong government withdraw all accusations and unconditionally release all 47 democratic political prisoners. The group also condemned the Hong Kong officials and related departments involved in the political suppression of the arrested 47 pro-democracy figures. The mentioned departments included the Office for Safeguarding National Security, the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of Hong Kong, the National Security Department, The National Security Prosecutions Division of the Department of Justice, and all designated judges responsible for national security law cases exclusively. Tory Councillor Suspended for Saying She Doesnt Want Pride Sex or Heterosexual Flags on High Street General view of the LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, asexual, and agender) flag outside the RICS London Bookshop during UK Pride Month 2021 in London on June 1, 2021. (Edward Smith/ Getty Images) A Tory councillor who said she didnt want Pride sex flags along her local high street and that sex is for the bedroom and private life has been suspended by the Conservative party. On Saturday, Angela Kilmartin, an 81-year-old Conservative councillor in Essex, southeast England, was told by the Witham Conservative Association that she had been suspended over posts she wrote on social media criticising Pride flags. Kilmartin had written in reply to a Facebook comment: I dont want pride sex flags along my High Street. I dont even want heterosexual flags along my High Street. Sex is for the bedroom and private life, not for displaying preferences in public, she added. Witham Town Council, of which Kilmartin is also a member, appointed an LGBTQ+ ambassador in June 2020 and a rainbow flag is flown from the town hall during Pride month. Kilmartin defended her comments and told The Epoch Times that she had received an overwhelming response from the silent majority. All I know is myself and hundreds of thousands of people have been supportive of my views in the media, she said. Undated photo of Angela Kilmartin. (Courtesy of Angela Kilmartin) Kilmartin, who has been a councillor for 16 years and has also been the mayor and chairman of the district council, said she had been suspended by Witham Conservatives for a period of 21 days while they investigated her. I am besieged by people saying that I had every right to say something, she added. I have never seen anything like this and I just keep repeating what they are all saying, Its the silent majority, we are behind you, please stick up for us,' she added. Pride Flag Also known as the gay pride flag or simply pride flag, the rainbow flag is a symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) pride and LGBT+ social movements. Free speech activists have expressed concern that many institutions of power fly its flag and that as a political movement it is becoming unquestionable. One critic told The Epoch Times that such symbols represent a quasi-state official ideology. In July 2022, Hampshire Police visited the home of Darren Brady, an army veteran they accused of causing anxiety by sharing a meme of the Progress Pride flag rearranged as a swastika on Twitter as a joke. In 2021, the BBC reported that Bockbrook and Borrowash Parish Council in Derbyshire faced backlash for opting to display a Pride flag for one day in September instead of for a whole month. The year before, the council did not fly the flag at all, saying it could give the appearance that one part of our community is being made more special than all the others. The Council Celebrates and Supports the Diversity of the District The Epoch Times understands there are two investigations into Kilmartin underway. A Braintree District Council spokeswoman told The Epoch Times by email: We are disappointed to hear of this post as Braintree District Council have policies to promote equal and fair treatment for all. The council celebrates and supports the diversity of the district and we recognise this within our own organisation and in everything we do. We expect our councillors and staff to do the same, she said. The spokeswoman said that there are a number of separate code of conduct issues that were also looking into and working on. Further, we are aware that Councillor Kilmartin has been suspended from the Conservative Group pending their own investigation into the matter, she added. The Epoch Times contacted Witham Conservatives for comment. Profoundly Political Marc Glendening, head of cultural affairs at the free-market think tank Institute of Economic Affairs, told The Epoch Times by email that Kilmartin is absolutely right from a liberal-democratic perspective to oppose the flying of the LGBT+ flag. Public bodies should not be seeking to use facilities that all taxpayers contribute to in order to push any political or cultural or partisan position. Thus, they should not, as she says, be pushing pro-heterosexual as well as gay, or any other kind of sexuality, he said. Glendening said that the LGBT+ flag is profoundly political in that it is an assertion of transgender ideology, as well as Black Lives Matter. Symbols representing these movements have been crafted onto the old gay and lesbian rainbow flag. Both of these movements seek political changes, he added. Glendening said that in flying this flag, such councils are explicitly supporting the anti-liberal agenda linked to them. The decision by state institutions to fly this contentious flag is an indication of the way in which the political neutrality that a liberal democracy depends on is becoming eroded. A quasi-state official ideology is incrementally now emerging and being imposed, he added. Tory MPs Question Ethics of Using McKinsey to Change Militarys Culture Gen. Wayne Eyre, chief of Defence Staff, looks at his notes as he prepares to appear as a witness at the Standing Committee on National Defence, regarding the surveillance balloon from China, along with Minister of National Defence Anita Anand (R) in Ottawa, on March 7, 2023. (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press) Department of National Defences contracts with consulting firm McKinsey & Company were under scrutiny on March 20, with Conservative MPs asking the minister if the firm should be advising on culture change given its own track record. How is having a company that works with Russia, that works with Chinawho are meeting today by the waythat has corporate retreats next to internment camps and outs dissidents of dictatorship regimes, produce recommendations positive for a culture that youre responsible for? asked Conservative MP Stephanie Kusie during a meeting of the Commons government operations committee. Why would we want a company that has been working with our adversaries providing recommendations to the Canadian Joint Operations Command, she added. Defence Minister Anita Anand replied that this is the reason the government has decided to strengthened its policies to integrate human rights, environmental concerns, and corporate governance principles, and supply chain transparency. Anand added that security measures are in place in order to protect national security. Kusie was referring to work undertaken by U.S. multinational McKinsey for Russian stated-owned defence conglomerate Rostec, as reported by NBC News, and for the Chinese state-owned China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), as reported by the New York Times. The CCCC has been involved in militarizing islands in the South China Sea and was sanctioned by the U.S. for doing so. Kusie also raised the issue of the firm holding a retreat in Chinas Xinjiang in 2018, where the Uyghurs are severely persecuted. The government operations committee is currently reviewing contracts awarded to McKinsey given their significant increase since the Liberals took power in 2015. Anand testified that her department has awarded 15 contracts to the firm since 2011, for a value of $29.7 million. She explained that one of the contracts was to help the Canadian Armed Forces with its massive systemic organizational change. The CAFs Chief for Professional Conduct and Culture hired McKinsey to conduct over 280 focus groups and town halls with personnel to hear about their lived experiences, Anand explained. Lived experience is a term drawn from postmodern social justice ideology seeking to express how knowledge is gained in a context of systemic oppression. Anand said employing McKinsey was necessary to undertake such a large task and analyze and report on the findings. When institutional change of this sort is needed, outside experts can play an important role, she said. Chief for Professional Conduct and Culture Lieutenant-General Jennie Carignan told the committee that the McKinsey experts were specialized in diversity and inclusion. The government seeks to address issues related to sexual misconduct in the military and what it calls systemic racism, in part by applying principles of the quasi-marxist critical race theory. Conservative MP Michael Barrett raised the issue of culture change and wondered if millions shouldnt instead be spent to properly house Canadian soldiers. I do want to talk about culture and I look at the $15 million that was spent on these contracts and think, how else could we have improved culture in our Canadian Forces? Barrett mentioned living conditions at his Alma Mater of the Canadian Forces School of Communications and Electronics in Kingston, which The Epoch Times has previously reported on. I wonder what it does to the culture of our Canadian Forces and to the morale of our members when they dont have a place to lay their head during their training. They are exposed to mold, theyre exposed to rodent infestations, not having adequate bathroom facilities, he said. Anand said she would continue to do her best for the men and women serving the country. We are very focused on ensuring that the Canadian Armed Forces living arrangements, resources, equipment capabilities are improved. Anand is among a string of ministers to testify before the government operations committee. Members of the committee have been hampered in their work due to McKinsey contracts being partly redacted. In an effort to obtain greater transparency, the committee submitted a report to the House of Commons to ask the Auditor General (AG) to review the contract. The House voted unanimously on Feb. 7 to have the AG undertake a performance and value for money audit of the contracts awarded to the firm since 2011. The office of Auditor General Karen Hogan confirmed in late February that planning was underway to conduct the review, but there was no detail available on its scope. In a previous statement, McKinsey told The Epoch Times that it complies with relevant procurement laws, regulations, and rules in all our work. The contracts awarded to McKinsey by the federal government fall under the same public procurement laws and methods used to purchase all goods and services in the federal government. McKinsey contracts, topping over $100 million since 2015, are but a drop in the bucket for consulting work outsourced by the federal government. Parliamentary Budget Officer Yves Giroux told the committee on March 20 that the total planned spending this fiscal year on professional and special services, which includes external consultants, is $21.4 billion. He said a record $10 billion has been spent in that category as of November 2022 compared to previous periods. The Canadian Press contributed to this report. Triple Shooting at Toronto Fairview Mall Leaves One Man Dead, Two Injured The triple shooting incident near Torontos Fairview Mall on March 20 left a 21-year-old male dead, while two others were injured, according to the Toronto Police Service (TPS). In a statement, TPS identified the deceased victim as Madar Hassan of Toronto, who was pronounced dead after being transported to hospital. The other victims are two 25-year-old males, who have both been transported to hospital. Police said one of them is suffering from life-threatening injuries while the other sustained non-fatal wounds. The shooting occurred at approximately 4:11 p.m., at the mall located in the area of Sheppard Avenue East and Don Mills Road. TPS said in an earlier statement that when they arrived at the scene, two of the shooting victims were found in the malls underground parking lot. Police have not yet identified the suspect and the investigation is ongoing. TPSs Homicide and Missing Persons Unit has taken over the investigation. Police are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist with the investigation. The fatal shooting is the second firearms-related incident reported near the Toronto mall in recent weeks. On Feb. 23, TPS responded to a shooting near Fairview Malls underground parking area. The police said in a statement at the time that a firearm was discharged and caused damage to a nearby vehicle. No one was injured in that incident. Trump Files Motion to Quash Georgia Special Purpose Grand Jury Investigation Former US President Donald Trump departs a polling station after casting his ballot in the US midterm elections at Morton and Barbara Mandel Recreation Center in Palm Beach, Fla., on Nov. 8, 2022. (Eva Marie Uzcategui/AFP via Getty Images) An attorney for former President Donald Trump filed a motion in a state court in Georgia today to fend off an expected indictment resulting from a special purpose grand jury investigation in Georgia. Besieged by legal challenges after announcing a 2024 presidential bid, the former president kicked off his first major counterpunch against what he calls a political Witch Hunt by Democrats with his Monday filing (pdf). A court ruling in Trumps favor on this motion would dissolve one of four legal challenges that seek a criminal charge against the former president. Trumps motion comes as an attempt to uproot a year-long investigation on allegations that Trump and his allies engaged in election interference in the 2020 election. Initiated in early 2021 and run by Fani Willis, District Attorney of Fulton County, Georgia (FCDA), the investigation focused on a call between Trump and Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger in January 2021, when Trump asked Raffensperger to investigate potential voter fraud in Georgia during the 2016 presidential election. Critics of Trump have alleged that the call constituted an act of election interference. Trump has denied all allegations of wrongdoing on his part. The grand jury, which was discharged in January, reportedly recommended indictments in its final report. In early February, the Fulton County Superior Court released a portion of the jury panels report, which did not include the list of names to whom indictments were recommended. It is widely expected that DA Willis will bring charges against the former president alleging election interference. In his Monday filing, Trumps attorney Drew Findling asked the court to quash the special purpose grand jury (SPGJ) report, preclude the use of any evidence from that investigation, and disqualify Williss office due to a conflict of interest. Media Tours A key objection Findling raised in his Monday filing to the Georgia investigation is regarding media tours taken by Emily Kohrs, a foreperson of the SPGJ; DA Willis; and the judge overseeing the case. Findling alleges that these interviews compromised the case legally and judicially. It pointed to Kohrss high-profile interviews with several media outlets in early 2023, including The New York Times, when she said that the jury panel recommended indictments on people who were subpoenaed, and subsequently provided the publication with some details of the proceeding. It is not a short list, Kohrs told The New York Times in February, referring to the currently sealed list of indictment recommendations. She did not reveal specific names of people for whom the panel recommended indictments. Kohrs told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in another interview on Feb. 21 that she also spoke to her boyfriend regarding her experience in the panels proceedings. According to Findling, the forepersons media tour showed that the procedures set forth for the jury panel and the application of these procedures by the overseeing judge, Robert C. McBurney of the Superior Court of Fulton County, failed to protect the most basic procedural and substantive constitutional rights of all individuals discussed by this investigative body. The harm brought by Kohrss publicity was compounded by additional exposure by DA Willis herself, Findling said in the filing. [T]he FCDAs media interviews violate prosecutorial standards and constitute forensic misconduct, and her social media activity creates the appearance of impropriety compounding the necessity for disqualification, the filing reads. But even exasperating the situation are interviews conducted by the judge himself, Findling argued. Compounding the harm inflicted by the forepersons public comments, the Supervising Judge then gave numerous media interviews despite still presiding over this pending matter, the filing continued, referring to Judge Robert C. McBurney who oversaw the case and gave media interviews after the jurys forepersons media tour. [T]he forepersons and grand jurors comments illuminate the lack of proper instruction and supervision over the grand jury relating to clear evidentiary matters which violates the notions of fundamental fairness and due process, the filing reads. The results of the investigation cannot be relied upon and, therefore, must be suppressed given the constitutional violations. Conflict of Interest In his Monday filing, Findling said that DA Williss Office must be disqualified from pursuing the case further, citing concerns related to prosecutorial misconduct and conflict of interest. The prosecutorial misconduct aspect of Findlings disqualification argument rests on DA Williss comments to the press (the motion notes she spoke to the press nearly 40 times), as well as her social media posts, which Findling said bolstered her profile as a political candidate. One such social media post, the filing said, included a cartoon posted on Williss campaign Twitter account, which showed the FCDA fishing a subpoenaed witness, Graham, out of a swamp, with Trump saying, I know youll do the right thing, Lindsey. The Fani Willis campaigns Twitter account posts a cartoon picture showing a subpoenaed witness being fished out of a swamp on July 18, 2022 (Screenshot by The Epoch Times via court filing) That cartoon, Findling noted, was part of a political campaign that was threaded throughout Williss Georgia investigation, one in which Willis had personal involvement and interest, creating a disqualifying conflict. [T]he FCDA promoted her own campaign on the shoulders of partisan support for this SPGJ investigation. Within a couple of days, the FCDAs Twitter account increased by approximately 100,000 followers, and requests for campaign donations were retweeted thousands of times, the filing reads, referring to the alleged effect of Williss publicity campaign. On at least three occasions, the FCDA personally inserted herself into this Twitter campaign for followers, tweets and donations which specifically referenced this investigation. Findling alleged that Williss political interest, in this case, constituted a conflict of interest and thus should bar her from being further involved in the investigation. The second reason Willis should be disqualified, according to Findling, is that Willis was ordered to be disqualified from investigating a Georgia senator because of perceived conflict of interest considerations, and that disqualification should extend to the entire case. On July 25, 2022, the supervising judge disqualified the District Attorneys Office from calling then-state Sen. Burt Jones to testify as a witness in the Georgia jury because DA Willis was involved in a political campaign for Charlie Bailey, then a candidate for Democratic nomination for Lieutenant Governor, who would run against Jones, the then-Republican nomination. She has bestowed her offices imprimatur upon Senator Joness opponent. And since then, she has publicly (in her pleadings) labeled Senator Jones a target of the grand jurys investigation, the judge wrote in his order, noting that Williss singling out of Jones constituted a perceived conflict of interest. Findling capitalized on the judges disqualification order in the Monday filing, citing a 1987 decision by the United States Supreme Court (Young v. United States), which recognized the existence of an actual conflict cannot be limited to the investigation or prosecution of one individual but is a conflict that permeates the entire proceeding. In other words, Findling was saying that if the judge finds that the conduct of the prosecutor ought to be disqualified from prosecuting or investigating one witness due to a conflict of interest consideration, that prosecutor must be disqualified from the case altogether. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis speaks during a news conference at the Fulton County Courthouse in downtown Atlanta, on Aug. 13, 2021. (Alyssa Pointer/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP) The rights of President Trump, as well as all others impacted by this investigation, are now subject to the prosecutorial discretion and decision-making of a prosecuting body that even the Supervising Judge acknowledged has an actual, disqualifying conflict, the filing reads. This is simply untenable. For this reason alone, the FCDAs Office must be removed from any further investigation or prosecution of this matter. Unconstitutionally Vague In a more technical aspect, Findling argued in his Monday filing that the SPGJ spawned from unconstitutionally vague statutes (GA Code 15-12-100), which violated due process and the fairness of the proceeding. The laws that authorized this special purpose grand jury have existed in the Georgia Code since 1974 but have rarely been utilized and even more rarely litigated. The statutes themselves are vague and have left much to interpretation; further, the case law regarding the process and function of the special purpose grand jury is similarly scant, unclear and sometimes contradictory, Findlings filing reads, adding that this vagueness led to a disparate application of the statutes and compromised the fairness of the proceeding. Furthermore, Findling argued that the judge violated precedent when he arbitrarily declared the nature of the SPGJ as a criminal proceeding and did not offer a basis for this characterization. It continued by saying the fact that this fundamental legal question remained unclear, and was argued by multiple parties during the proceeding, shows that the statutes cited are unconstitutionally vague. To support his claim, Findling cited objections by multiple parties whose appearance was sought by the Georgia panel, but claimed foreign immunity because they interpreted Georgia case law as allowing only civil, not criminal, investigations. These included Texas lawyer Jacki Pick Deason, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). Findling argued that these parties objections indicate the lack of statutory clarity on the subject. The Supervising Judges unilateral decision to declare the SPGJ a criminal body (despite its inability to indict and Georgia precedent to the contrary) created a litany of constitutional violations for the witnesses called before it, the filing reads. Jeff DiSantis, a spokesperson for Willis, did not return a call for comment by press time. The Epoch Times contacted Trumps spokespersons for comment. Trump Says Key Witness Told the Truth and Left Great Impression on Manhattan Grand Jury Former President Donald Trump arrives at Trump Tower the day after FBI agents raided his Mar-a-Lago Palm Beach home, in New York on Aug. 9, 2022. (David 'Dee' Delgado/Reuters) Former President Donald Trump said that his former attorney, Michael Cohen, isnt a credible witness as another Trump-affiliated lawyer, Robert Costello, indicated that he testified before a New York grand jury to destroy Cohens credibility. It is being said that disbarred lawyer Michael Cohen was put out to dry today after his highly respected former attorney and legal adviser, Robert Costello, made a great impression not only on the D.A.s Office, but the grand jury itself. He is known to be a great lawyer and highly honorable man, Trump wrote on Truth Social early on Tuesday. He stated to the media that he could no longer listen to the lies that Cohen was spreading. He told the TRUTH, with papers, documents, and backup. He left ZERO doubt. THE D.A. WILL DO THE RIGHT THING! The former president also described Cohen, a former attorney who allegedly organized hush-money payments, as a damaged witness. The Southern District of New York (SDNY) wrote a scathing assessment of him, including, Michael Cohen is a lawyer who, rather than setting an example of respect for the law, instead chose to break the law, repeatedly over many years & in a variety of ways each of his crimes involved deception, Trump wrote. It came a day after Costello told reporters Monday that he sought to destroy the credibility of a key witness as he testified before a Manhattan grand jury probing the former presidents alleged hush money payments to adult performer Stormy Daniels. Costello testified before the grand jury for several hours on Monday amid reports and speculation that Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg would be indicting Trump this week on federal charges of misclassifying those alleged hush money payments that were made in 2016. In interviews with several media outlets, Costelloa former legal adviser to erstwhile Trump attorney Michael Cohensaid he described Cohen as not credible. There can be no doubt in anyones mind that Michael Cohen has great difficulty telling the truth, Costello, who represented former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, told reporters in Manhattan on Monday. He is, after all a convicted perjurer, and our track record with Mr. Cohen convinced us that he was a serial liar. Described as a key witness in the Trump case, Cohen was convicted and sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to five counts of willful tax evasion, lying to Congress, and campaign finance violations. Over the years and since being released from the federal prison in Otisville, New York, Cohen has often appeared in media interviews to criticize the former president. Cohen has already appeared multiple times before the Manhattan grand jury. Costellos testimony was expected to give the former president an indirect opportunity to make a case that he shouldnt face criminal charges, though there were no clear signs his appearance had changed the course of the grand jury probe. As might be expected, Mr. Cohens lies were always uttered in a way that was beneficial to himself, Costello explained Monday. When it was in Mr. Cohens personal self-interest, he was capable of telling the truth, but those occasions were few and far between. Costello had provided Cohen, himself a lawyer, legal services several years ago. In a news conference after his grand jury appearance, he told reporters that he had come forward to provide exculpatory information about Trump and to make clear that he did not believe Cohen, who pleaded guilty to federal crimes and served time in prison, could be trusted. If they want to go after Donald Trump and they have solid evidence then so be it, Costello said, according to The Associated Press. But Michael Cohen is far from solid evidence. Cohen Responds Responding to Costellos claims on MSNBC Monday, Cohen stated that Costello was never his lawyer and he lacks any sense of veracity. Cohen also released a statement to other news outlets and disputed his former associates testimony and public statements. IF Bob Costellos comments were any more fantastical, he would be a bestselling fiction author, he told Fox News. I stated years ago that the payment was done at the direction of, in coordination with and for the benefit of Donald, he added. Truth is truth and the documents in the possession of the [New York County District Attorneys Office] demonstrate this. His lawyer, Lanny Davis, told CNN that Cohen had made himself available as a rebuttal to Costellos testimony on Monday at the district attorneys office. However, he wasnt needed, the lawyer said. Mr. Cohen was available for over two hours today, but we are pleased to report Mr. Cohen was not needed. Once again we repeatthe facts and documents speak for themselves. Facts do matter, Davis said. The Epoch Times has contacted Cohens lawyers for comment. The Associated Press contributed to this report. ALBANY Soon after Gov. Kathy Hochul won election last year, 43 members of her campaign staff received a total of $363,000 in payments from an unusual source. The payments came from the New York State Democratic Partys housekeeping account, a type of fundraising allowed under state election law but long-criticized by government reform groups. Unlike Hochuls campaign or any other type of campaign account in New York housekeeping accounts can receive unlimited donations from donors, including corporations. For instance, the Greater New York Hospital Association, a lobbying group that's notched several recent policy wins with Hochul's administration, gave $942,000 to the state Democratic Party housekeeping account last year. Political party housekeeping accounts face legal restrictions in how they spend such funds. Under state law, a party may spend on permanent headquarters and staff for the political party and on ordinary activities that are not expressly for promoting specific candidates. Government reform groups have long argued that, in practice, donations to housekeeping accounts have been used to subsidize favored candidates backed by political parties, permitted by loopholes and lackluster election law enforcement. Email describes Hochul meeting before $637 million deal with donor for Covid-19 tests When Gov. Kathy Hochul's administration bought Covid tests through a company owned by a campaign donor, critics pounced. Hochul insisted she had no direct involvement. But an email written by the company's owner suggests he may have directly discussed Covid tests with Hochul. The housekeeping loophole sprung from a reform: Amid the Watergate scandal, Gov. Malcolm Wilson signed a 1974 law reining in state political contributions. But a provision exempted housekeeping accounts from those rules, and in the law's wake, they increasingly became a conduit for major donors. By 1988, both the state Democratic and Republican parties were raising six-figure sums. In a memo that year, Common Cause New York wrote that while the accounts were "supposed to be made up of small contributions for the express purpose of day-to-day expenses," they were being "greatly abused in a variety of ways." Thirty-five years later, another major campaign finance law has taken effect, again with the stated aim of reducing donors' influence on New York government. But as in 1974, housekeeping accounts remain untouched. And the fundraising powers of state political parties and housekeeping accounts are only growing. Post-election pay bumps Recent spending by the state Democratic Party is an example of the gray area in which housekeeping accounts sometimes operate. Before November 2022, the state Democratic Party housekeeping account did not have a single staffer on its payroll, records show. But following Hochuls election victory, nearly the entire Hochul campaign staff left her payroll on Nov. 15 and briefly went onto the Democratic housekeeping account's. The ex-Hochul staffers received a round of housekeeping payments Nov. 30, and a second and final round on Dec. 14. While still on Hochuls campaign payroll, campaign manager Brian Lenzmeier was paid $12,100 a month. Lenzmeier received his last payment from Hochuls campaign Nov. 15. A month later, he received a single, $18,000 payment from the state Democratic Party housekeeping account. The pattern was similar for other Hochul staffers: After the campaign ended, their monthly pay increased on the payroll of the housekeeping account. Between mid-October and mid-November, the 43 people were paid about $250,000 by Hochuls campaign. Between mid-November to mid-December, the Democratic housekeeping account paid those same 43 people about $363,000. In the housekeeping accounts campaign filing, each of the 43 people were described as having done work as a campaign consultant for the committee. In one key sense, their employment with the Hochul campaign did not seem to fully end. Though the Hochul campaign stopped paying staffers after Nov. 15, the campaign continued to pay more than $25,000 a month, through December, for employee health insurance costs. The housekeeping account picked up none of that expense, records show. 'People find one' Its not unusual for successful campaigns in New York to give out post-election bonuses. After Andrew Cuomo first won election for governor in 2010, his campaign gave more than $401,000 in bonuses to senior aides. Those payments came from Cuomos own campaign account. It is more unusual for such payments to be made out of a housekeeping account. Under state law, housekeeping funds cannot be spent to expressly promote a specific candidate. In addition, housekeeping funds are supposed to be used for a "permanent" headquarters and staff. In a written statement, state Democratic Party chairman Jay Jacobs told The News that the payments from the housekeeping account were NOT a bonus. Jacobs said the 43 people were "engaged for the sole purpose of running two state Democratic Party events. One of those events, he said, was held Jan. 1, a post-inaugural celebration for Hochul at the Renaissance Hotel in Albany; another was a post-inauguration celebration on Jan. 18 at Gotham Hall in New York City. Yet according to the party's public disclosure statement, the housekeeping account's last payment to the 43 people came on Dec. 14 weeks before the two events were held. None of the 43 people received any payment between Dec. 15 and Jan. 15, the cutoff date of the Democratic Partys most recent campaign filing. Jacobs did not answer questions about why, if they were running events in January, none of 43 staffers were paid during that period. Jacobs also declined to explain why the Hochul campaign continued paying ex-staffers' health care costs. Shawn Donahue, an assistant professor of political science who specializes in campaign finance at the University at Buffalo, said the housekeeping spending was likely meant to provide Hochul staffers a "soft landing" before they found new employment, and potentially, to preserve Hochul's own campaign funds. At the same time, Hochul's presumptive re-election bid is four years away, Donahue said, and housekeeping spending defraying Hochul's campaign costs would likely not be "expressly promoting" her. "Even when there's not a loophole in these laws, people find one," Donahue said. Blair Horner, executive director of the New York Public Interest Research Group, said the state Democratic Party would be legally allowed to pay ex-Hochul staffers to do little or no work. But the added layer of financial overlap the Hochul campaign paying its ex-staffers' health care costs "stinks," Horner said. He said that Michael L. Johnson, chief enforcement counsel for the State Board of Elections, "has a responsibility to look into that." Johnson, a Cuomo appointee, has shown interest in this area of election law: Last August, he struck a $200,000 settlement with State Senate Republicans, who allegedly misused their housekeeping account to send out campaign-style mailers. Republicans argued they were being selectively targeted for activities in which Democrats also engaged. Hospital lobbying Huge donations to housekeeping accounts have also proven controversial, including past giving by the Greater New York Hospital Association to the state Democratic Party. In 2018, the hospital association donated $1.25 million to that committee's housekeeping account. The state Democratic Party at that time was closely allied with the campaign of Cuomo, then the Democratic governor. A powerful nonprofit lobbying group representing the hospital industry, the association had close ties to Cuomos administration. It even claimed credit for drafting 2020 budget language quietly inserted into the final agreement by Cuomo's office, which shielded hospitals and their workers from most civil and criminal liability during the Covid-19 pandemic. The hospital association did not donate anything to the state Democratic Party housekeeping account in 2019, 2020 or 2021. But when another statewide election year came in 2022 Hochuls first bid for a full term of office the hospital association again donated heavily, giving $942,000 to the state Democrats housekeeping fund. That was by far the largest amount from any donor, nearly a quarter of $4 million raised by the party account between Jan. 15, 2022 and Jan. 15, 2023. Its last donation to the state Democratic Party was a $125,000 wire transfer on Nov. 30 the same day the housekeeping account began paying the 43 ex-Hochul campaign staffers. Jacobs said to his knowledge, no one from the Democratic Party or otherwise had solicited the contribution from the hospital association. He said the donation was not intended to cover the cost of paying the former Hochul campaign staffers. "We do not ever earmark contributions," Jacobs said. "Any overlap in timing would have been strictly coincidental." Hochul, lawmakers fail to reach compromise on wrongful death expansion Gov. Kathy Hochul and the Legislature appeared unlikely to reach a compromise on a bill to allow families that have lost a loved one due to misconduct to sue for emotional losses. Among proponents were families of the 10 victims of the racist mass shooting at a Buffalo Tops. Since the election, the Greater New York Hospital Association has also scored some policy wins with Hochuls administration, including a January veto of the Grieving Families Act, which would have allowed wrongful death lawsuits seeking "emotional damages." Hochul argued in an op-ed that the Legislature's version would drive up already-high health insurance premiums," particularly for hospitals "that serve disadvantaged communities. The language echoed a lobbying memo to Hochul seven months earlier in which hospital association president Kenneth Raske had argued the measure would dramatically drive up providers costs, especially safety net hospitals in underserved communities. Hochul's proposed budget also included a top hospital association priority known as "pay and pursue," requiring health insurers to pay a hospitals claims before determining their medical necessity. But the hospital association has expressed concerns about other aspects of Hochul's budget, including a reduction of $700 million in state funding for financially distressed hospitals. A spokesman for the Greater New York Hospital Association declined to answer questions. Hochul press secretary Hazel Crampton-Hays answered questions about GNYHA's influence over those matters by stating that, "As we have always said, campaign donations do not have any influence on government decisions and we reject any implication otherwise." A reform's loophole Under a new, publicly funded elections system established in a 2020 state law and now in the early stages of taking effect state lawmakers face significantly lowered contribution limits. Statewide candidates for office could take donations of nearly $70,000 per individual in 2022. Ahead of the 2024 elections, that has now dropped to $18,000. Contribution limits have also dropped significantly for Assembly members and state senators. The new system which will match small-dollar contributions with public funds has long been favored by reform groups seeking to curb the outsized influence of wealthy donors. But in a system with new constraints for candidates, the fundraising powers of political parties are intact, increasing their strength relative to an otherwise more constrained system. Besides housekeeping accounts, political parties continue to be allowed regular campaign accounts that may accept $117,000 per individual donor. After raising six-figure sums, those accounts are then permitted to transfer unlimited sums to favored candidates. What's in, what's out as emboldened New York State Legislature counters Hochul's budget proposal Democrats who control the State Senate and Assembly released their budget plans this week, rejecting some of Gov. Kathy Hochul's top priorities. Here are where some of the major issues stand as negotiations continue. And party leaders overseeing those accounts, including Jacobs, may hold even greater sway. Jacobs was instrumental in shaping the new system. In 2019, Cuomo and the Legislature passed a law creating a nine-person panel with binding authority to craft publicly-financed elections for New York. The Cuomo administration inserted a provision allowing political chairs to serve on the commission they're generally prohibited from serving on such bodies then appointed Jacobs, a close Cuomo ally. Jacobs quickly emerged as the panels most powerful voice. Good-government groups testified that political parties needed lower contribution limits. But in final report outlining the new system, the commission wrote that while contributions to housekeeping accounts may have an indirect relationship on our proposed public campaign finance system, we believe that our system can operate efficiently without wading into those topics. Jacobs says the commission's legal counsel had believed the law creating the body did not allow it to address donation limits for political parties. After a court ruling found an aspect of the commissions work illegal, Cuomo pushed the panel's plan into the 2020 state budget agreement. Four political parties in New York have received sufficient support from voters in recent elections to be allowed the extensive fundraising powers: Democrat, Republican, Conservative and Working Families. It's not just the main state parties allowed housekeeping accounts: The legislative conferences of Democrats and Republicans in both chambers of the Legislature have housekeeping funds. During decades when Republicans held the majority in the State Senate, the conference's fundraising dwarfed that of Democrats. Since Democrats convincingly won the majority in 2018, the allegiances of many major donors have shifted, their larger checks going to the ruling party. At least in the short term, political parties' increased fundraising power will likely benefit the majority Democrats. As for statewide elections, Democrats have not lost one in New York since 2002. The state Democratic Party has long been a major fundraising force, and political parties' increased power will likely be of benefit to Hochul. "The way the state Democratic Party has worked, for a long time, is that its been the arm of the governor," Donahue said. "So you have to think that this is really going to work to the benefit of the governor." UK Government Stands by Windsor Framework Deal on Brexit Despite DUP Objection Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during a press conference at the Guildhall in Windsor, Berkshire, on Feb. 27, 2023, following the announcement that they have struck a deal over the Northern Ireland Protocol. (PA Media) The UK government has no plans to seek changes to its new agreement with the EU on post-Brexit trading arrangements with Northern Ireland despite the Democratic Unionist Partys (DUPs) decision to vote against it, Downing Street has said. The so-called Windsor Frameworkwhich Prime Minister Rishi Sunak agreed with the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Februaryaims to solve the dispute between the UK and the EU over the Northern Ireland Protocol by significantly reducing the number of post-Brexit checks on goods entering Northern Ireland from Great Britain. On Wednesday, British MPs will vote on regulations to implement the so-called Stormont brake, a key part of the framework that would allow a minority of lawmakers in the Northern Ireland Assembly to flag concerns about the imposition of new EU laws in the British provincea move that could lead to a UK government veto. DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson speaks to a PA reporter at his party offices in Parliament Buildings, Belfast, Northern Ireland, on March 20, 2023. (David Young/PA Media) DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said on Monday that the party will vote against the government in the context of its ongoing concerns and the need to see further progress secured. In response, Downing Street said ministers remain confident that this is the best deal for Northern Ireland. Sunaks official spokesman said: Of course we wanted to give the DUP and other parties as much time as possible to consider the deal and come to a view. Equally we need to provide certainty to the people and businesses of Northern Ireland which is why we have started the process of votes. The spokesman said the DUP are important partners and ministers stand ready to answer any further questions they have and provide any necessary reassurance and we stand ready to do that. Stormont Brake The UK government and the European Commission unveiled the Windsor Framework on Feb. 27 after months of intensive negotiations aimed at reducing checks on Irish Sea trade created by the Northern Ireland Protocol, part of the Brexit withdrawal deal. While cutting back on checks required on goods destined for use in Northern Ireland arriving from Great Britain, the deal also contains a new mechanism, the Stormont brake, which Sunak said puts the region in a special position, allowing Northern Ireland politicians to oppose new EU goods rules. Undated photo of Parliament Buildings, often referred to as Stormont, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK. (Paul Faith/PA) The brake offers a minority of the lawmakers in the Northern Ireland Assembly (MLAs)30 from at least two partiesthe ability to refer to the UK government its concerns about the introduction of new EU laws in Northern Ireland. The government could then potentially prevent the application of those laws in the region. Sunak has also committed to amending the 1998 Northern Ireland Act to provide further reassurance to unionists about the regions constitutional status within the UK. Still Some Way to Go However, while the DUP said the Windsor Framework has addressed some of its concerns with the protocol, it said significant problems remain. Announcing the partys intention to vote against the government on the Stormont brake, Donaldson said, Whilst representing real progress, the brake does not deal with the fundamental issue which is the imposition of EU law by the protocol. He did not rule out ultimately backing the Windsor Framework but insisted the government would first have to address and resolve the outstanding issues his party has. Clearly there is still some way to go, there is a lot more work to be done. Were engaged with the government on that, and we will make our judgments whenever we see the final picture of all of this, he told the PA news agency. The DUP leader suggested those changes could be secured by way of domestic legislation at Westminster, rather than a renegotiation with Brussels. We do believe that the UK government has within its power the ability to bring forward legislation that safeguards Northern Irelands place within the United Kingdom and our ability to trade within the internal market of the United Kingdom, he said. Unequivocal Veto But Downing Street rejected the DUPs assertion that the imposition of EU law is still an issue. The prime ministers official spokesman said: It is set out in the legal text. The EU has no role in deciding whether the brake is used or whether the rule is disapplied. The treaty is clear it is for the people of the UK alone. It is up to MLAs in the Northern Ireland Assembly to decide whether to trigger the brake and then if triggered the rule in question is suspended automatically from coming into effect. The UK government has an unequivocal veto to enable the rule to be permanently disapplied. Northern Ireland has not had a functioning local government at Stormont for over a year since the DUP withdrew from the power-sharing executive in protest at the terms of the Northern Ireland Protocol. The immediate future of devolution at Stormont rests on whether the DUP agrees to go back into power-sharing. London and Brussels are both keen to see the institution restored ahead of next months landmark 25th anniversary of the Good Friday peace agreement. Patricia Devlin and PA Media contributed to this report. US, China, and Russia Clash Over North Koreas Missile Launches at UN Meeting The United Nations Security Council meets in the Manhattan borough of New York City on Jan. 26, 2019. (Carlo Allegri/Reuters) The United States urged China and Russia to stop shielding North Korea from any sanctions by the United Nations Security Council, citing North Koreas destabilizing and unlawful missile launches. At a March 20 meeting of the security council in New York, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield said China and Russias obstructionism in the council is encouraging the DPRK to launch ballistic missiles with impunity, referring to North Koreas official name, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea. China and Russia previously vetoed a resolution that would have tightened sanctions on North Korea for its missile launches, which have been banned under U.N. Security Council resolutions since 2006. China and Russia will tell you they are not defending the DPRK. But their actions speak louder than words, Thomas-Greenfield said. How many times must the DPRK violate its U.N. Security Council resolution obligations before China and Russia stop shielding the DPRK regime? she added. Chinese and Russian envoys blamed the United States for increasing tensions on the Korean Peninsula through its unprecedented military exercises with regional allies. Russia said the drills are completely turning everything upside down. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. ambassador to the U.N., speaks during a special session of the General Assembly at the U.N. headquarters in New York on March 2, 2022. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) In response, Thomas-Greenfield clarified that U.S. joint drills are defensive in nature and aimed at bringing peace and stability to the region. She reiterated that Washington has no hostile intentions for North Korea. Thomas-Greenfield said that easing U.N. sanctions on North Korea would reward the regime for doing nothing to comply with council resolutions and deprive North Koreans of humanitarian assistance. China and Russia also raised concerns over the trilateral security pact between Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdomnamely the AUKUS pactwhich will see Australia acquire its first nuclear-powered submarines. Geng Shuang, Chinas deputy ambassador to the U.N., referred to the AUKUS pact as the elephant in the room, while the United Kingdoms representative argued that AUKUS does not violate the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty. There is simply no comparison between AUKUS and the destabilizing threat that DPRK poses to the region, said UK Ambassador James Kariuki, according to the U.N. press release. The United States also released its 2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices on Monday, detailing North Koreas arbitrary executions, enforced disappearances, torture, and degrading treatment and punishments (pdf). North Korea Condemns UN Meeting North Korea has vowed to counter the illegal human rights campaign by the U.S. and its followers with the most powerful means, state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported. North Korea accused the United States of misusing the United Nations to blackmail other sovereign states. File photo provided by North Korean authorities shows Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missiles during a military parade in Pyongyang, North Korea, on Feb. 8, 2023. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP, File) The U.N. meeting took place just days after North Korea launched its largest Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the sea on March 16 in retaliation for the U.S.-South Korea Freedom Shield exercises. The Hwasong-17 is known to be North Koreas largest ICBM, estimated to have a range of over 13,000 kilometers (8,078 miles), making it capable of striking any location in the continental United States. The United States has persisted in engaging direct talks with North Korea without preconditions in favor of a diplomatic solution, but North Korea has rebuffed these efforts. US Expedites Delivery of Abrams Battle Tanks to Ukraine U.S. Army M1A1 Abrams tank fires during NATO enhanced Forward Presence battle group military exercise Crystal Arrow 2021 in Adazi, Latvia, on March 26, 2021. (Ints Kalnins/Reuters) The United States is expediting its delivery of battle tanks to Ukraine by providing a different variant of armored capability than previously decided. Ukraine will still receive a full battalion of Abrams battle tanks from the United States, but will be getting the M1A1 variant rather than the M1A2 variant. The M1A1 is a slightly older variant with similar armament but older electronic systems and different tracks. [Department of Defense] announced in January that the United States would be providing 31 M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine under the Ukraine Security Assistance initiative with the intent of providing the M1A2 variant, said Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder during a March 21 press conference. However, ever since we made this announcement, we have been committed to exploring options to deliver the armored capability as quickly as possible. Ryder added that close bilateral study and analysis had led Ukrainian and U.S. officials to conclude that expediting the delivery of tanks by sending the M1A1 variant would be more beneficial than waiting for M1A2s. the decision to provide the M1A1 variant of the Abrams tank will allow us to significantly expedite delivery timelines and deliver this important capability to Ukraine by the fall of this year, Ryder said. This is about getting this important combat capability into the hands of the Ukrainians sooner rather than later. Ryder also said the United States would eventually deliver a very similar capability to the M1A2, which includes advanced armor and weapons systems such as a 120 mm cannon and .50-caliber heavy machine gun. The announcement follows a drawdown of an additional $350 million military aid package on March 20, the 34th of its kind since Russias attempted conquest of Ukraine began. The most recent drawdown will furnish Ukraine with munitions for high-mobility artillery rocket systems (HIMARS), rounds for .155 mm field artillery, and ammunition for small arms. Ukraine is currently preparing to fend off a spring offensive by Russian forces, and has led several attacks on occupied territory in Crimea and the Donbas in recent weeks. Meanwhile, Russian and Chinese authorities have suggested a political settlement to the conflict, which the United States has dismissed as a ploy for Russia to legitimize its conquests and prepare for future attacks. US Not Considering Fighter Jets for Ukraine After Poland, Slovakia Pledge More Than a Dozen MiGs U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 140th Wing of the Colorado Air National Guard during NATO exercise Saber Strike flies over Amari military air base, Estonia, on June 12, 2018. (Ints Kalnins/Reuters) The United States is not considering sending fighter jets to Ukraine despite fellow NATO members Poland and Slovakia pledging to send MiG-29s to the Eastern European country amid Russias invasion, said the State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel on March 21. During the State Department press briefing, in response to a question from The Epoch Times of whether Poland and Slovakias moves would change the U.S. position on whether to send fighter jets to Ukraine, Patel said no. It does not change our position. [Secretary of State Antony Blinken] had an opportunity to speak to this a little bit in Niamey [in Niger] during his press conference, said Patel. During the March 16 press conference, Blinken called Polands decision to provide MiGs for Ukraine a sovereign decision. Patel reiterated that stance. The transfer of military equipment is a sovereign decision for a country to make in a manner consistent with its international obligations. Poland and Slovakia have both been providing a significant amount of security assistance to Ukraine as have more than 50 nations around the world alongside the United States, he said. Youve heard the president and leaders of the Pentagon be quite clear: F-16s are not something we are considering right now, he continued. We have been focused on sending Ukraine what they need to succeed in each phase of this war as we have consistently done so since even before February of last year. Right now, our focus is on air defense capabilities and weapons and equipment they need to take the ground. Poland announced on March 16 it would send fighter jets to Ukraine, becoming the first NATO country to do so. When it comes to the MiG-29 aircraft, which are still operating in the defense of Polish airspace, a decision has been taken at the highest levels, said Polish President Andrzej Duda at a press conference. We can say confidently that we are sending MiGs to Ukraine. Duda told CNN on March 9 that Warsaw is ready to hand over our MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine as a part of an international coalition. Poland and Slovakias move could be a turning point for Ukraine in repelling Russias invasion as Kyiv has asked for fighter jets since last yearonly for Washington and other NATO allies to refuse. Patel echoed what National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby said on March 16 regarding Poland saying it will send fighter jets to Ukraine. It doesnt change our calculus with respect to F-16s, he said. These are sovereign decisions for any country to make and we respect those sovereign decisions. US Response to China Invading Taiwan Would Be Very Similar to Ukraine War Response: US General Chinese fighter jets fly in the sky near Taiwan in a still from a video released by Chinese state-run media CCTV on Aug. 7, 2022. (CCTV via Reuters/Screenshot via The Epoch Times) The U.S. response to China invading Taiwan would be very similar to how the United States and its allies have responded to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, according to a U.S. general. I hope that China is paying close attention and I assume that they are, said Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach, Pacific Air Forces and Air Component Commander, which is under U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. Wilsbach compared Chinas comments about Taiwan, like the United States is trying to create an Asian NATO or Taiwan is trying to be a sovereign nation or independent nation, to Russia making up facts to justify its invasion of Ukraine. Wilsbach made these comments during a March 20 webinar hosted by the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies. Wilsbach noted that the international community has responded to Russias invasion by enacting punitive sanctions on Moscow and giving assistance, including that which is lethal, to Ukraine. The United States has given over $32.5 billion in military assistance to Ukraine. On March 20, the United States announced an additional $350 million in military aid. I think that China should expect a very similar response if they were to attack their neighbor, he said. Wilsbach noted that air superiority has been key in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and that it is no different when it comes to the China-Taiwan dispute. He said that one of the major reasons Russia has not been able to take over Ukraine is because Russia has failed to establish air superiority. Wilsbach remarked that, when it comes to invading Taiwan, China would have it anything but easy. China has the most difficult military operation there, which is an amphibious landing coordinated with an air assault over 100 miles of ocean, he said. Wilsbach also said that, like Ukraine, the Taiwanese is determined to defend themselves. Wilsbachs comments come as Chinese leader Xi Jinping met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on March 20. The United States reiterated on March 20 that it has not seen China give lethal aid to Russia to use in Ukraine, though China has not taken that option off the table. CIA Director William Burns said last year that China has not been deterred from possibly invading Taiwan, but that Russias failure to take over Ukraine has Beijing thinking about how they would go about such a move on the self-ruled Pacific island. I dont for a minute think that its eroded [Chinese leader Xi Jinpings] determination over time to gain control over Taiwan, he said. But I think its something thats affecting their calculation about how and when they go about doing that. Venezuelas Maduro to Replace Oil Minister, Police Arrest Officials in Corruption Sweep Venezuelan regime leader Nicolas Maduro speaks during an event with the youth of Venezuela's United Socialist Party in Caracas, Venezuela, on June 22, 2020. (Miraflores Palace/Handout via Reuters) CARACASVenezuelan regime leader Nicolas Maduro on Monday accepted the resignation of the countrys powerful oil minister following the detention of several high level officials amid a corruption probe focused on state-run company PDVSA and the judiciary. Tareck El Aissami had said earlier on Monday on Twitter he would resign to fully support the investigations. The probe especially touches PDVSA, which is supervised by the oil ministry. Arresting government officials for corruption is rare in Venezuela, a country that rights groups such as Transparency International have described as opaque. Maduro did not immediately name a replacement for El Aissami, who has served as vice president, and as a minister and mayor over the past two decades. Venezuelan Oil Minister Tareck El Aissami speaks during the Venezuela-Turkey Binational meeting at the Miraflores Palace, in Caracas, Venezuela, on Jan. 24, 2023. (Leonardo Fernandez Viloria/Reuters) Maduro, who has led previous corruption sweeps, said in televised remarks that his regime is committed to going to the root of corruption, calling the probe which began last year professional, scientific and disciplined. Appearing alongside heavyweights from his cabinet and the ruling party, Maduro added he plans to restructure PDVSA, but did not provide details. El Aissami, who had been in his post since 2020, is under U.S. sanctions for alleged connections to drug trafficking, which he denies. Neither PDVSA nor the prosecutors office responded to requests for comment. PDVSA suffered heavy losses last year as tankers left Venezuela without proper payments being made for cargo. New PDVSA boss Pedro Tellechea ordered an audit and suspended oil supply contracts shortly after taking over the role in January. Also arrested, state television said on Monday, were Mayor Pedro Hernandez of Las Tejerias, an area hit by floods that killed dozens late last year, and Joselit Ramirez, the former head of Venezuelas crypto-asset watchdog. Ramirez had led since 2018 the body that issues Venezuelas official digital coin, the petro, but had been dismissed from the role, the official gazette said on Saturday. Pro-government newspaper Ultimas Noticias reported he is under investigation for cases linked to PDVSA. Judges Cristobal Cornieles and Jose Marquez Garcia were also detained, state TV reported, without giving further details. The arrests are the largest recent crackdown on alleged PDVSA corruption. In 2017, several executives and two former presidents of the company were arrested, while in 2018 authorities detained a number of executives for administrative irregularities. Volkswagens Skoda Would Cut 3,000 Jobs If Euro 7 Implemented in Current Form Visitors check a Skoda vehicle at a sales event in Shanghai on May 5, 2020. (Yilei Sun/Reuters) PRAGUECzech carmaker Skoda would have to cut 3,000 jobs and axe some models if the European Unions Euro 7 emissions scheme is implemented in its current form, a Skoda board member warned in a TV debate on Sunday. The proposed Euro 7 law, which EU countries and lawmakers will start negotiating this year, would tighten limits on the emission by cars of health-harming pollutants, including nitrogen oxides. The EU has said the health benefits of the measure would far outweigh the costs, but some car makers have warned it would impose unfeasibly expensive development costs. Daimler Trucks chief Martin Daum for instance said on March 10 it would cost the industry billions. If [Euro 7] is approved in this shape, it would mean for Skoda Auto to close one plant, because we would stop producing the smaller modelsFabia, Scala, Kamiqthat means 3,000 jobs [would be] hit at least, Martin Jahn, a board member of Skoda, which is part of Volkswagen, said in a televised debate. Overall, more than 10,000 jobs would be at risk in the Czech Republic, including at Skodas suppliers, Jahn said. The three smaller models represented nearly a third of Skodas deliveries to customers in 2022. Transport ministers from the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Hungary, and Slovakia met on Monday to discuss their efforts to change the Euro 7 proposal. Wealth Manager Finds How Humankind Came To Be Daring and Incredible Kent Kuhlmann, a wealth manager in California, said the article How Humankind Came To Be is both daring and incredible. Mr. Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Gong, published it in The Epoch Times at the end of January. Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, encourages adherents to live by the universal principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance and teaches meditative exercises. To Kuhlmann, the article is very deep for getting into some very esoteric levels of spirituality and beliefs about the world and mankind and our origin. This person [Mr. Li] really bares the soul of non-standard religious and spiritual beliefs, he told The Epoch Times. By non-standard, he said he meant non-Western and non-Catholic. People who follow traditional Western religions might think the article was just weird, he said. So thats why I thought it was such a courageous article for you guys to publish because not a lot of newspapers would publish an article like that. He thanked The Epoch Times for having the guts to publish this piece despite the persecution of Falun Gong in China. This spiritual group in China embodies all that is good and pure in the human spirit, he wrote in a comment to this newspaper. Kuhlmann is no stranger to the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) oppression. Before becoming a wealth manager, Kuhlmann used to travel to Asia often at his previous international sales and marketing job. He was in Hong Kong in June of 1989 when the CCP army slaughtered students protesting at Beijings Tiananmen Square, as Hong Kong citizens did their best to help support the student democracy movement. Therefore, he understands the CCPs level of oppression and the courage needed to carry on peaceful resistance to itsuch as the Falun Gong movementfor decades. Over the past 23 years, millions of Falun Gong adherents have been held in labor camps, mental asylums, drug rehabilitation centers, unofficial black jails, or other detention facilities. However, the followers peaceful resistance to the Chinese Communist Partys persecution persisted. Many attributed their courage to stay steadfast to their beliefs and the power of faith. Darkness Shall Pass Now 62, Kuhlmann has been on his spiritual journey for decades. Growing up in a parochial family, he witnessed conflicts and people taking sides in the community church he grew up with after it changed governance when he was about 17. He then embarked on a spiritual journey and learned about many beliefs, including Taoism, Buddhism, native American religions, and other cultures. He doesnt view Falun Gong as a religion because many beliefs in the East dont take the form of religion. He said he realized a common thread through everything before all of the layers of rules that were manmade got put on top of everything. He grew up with guilt that certain actions or thoughts would be considered sinning. But after exploring many other beliefs, he gained a deeper understanding of how one is held accountable for the consequences of his choices, which ties to the concepts of karma and reincarnation mentioned in Mr. Lis article. In Kuhlmanns view, the essay reaffirms his understanding that we are all connected; we are all part of the same organism. Whats killing the planet is not greenhouse gases. Its selfishness, greed, and power, he added. I think clinging to spirituality is pretty much the only thing that has helped us stay grounded. He remains hopeful that the darkness shall pass, even though weve had a lot of very dark things prevailing for a long time, and they seem to be accelerating in a big way right now. To him, its a manifestation that the evil knows its days are numbered and that a new page will turn. I believe there are all kinds of other forces out there from a spiritual realm that are helping this planet right now to make it through that, he said. What gets me up every day is my belief that this, too, shall pass. Well be on the other side of this at some point. The world is watching closely, now that Chinese leader Xi Jinping touched down in Moscow for a meeting with Russias Vladimir Putin. Ukraine is on the table, as well as whether Xi Jinping can broker a ceasefire before the west. But on the backdrop of Chinas reported weapons sales to Russia, questions arise. Will the meeting really call for peace? And what about the arrest warrant for Putin over alleged war crimes in Ukraine? Topics in this episode: When One Zombie Eats Another: Why UBSs Rescue of Credit Suisse Changes Nothing Commentary What happens when one zombie eats another? All the disgusting and fetid zombie parts of the consumed simply move to the consumer. The same is true of zombie banks. When one zombie bankfull of death and corruption but better at hiding it due to superior cosmeticseats its more visibly ill and compatriot zombie bank, is the underlying rot somehow purified or made whole? Is the world a safer place? The answer is clearly no, and here, well explain why. But first some background. On March 19, Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS) agreed to acquire Credit Suisse in a take under transaction that valued the equity of Credit Suisse at $3.3 billion, a 60 percent discount to Credit Suisses closing price on March 17. In addition to wiping out most of Credit Suisses equity value, $16 billion of Credit Suisses bonds will be written off to zero. Why shareholders should receive anythinglet alone $3.3 billion of considerationwhen more senior creditors take a goose egg remains a mystery, and litigation is sure to ensue. UBS noted that it will achieve $8 billion in annualized cost savings over the next five years, implicitly representing up to 10,000 job losses, primarily at Credit Suisse. This will add to the wave of mass layoffs already affecting the global investment banking sector in 2023. This wasnt a happy union but rather a shotgun marriage arranged by the Swiss government and the central bank. Credit Suisse, once the flagship and crown jewel of the Swiss financial economy, was desperate. Laden with losses and bad loans, undercapitalized, and unable to raise funding, Credit Suisse was on the verge of failing outright. The sudden collapse of Credit Suisse could have triggered a global financial markets crisis even worse than what was seen in 2008. Yet the idea of nationalizationthe only viable alternative to an acquirerrescuer or bankruptcywas unpalatable to Swiss government officials and taxpayers alike. So UBS was draggedkicking and screamingto the altar. (From L) Credit Suisse Chairman Axel Lehmann; UBS Chairman Colm Kelleher; Swiss Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter; Swiss President Alain Berset; Swiss National Bank Chairman Thomas Jordan; FINMA Chair Marlene Amstad; and Swiss government spokesman Andre Simonazzi attend a news conference following discussions over Credit Suisse in Bern, Switzerland, on March 19, 2023. (Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images) In violation of securities law or at least customary shareholder prerogatives, the Swiss government determined that no shareholder group (neither UBS nor Credit Suisse) will be able to exercise their rights to vote on the transaction. The merger is a done deal save for a few procedural steps. UBS was able to secure several concessions from the Swiss government, including a loss guarantee of up to $9 billion, nearly three times what UBS is paying for Credit Suisses equity. More importantly, the combined group can access more than $200 billion of financial assistance from the Swiss National Bank, half of which comes with a guarantee from the Swiss federal government in the event of default. Translation: Even though UBS is issuing some $3.3 billion of its own shares to acquire Credit Suisse, its the Swiss government thats bearing much of the risk and Swiss taxpayers who will ultimately pick up the tab if things go wrong. UBSs shareholders are now the owners of the mess and will see their investment value diluted by the new share issuance by any sustained negative market reaction to the dealUBS share prices were initially down by more than 8 percent on the newsand by future losses at Credit Suisse above the guarantee. But that isnt the main point. The real issue is that the underlying problems at Credit Suisse, including toxic assets, gross mismanagement, hidden losses, and unrealized counterparty exposure, havent been isolated as a result of this transaction. Those risks have simply been transferred from one too-big-to-fail bank to another, where Credit Suisses and UBSs risk assets now will be more heavily concentrated. The consequences of a misstep will be even more severe. This is a shuffling of the deck chairs, and the financial system remains as vulnerable as it was before. A logo of the Swiss banking giant UBS in Zurich on Feb. 14, 2008. (Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images) UBS was itself bailed out by the Swiss government in 2008, and while now profitable and better managed, it has been plagued with problems ever since. This merger is akin to the proverbial two drunks holding each other up as they stumble down the street, and yet one of them still holds the keys to the car. UBS management has bitten off more than it can chew, and bank officials know it. But they had little choice given overweening government and regulatory pressure. The market believes that the merger increases riskiness at UBS. The cost of insuring against a credit default at UBS has increased by more than 50 percent since last week. This reflects both merger-specific concerns and fear of financial contagion and a widening crisis in the banking sector generally. While not officially a nationalization, the Swiss government, and, thus, its taxpayers, have assumed the ultimate financial responsibility of the combined entity, for better or worse. Following the merger announcement and anticipating an increase in market distress, the Swiss National Bank, alongside the Federal Reserve and five other central banks, announced late on March 19 a plan to enhance market liquidity by opening up daily swap lines to clear U.S. dollar transactions. This is another indication that financial markets arent functioning as they should. The coming days will test whether this past weeks combined actions of governments and central banks will be sufficient to calm the markets. UBSs acquisition of Credit Suisse was a necessary but not sufficient condition to address one particular element of distress in global financial markets. Yet nothing has essentially changed, and the risk of a widening crisis in the banking sector remains extremely elevated. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. There is only so far you can go with the idea that you might possibly have to buy an electric stove in 15 years, or the notion that if you move into a new house in 2025 it will be safely and cheaply electric, is radical (Another Voice: "New Yorks climate goals are arbitrary and extreme, Feb. 28). As you say, It is impossible to know how many lives may have been saved over the years by natural gas fireplaces in local homes. But it is possible to show that gas kills, and directly, not just through climate disasters triggered by burning methane. According to the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, there were 2,700 U.S. gas leak incidents from 2010 to 2022 serious enough that gas companies were required to report them. They included 362 explosions, 700 people injured and more than 140 killed. An astounding 119 of the incidents occurred in New York, second only to Californias 160. The American Chemical Society found that about 630,000 natural gas leaks occur every year just in local distribution systems your home, your neighborhood. Gas explosions are a top cause of serious workplace injuries. Gov. Kathy Hochul is upholding the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, an established, life-saving law. The Climate Action Councils Scoping Plan has been passed, unanimously but for the three representatives of the gas industry. The gas industry is still trying to shape public policy and maintain profitability. Their interests are not ours. Sandra Ebert Amherst Yellen: Government Could Step in Again to Protect Other Banks From Deposit Runs to Stop Contagion Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen delivers remarks on "Next Steps in the Evolution of Development Finance" at a Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, on Feb. 9, 2023. (Leah Millis/Reuters) U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Tuesday defended government intervention in the banking sector and suggested that it may be necessary to take similar measures in case smaller financial institutions experience deposit runs that could lead to contagion. She also called the American banking system sound, and said that overall the situation is stabilizing due to strong actions by federal regulators in her attempts to calm the markets after two regional bank failures this month. Yellen spoke at the American Bankers Association on March 21, where she made her prepared remarks. The Treasury secretary said that additional rescue arrangements could be warranted if further regional bank runs pose the risk of contagion and endanger the nations financial stability. She said further steps would be made to protect bank depositors if smaller institutions suffer additional bank runs that threaten the sector. The steps we took were not focused on aiding specific banks or classes of banks. Our intervention was necessary to protect the broader U.S. banking system, Yellen said in her remarks. The massive failure of Silicon Valley Bank in California, on March 10, and the collapse of New York-based Signature Bank, on March 12, have roiled the banking industry, in the second- and third-largest bank collapses, respectively, in U.S. history. Depositors rushed to withdraw money in a bank run after major concerns over the health of those lending institutions. A third bank, First Republic Bank, in San Francisco, later received $30 billion in funds last week, which was raised by 11 of the top U.S. banks in an attempt to prevent its total collapse. Yellen Calls Moves by Government Positive for the Banking Sector Yellen spoke over a week after the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp (FDIC) shut down the failed Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank. She stated that the decisive and forceful actions by the FDIC, the Federal Reserve, and the Treasury have reduced the risk of further bank failures that would have imposed losses on the bank-funded Deposit Insurance Fund. The Treasury secretary praised their actions for strengthening public confidence in the U.S. banking system and protecting the American economy. So far, the U.S. banking system remains sound, Yellen said. The Fed facility and discount window lending are working as intended to provide liquidity to the banking system, she explained, and that aggregate deposit outflows from regional banks have stabilized. Federal regulators earlier announced that depositors at the two failed banks, including those holding uninsured funds exceeding $250,000, would be protected by FDIC insurance. The government has been taking steps to create a new Federal Reserve liquidity facility, which will provide a resolute commitment to take the necessary steps to ensure that depositors savings and the banking system remain safe. The latest banking crisis has forced the Biden administration to try to restore public confidence in the banking system and to prevent any further turmoil in the sector. The Justice Department and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have also launched investigations into the collapse Silicon Valley Bank. Treasury Secretary Calls Community Banks Essential Yellens remarks also underscored the importance of community banks in the eyes of regulators. Community banks play a vital role in providing credit and financial services to small businesses, she said, recognizing that the survival of smaller regional banks was essential for local businesses and the economy. Large banks play an important role in our economy, but so do small- and mid-sized banks. These banks are heavily engaged in traditional banking services that provide vital credit and financial support to families and small businesses. They also increase competition in the banking sector, and often have specialized knowledge and expertise in the communities they invest in. Treasury is committed to ensuring the ongoing health and competitiveness of our vibrant community and regional banking institutions, she continued. This sentiment has been echoed by many in the banking industry who see community banks as the lifeblood of local economies. These institutions are often more flexible and responsive to the needs of their customers, particularly small businesses. The recent crisis, however, has put a strain on community banks, which have been hit hard by the economic downturn. The fear of contagion has led many depositors to withdraw their funds, creating a ripple effect throughout the banking system. Yellens statement suggests that the government is prepared to take swift action to prevent these kinds of runs from spreading. While it remains to be seen exactly what form these interventions will take, Yellens words offer some hope for those who rely on community banks. Biden Administration Calls for Major Changes to Bank Regulations President Joe Biden has asked Congress to strengthen rules on regional banks and to impose tougher penalties on the executives of failed banks. Several Democrat lawmakers and some economists have blamed a 2018 rollback of portions of a 2010 law intended to prevent a future financial crisis as a primary cause of the institutional failures. Meanwhile, the Republican House Freedom Caucus said it opposes expanding deposit guarantees beyond the FDICs current $250,000 limit per depositor, which could put a halt to any action by the government aimed at stemming a worsening crisis. The new actions to provide guarantees for uninsured deposits in specific troubled banks would require Yellen, the president, and supermajorities of the Fed and FDIC board to determine that the bank qualifies for a systemic risk exception, similar to the cases of SVB and Signature Bank. On March 16, Yellen spoke in front of the Senate Finance Committee and reassured Congress, bank depositors, and investors that the American banking system remained sound and that the country should feel confident about the safety of their deposits. Let me be clear: The governments recent actions have demonstrated our resolute commitment to take the necessary steps to ensure that depositors savings and the banking system remain safe, she told the senators. She will again appear in front of separate panels this seek, one each at the House and Senate. Yellen is expected to face more questions about the nature of the bank failures and the governments efforts to control the damage. The secretary told the Senate panel that she was in close contact with the banks, state and federal regulators, market participants, and international counterparts, regarding the situation. She called the latest crisis very different from the global financial crisis of 200809, when subprime mortgage assets put extreme stress on certain banks. We do not see that situation in the banking system today. Our financial system is also significantly stronger than it was 15 years ago. The Treasury secretary promised that regulators will examine the failures of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank over the next several weeks. She added, We will need to reexamine our current regulatory and supervisory regimes and consider whether they are appropriate for the risks that banks face today. Bank Crisis May Affect Feds Next Move The policy-making Federal Open Market Committee also began its two-day policy meeting to assess its current monetary policy, but this has been overshadowed by questions about the stability of the U.S. financial system since the start of this months bank crisis. Expectations for interest-rate hikes are now for an increase of 25 basis pointsor none at all. The central bank will announce its decision at the end of its policy meeting on March 22. We have had a number of major shocks to the system. Three U.S. bank closures in a week wiping out equity and bondholders [and] the demise of Credit Suisse and the zeroing of its junior bondholders, said hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, in a tweet, and argued for a pause on rate hikes. Reuters and the Associated Press contributed to this report. BERLIN (Reuters) -Carmaker Mercedes-Benz must pay compensation for unauthorized so-called defeat devices in diesel cars if the buyer suffers damages, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled on Tuesday. It is up to German courts to decide whether the software in question qualifies as a defeat device and whether its use is justified, the court said in a statement. However, if a defeat device is found to be illegal and the buyer of a vehicle with such a device has suffered damages as a result of the purchase, the carmaker is obliged to provide them with compensation, it added, with member states responsible for upholding that right. Defeat devices are mechanisms or software that can change vehicle emissions levels, leading to disputes over whether manufacturers use them to mask the true pollution levels of their vehicles. A Mercedes-Benz spokesperson said in response to the ruling that it remained to be seen how national courts would apply the European court's decision to federal law. It added that Mercedes-Benz vehicles that were recalled and underwent a software update could still be used without restriction. The case was brought to a court in Ravensburg, Germany by the purchaser of a used Mercedes whose exhaust gas recirculation system operated within a certain temperature range but reduced recirculation in lower temperatures, leading to increased nitrogen oxide emissions. Germany's federal court had previously rejected the plaintiff's claim to damages, arguing that the carmaker could only be charged as such if the damage was intentional. But an advisor to the ECJ said last June that owners of vehicles equipped with such devices were entitled to compensation in both cases of intention and negligence. In a ruling involving Volkswagen's use of similar devices, the ECJ said last July that if a device was designed to avoid serious engine damage which could cause an accident, it may not be illegal - but even then, the defeat device would be illegal if it operated most of the year under normal driving conditions. The German federal court has scheduled a follow-up hearing for May 8 to discuss the implications of the ECJ's rulings on German liability law. (Reporting by Ilona Wissenbach, Victoria Waldersee, Writing by Miranda Murray, Editing by Paul Carrel, Friederike Heine and Susan Fenton) Ambassadors to be invited to Sufficiency Economy fam trip PHUKET: Phuket officials are preparing to welcome foreign ambassadors, consuls and other diplomatic staff, accompanied by their partners, on a field trip to study Royal Initiative projects and learn about the potential and achievements of Thailand in terms of sustainable development and environmental friendliness according to the philosophy of sufficiency economy. politicstourismeconomics By The Phuket News Tuesday 21 March 2023, 05:29PM Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew led a meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall today (Mar 21) to discuss the preparations. The fam trip will be held across Phang Nga and Krabi from Thursday, Mar 30, to Saturday, Apr 1, said an official report of the meeting. The Department of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had arranged the fam trip for foreign diplomatic emissaries and their spouses to disseminate the royal duties of the Thai monarchy in enhancing the quality of life and well-being of the people as well as promoting knowledge and understanding about Thailand in many dimensions, especially the way of life of the Thai community and economic potential and tourism in both provinces, said the report. The fam trip will also serve as a platform to garner support for Phukets bid to host Expo 2028, the report added. The dignitaries will be treated to a presentation by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) about Thailands bid for Phuket to host the expo as well as other activities to welcome the ambassadors at Nai Yang Beach in Sirinat National Park. Phukets Young Ambassadors, who met Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha during his visit on Sunday, will also lend a hand facilitating the VIPs stay on the island, the report added. EU agrees 2-billion-euro ammunition plan for Ukraine BRUSSELS: European Union (EU) ministers agreed on a two-billion-euro plan yesterday (Mar 20) to raid their own arsenals and jointly purchase desperately needed ammunition for Ukraine. RussianUkrainemilitary By AFP Tuesday 21 March 2023, 09:18AM Kyiv has complained its forces are having to ration their firepower over a shortage of ammunition. Photo: AFP Meeting in Brussels, defence and foreign ministers backed an initiative aimed at providing Ukraine with one million artillery shells in the next 12 months as well as replenishing EU stocks. Kyiv has complained that its forces are having to ration firepower as Russias year-long invasion has turned into a grinding war of attrition. Ukraine had told the EU it wants 350,000 shells a month to help its troops hold back Moscows onslaught and allow them to launch fresh counter-offensives later in the year. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said the starting signal had been given and promised Ukraine could count on getting a large amount of ammunition this year. Ukraines top diplomat Dmytro Kuleba hailed the game-changing decision from the EU. Exactly what is needed: urgent delivery + sustainable joint procurement, Kuleba wrote on social media. The first part of the EU plan commits a further one billion euros (B36bn) of shared funding to try to get EU states to tap their already stretched stocks for ammunition that can be sent quickly. The second part will see the bloc use another one billion euros to order 155-millimetre shells for Ukraine as part of a massive joint procurement push intended to spur EU defence firms to ramp up production. How much in stocks? Buying weaponry together on this scale is a major new step for the EU, which has seen long-standing efforts to work more in unison on defence propelled forward by Russias war. Countries wrangled over details, like whether it should be the EUs defence agency or the member states who negotiate the orders and if they should buy only from producers in Europe. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the plan was to purchase from European manufacturers and sign contracts for the ammunition for Ukraine by the end of May. But Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis warned that the ambition to supply one million rounds over the next year was not set in stone. It is possible that we might not be able to reach it, he admitted. After 12 months of eating into their stockpiles, there are questions over how much EU countries can share immediately without leaving themselves vulnerable. The bloc has already committed a wide range of military support worth 12 billion euros to Ukraine, with 3.6 billion euros from a joint fund used to help cover the costs. Officials say that, since the Russian invasion last February, 450 million euros from the fund have gone on supplying 350,000 shells to Ukraine. Key to getting countries to deplete their stocks is convincing them that European industry can step up to produce more. Ukraines consumption of ammunition currently far outstrips the amount its Western backers are manufacturing. War economy mode Brussels said EU firms need to switch to war economy mode after scaling back in the years following the end of the Cold War. The industry complains that governments havent yet signed the long-term contracts they need to invest in more production lines. The EU is hoping that placing a mammoth joint order for 155-mm shells will incentivise companies to ramp up their output. But there are concerns about the supplies of key components such as explosives. We are used to production that is for the peacetime and this time we are in war in Europe, Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto said. This will take time of course, there is also some lack of the materials and so forth. EU internal market commissioner Thierry Breton visited French firm Nexter yesterday as part of a tour of 15 ammunition firms in 11 EU countries aimed at urging them to push ahead. He said Brussels was ready to intervene, including with central funds, to help companies up production. Increasing industrial capacity is essential, he said. Phuket Food Festival set to return PHUKET: More than 100 food vendors will take part in the 25th Phuket City Delicious Food Festival 2023 to be held at Saphan Hin next week. culturetourism By The Phuket News Tuesday 21 March 2023, 04:12PM The event, to be held Mar 28 - Apr 3 at the Saphan Hin Center Stage area, was announced at the Phuket City Municipality offices in Phuket Town yesterday (Mar 20). Phuket Town Deputy Mayor Prasit Sinsaowapak explained that the annual event is held each year to stimulate the local economy and distribute income among food vendors in town, and to promote tourism to the area. Panachai Wasanarungruangsuk, President of Phuket City Municipality Food Traders Club, confirmed that more than 100 members of the club will be taking part. This is more than ever before, he said. A large variety of dishes will be sold at the festival, including sweet, savory, beverages and seafood, Mr Panachai added. The highlight of this years event is that restaurants joining in the event will be serving new creative dishes that are unique to Phuket in order to strengthen Phukets reputation as a City of Gastronomy, Mr Panachai said. We would like to invite all foodies and tourists, both Thai and foreign, to join the 25th Phuket City Food Festival 2023, he said. Nattaya Prepas, secretary of the club, added that vendors at the festival, like all members of the club, will use environmentally friendly containers to serve food. Plastic and Styrofoam boxes will be banned in order to preserve the environment and reduce pollution, she said. The festival will be open to visitors from 4pm to 11pm each day Police chief orders full probe into siege BANGKOK: The national police chief has ordered a full investigation into the 27-hour siege at a house in Bangkoks Sai Mai district, where a mentally disturbed police officer fired his weapon more than 50 times before being overpowered by a Swat team. policeviolence By Bangkok Post Tuesday 21 March 2023, 09:34AM Police at the scene of the siege last Wednesday (Mar 15). Photo: Bangkok Post Royal Thai Police spokesman, Pol Maj Gen Archayon Kraithong, said yesterday (Mar 20) that the national police chief Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittiprapas has expressed regret about the tragedy and has ordered a new investigation committee to provide a full public report into the incident, reports the Bangkok Post. Pol Gen Damrongsak insisted on transparency from all agencies involved in the investigation to ensure justice for all sides in this case, Pol Maj Gen Archayon said. The family of Pol Lt Col Kittikarn Saengbun, who later died in hospital from injuries sustained during the police raid on his house, has also filed a letter requesting an investigation of the takedown last Wednesday. Yesterday, Anuchit Thatsew, the familys lawyer, submitted the letter to the superintendent of Sai Mai Police Station. He said that the parents of the late Pol Lt Col Kittikarn want clarification about the sequence of events that eventually led to him being fatally wounded at the end of the 27-hour, Mar 14-15 siege. Pol Lt Col Kittikarn, 51, was an inspector attached to the Special Branch Bureaus (SBB) Intelligence Development Centre. He was shot and wounded by police commandos at noon on Mar 15. Reports said that he died in hospital later that day. However, the late policemans family believe that police commandos might have used unnecessary firepower, which caused the injuries that led to the fatal seizure he suffered later in hospital. According to crime scene investigators, there were bullet holes in the back wall next to the window Pol Lt Col Kittikarn had been seen at and more all over the house. The family has speculated that there was more gunfire than previously thought. Mr Anuchit said the family had asked police to wait until Pol Lt Col Kittikarns parents arrived at the scene before storming the house. Even though the police had allowed a video call between him and his mother during the standoff, [the family] think that they should have been there in person, he added. Pol Maj Gen Somkuan Puengsap, the deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, said that the investigation team would be joined by an attorney to act as an impartial third party according to the law. But Pol Lt Col Kittikarns family want the investigation completed within three days, which Pol Maj Gen Somkuan thought unrealistic. He insisted the police would compensate the family and promised a fair investigation into the cause of Pol Lt Col Kittikarns death. Press Release March 21, 2023 REVILLA SLAMS BI ON ARBITRARY OFFLOADING IN LIGHT OF DATA SENATOR Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr. today blasted the Bureau of Immigration (BI) after it released a statement on the viral offloading incident at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). In a now viral video that surfaced on social media, a Filipino passenger intending to travel to Israel ranted her experience in the hands of an Immigration Officer (IO) in detail, especially 'irrelevant' queries about her to the extent of demanding from her to produce her school yearbook. This caused the traveler to miss her flight despite being at the airport several hours before the scheduled time of departure. Worse, the traveler had to shell out an additional sum of money to cover rebooking expenses. According to Revilla, his office has received numerous concerns and complaints about the prevalence of arbitrary offloading at NAIA, and was in the process of investigating the matter when the issue blew up. "Tinitingnan na namin ito since last year, at eto at pumutok na. Mismong kaibigan ni Congressman Bryan Revilla na papasyal lang sa Singapore twice inoffload despite our correspondence with BI," he shared. "Ang katwiran ng BI, iba raw yung nasa legal at head office nila sa mga nasa airport. Wala daw silang control sa mga nasa airport. Tama ba 'yun?," he asked. Revilla criticized the BI's existing offloading practices saying that while the spirit behind it may be noble, the results speak for itself. "Sa pagkakataong ito, it looks like the solution being implemented is worse than the problem," the solon said. According to the BI, of the 32,404 Filipinos offloaded in 2022, only 472 were related to human trafficking, 873 allegedly misrepresented themselves, while 10 were minors. "Sa lagpas 30,000 na inoffload at inabala ng immigration na yan, wala pang 4.2% niyan ang may semblance of basis. Mas nakakagalit, only 1.45% ang sinasabi nilang connected sa Human Trafficking," Revilla pointed out. "Over 95% talagang inabala at pinagastos lang. Ibig sabihin, isa lang sa bawat dalawampung inoffload nila ang medyo may basis. 'Di ba kalokohan 'yan?," the lawmaker stressed. "Sobrang daming naabala. Sobrang daming nasayang na oras at pera. This really says something about the accuracy and efficiency of their [Bureau of Immigration] performance." "Anong nangyayayari sa Bureau of Immigration? Nakakahiya! Hindi ganyang klase ng serbisyo publiko ang dapat natatanggap ng mga tao. Ngayon kasi, para bang all Filipinos are human traffickers unless proven otherwise! Bakit niyo hahanapan ng yearbook? Bakit niyo hahanapan ng graduation photo? Hindi ko maisip para saan. Our people deserve to be treated better, if not fairly. Kaya kung hindi niyo matutuwid iyang di matapos-tapos na kalokohan niyo, mag-resign na lang kayo!", Revilla said in disappointment. The senator believes that the BI practice is a brazen disregard of the constitutionally guaranteed right to travel, explaining that it may even be an outright transgression on the power of the Courts to issue Hold Departure Orders (HDO) upon cause. "Parang daig pa nila ang korte. Napaka-absurd yata na yung nakagawa ng krimen, basta't walang HDO makakaalis, pero yung mga ordinaryong Pilipino na gusto lang makaranas ng bakasyon sa ibang bansa, basta-basta lang iniipit at hindi pinaaalis. Over-stepping na yan," he added. The practice of offloading continues despite existing rules laid down by the Department of Justice' Memorandum Circular No. 036, s. 2015 that promulgated revised guidelines on Departure Formalities for International-Bound Passengers. The circular provides that only when a tourist passenger is identified by the immigration officer to have doubtful purpose of travel, fraudulent, falsified or tampered travel documents, or identified as a potentially trafficked person may he/she be not cleared for departure or recommended for deferred departure and turned over to the Travel Control and Enforcement Unit. The issuance also states that "[a]s much as practicable, secondary inspection shall not exceed 10 minutes unless extraordinary circumstances require a longer period of inspection". "This is obviously being abused. Napakalaki ng latitude being given to these IOs. Sobrang broad ng authority at ng discretion. Daig pa nila mga consul sa pag-iissue ng visa," Revilla ended. You might not be able to directly taste the small dose of vanilla extract that goes into a batch of brownies, but the work its doing to round out the flavor of the chocolate is significant. In fact, no matter what youre baking, the recipe probably calls for mighty vanilla. The indispensable extract brings fragrance and warmth to any bake, working behind the scenes to enhance the flavor of milk, sugar, and, yes, even dark chocolate. Most cookie doughs and cake batters call for at least a splash of vanilla extractbut what happens if you run out? Can you still bake without it? Short answer: Yep! Below youll find a few suggestions for vanilla extract substitutes to turn to for almost any bake, but first: What is vanilla extract? Vanilla is derived from orchids of the Vanilla genus. Grown across the globenotably in Mexico, Madagascar, and Tahitivanilla is one of the worlds most expensive spices, second only to saffron, because of the massive effort it takes to produce each pod. Most vanilla orchids are painstakingly hand-pollinated. The pods are then hand-harvested and cured, after which they can be sold as whole vanilla beans or further processed to make vanilla extract (the product of vanilla beans steeped in alcohol), vanilla paste (extract blended with vanilla bean seeds and a flavorless thickener that helps its signature specks stay suspended in the mixture), and various other vanilla products. Pure vs. imitation vanilla: Youll find a few different types of vanilla extract at the grocery store. One critical distinction to look out for is pure vanilla extract vs. imitation vanilla flavor. Pure vanilla extract is made with real vanilla beans, while imitation vanilla is dyed with caramel color and flavored with synthetic vanillin (the primary flavor component of vanilla). We generally recommend using pure vanilla extractexcept for when we dont. Story continues But not all pure vanilla extracts are created equal. In her guide to all things vanilla, Associate Food Editor Kendra Vaculin advises that when shopping for high-quality vanilla extract, you should check the ingredients to ensure youre buying a simple mixture containing just water, alcohol, and vanilla bean extractives. Some brands may include 3% to 5% sugar in the blend to stabilize the mixture. But any extracts with a higher sugar percentageor that include corn syrup or another added sweetenershould be avoided as they can mess with the final texture and taste of your baking project, Kendra writes. Our philosophy on vanilla substitutions: When it comes to substituting vanilla extract, we have two basic rules: Rule #1: Choose your bake wisely. If youre totally out of vanilla, dont choose a recipe like sugar cookies or vanilla ice cream, where vanilla is the star of the show. Instead, check out some of our favorite fruity or chocolaty dessert recipes. Rule #2: Your baked goods dont really need vanilla extract. Unlike baking powder, which plays a crucial role in establishing the structure of baked goods, vanilla is more expendable. If you dont have any on hand, you can almost always omit the vanilla without impacting the final texture of your baked goods; although the rich flavor extractor any form of vanillabrings will certainly be altered. Just remember one thing: flavor comes first. Focus on finding a substitution that will add impactful flavor to your bake: citrus zest, spices like cinnamon and cardamom, and other flavorful ingredients like espresso powder, instant coffee, or pure maple syrup. (Note that youll need to account for syrups sweetness and adjust the recipe accordingly.) You can also play around with other extracts, like peppermint or almond extract. (Note that these extracts are much more potent than vanillasubstitute tsp. per 1 tsp. vanilla.) Those arent the only vanilla substitutions that work, though. Here are a few more swaps to keep in your back pocket. Vanilla bean paste or whole vanilla beans: The best vanilla extract substitute is actually an upgrade. Vanilla bean paste or whole vanilla beans will intensify the flavor of your baked goods and should be used wherever a more substantial vanilla essence is desired (like in custard, Bundt cake, buttercream, or shortbread). As a bonus, theyll speckle the final product with eye-catching flecks. Use 1 tsp. vanilla bean paste per 1 tsp. vanilla extract (a 1:1 substitution), or the scraped seeds from 1 vanilla bean per 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract. Once youve scraped the seeds, dont throw out that pod: Infuse it into creme anglaise (the base for ice cream), store it in a jar of granulated sugar to make vanilla sugar, or use it to make homemade vanilla extract (more on that below). Heilala Vanilla Bean Paste $25.00, Heilala Note that these ingredients can be quite expensive and should be used judiciously. Dont bother using whole vanilla beans in chocolate cake, where the chocolate will mask the vanilla pods nuanced floral flavor. Homemade vanilla extract: Making your own vanilla extract is one surefire way to guarantee you never run out. The DIY technique is technically an infusion, not an extraction, and involves soaking vanilla bean pods in alcoholand while its the preferred choice of frequent bakers like Ina Garten and Zoe Francois, others, like Stella Parks, advise against it. Still, its an enjoyable project you can customize to your taste. To make homemade vanilla extract, steep split, scraped vanilla beans in the alcohol of your choice: bourbon, vodka, or rum will each impart its distinct flavor to the infusion. Youll need at least 3 weeks for the alcohol to infuse. After that initial soak, though, you can continue to top off the jar with alcohol and add more vanilla pods for a lifetime supply of vanilla. Follow this recipe to make your own vanilla extract. Vanilla Extract Vanilla Extract Alana Chernila Call upon the spirits: Want to experiment with flavor? Try using liquor in place of vanilla extract. Barrel-aged spirits like bourbon, brandy, and dark rum make great substitutes for vanilla extract, as their oaky flavor profiles will impart a similar warmth. Or change course completely by swapping in a liqueur like Frangelico (a hazelnut liqueur thatll give your bake a nutty flavor), Pernod (an anise-flavored liqueur thatll add licorice-like undertones), or Grand Marnier (an orange liqueur thatll brighten any bake). If you have vanilla liqueur (like this one from Kahlua), all the better. Use your choice of spirit or liqueur as a 1:1 substitute for the amount of vanilla called for in the recipe, keeping in mind the sweetness of your sub. Read more on how to bake with liqueurs, spirits, or fortified wines, then go raid your liquor cabinet. Then finish your boozy bake with a dollop of Angostura whipped cream. Liquor Instead Of Vanilla - HERO Photo by Joseph De Leo Alcohol-free vanilla substitutes: Since vanilla extract is used in such small quantities in most recipes, the alcohol content of the final product is generally not considered high enough to have any significant effects. But if you want to bake without alcohol, there are a few great booze-free vanilla options on the market. Vanilla powdermade from either dried vanilla or vanilla extractives, plus a base to help control its potencyhas all the depth of flavor of vanilla extract, but none of the alcohol. Its an easy swap: Use vanilla powder as a 1:1 substitute for vanilla extract in any recipe (incorporate it with the rest of the dry ingredients). Pure ground vanilla (also sometimes referred to as vanilla powder), like the Tanzanian ground vanilla from Burlap & Barrel, is a more potent (and more expensive) option; use half the amount when substituting for vanilla extract. Note that products labeled Bourbon vanilla usually have no relation to whiskey. Rather, this is a variety of vanilla named for Ile Bourbon, a former name for the island of Reunion off the coast of Madagascar. Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Powder $29.00, Amazon Burlap and Barrel Nyanza Vanilla Powder $25.00, Burlap and Barrel Since theyre dried, these powders are a wonderfully versatile vanilla extract substitute. Combine them with granulated or powdered sugar to make vanilla-flavored sugar, which you can use to coat doughnuts or snickerdoodles. If you prefer your vanilla extract in liquid form, shop our favorite alcohol-free vanilla extract here. Now get back to baking: Gateau Nantais Clotilde Dusoulier Originally Appeared on Epicurious The federal government says endangered Atlantic salmon can coexist with dams on a river in Maine, dealing a blow to environmentalists who want to remove the dams Have an interesting bit of news youd like to see mentioned in the Along the Way column? Email it to Natasha Connolly at news@thesunchronicle.com . Parliament has adopted a divisive pension bill raising the retirement age in France from 62 to 64, after lawmakers in the lower chamber rejected two no-confidence votes against the government FILE - The execution chamber at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution is shown as Security Institution Warden Randy Blades look on in Boise, Idaho on Oct. 20, 2011. A bill that would allow Idaho to kill condemned inmates by firing squad is headed to the governor's desk after passing the Legislature with a veto-proof majority. Firing squads will only be used if the state cannot obtain the drugs needed for lethal injections. OTTAWA The federal government acknowledges in a new court filing that the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and the RCMP interviewed a Mauritanian man at a Guantanamo Bay prison in 2003. But the government denies Canada supplied faulty information that contributed to the detention and torture of Mohamedou Ould Slahi, who was held at the U.S. offshore military prison in Cuba for 14 years. Slahi, 52, filed a lawsuit last year seeking damages over Canada's alleged role in his imprisonment at Guantanamo, where he says he suffered beatings, sleep deprivation, sexual assault and death threats. In a statement of defence submitted to Federal Court, the attorney general of Canada says events that befell Slahi were exclusively the result of actions and decisions of foreign officials. "Canada denies that it engaged in unlawful conduct whether under Canadian law, American law, or international law in the course of any interviews with the plaintiff at Guantanamo Bay." Slahi, a Mauritanian citizen with permanent resident status in Canada, lived in Montreal in late 1999 and early 2000 upon moving from Germany. He left Canada after the RCMP started questioning him about supposed ties to Ahmed Ressam, the so-called millennium bomber who planned to attack the Los Angeles airport. Slahi denies ever meeting Ressam. Slahi's amended statement of claim, filed in January of this year, says surveillance during his brief period in Montreal pushed him to return to West Africa, setting off a lengthy pattern of arrests, interrogations and imprisonment. The statement says he was arrested on arrival in Senegal and interrogated by American officials about the same allegations Canadian authorities had pursued. "In the aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001, Slahi was again arrested in Mauritania at the behest of the United States," the statement of claim reads. "He was kidnapped and transported against his will on a CIA-orchestrated rendition plane to Jordan, where he was interrogated and tortured for eight months, before being rendered to Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan and then onwards to Guantanamo Bay." Story continues Slahi contends that Canadian authorities induced him to leave the country so he could be arrested and interrogated in countries where the rule of law and international human rights are not respected. He also alleges Canadian authorities contributed to his detention and torture by sharing "false and exaggerated intelligence" about him without appropriate safeguards. Slahi, whose story became a bestselling memoir and Hollywood film, was released from Guantanamo in 2016 and now lives in the Netherlands. He maintains he was tortured based on information derived from Canadian authorities. "For example, his interrogators pressed him about a phone call in Montreal in which Slahi invited someone for tea and asked him to bring sugar," the claim says. "His interrogators insisted the request for 'sugar' was code for 'explosives.' This made no sense to Slahi and was entirely untrue." Eventually, Slahi's statement says, the torture broke him down and he falsely confessed to a plan to blow up Toronto's CN Tower a building he didn't even know. Slahi argues Canadian authorities had knowledge of his torture and mistreatment leading up to the confession. "In the alternative, they should have known, or showed reckless disregard or wilful blindness to his torture and mistreatment," the statement says. In its defence, Canada denies any role in Slahi's arrest, detention, interrogation and alleged mistreatment after the events of 9-11, whether at Guantanamo Bay or anywhere else. The government says while Canada shared information with other governments or foreign agencies, it was not false, faulty or exaggerated. The statement of defence also says Canadian authorities did not aggressively monitor Slahi or induce him to leave Canada. However, it acknowledges a Canadian official called Slahi's family at one point to say he should not return to Canada. Canada was granted access to Slahi at Guantanamo "to conduct interviews restricted to intelligence and law enforcement purposes," the statement adds. CSIS interviewed Slahi in February 2003, while the RCMP questioned him in May that year, the defence says. "Canada denies any role including encouragement, inducement, conspiracy, contribution or participation in the plaintiff's alleged mistreatment at Guantanamo Bay." This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 20, 2023. Jim Bronskill, The Canadian Press Police believe a Colorado dentist laced his wifes pre-workout protein shakes with arsenic and cyanide, eventually killing his spouse so he could be with a woman he was having an affair with An American aid worker and a French journalist kidnapped and held by Islamist extremists were freed on Monday, four days after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken paid a visit to West Africa An attorney for three Haitian men who claim in a U.S. lawsuit that the former mayor of their small hometown subjected his political opponents to violence and terror called the defendant a small, petty tyrant during closing arguments Alex Hinton is distinguished professor of anthropology and the director of the Center for the Study of Genocide and Human Rights at Rutgers University, Newark. @AlexLHinton Craig Borges is executive editor and general manager of The Sun Chronicle. Reach him at 508-236-0337 or at cborges@thesunchronicle.com Rasmus Paludan burns a Quran on January 21, 2023, outside the Turkish embassy in Stockholm, Sweden (Getty Images) A Danish far-right politician planning to burn a copy of the Quran during a visit to Wakefield will not be allowed access into the UK, the security minister has said. Tom Tugendhat said Danish-Swedish Rasmus Paludan, the leader of the Stram Kurs party founded in 2017, has been added to the warnings index and will be barred from entering the country. Mr Paludan has held several protests in which the Quran was burned, some of which have led to violent counter-protests. In a Twitter video on Sunday, he said that he plans to burn a copy of the Islamic sacred book in a public square in the English city of Wakefield, West Yorkshire, this week to coincide with Ramadan. Speaking in the Commons during Home Office questions, Labour MP for Wakefield Simon Lightwood raised concerns over the potential visit and protest. He said: Far-right Islamophic Danish politician Rasmus Paludan said he is going to travel from Denmark to Wakefield for the sole purpose of burning a Quran in a public place. Mr Paludan was previously jailed in Denmark for his hateful and racist statements. He is a dangerous man that should not be allowed into this country. Can the Home Secretary assure me and my community that the Government is taking action to prevent this? Mr Tugendhat replied: May I inform the House that Mr Paludan has been added to the warnings index and therefore his travel to the United Kingdom would not be conducive with the public good and he will not be allowed access. Police confirmed earlier this month that they spoke to a pupil who sent death threats to an autistic boy after he caused minor damage to a copy of the Quran in Wakefield. A Year 10 student took the Islamic text to Kettlethorpe High School on February 23, reportedly as part of a dare, and its cover was slightly torn while smears of dirt were found on some pages. The boys mother, who said he is 14 and has high functioning autism, said he received death threats over the incident. Story continues West Yorkshire Police said an officer gave words of advice to one student who sent malicious communications to the boy. The force added they initially treated the damage done to the Quran as a hate incident, but officers are now satisfied that no criminal offences were committed in relation to the book. Kettlethorpe High School said it suspended four students over the incident. SEAN BERGEL, Wheeler, Baseball, Junior; Bergel struck out eight and allowed only five hits as Wheeler defeated Griswold in its season opener. Bergel walked just one batter and allowed two earned runs. CAMI BROWN, Stonington, Softball, Junior; Brown finished 11 for 16 in four games for the Bears. Brown doubled four times, tripled twice and drove in nine runs. CASEY MACERA, Westerly, Girls Lacrosse, Freshman, Macera scored five goals in a Division III win against Rocky Hill. Westerly ended a 15-game losing streak with the victory. ADAM CARPENTER, Chariho, Baseball, Sophomore; Carpenter pitched a two-hitter in his varsity debut as the Chargers beat East Providence. Carpenter carried a no-hitter into the sixth. He struck out 10 and did not walk a batter. Vote View Results New York Attorney General Letitia James today issued a consumer alert urging New Yorkers to be cautious of potential discriminatory pricing practices at car washes in advance of Pesach. In previous years, there have been reports of car wash businesses in predominantly Orthodox Jewish communities in New York City raising prices by as much as 50 percent for Jewish customers seeking cleaning services close to Passover. In the days leading up to Passover, many Jews clean their homes, cars, and other spaces to remove chametz (leavened products). According to reports provided to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), some companies have advertised specials for car washing services related to Passover, but instead, charged higher prices to customers. To protect New Yorkers from these practices, Attorney General James has previously sent letters to organizations representing car wash owners in New York to remind their members that any such business practice is illegal and should be reported to OAG. Taking advantage of someones religious observances and practices is offensive, discriminatory, and absolutely unacceptable, said Attorney General James. For millions of observant Jews in New York and beyond, Passover is an important holiday, and their preparations should be respected, not manipulated for profit. I urge any New Yorker who is concerned that they have been a victim of discriminatory behavior because of their religion, race, or background to contact my office immediately. Last year, we brought this matter to the attention of Attorney General Letitia James and she swiftly issued a consumer alert for which we are grateful, said Assemblymember Simcha Eichenstein. As Passover approaches again, the Attorney General is being proactive and has issued another consumer alert. Lets be clear. Car wash establishments who shamelessly overcharge their Jewish customers for services before the Passover holiday are clearly discriminating against one religious community. That is unacceptable and illegal. Car wash operators, you have now been warned. Dont do it. The holiday of Passover is a joyous time for those celebrating, said Assemblymember Daniel Rosenthal. It can also be a stressful time as there is often a lot of preparation that goes into it. Unnecessary financial pressure should never be placed on any religious community by those seeking to profiteer. I commend Attorney General James for proactively protecting the people of New York from discriminatory price gouging. Scammers constantly try new methods to trick consumers, even during religious holidays, said Assemblymember Nily Rozic. As the Jewish community prepares for Passover, its essential that consumers are cognizant of scammers and look out for holiday-related price gouging. Im thankful to Attorney General James for her continued efforts to crack down on discriminatory practices. Anyone who is aware of businesses using discriminatory practices or believes that they were charged more for services because of their religion, race, or background is encouraged to file a complaint with OAG online or call 1-800-771-7755. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who is reportedly preparing to arrest former President Donald Trump for allegedly hiding hush-money payments, received $1 million from a political action committee funded by billionaire George Soros. Soros has backed at least 75 district attorneys in recent years as part of his ongoing campaign to reshape American society in his warped liberal vision. Bragg was elected in November 2021, has a long history of investigating Trump and his family. Soros defended his donations in a 2022 op-ed for The Wall Street Journal, saying that the strategies he supports reduce crime based on the data he has seen. However, Soros backing of liberal DAs has led to criticism that he is effectively buying elections and leading to the installation of prosecutors who support his leftist agenda. Braggs opponents during his campaign argued that his zeal against Trump was an inappropriate bias for a district attorney. However, Bragg used his track record of going after Trump as a primary selling point during his campaign, saying that he knows how to follow the facts and hold people in power accountable. Soros has spent at least $40 million on the project of backing liberal DAs, according to author Matt Palumbo, leading to the stripping away of bail laws and the decision to forgo prosecuting crimes like theft and reckless driving, which has effectively given criminals a free pass and led to the breakdown of law and order across the United States. The billionaires DAs have stripped away bail laws and opted to forgo prosecuting crimes like theft and reckless driving, effectively giving criminals a free pass and leading to the breakdown of law and order across the United States. Crime has since soared in major cities overseen by Soross DAs. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Road safety experts have reported a 22 percent increase in road fatalities on US roads last year compared to pre-pandemic levels, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). The council estimates that 46,270 people died last year, a figure higher than before Covid-19. Lorraine Martin, NSC President and CEO, has blamed the increased fatalities on substance misuse, social isolation and stress brought about by the pandemic. The large study by US highway safety regulators showed that more than half of the people injured or killed in traffic crashes had one or more drugs, or alcohol, in their bloodstream. The federal government is sending $5 billion in aid to cities and localities to slow vehicles, carve out bike paths, and encourage commuters to use public transit. The efforts aim to reduce the alarming rise of road fatalities in the country. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Gerald Hetzel, one of the German tourists who was violently attacked by a Palestinian mob in Shechem over the weekend, spoke to Kan News about the frightening experience. We felt very very afraid, he said. I felt really really endangered. I didnt know if I would get out of it alive because they had so much hate against us. They surrounded us and we tried to explain to them in English that were tourists, were from Germany, were both not Jewish so were not a target for them. But they didnt understand, they didnt really listen to us. They just screamed at us. They banged the car and then they took traffic signs and rocks that they were throwing at us. Someone pulled out a knife and stabbed the tires and also threatened my friend and tried to stab him. They were throwing rocks that were double the size of my head. The Arabs smashed the windows, kicked the doors, and damaged the tires of the car. A Palestinian Authority police officer tried to help them but failed in quelling the mob, which was becoming bigger and angrier by the minute. Gerald said that the fact that the Palestinian police officer couldnt help them he didnt have a car and he was unable for some reason to call for backup, made him feel completely helpless. Gerald continued driving and the Palestinian mob continued to follow them, throwing rocks and street signs. Fortunately, an Israeli Arab who was in Shechem signaled Gerald to follow him, leading them through side roads toward an IDF base next to Shavei Shomron. At a certain point, Geralds car came to a halt due to the damage tires and the Israeli-Arab took them into his car and drove them to the army base, where they were treated for minor injuries by IDF medics. Regarding the Israeli-Arab who saved them, Gerald told BChadrei Chareidim: He didnt know we were tourists from Germany. He thought we were Israeli Jews who had mistakenly entered Shechem and he decided to save us. He prefers not to be interviewed or be exposed because he has family in Shechem and he also does business there. I met him today in Jerusalem, we exchanged numbers. I thanked him so much for what he did. Kan News asked: Did this change the way you view Israel? Gerald, who has visited Israel a number of times, responded: It doesnt change my entire view of Israel. I think Israel is a very friendly country, I met a lot of nice people in Israel. But it definitely changes my mind about Palestinians and the Palestinian Authority areas in Judea and Samaria. I was never a target there in the past. However, Gerald was exposed to Palestinians virulent anti-Semitism on one of his trips to Israel in the past. Already five years ago, I had an incident in Beit Lechem where I met three 16-year-olds and they were very very nice. But they told me directly that if they see a Jew on the street, they want to kill him. I think its a big problem that they have so much hate in their education. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Israels Consul General in New York, Asaf Zamir, was summoned to Jerusalem by the Foreign Ministry after he spoke against the governments plans for judicial reforms to hundreds of Jewish donors last week. Speaking at The Jewish Museums annual fundraising dinner to over 900 major donors from the New York Jewish community, Zamir said: Im deeply concerned about the direction the country is going in right now. If you want to have a national home, and you want it to be everyones home, it really must be democratic. The government is not planning on dismissing Zamir, who was appointed to his position by then-Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and is the first Israeli diplomat to slam the reform, Yisrael Hayom reported. However, if he continues to talk against the government, he will be dismissed. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) OTTAWA Russia has summoned a senior Canadian diplomat in Moscow over Foreign Minister Melanie Joly's musings about "regime change." According to state media, Moscow summoned Canadian charge daffaires Brian Ebel on Monday to tell him the comments were unacceptable. Joly said earlier this month that western sanctions in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine are having an impact, because the world is seeing effects "on society and how much we're seeing potential regime change in Russia." When The Canadian Press asked Joly if Ottawa is now seeking regime change in Moscow, she responded that Canada is focused on punishing the regime of Russian President Vladimir Putin instead of the Russians who live under his reign. Moscow warns this will further harm diplomatic relations after a collapse in trade and a series of summons on both sides over issues such as Ottawa's provision of security for Russian diplomats and Russia's embassy posting social-media messages that upset the LGBTQ community. Russia also argues that meddling in domestic affairs runs counter to the 1961 Vienna Convention that governs diplomatic relations. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 21, 2023. Dylan Robertson, The Canadian Press Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich said on Sunday evening that the Palestinian people are an invention that is less than 100 years old. Speaking in Paris at a memorial event for Likud activist Jacques Kupfer, Smotrich said, Theres no such thing as Palestinians because there is no such thing as a Palestinian people. We need to tell the truth without bowing to the lies and distortions of history by BDS and pro-Palestinian organizations. Do you know who the Palestinians are? Smotrich asked. My grandfather, who was the 13th generation in Jerusalem, is the real Palestinian. My grandmother, who was born in Metula more than 100 years ago to a family of pioneers, is Palestinian. According to international law, there are five characteristics that define a nation history, culture, language, currency and historical leadership. Who was the first Palestinian king? What language do the Palestinians have? Has there ever been a Palestinian currency? Is there a Palestinian history or culture? There isnt any. There are Arabs who are in the Middle East and who arrived in Israel at the same time as the Jewish Aliyah and the early days of Zionism. After 2,000 years of exile, the people of Israel are returning home and there are Arabs who dont like it. So what do they do? They invent a fictitious people and claim fictitious rights in the land of Israel just to fight the Zionist movement. That is the historic and Biblical truth and it must be told to the Arabs in the land of Israel and here at the Elysee Palace. This truth should also be heard by the Jewish people in the State of Israel who are a little confused and also heard in the White House in Washington. The whole world needs to hear this truth because it is the truth and the truth will win. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) by Rabbi Yair Hoffman for the Sefas Tamim Foundation QUESTION: I work for a school in an affluent community. A wealthy individual bought a house in the area and wishes to register his kids in the school. My boss told me to tell him that there is no room in the school, and he must pay for another classroom if he wants to register his child. This is a lie there is tons of room. What should I do? ANSWER: There are a number of issues at play here. Firstly, there is participating in theft. The Torah absolutely forbids any act of theft even if one is merely one player in the act. Lifnei Iver There is also the issue of lifnei iver, placing a stumbling block before the blind, found in Vayikra (19:14) to your own boss, as your lie will enable a theft. There are three forms of the prohibition of misleading the blind. There is A] the notion of causing someone to stumble in Halacha Jewish law B] the notion of giving someone bad advice C] physically placing an object that is harmful before another person. Most authorities hold that one who violates type a is also in violation of type b (see Igros Moshe YD I #3, Achiezer vol. III, 65:9 and 81:17). It is interesting to note that Rav Moshe Feinstein writes that violating type a is a sin between man and Hashem, not between man and his friend (IM OC IV #13). Boss Is Doing It Willfully One may suggest that perhaps your boss is purposefully violating halachah. Hes not blind he is stealing with full knowledge! The Rambam addresses this question in his comments to the Mishnah in Shviis (5:6): This means to say that when temptation and the evil inclination have shut the eyes of an individual, do not assist him in adding to his blindness. While this is true regarding willful type a violations, it is not so clear-cut regarding a willful violation under type b giving someone bad advice. Rav Chaim Ozer Grozinsky (Achiezer ibid) rules that when the victim is willfully doing something against his best interests, the Rishonim hold there is no prohibition. Rav Feinstein, ztl, agrees. The Rambam, however, rules that there is a prohibition (Hilchos Rotzayach 12:14). Generally speaking, the rule of thumb is to be stringent. Rabbinic Violation There is another issue too. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 6b) explains that the actual prohibition of lifnei iver is violated by the enabler only when the victim could not have violated the prohibition without the enabler. This is called trei ivrah dnahara two sides of the river. The classic example is of a nazir who vowed not to drink wine, and you are the only person who can hand him the wine, since it is on the other side of the river. If the wine is on the same side of the river, it may involve a different, rabbinic prohibition called mesaya lidei ovrei aveirah assisting the hands of evildoers. Who cares whether it is biblical or rabbinical? Well you may, for one. The reason is that the Dagul Mervavah (on the Shach in YD 151:6) holds that when the violator is willful and it is only a rabbinic violation, there is no rabbinic prohibition either. This could perhaps be a factor in whether one may continue working there. Two Caveats Making It Biblical Again There is a fascinating caveat to all this given both by the Chofetz Chaim (Laws of LH 9:1) and the Chazon Ish (YD 62:13). If the enabler instigated it, then it remains a Biblical prohibition! Another caveat is known as the Mishnah Lamelechs caveat (Hilchos Malveh uLoveh 4:2). The author, Rav Yehudah ben Shmuel Rosanes (16571727), chief rabbi of the Ottoman Empire, writes: if the only other enablers are Jewish too, then the prohibition of lifnei iver is still violated. Do we rule like the Dagul Mervavah that says that there is no rabbinic prohibition when the violator is willfully violating it? Rav Moshe Feinstein (IM YD I #72) rules that one can only rely upon the Dagul Mervavah in combination with another factor. The Mishnah Berurah (347:7) disagrees with the Dagul Mervavah. Onaas Mammon Issue We also find a concept in halachah called onaas mamon. This concept, found in chapter 227 of the Choshen Mishpat section of the Shulchan Aruch, invalidates a sale when the price is either 16.7 percent above or below the market value of the item. Landed properties would be excluded from this law, but it does apply both to movable properties as well intangibles. Halachic authorities debate whether the law is applicable when there is a range of prices and no set market value (See Bais Yoseph, CM, 209 that says there is no onaah in such cases while the Bach and Shach state that there is). Rav Vosner, ztl, in Shaivet HaLevi vol. V #218 concludes that there is onaah when there is no set price in the market, in accordance with the aforementioned Shach and Bach. The Rulings In regard to the verse in Parashas Mishpatim (Shmos 23:7) midvar sheker tirchak stay away from a false matter, there is a three-way debate as to how we understand this pasuk. The Chofetz Chaim rules in his Ahavas Chesed that there is an out-and-out prohibition to lie. This is in accordance with the view of some Rishonim. Other Rishonim hold that the verse is merely good advice, but not binding halachah. A third opinion holds that the biblical prohibition is limited to the parameters of the verse under discussion and is applicable to judges adjudicating law. Generally speaking, the view of the Chofetz Chaim is normative halachah. While some authorities will give dispensation under pressing circumstances to follow the other view, here a lie is being used to elicit money unfairly from the wealthy parent. The line has been crossed to actual theft. You must tell the boss that you will not be party to a lie and that if the boss wishes to tell the parent this message he must do so himself. If you feel that you will be fired unless you conform, then word it in such a way in which you are not lying by saying, He told me to tell you that there is no room. You may not further a lie that is used to illicitly take money from someone else. The Shulchan Aruch rules that a gabbai tzedakah who takes tzedakah money from someone who cannot afford it and is just giving because he was guilted into doing so out of embarrassment is in violation of theft. The same would be true here, because the wealthy man is not donating to the school out of altruism but because he was cornered into doing so. ***Why not subscribe to the Sefas Tamim Emes Newsletter on the parsha? Each week there are four columns on Emes written by Rabbi Yair Hoffman. Send an email with the word subscribe to [email protected]. *** A terror cell in the Gaza Strip planning major terror attacks in Israel, including a shooting attack in Jerusalem in the coming days, was uncovered in recent weeks, the Shin Bet revealed on Tuesday morning. A joint operation by the IDF, the Shin Bet and Israel Police uncovered the terror cell, led by two residents of Rafah, a city in the southern Gaza Strip. Ayman Youssef Yosef Khalik Zakut, 31, and Mohammad Zabri Aram, 40, are members of the Popular Resistance Committees, a terrorist organization funded by Hamas and Hezbollah. According to the Shin Bet, Zakut and Aram recruited Palestinians in Yehudah and Shomron and provided them with training and weapons to carry out attacks against Israeli targets. Two Arabs from Yehudah and Shomron, who were arrested recently for suspected crimes on behalf of the terror cell, confessed that they received instructions and a gun to carry out a major shooting attack in Jerusalem in the coming days. Last month, two brothers, residents of Yehudah and Shomron, were arrested after being supected of having been recruited to carry out a bomb attack in Israel. The network was under covert surveillance at all stages of planning and bchasdei Hashem, was exposed before any of its plans could be carried out. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Over a week after an Arab was arrested in Netanya with a knife in his possession, the police allowed the details of the incident to be published. Last Sunday, it was reported that police officers arrested a Palestinian resident of the Shomron on a Netanya street without an entry permit and with a knife in his possession. No casualties were found at the scene. The investigation, including footage from street cameras, revealed that the suspect stabbed a woman in the shoulder in front of her children and passersby with a folding knife. BChasdei Hashem, the knife only ripped her coat and did not harm the woman, who fled the scene with her children. Witnesses to the scene called the police who quickly arrived on motorcycles and arrested the Arab. An indictment will be filed against the terrorist in the coming days. Below is a video of the terrorists arrest: (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) The United States said Tuesday it is imposing a new round of sanctions on Iranian firms and people accused of procuring equipment used for Iranian drones. Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control coordinated with the FBI to designate four firms and three people in Iran and Turkey for allegedly buying equipment, including European-made engines, to be used for Irans drone and weapons programs. Those targeted for sanctions include the Iran-based Defense Technology and Science Research Center, its procurement firm Farazan Industrial Engineering Inc. and two other firms along with purchasing agents from the companies. Irans well-documented proliferation of UAVs and conventional weapons to its proxies continues to undermine both regional security and global stability, said Brian Nelson, Treasurys undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence. Nelson was referring to unmanned aerial vehicles. The United States will continue to expose foreign procurement networks in any jurisdiction that supports Irans military industrial complex, he said. American defense officials say Iran is supplying Russia with unmanned drones to use on civilians as the Kremlin presses its invasion of Ukraine, which has entered its second year. Among other things, sanctions deny the people and firms access to any property or financial assets held in the United States and prevent American firms and companies from doing business with them. (AP) With new petrol and diesel cars set to be banned from showrooms in the UK in 2030 and across Europe from 2035, there could still be life in the internal combustion engine beyond these deadlines, according to leaked documents. A draft proposal from the European Commission - reportedly seen by Reuters on Tuesday - will allow sales of new cars with internal combustion engines that run only on climate neutral e-fuels. Just last month, the European Parliament formally approved a law to effectively ban the sale of any new car with a combustion engine - including petrol, diesel and hybrid models - in the European Union from 2035. However, in an attempt to resolve a spat with Germany over the EU's phasing out of combustion engine cars, a new stipulation could allow these models to remain in showroom if they run purely on carbon-neutral fuels. Could the internal combustion engine still be saved? Leaked documents seen by Reuters suggests the European Commission could allow new cars running on 'e-fuels' to remain on sale beyond 2035 The documents seen by Reuters suggest combustion cars allowed to remain on sale would need to have technology installed to prevent them from driving if other fuels were used. This would include a 'fuelling inducement system' to stop the car from starting if it was fuelled by non-carbon neutral petrol or diesel, it said. The proposal could offer a route for car manufacturers to keep selling combustion engine vehicles after 2035, the date when a planned EU law is set to ban the sale of new CO2-emitting cars. After months of negotiations around the matter, EU countries and the European Parliament agreed on the 2035 deadline last year. This was formally approved in February and expected to be rubber stamped by the Council of the European Union this month. However, Germany's Transport Ministry lodged a last-minute objection to the law earlier this month - just days before a final vote would have seen it enter into force. The Ministry's headline demand was that the EU allow sales of new cars running on e-fuels after 2035. When approached by Reuters today, a Commission spokesperson declined to comment on the draft document, but referred to comments by EU climate policy chief Frans Timmermans, who said last week any solution must comply with the 2035 phaseout law agreed last year. 'The talks are ongoing between the Commission and the German authorities,' the spokesperson said. An EU official told Reuters that any proposal on registering e-fuel cars would only be made after the combustion engine phaseout law was finally adopted. E-fuels are made by synthesizing captured CO2 emissions and hydrogen produced using CO2-free electricity. A selection of car brands - including Porsche and Mazda - have been looking into their development in recent years, however, they are not yet produced at scale. In 2021, Mazda announced it had joined the e-Fuel Alliance - a group of organisations that want to establish CO2-neutral e-fuels as a credible contributor to reducing transport emissions A study published on Tuesday by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Research found that all planned e-fuel projects worldwide would only produce enough fuel to cover 10 per cent of Germany's demand for e-fuel use in aviation, shipping and chemicals in the next few years. On Monday, Germany's Transport Ministry said talks with the Commission about the planned end of new combustion engines from 2035 were moving forward, but added it could not say when an agreement might be reached. How this could impact the UK's decision to terminate the sale of new combustion engine cars from 2030 is unknown. The Government set out its own schedule for banning petrol and diesel cars back in 2020, with new models with combustion engines due to be outlawed from 2030. Some hybrids will be allowed to remain on sale until 2035, though only those that can 'drive a significant distance without emitting carbon' will be eligible to remain in dealership until the middle of the next decade. Ministers are yet to define what is a 'significant electric-only distance' is for hybrids, and when This is Money contacted the Department for Transport earlier this month a spokesperson confirmed this is still yet to be clarified. The Government has also said nothing about e-fuels and the potential for new combustion cars using them to remain in showrooms after 2030. A US marine watches as the statue of Saddam Hussein falls in central Baghdad's Firdaus Square, 9 April, 2003 (Reuters) It is now 20 years since the United States-led coalition invaded Iraq with the intent to remove the dictatorship of Saddam Hussein and usher in democracy. Despite the hundreds of billions spent for this effort, Iraq is still not a functioning democracy and continues to struggle to build coherent state institutions. Instead, the invasion and subsequent occupation unleashed wave after wave of crisis, from the rise of salafi-jihadi organizations like al-Qaeda or Isis to fallout from the US confrontation with Iran. Today, conflict continues to be an everyday reality in Iraq, from armed groups competing for territory and influence, to the structural violence of a corrupt system where political elites pocket state funds meant for the provision of basic services, leading, for instance, to the proliferation in the healthcare system of fake medicine. Deprived of a decent standard of living - despite the countrys massive oil wealth Iraqis have tried to mobilise in mass protest. But time after time, demonstrations have been violently repressed by state forces, making Iraq today at times as dangerous as ever for anyone who wants to exercise their democratic rights against the kleptocracy. Chatham House has collated reflections from a range of Iraqi and international officials and experts who were involved in, or impacted by, the war and subsequent efforts to rebuild the country. These reflections on the failures of the invasion and occupation offer critical lessons for the many conflicts that rage around the world today. From the very start, the US and its allies prioritised quick wins to show their home audience that the invasion was a success, resulting in rushed decisions that lacked a longer-term strategic vision. The consequences were grave. The US quickly decided to disband Iraqs military and remove more than 40,000 senior civil servants from the state bureaucracy, citing their ties to the Baath Party. These decisions represented a shift in the aim of the invasion from "regime change" to the wholesale destruction of the state. Rebuilding a coherent state after this would require significantly more time and effort than originally envisaged. Story continues A missile hits the planning ministry in Baghdad on 20 March, 2003 (AFP/Getty) The US quickly pushed for the formalisation of a new constitution and national elections to show the world that Iraq was swiftly transitioning to a democratic system. However, rather than reaching out to Iraqis across the country to oversee a truly representative process, US leadership relied on a small group of returned Iraqi exiles who had a narrow vision of what the new Iraq should look like. In the long term, this decision ensured the continuation of the conflict by exacerbating divisions and empowering leaders who were disconnected from the society they claimed to represent. A key lesson for international forces seeking to support regime change or political transitions in other states can be taken from this: working with a small group of exiles who have lived outside the country to form a new system will likely not lead to democracy. The conflicts in Venezuela or Iran involve similar dynamics, where governments in exile or opposition figures work closely with the US against the status quo. Where exiled political opposition is the only advisory source for international actors, resulting policies may not completely speak to the needs of society in those states. The US and its allies believed that a political settlement based on an elite bargain would lead to democracy and the end of conflict. But instead, it entrenched a system of corruption where Iraqi officials across the ethno-sectarian spectrum gutted state coffers for their own gain and left little to be redistributed to society, which remains today without basic services or essentials. In many other conflicts, from Libya and Lebanon to Colombia, international actors support a dialogue with the elite which often does not represent the wider populations and who critically, pursue their own economic interests which sustain corrupt systems that harm ordinary people. Over two decades, billions of dollars have been spent on development aid and stabilisation projects in Iraq, but have not led to improvements in the daily lives of citizens. Around the world, international donors continue to fund development projects that fail to factor in political, security and societal dynamics. This means that many projects from schools to hospitals often are not sustained in the long term. George Bush makes his mission accomplished speech from the deck of the the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (AP) Despite President George W Bushs fateful "mission accomplished" announcement just five weeks after the invasion, a crucial lesson that can be drawn from the Iraq experience is that the peaceful building or rebuilding of a state cannot be achieved by military means. This was a lesson that more a decade later, President Trump failed to learn, with his announcement of a military victory over Isis. The US bombing campaign helped successfully dislodge the groups from the territory they controlled, but failed to address any of the root causes of their emergence in the first instance. The shadow of Iraq's divisive war has left a fear and hesitancy of the US and other states to become involved in "boots on the ground" conflicts and an incoherence in interventions. This hesitation can be seen from the disjointed international involvement in Libya and war ravaged Syria to the more blatant and sudden withdrawal of international troops and aid from Afghanistan and the continuing blind-spot of civil war in Yemen. Iraqs ongoing statebuilding challenges can be traced back to decisions made by US and formerly exiled Iraqi leaders in the immediate aftermath of the invasion, while others can be laid at the feet of Iraqi officials and international allies in the years that followed. Understanding what went wrong can offer valuable lessons for not only those working in Iraq today, but also in other conflict zones around the world - whether they will be heeded, remains to be seen. Dr Renad Mansour is Project Director of the Iraq Initiative at Chatham House and author of 'Once Upon a Time in Iraq' The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced earlier this month nearly $47 million in grants to Wisconsin aimed at conserving habitats and expanding access to wildlife through the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration and Sport Fish Restoration programs. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources uses the federal funds to manage state-owned wildlife and fishery areas across the state, including the Van Loon Wildlife Area in La Crosse County, the Tom Lawin Wildlife Area in Chippewa County, the 10 wildlife areas in Dunn County and the Coon Creek Fishery Area that serves La Crosse, Vernon and Monroe counties. Benefits of Wildlife and Sport Fish Program funding investments accrue to everyone who enjoys engaging with wildlife, fish, and public lands birdwatchers, hikers, swimmers, ATV riders, cross-country skiers, bikers and more, wrote Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources federal aid coordinator Jennifer Gihring. Taxes on items including firearms, ammunition, archery equipment, motorboat and small engine fuel, and fishing equipment comprise the funding. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife service distributed $1.6 billion across both wildlife and sport fish restoration funds this year. Wisconsin ranked No. 8 out of all states and territories in total funds received. The Fish and Wildlife Service considers a states land and water area and number of hunting and fishing licenses when apportioning funds. Projects using wildlife and sport fish restoration funds require a 25% match from the state Department of Natural Resources. Of the $47 million to the state, nearly $34 million is earmarked for the wildlife restoration program, primarily funding habitat and species management. The state agency also uses the funds for wildlife research, public access infrastructure and hunter education. Wisconsin received over $13 million in Sport Fish Restoration funding, largely directed to fisheries and stocking local water bodies with fish for recreational fishing. The program also funds assessments of aquatic habitats and species and public access infrastructure, including a boat launch constructed last year in Merrick State Park in Buffalo County. The department stocked eight bodies of water in La Crosse County in 2022 with nearly 14,000 walleye and trout. Although (Pittman-Robertson) funding focuses on birds and mammals and (Sport Fish Restoration) focuses on sport fish, habitat management is critical to survival of all terrestrial and aquatic species, Gihring stated. Examples of habitat management projects across the state include planting native vegetation in grasslands and removing invasive plant species and improving water flow in wetlands. The department also uses funds for controlled fires to manage young forests, preserving habitats for deer, ruffed grouse and other animals. These environments in the past relied on natural wildfires, which are currently suppressed. Keeping an ecosystem healthy includes management for wildlife habitat, aesthetics, soil and water quality, native biological diversity, recreational opportunities and forest products, Gihring stated. In turn, healthy ecosystems provide economic, ecological and social benefits for all. States with the most registered hunters States with the most registered hunters #50. California #49. Rhode Island #48. Hawaii #47. New Jersey #46. Massachusetts #45. Florida #44. Connecticut #43. Delaware #42. Maryland #41. Nevada #40. Washington #39. Illinois #38. New York #37. Virginia #36. Ohio #35. South Carolina #34. Indiana #33. Texas #32. New Hampshire #31. Arizona #30. Colorado #29. New Mexico #28. North Carolina #27. Georgia #26. Michigan #25. Iowa #24. Pennsylvania #23. Kentucky #22. Oregon #21. Utah #20. Missouri #19. Louisiana #18. Kansas #17. Nebraska #16. Mississippi #15. Arkansas #14. Minnesota #13. Tennessee #12. Alabama #11. Vermont #10. Maine #9. West Virginia #8. Wisconsin #7. Alaska #6. Oklahoma #5. Idaho #4. North Dakota #3. Montana #2. Wyoming #1. South Dakota States with the most registered hunters #50. California #49. Rhode Island #48. Hawaii #47. New Jersey #46. Massachusetts #45. Florida #44. Connecticut #43. Delaware #42. Maryland #41. Washington #40. Illinois #39. New York #38. Nevada #37. Ohio #36. Virginia #35. Indiana #34. Texas #33. New Hampshire #32. South Carolina #31. Arizona #30. Colorado #29. New Mexico #28. North Carolina #27. Michigan #26. Georgia #25. Iowa #24. Kentucky #23. Pennsylvania #22. Utah #21. Missouri #20. Oregon #19. Alabama #18. Kansas #17. Louisiana #16. Mississippi #15. Nebraska #14. Minnesota #13. Vermont #12. Tennessee #11. Wisconsin #10. Arkansas #9. West Virginia #8. Alaska #7. Oklahoma #6. Idaho #5. Maine #4. North Dakota #3. Montana #2. Wyoming #1. South Dakota States with the most registered anglers States with the most registered fishermen #51. Hawaii #50. Washington D.C. #49. New Jersey #48. Massachusetts #47. Nevada #46. California #45. Connecticut #44. New York #43. Maryland #42. Illinois #41. Arizona #40. Rhode Island #39. Virginia #38. Texas #37. Ohio #36. Florida #35. Indiana #34. Pennsylvania #33. Washington #32. Georgia #31. Kansas #30. Delaware #29. South Carolina #28. Mississippi #27. Michigan #26. New Hampshire #25. Iowa #24. New Mexico #23. Nebraska #22. Alabama #21. Kentucky #20. Missouri #19. Tennessee #18. North Carolina #17. West Virginia #16. Oregon #15. Colorado #14. Utah #13. Louisiana #12. Arkansas #11. Vermont #10. Maine #9. Oklahoma #8. Wisconsin #7. Minnesota #6. South Dakota #5. North Dakota #4. Idaho #3. Montana #2. Wyoming #1. Alaska States with the most registered anglers #50. Hawaii #49. New Jersey #48. Massachusetts #47. Connecticut #46. California #45. Maryland #44. New York #43. Nevada #42. Illinois #41. Rhode Island #40. Arizona #39. Texas #38. Virginia #37. Ohio #36. Indiana #35. Florida #34. Pennsylvania #33. Delaware #32. Washington #31. Kansas #30. Georgia #29. Mississippi #28. Iowa #27. New Mexico #26. South Carolina #25. Michigan #24. New Hampshire #23. Nebraska #22. Kentucky #21. Alabama #20. Missouri #19. Tennessee #18. North Carolina #17. West Virginia #16. Colorado #15. Oregon #14. Utah #13. Louisiana #12. Arkansas #11. Vermont #10. Oklahoma #9. Wisconsin #8. Maine #7. South Dakota #6. Minnesota #5. North Dakota #4. Idaho #3. Montana #2. Wyoming #1. Alaska Days before a hastily convened press conference late on Sunday that would make the worlds front pages, Switzerlands political elite were secretly preparing a move that would jolt the globe. While the nations central bank and financial regulator publicly declared that Credit Suisse was sound, behind closed doors the race was on to rescue the nations second-biggest bank. The chain of events, led to the erasure of one of Switzerlands flagships, a merger backed by 260 billion Swiss francs ($280 billion) of state funds and a move that would upend global finance: favoring the banks shareholders to the detriment of bond investors. The events that unfolded in the landlocked nation long a bastion of political neutrality that has secured its standing as a safe-haven favourite for wealthy elites go against one of the key lessons of the 2008 financial crisis. The rescue concentrates even greater risks into one banking behemoth, UBS Group AG. What is more, making bondholders cushion the blow to stock investors from the UBS-Credit Suisse tie-up rattled lenders, pushing up their borrowing costs in a threat to world economic growth. The Swiss National Bank declined to comment while the finance ministry did not respond to a request for comment. Battered by years of scandals and losses, Credit Suisse for months had been battling a crisis of confidence of its own making. In a matter of days its demise was sealed. Soon after news broke on March 12 that the United States would step in to guarantee all the deposits of two mid-sized lenders struggling to keep up with demands for cash, the spotlight was on Credit Suisse and how it would maintain depositor confidence. Customers had already pulled $110 billion from the Zurich-based bank in the last three months of 2022, outflows that it was fighting to reverse. A rainmaker who brokered a number of European bank rescues during the financial crisis, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that after seeing the U.S. banking collapses there was little doubt UBS would be called upon to shore up Credit Suisse. The banker on March 13 rang up UBS warning the worlds biggest wealth manager that it should prepare to receive a call from Swiss authorities. By Wednesday, two days later, Credit Suisse was swept up in a full-blown crisis. Comments by the chair of Saudi National Bank, Ammar Al Khudairy, who said that he could not invest further in the Swiss bank sent Credit Suisse shares into a tailspin. It mattered little that Credit Suisses biggest investor also reiterated confidence in the lender. Theyre a globally systemically important bank so monitored on a daily basis, he told Reuters. Theres no surprises like you would have in a middle-sized bank in the US. Its a completely different ecosystem. Significant deposit outflows followed, the source who would go on to advise UBS on the merger told Reuters, declining to put a number on them. In banking center Zurich and Bern, the Alpine states capital, pressure was building. Yet as the discussions to salvage Credit Suisse got underway, Swiss regulators FINMA and the Swiss National Bank said that the problems of certain banks in the USA do not pose a direct risk of contagion for the Swiss financial markets, conceding, however, that they would fund the bank with unlimited access to funding. Credit Suisse too was conveying stability. The bank told Reuters on Thursday that its average liquidity coverage ratio, a key measure of how much cash-like assets the bank has, did not change between March 8 and March 14, despite the global banking crisis. Swiss Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter, a former translator and teacher just months on the job, told the Sunday media conference that additional support for Credit Suisse had been agreed but held secret for fear of panicking people with a succession of emergency announcements. She said was in close contact with U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and British finance minister Jeremy Hunt. Both countries have large Credit Suisse subsidiaries employing thousands. There was far less communication with the European Central Bank in Frankfurt, said one person familiar with the matter. Credit Suisses arms in Luxembourg, Spain and Germany were far smaller. European regulators were, in particular, worried that the Swiss could impose losses on bondholders a radical step that they did take, as the costs of a rescue spiralled for taxpayers. They did this on their own, said the person, asking not to be named, describing the outcome as a big surprise. A spokesperson for FINMA said that although it laid emphasis on Britain and the U.S. because of the scale of Credit Suisses business in those countries, it had also informed European authorities. Not everyone, however, was kept in the dark. Saudi investors, with roughly a 10% stake in the bank, put pressure on the Swiss, warning that they could take legal action if they did not recover some of their ill-fated investment, said another person with knowledge of the matter. Saudi National Bank did not immediately respond to a request for a comment The money had to come from somewhere, said one of the officials involved in the negotiations. The Credit Suisse board, interested in preserving some unity in an increasingly fractious setting, stood behind them, and argued for a payout to shareholders, said the person. Regulators too wanted to avoid a wipeout for shareholders that would have resulted in the winding up of the bank, potentially a bigger headache for the nation and a loss of face just hours after standing by Credit Suisse. In the end, the Swiss agreed, choosing to wipe out 16 billion of francs of bonds, compensating shareholders with 3 billion francs and turning a key principle of bank funding on its head namely, that shareholders rather than bondholders take the first hit from a bank failure. It marks an ignominious end for an institution founded by Alfred Escher, a Swiss magnate affectionately dubbed King Alfred I, who helped build the countrys railways. Credit Suisse banks many Swiss companies and citizens including finance minister Keller-Sutter. On Sunday, as a panel of Swiss officials and executives announced the deal, they were unrepentant. This is no bailout, Keller-Sutter told journalists. Thomas Jordan, the central bank chief, defended the package, as necessary to counter any wider shock. The taxpayer in this scenario has less risk, said Keller-Sutter. The bankruptcy would have been the highest risk because the cost to the Swiss economy would have been huge. Still, markets are reeling from the extraordinary turn of events. When you are a bank for billionaires, deposits can fly away very quickly, said one of the people involved. You can die in three days. ($1 = 0.9287 Swiss francs) SOURCE: REUTERS The owners of a popular cheese factory near Fremont were found dead inside their home on Saturday, the Winnebago County Sheriffs Office said Monday, and a TV station reported that their son was in custody. David Metzig, 72, and Jan Metzig, 71, were found dead inside their town of Wolf River home around 5:15 a.m. Saturday, and their deaths were suspicious, the office said in a statement. About 7:45 that same morning, officers with the Fox Valley Metro Police Department and deputies from the Outagamie County Sheriffs Office arrested a person of interest at the Heart of the Valley YMCA in Kimberly, according to the Fox Valley Metro Police Department. They did not release the persons identity. However, WFRV-TV in Green Bay reported that the Winnebago County District Attorneys Office told the station that the couples 25-year-old son, Erik Metzig, is in custody. Since 1980, the Metzigs had run the Union Star Cheese factory on Highway II near Fremont, which has been in the family since 1911. Fremont is about 125 miles north and slightly east of Madison. Stories of life, learning and literacy programmes across Tipperary were shared during the launch of Tipperary Education and Training Boards (ETB) Adult Literacy Service Annual 2022. Over 300 adult literacy learners, tutors and Tipperary ETB staff attended the online launch of the 72-page magazine, which chronicles the broad array of literacy events organised throughout the Premier County in 2022, as well as publishing a wide range of written works produced by literacy learners in Tipperary. Six of those adult learners read out their stories to the attendees during the launch, with the themes including everything from memories of the Clonmel Races and Prince Charles visit to Cahir, to a Field of Memories and the history of rabbits in Ireland. The launch also captured the broad range of learner backgrounds with which Tipperary ETB works, including people from countries such as Ukraine and Syria, as well as Irish adults seeking help with their reading and writing. The 72-page annual, which is available in the ETBI Digital Library, includes works by learners based across Tipperary, including Cahir, Carrick-on-Suir, Cashel, Clonmel, Nenagh, Roscrea, Thurles and Tipperary Town. Adult Literacy Organiser for Tipperary ETB, Mary Roche Cleary, thanked all the learners involved for their courage in sharing their stories in whats the 16th Annual edition of this magazine. The Chief Executive of Tipperary ETB, Bernadette Cullen, praised all the learners and staff involved in the development of this annual. This is one of the great days in the calendar of Tipperary ETB. Id like to compliment the six people who read their stories today. It takes a lot of bravery to read in public. It's great to see people having the opportunity to be back in groups and learning from each other. It's powerful to read these stories. Well done to Mary Roche Cleary and her team, as well as the tutors for helping to remove the fear associated with literacy learning. The Adult Literacy Service Annual 2022 is available in the ETBI Digital Library at library.etbi.ie, while a limited number of hard copies will also be available from Tipperary ETBs Adult Literacy Organisers Mary Roche Cleary, Mary Jo Kennedy Deegan and Lavinia English. Any general enquiries about enrolling on an adult literacy course can also be made to Mary Roche Cleary (south Tipperary adult literacy, numeracy and basic digital skills) at 052-6127543; Mary Jo Kennedy Deegan (north Tipperary - adult literacy, numeracy and basic digital skills) at 067- 31845, and Lavinia English (county Tipperary - English language) at 0504-20384. An RTE Prime Time report on the harassment and abuse faced by Irish retail workers is set to air tonight (March 21). The programme reveals the experiences of shop workers across Ireland, from physical attacks and shoplifting to anti-social behaviour. Shane Gleeson, who runs five Spar shops in Limerick city, told Prime Time: "I've had a bottle of wine broken and been threatened with the broken glass. I've had guys with needlesMy son was threatened with a knife." Shane estimates that petty crime is costing him 70,000 to 80,000 per year in just one of his five shops. He said, "We've noticed since Covid a very small element of society has gotten far more aggressive, and it is difficult to deal with. "Routinely, they'll say, I will wait for you outside, We'll get you when you go home, I will kill you I'll burn you out. Tara Buckley, Director General of RGDATA, which represents over 4,000 independent grocery stores, told Prime Time: "The amount of crime, day in, day out, shoplifting, theft, assault, harassment, racist attacks, sexual harassmentour members are really concerned. She added, "Young staff are being harassed; the racism staff, who are from other countries, have to deal with; spitting, kicking, punching, shouting and making a scene in the store, throwing things at them. It's actually out of control." Sisters Sheila and Catherine Clarke run Clarkes XL shop in Ballina, Co Mayo. Sheila told Prime Time: "At the moment, we're almost going through a pandemic of petty crime. Elaine Brennan, an area Manager for Circle K in Dublin, said, "I have witnessed staff members being verbally abused, racially abused and ...physically abused. A small portion of our business will be 24/7 and at later stages of the night we get people in intoxicated. This would bring on aggressive behaviour, which leads to foul language, shouting and, unfortunately, sometimes they will put their hands on our colleagues. A recent RGDATA survey of the owners of 400 convenience shops, forecourt stores and supermarkets found that 95% of them have been victims of crime in the last twelve months. The survey found that 93% have been victims of shoplifting and a quarter have been the victims of robberies or burglaries. Watch the full report Retail Torment on Prime Time tonight at 9.35pm on RTE One and RTE Player. Image and video: RTE Prime Time Implementing an action plan to eliminate racism in Ireland in all its forms will not be an easy task, the Equality and Integration Minister has said. The comments were made by Roderic OGorman at the launch of the National Action Plan Against Racism 2023-2027, the first of its kind compiled since 2008. He was accompanied by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Tanaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Micheal Martin, and Minister of State Joe OBrien. Mr Varadkar acknowledged at the event that racial profiling by members of An Garda Siochana happens unintentionally, and that it needs to change. As part of the plan, a special rapporteur on racism and racial equality will be appointed to monitor the implementation of the plan, and one million euro is being allocated to anti-racism initiatives. The report reflects Irelands aim for zero tolerance of anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, racism that impacts on Travellers and on those of different ethnicities, ministers said. Mr OGorman said it was an ambitious plan of real scope an substance. The plan is intended to be a comprehensive and State-led coordinated approach to eliminating racism in all forms, in all parts of Ireland, and this includes eliminating racism in the form of antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism that impact on Travellers and racism impacting people of African descent, he said. And the plan recognises the existence of systemic racism in Ireland and the need to tackle it and eradicate it. He added: I sincerely hope that marginalised communities begin to feel the benefit of this plan, and continue to engage with us in terms of our ambition and our efforts to entirely eliminate racism. The National Action Plan Against Racism was compiled over two years by an independent anti-racism committee, chaired by Professor Emerita Caroline Fennell. Speaking at the launch, Prof Fennell said the plan sets out its vision of a fair, equal and inclusive society, where minority ethnic groups share full parity of esteem and respect, where everyone is able to enjoy their fundamental rights and freedoms and has equal opportunities in all aspects of life irrespective of their racial background. It is our fervent hope that the plan will make Ireland a better society for all, where every person has the opportunity to reach their full potential and live a fulfilled life in safety and in health. Owen Ward, an Irish Traveller and a member of the committee, said he has extensive experience of racism in Ireland. I remember growing up in Ireland where there was little diversity across the population, with the majority being white settled Irish, he told the event. Even then, I felt the burden of the negative impact from racism that affected our daily lives. However, Ireland is now a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural nation, and we must accept that Ireland has changed and embrace our future. There is clear evidence that racism exists in Ireland and many of us feel its impact on our daily lives. Salome Mbugua, a commissioner for Irish Human Rights and Equality and CEO of AkiDwA, the Migrant Womens Network Ireland, said that in Ireland today we still have people who have strong racist attitudes and deep-seated prejudices. I am a victim of racism myself. Many migrant women face racism daily in public spaces, in public transport, in residential areas, in colleges, in hospitals, at work, and when trying to access support and services. Travellers continue to be treated very poorly in our Irish society, they can hardly access social places, cultural places, and I tell you this as a Human Rights Commissioner, I observe quite often when youre having meetings, and I hear every time how we are representing them in the court, because they have been denied to access social spaces. This must stop. Speaking to reporters after the event, Mr Varadkar acknowledged that racial profiling by members of An Garda Siochana needs to change. He said: I think it probably does happen unintentionally and its not right. I think it should change and it has to change because assumptions should not be made about people based on their appearance. What I hear of anecdotally and I dont have enough evidence to support this, but assumptions can be made about somebodys appearance that maybe their documents should be checked or their passport should be checked when you mightnt do so with a person who looks more traditionally Irish, if that makes sense. A lot of racism isnt malicious, its just that people arent clued in and dont understand these things. Members of the youth group Foroige of Irish-Iranian, Roma and Black African backgrounds who had experienced forms of racism in Ireland addressed the crowd about their involvement in the report. A young Irish-Romani read a poem to the audience about her experience of having a dual-identity, and spoke to Mr Martin after her performance. Mr OBrien said that it was an honour to be involved in the launch of the report, and said his first question in the Dail was to ask for an update on work to develop the action plan. Mr OBrien warned against simplifying racism by saying that it is only perpetrated by racists, and said that the institutional arrangements and cultural norms that discriminate against people based on ethnicity should also be acknowledged. Tire Technology Expo 2023 has officially opened! The conference began this morning at 9am with a welcome address from Tire Technology Expo founder, Tony Robinson. Tony emphasized the use of tires as a form of data capture for tire manufacturers, particularly regarding aquaplaning, and also underlined the requirement for vehicle-to-vehicle communications and the need for integrated thinking between vehicle manufacturers and tire manufacturers. In his presentation GDSO beyond tire identification, the reference for data transfer, Riccardo Giovannotti, secretary general of GDSO, elaborated on this idea of the tire as a valuable asset and form of data capture. Established in January 2022 as the Global Data Service Organisation for Tyres and Automotive Components, GDSO is an international non-profit association and collaborative initiative of Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear, Michelin and Pirelli to define the outlines of tire data standards and a global technical solution for retrieving data from participating companies, based on a unique item identifier (UII), providing various stakeholders with new connected services. ') } // --> ') } else { console.log ('nompuad'); document.write('') } // --> ') } else { console.log ('nompuad'); document.write(' ') } // --> ') } else if (width >= 425) { console.log ('largescreen'); document.write('') } else { console.log ('nompuad'); document.write('') } // --> Other contributors in this mornings conference session included the European Commissions Dalia Broggi, who spoke on the effect of tire aging and wear on wet grip performance, and Pierre Fraisse, Michelins vice president of technical operations, passenger car and light truck tires, who outlined the companys approach to lifecycle analysis, a holistic approach for tire design. Upcoming presentations today include a dive into tire road wear particles from Frederic Biesse, fellow for tire physics and modelization at Michelin; advanced techniques for the characterization of resins in rubber by Dr Jorge Lacayo-Pineda, head of expert field for materials evaluation at Continental Reifen; how different silicas alter the performance of tire treads by Zuzanna Andrzejewska, a material specialist at Apollo Tyres global R&D; and development of self-healing butyl rubber formulations by Oznur Bilge Kavacik, a compound development engineer at Brisa Bridgestone Sabanci Tyre. To hear more insights from the tire industrys leading experts and academics, click below to book a pass for the Tire Technology Expo Conference, which is taking place in Hannover, Germany on March 21, 22, 23. March 21, 2023 As we become increasingly dependent on technology, the risk we face from cyber criminals is now worse than ever before. Looking at the current cyber-attacks statistics around the US, it is scary to realize how much power hackers can have over us. If you are worried about how safe you are from cyber-attacks, these facts about cybersecurity may provide the answers you need. Read these 10 facts on cyber security and take steps to protect yourself today! More actionable steps for enterprise-level companies can be found at https://spin.ai website. 1. Every 39 Seconds, Someone Is Attacked Online Possibly one of the scariest facts about hacking is that even as you read this article, people are being hacked at the rate of almost two attacks a minute! Considering all the information we keep online, this is a crazy statistic and one that should make you think twice before randomly clicking on unknown links. Most of these attacks are from fraudsters who use scripts to try to guess the login information of users on various websites so having good SaaS (News - Alert) data protection software should be enough to keep you safe. 2. 2023 Ransomware Damages Will Be More Than $25 Billion Cyber security statistics also indicate that each year that passes sees more and more money being lost due to ransomware damage. By the end of 2022, these losses had reached a staggering $25 billion! In 2023, this figure is expected to rise which means businesses are at a much greater risk of losing a lot of money. In response to this cyber security information, companies will have to spend more money to safeguard their interests, which could affect the prices of goods and service delivery. 3. Advanced Threat Protection Works! Whether you are running a small business or you are part of a multi-national company, having advanced threat protection is the best thing you can do for yourself. This comprehensive approach to safety covers all the details of security for your company but most importantly deals with protecting your data and assets from cyber criminals. Many people are still skeptical about how things like SaaS data protection can help them but these are such simple measures that have been shown to have the best results against data theft. 4. Many Businesses Are Not Well-protected One of the most interesting cyber security facts is that even now in 2023 when so much is known about the risks of cyber-attacks, many businesses still operate with minimum online protection. You need to have a formal and effective incident response plan if you want to be well-protected against the many threats that are out there. Without this, it will take a lot longer for you to respond to a data breach, minimize the damage, and recover from the incident afterward, costing you a lot of money in the process. 5. Cybercrime Increased by 300% During the COVID-19 Pandemic When researching safety on the internet, facts surrounding the impact of the recent pandemic are always bound to come up. Interestingly, when Covid-19 health and safety measures were in place, cybercrime increased by as much as 300%! One of the major reasons for this is that a lot more employees were forced to work from home. Considering that even after the pandemic, many businesses have continued the trend of having remote workers, this is a threat that needs to be looked into on a deeper level. 6. A Company Can Lose Three Days Due to a Security Breach Even a relatively minor incident of a security breach can have a huge ripple effect on the productivity of a company. One of the facts about internet safety that seems to back this up is that it takes up to three days for a company to recover from an attack. Again, this serves to show how important it is to have a proper response plan in place and to invest if proper safety protocols, such as SaaS data protection. 7. You Need Multi-factor Authentication Gone are the days when a good password was enough to guarantee your online safety. Cybercriminals have since evolved and now have many means at their disposal to breach your password protection. This is why you need to have multi-factor authentication as your last line of defense against hackers. It ensures that each login attempt must be verified before a user is allowed access to any sensitive information. If hackers somehow manage to breach your login protocols, they will be faced with a huge mountain to climb to bypass your additional security. 8. Social Media Is Full of Cyber Criminals As much as we love social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (News - Alert), and TikTok, these are the busiest hunting grounds for cyber criminals. While these platforms do have their protection protocols in place, hackers are regularly breaching user accounts and causing a lot of damage. These days, with the increased user engagements on these platforms, if a hacker gets hold of one user account, they can have potential access to many more. This is why social media users are now at a much greater risk than ever before! 9. The Biggest Security Risks Are Negligent Employees As much as organizations try to invest in proper security protocols for their companies, the easiest way for hackers to gain access is through the employees. At least 28% of all security breaches are due to employees who do not follow the proper cybersecurity protocols. Not knowing simple things, such as using VPNs has been identified as one of the leading causes of hacker infiltration in organizations. 10. Data Breaches in the US Cost More Than Any Other Country If you are in the United States a data breach will cost your company a lot more than anywhere else in the world! According to IBM (News - Alert), the average cyber-attack in the US costs the organization more than $4 million to repair. This amount is not even considering the extended damage to the organizations reputation and the impact on customer loyalty. These Stats Could Be a Life-saver! Reading these stats should be an eye-opener highlighting the importance of proper cyber security protocols. Investing in SaaS data protection and multi-factor authentication is the least that you should do! March 21, 2023 TCN is recognized for exceptional innovation within the call center industry for its latest enhancements to its next-generation contact center platform, TCN Operator ST. GEORGE, Utah March 21, 2023 TCN, Inc., a global provider of a comprehensive cloud-based call center platform for enterprises, contact centers, BPOs and collection agencies, today announced its TCN Operator platform has been named a winner of the 2023 CUSTOMER Product of the Year Award by CUSTOMER Magazine, the premier publication of TMC (News - Alert), a global, integrated media company. This is the third consecutive year TCN Operator has been named a winner in this program, reinforcing the platforms consistent evolution and further elevating TCNs leadership in the contact center industry. TCN Operator is TCNs next-generation cloud-based platform that provides multiple advanced call center tools for driving operational efficiency and productivity. TCN recently announced its latest update to the platform, the Workforce Engagement suite . By centralizing Workforce Management (WFM) and Workforce Optimization (WFO), Workforce Engagement increases agent compliance and performance by presenting real-time training and learning opportunities, resulting in superior agent performance and overall customer experience. A primary factor in constantly enhancing TCN Operator is determining what challenges the contact center industry is facing and then understanding how we can enhance our platform to address them, said McKay Bird, marketing director for TCN. Our process begins with listening to our customers to get better insight into what theyre looking for; that is how our latest enhancement, the Workforce Engagement suite came to be, through acknowledging our customers needs and establishing a way to deliver them optimized call center operations that are seamlessly integrated into TCN Operator. On behalf of both TMC and CUSTOMER magazine, it is my pleasure to honor TCN with a 2023 Product of the Year Award, said Rich Tehrani, CEO, TMC. TCN Operator has proven deserving of this elite status and I look forward to continued innovation from TCN in 2024 and beyond. The 2023 CUSTOMER Product of the Year Award recognizes vendors that are advancing the call center, CRM and teleservices industries. The award highlights products that enable their clients to meet and exceed the expectations of their customers. To learn more about TCN Operator, visit: https://www.tcn.com/call-center-solutions/operator/ To learn more about TCN Operators Workforce Engagement suite, visit: https://www.tcn.com/call-center-solutions/workforce-engagement/ About TCN, Inc. TCN is a global provider of a comprehensive, cloud-based call center platform for enterprises, contact centers, business process outsourcing firms (BPOs) and collection agencies. Founded in 1999, TCN combines a deep understanding of the needs of call centers with a unique approach to pricing no contracts, monthly minimums or maintenance fees that supports rapid scaling and instant flexibility to changing business needs. TCNs flagship platform for contact centers, TCN Operator, features a holistic set of easy-to-use, automated agent tools and advanced apps for omnichannel communications, workforce engagement, compliance & data management, integration & automation, intelligence, reporting & analytics and collaboration & accessibility. Its suite of compliance tools helps businesses meet the requirements of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and other state and federal regulations, including new and updated debt collection rules issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. TCN Operator integrates seamlessly with leading APIs and is accessible to agents with visual impairments. TCN is trusted by Fortune 500 companies and enterprises of all sizes in multiple industries in many countries. For more information, visit https://www.tcn.com/ and follow on Twitter (News - Alert) @tcn. Media contact: Jodie Booras Gabriel Marketing Group (for TCN) Phone (News - Alert): (619) 564-9306 Email: [email protected] Edited by Erik Linask [March 20, 2023] Israel Social Commerce Market Intelligence and Future Growth Dynamics Report Q1 2023: Market is Expected to Reach $2965.2 Million by 2028 DUBLIN, March 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Israel 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 Israel is expected to grow by 30.3% on annual basis to reach US$910.5 million in 2023. The social commerce industry is expected to grow steadily over the forecast period, recording a CAGR of 21.7% during 2022-2028. The social commerce GMV in the country will increase from US$910.5 million in 2023 to reach US$2965.2 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. 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 assss emerging opportunity across various end-use sectors. Develop Market Specific Strategies: Identify growth segments and target specific opportunities to formulate social commerce strategy; assess market specific key trends, drivers, and risks in the industry. Scope This report provides in-depth, data-centric analysis of social commerce in Israel . Below is a summary of key market segments: Israel Ecommerce Industry Market Size and Future Growth Dynamics by Key Performance Indicators, 2019-2028 Israel Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Future Growth Dynamics by Key Performance Indicators, 2019-2028 Israel 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 Israel Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by End Use Segment, 2019-2028 B2B B2C C2C Israel Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by End Use Device, 2019-2028 Mobile Desktop Israel Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Location, 2019-2028 Domestic Cross Border Israel Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Location, 2019-2028 Tier-1 Cities Tier-2 Cities Tier-3 Cities Israel 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 Israel Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Platforms Video Commerce Social Network-Led Commerce Social Reselling Group Buying Product Review Platforms Israel Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Consumer Demographics & Behaviour,2022 By Age By Income Level By Gender For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/75azet About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/israel-social-commerce-market-intelligence-and-future-growth-dynamics-report-q1-2023-market-is-expected-to-reach-2965-2-million-by-2028--301776073.html SOURCE Research and Markets [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 21, 2023] Veeva Systems Announces New Engineering Hub in Missouri Global leader in cloud software for life sciences accelerates job growth and innovation in Kansas City KANSAS CITY, Mo., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Veeva Systems , a global leader in cloud software for the life sciences industry, is growing its operations in the Kansas City region. The company will create more than 100 jobs over the next five years across the Midwest in engineering, product, sales, and services. With the option to work from home or in the office as part of Veeva's Work Anywhere approach, the Kansas City office will serve as a hub for collaboration. "We are excited to expand our presence in the Midwest which has been a great place for us to grow technology talent," "We're proud that another leading technology company like Veeva has chosen Missouri for our ideal business environment," said Missouri Governor Mike Parson. "With an expanding list of cutting-edge employers, our state already stands out as a growing tech hub where innovators thrive. We look orward to the positive impact Veeva will bring to Kansas City and our state's vibrant technology industry." "We are excited to expand our presence in the Midwest which has been a great place for us to grow technology talent," said Greg Whitsitt, Engineering Director and Kansas City Site Leader at Veeva. "For our engineers, consultants, and sales leaders in the region, the office will be a place to build new connections and share ideas to further innovation." Veeva selected the Lightwell Building in downtown Kansas City for its 10,000 sq. ft. engineering hub. The new office will have private workspaces for focused work and carefully crafted areas for meetings and social interaction. The company joins a diverse network of health IT companies in Kansas City, employing 100,000 in the tech sector overall, and nearly 300 life sciences organizations in the region representing a $9.1 billion per year industry employing 34,000 people. "As a hub for the life sciences industry, Kansas City is a key location for leading companies like Veeva to expand and advance their innovative technology," said Tim Cowden, President and CEO, Kansas City Area Development Council. "With the more than 3,600 people that graduate with life science degrees in the metro each year, Kansas City offers companies like Veeva a well-educated pool of talent and a strong network of expertise as they continue to grow." "Veeva is one of the world's most successful cloud software companies. Adding them to Missouri's long list of leading global tech and health innovation companies is extremely exciting for our state," said Subash Alias, CEO, Missouri Partnership. "Veeva plans to hire more than 100 people in the region, and we are confident they will find the brightest talent here, as well as a thriving tech ecosystem that continues to grow and shape the future of the tech industry." Veeva is hiring software engineers, product managers, as well as sales and services leaders in the Midwest to help life sciences companies develop and bring medicines to market faster and more efficiently. Learn more about Veeva's open positions at careers.veeva.com . About Missouri Partnership Missouri Partnership is a public-private economic development organization focused on attracting new jobs and investment to the state and promoting Missouri's business strengths. Since 2008, Missouri Partnership has worked with partners statewide to attract companies that have created 32,700+ new jobs, $1.6 billion+ in new annual payroll, and $6.3 billion+ in new capital investment. Some recent successful projects that led to major investment in Missouri include Accenture Federal Services LLC, American Foods Group, Casey's, Chewy, Inc., James Hardie, Meta, Swift Prepared Foods, URBN, USDA, and Veterans United. Media Contact: Janelle Higgins | [email protected] | 314.541.4911 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/veeva-systems-announces-new-engineering-hub-in-missouri-301777379.html SOURCE Missouri Partnership [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 20, 2023] EQUITY ALERT: Rosen Law Firm Files Securities Class Action Lawsuit on Behalf of Rite Aid Corporation Investors - RAD Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces it has filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of the securities of Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE: RAD) between April 26, 2018 and March 13, 2023, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"). The lawsuit seeks to recover damages for Rite Aid investors under the federal securities laws. To join the Rite Aid class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=9388 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action. According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose, among other things, that: (1) Until at least June 2019, Rite Aid filled at least hundreds of thousands of unlawful prescriptions for controlled substances that lacked a legitimate medical purpose, including for potentially lethal opioids such as oxycodone and fentanyl; (2) Rite Aid pharmacists filled these prescriptions despite clear "red flags" that indicated that the prescriptions were unlawful; (3) Rite Aid ignored evidence that its stores were dispensing unlawful prescriptions, and intentionally deleted internal notes about suspicious prescribers written by concerned pharmacists; (4) by knowingly filling unlawful prescriptions for controlled substances, Rite Aid violated the Controlled Substances Act and, where Rite Aid sought reimbursement from federal healthcare programs, also violated the False Claims Act; (5) as a result, it ws at risk of prosecution by federal authorities such as the United States Department of Justice ("DOJ") and (6) as a result, Defendants' statements about its business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than May 19, 2023. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. If you wish to join the litigation, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=9388 or to discuss your rights or interests regarding this class action, please contact Phillip Kim, Esq. of Rosen Law Firm toll free at 866-767-3653 or via e-mail at [email protected] or [email protected]. NO CLASS HAS YET BEEN CERTIFIED IN THE ABOVE ACTION. UNTIL A CLASS IS CERTIFIED, YOU ARE NOT REPRESENTED BY COUNSEL UNLESS YOU RETAIN ONE. YOU MAY RETAIN COUNSEL OF YOUR CHOICE. YOU MAY ALSO REMAIN AN ABSENT CLASS MEMBER AND DO NOTHING AT THIS POINT. AN INVESTOR'S ABILITY TO SHARE IN ANY POTENTIAL FUTURE RECOVERY IS NOT DEPENDENT UPON SERVING AS LEAD PLAINTIFF. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm. Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm's attorneys are ranked and recognized by numerous independent and respected sources. Rosen Law Firm has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230320005688/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 20, 2023] New England Solar, one of Australia's largest solar projects, officially opened Stage 1 of ACEN Australia's New England Solar project was officially opened by the Hon. Chris Bowen MP, Federal Minister for Climate Change It is one of Australia's largest solar projects to be participating in the National Electricity Market, with Stage 1 requiring the installation of close to a million solar panels largest solar projects to be participating in the National Electricity Market, with Stage 1 requiring the installation of close to a million solar panels ACEN Australia has more than 1GW capacity in construction and more than 8GW capacity in the development pipeline ACEN Australia is a wholly owned subsidiary of ACEN (PSE: ACEN), the listed energy platform of the Ayala group MANILA, Philippines and HOBART, Australia, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Stage 1 of ACEN Australia's New England Solar project was officially opened today by the Hon Chris Bowen MP, Federal Minister for Climate Change, marking a milestone in the project's six-year journey to generate clean renewable energy into the National Electricity Market (NEM). The estimated 936 MWdc (720 MWac) project is being developed in two stages, and was approved by the NSW Government in 2020. The first 521 MWdc (400 MWac) stage of the project has been in construction since March 2021. It is one of Australia's largest solar projects to be participating in the NEM, with Stage 1 requiring the installation of close to a million solar panels. New England Solar was granted formal registration to send power into the NEM by the Australian Energy Market Organization (AEMO) in December 2022, and since that time, has been generating renewable energy. Stage 1 of the project is expected to be generating at full nameplate capacity of 521 MWdc in the coming months. During construction, up to 400 workers have been on-site during peak activity, upgrading and maintaining roads, installing and building supporting infrastructure, and constructing and connecting tracking systems and installing solar PV modules. Around 80% of this peak workforce has been filled by personnel from the New England region. Anton Rohner, CEO of ACEN Australia, said: "The event is an important milestoe for the energy transformation underway across NSW and Australia. I truly believe that the work ACEN Australia is doing to accelerate Australia's transition to a renewable energy future is here and now and it starts with New England Solar. We decided to build New England Solar on a fully merchant basis to ensure it is online in time to help replace closing coal fired power stations in NSW. We wanted to get things built, to decarbonize Australia." New England Solar is being built with the support of host landholders, First Nations people, and the Uralla community. Rohner added: "They are at the heart of what we do, and I want to personally thank them for putting their trust in us. Through their support, we are together in pushing the boundaries of traditional industry thinking and pioneering modern projects for modern energy needs. It's been a team effort. Together with our contracting partner GLC, we've navigated a global pandemic coupled with an extended La Nin~a leading to extremely challenging weather conditions for the construction team who have executed the project safely." ACEN Australia is investing more than AU$ 5 Mn in community funding into Uralla over the next 25+ years as part of New England Solar. Rohner said: "We understand the importance of sharing in the benefits that our projects can provide. I'm particularly proud of the work already invested through the Uralla Grants Program, under the stewardship of the project's Community Reference Group, an independent body consisting of Uralla-based members that bring together a mix of skills and deep understanding of the local region, its history, and the people who live here." Uralla Grants provides assistance and support to the community to promote community resilience, prosperity, sustainability, and recreation. At the completion of Stage 1 construction, AU$200,000 in grants will have already been delivered. New England Solar marks the start of ACEN Australia's journey to take meaningful actions to provide opportunities for Aboriginal people to actively participate in our renewable energy projects. Rohner said: "Just as the Anaiwan and Gumbaynggirr people have been doing for thousands of years, today we seek to harness the sun's resources using new technologies. Our Registered Aboriginal Parties have been a part of New England Solar since the beginning, and I'm so pleased they could join us today for this exciting milestone and welcome us to country." Eric Francia, ACEN president and CEO, said: "ACEN Australia has around 1 GW capacity worth US$ 1 Bn in construction, and more than 8 GW capacity in the development pipeline. This represents ACEN's largest investment outside of the Philippines. With this milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthen Australia's energy security while bolstering its roadmap to a low carbon future as we work towards our goal of 20 GW of renewables by 2030." New England Solar is located near Uralla in the NSW Government's New England Renewable Energy Zone. About ACEN Australia ACEN Australia has more than 1GW capacity in construction and more than 8GW capacity in the development pipeline. Its renewable energy assets include solar, wind, battery and pumped hydro and energy storage projects across Australia. ACEN Australia's first operational project will be New England Solar which has been in construction since 2021. It is one of Australia's largest solar projects to be participating in the National Electricity Market and is the largest solar project in Australia to be financed on a fully merchant basis. Stubbo Solar in the NSW Central Orana Renewable Energy Zone is ACEN Australia's second project which commenced construction in late 2022. Other ACEN Australia projects include New England Battery (NSW), Birriwa Solar (NSW), Valley of the Winds (NSW), Aquila Wind (NSW), Phoenix Pumped Hydro (NSW), Robbins Island and Jim's Plain Wind (TAS) and North East Wind (TAS). ACEN Australia is a wholly owned subsidiary of ACEN (PSE: ACEN), the listed energy platform of the Ayala group. The company has ~4,030 MW of attributable capacity from owned facilities in the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, and Australia, with a renewable share of 98%, which is among the highest in the region. ACEN's aspiration is to be the largest listed renewables platform in Southeast Asia, with a goal of reaching 20 GW of renewables capacity by 2030. ACEN is committed to transition the company's generation portfolio to 100% renewable energy by 2025 and to become a Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions company by 2050. www.acenrenewables.com www.acenrenewables.com.au DISCLAIMER: This disclosure may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risk factors and opportunities that may affect ACEN's plans to complete the transaction/s subject of this disclosure. Each forward-looking statement is made only as of the date of this disclosure. Outcomes of the subject transaction may differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements included in this disclosure. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/new-england-solar-one-of-australias-largest-solar-projects-officially-opened-301776863.html SOURCE ACEN [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Fave 5: Reporter Kimberly Wethal shares her favorite stories of 2022 In the weeks before I joined the Wisconsin State Journal in September, I was told this: Remember that a higher education institution is like their own city. It has its own character and struggles, defined by the students who learn there and the faculty who teach them. I have seen this over and over again, and it was particularly clear when I visited UW-Platteville at Richland a week after the University of Wisconsin System ordered degree-fulfilling classes to cease because of low enrollment. During my visit, I found many of the devastated students to be emotionally invested in their campus community and committed to saving it. It's why Richland Center grieving the loss of its once-vibrant campus is my top story of 2022. UW-Madison has its own slate of issues. There, a growing population is pitted against on- and off-campus housing availability. I wrote about the tactics used to clear returning students out of the dorms to make room for freshmen, and the frenzy that ensued as students put their lives on hold to secure housing for next fall. At Madison Area Technical College, a key issue is how to alleviate barriers their students face just to get into the classroom. Finding adequate child care is one of them I wrote about the efforts to expand future access at the Goodman South Campus and its four rural campuses. Much of my beat is hard news, but some of my favorite stories are features of students who make up the character of campus. I wrote about Kirstan Gimse, the student commencement speaker who's achieving her dream of being a scientist that she saw as unattainable. I'm looking forward to diving deeper into the beat in 2023 and am so grateful for the support of State Journal subscribers that allows me to be one of the few reporters in the state dedicated solely to covering higher education. [March 21, 2023] LONGi Hi-MO 6 makes debut at Solartech Indonesia JAKARTA, Indonesia, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- LONGi has participated at the 2023 edition of Solartech Indonesia in Jakarta, showcasing its new Hi-MO 6 product, a module which is able to meet the diverse market needs of the Indonesian distributed PV market. Indonesia is generally considered to be one of the countries with most potential for solar, due to the intensity and duration of the sunny weather it enjoys. The country's low availability of electricity - just 56% - and a continual increase in domestic residential consumption means there is a significant energy gap, which presents excellent conditions for the adoption and development of PV. Hi-MO 6 is able to satisfy a wide variety of requirements specific to the Indonesian market and was the subject of a great deal f interest from visitors to the event. The module, based on an HPBC high efficiency cell, combines performance, reliability and an intelligent optimisation function with an aesthetically pleasing appearance. As the first PV company operating in Indonesia to obtain SNI certification in 2021, LONGi has maintained a long standing commitment to both the country and its mission of using solar energy to build a greener world. Moving forward, the company will continue to provide clients and partners with efficient and reliable solar products and solutions to achieve both regional and global energy transformation. About LONGi Founded in 2000, LONGi is committed to being the world's leading solar technology company, focusing on customer-driven value creation for full scenario energy transformation. Under its mission of 'making the best of solar energy to build a green world', LONGi has dedicated itself to technology innovation and established five business sectors, covering mono silicon wafers cells and modules, commercial & industrial distributed solar solutions, green energy solutions and hydrogen equipment. The company has honed its capabilities to provide green energy and has more recently, also embraced green hydrogen products and solutions to support global zero carbon development. www.longi.com/en View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/longi-hi-mo-6-makes-debut-at-solartech-indonesia-301777039.html SOURCE LONGi [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 21, 2023] Payments Canada introduces data-rich messages to high-value payments in Canada with Lynx Release Two ISO 20022 will support the introduction of new financial products and services for consumers and businesses across Canada OTTAWA, ON, March 21, 2023 /CNW/ - Today, Payments Canada announced the launch of the second release of Lynx , Canada's high-value payment system. This follows the successful launch of Lynx in August 2021, replacing the Large Value Transfer System (LVTS) that served as Canada's high-value payment system for over 20 years. The second release of Lynx introduces the ISO 20022 financial messaging standard which allows richer data to travel with each payment. As more financial institutions begin to send and receive ISO-enabled payments, Lynx participants will be able to leverage richer payments data to offer new products and services to their customers. For example, additional data such as purchase order details and invoice reference numbers traveling with each payment will allow for increased automation and the digitization of manual and paper-based processes currently required to support payment reconciliation and exception handling. The implementation of the ISO 20022 standard will also simplify cross-border payments as the standard is adopted around the world, and helps align Canadian financial institutions with Swift's global implementation of ISO 20022. "The introduction of ISO 20022 messaging on the Lynx payment system represents a massive collaborative effort between Payments Canada, our member participants, the Bank of Canada and our technology partners IBM and Nexi," said Tracey Black, President and CEO at Payments Canada. "Payments Canada is proud to bring the benefits of ISO 20022 to Canadians through Lynx at the same time as the global payment community. ISO 20022 is an integral part of our broader payment Modernization initiative and provides a foundation for continued payment innovation in Canada." About Lynx A fundamental part of Payments Canada's Modernization initiative was the introduction of a new high-value payment system to support the long-term growth of Canada's economy and payment needs. Lynx facilitates the irrevocable transfer of wire payments between participating financial institutions in Canadian dollars. Lynx is based on the real-time gross settlement (RTGS) model, in which settlement occurs immediately after the clearing of each individual payment resulting in the instant transfer of funds in central bank money from one participant to another. Settlement finality reduces risk for participants and the Bank of Canada, and supports the safety and soundness of Canada's financial system. Lynx is designated by the Bank of Canada as a systemically important payment system under the Payment Clearing and Settlement Act. Lynx is critical to Canada's economy as it processes payments valued at hundreds of billions of dollars every business day. The Lynx high-value payment system will continue to support innovation, enhanced cyber security and resiliency capabilities. Lynx serves as the key mechanism by which the Bank of Canada implements monetary policy. The successful launch of release one of Lynx included the implementation of a new risk model that complies with Canadian and international risk standards and new technology (application and infrastructure). In the first year of operations, Lynx has cleared and settled over 12 million payments valued at approximately $115 trillion. Lynx is owned and operated by Payments Canada and overseen by the Bank of Canada. It is used to send and receive high-value payments by the following participants and their customers: ATB Financial Bank of America Bank of Canada Bank of span >Montreal (BMO) Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS) (BNS) BNP Paribas (Canada) Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) Central 1 Credit Union Citi Federation des caisses Desjardins du Quebec (FCDQ) HSBC Bank Canada ICICI Bank Canada Laurentian Bank of Canada (LBC) National Bank of Canada (NBC/BNC) Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) State Street Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) About Payments Canada Payments Canada is a public purpose organization that owns and operates Canada's payment systems, Lynx and the Automated Clearing Settlement System (ACSS). Payments Canada is responsible for the physical infrastructure and the associated bylaws, rules, and standards that support these systems. It also has a duty to promote the efficiency, safety, and soundness of Canada's payment systems while taking into account the interests of end users.In 2022, Payments Canada's systems cleared and settled over $119 trillion more than $476 billion every business day. Transactions that pass through these systems include debit card payments, pre-authorized debits, direct deposits, bill payments, wire payments and cheques initiated and received by Canadians and Canadian businesses. Payments Canada is working closely with the payment ecosystem to modernize Canada's payment systems to ensure Canada and Canadian businesses remain globally competitive. Contributed quotes "ATB Financial is proud to partner with Payments Canada and industry members on the second release of Lynx. The ISO 20022 message standard and the data enrichment it provides are crucial to the future of Canadian payments. We look forward to the value and improved experience we can bring to our clients as we enable their journey to automation, straight-through processing and leveraging data to create efficiency in the payment landscape." Ryan Rabin, Vice President, Banking & Payments ATB Financial "Bank of America is pleased to support the Payments Canada Modernization program, which complements our own goals to introduce new payments technologies that are natively 24/7, instant and real-time, and that can further the business objectives of our clients operating in Canada and around the world." Leslie Konecny, Head of Product for Global Transactional Services in Canada, Bank of America "BMO is proud to be part of the collaborative effort to introduce the new MX message standard to Lynx. Enabling data-rich, high-value payments will allow BMO to offer our customers data powered client solutions while enabling efficiencies through increased automation." Derek Vernon, Head, North American Treasury & Payments Solutions Product Management and Payments Modernization, BMO Financial Group Chair, Payments Canada Member Advisory Council "Central 1 is pleased to be part of the collaborative effort to introduce MX Messaging ISO 20022 Standard on Lynx. As the Manager of the Group Clearer and the largest payments processor for Canadian credit unions, we leveraged this milestone to build a new operating model that enables us to deliver compliance at a manageable scale while supporting our clients to navigate the pace of change. Combined with access to data-rich payments, this model helps position our clients for continued growth and innovation and puts them at the forefront of Canada's digital payments future." Erick Wong, Chief Product Officer, Central 1 "As a leading global bank, we understand the importance of streamlining payment processes and reducing friction for our customers. The adoption of ISO 20022 standards is a significant step towards achieving these goals, and we are proud to have been part of this journey. We look forward to continuing to work with our industry partners to drive innovation and provide the best possible experience for our customers." John Landry, Treasury and Trade Solutions Head, Citi Canada "We are happy to contribute to the new MX payment format worldwide. The integration of ISO 20022 standard represents a big step for payment systems modernization.The success of this initiative is the result of the excellent collaboration of all the partners." Martin Tardif, Payment Modernization Program Promoter, Desjardins "As the lead technology partner and overall systems integrator in the development of Lynx, we are excited to be part of the delivery of ISO 20020 to enable faster, more flexible, and secure payment infrastructure. In reshaping, the Canadian payment ecosystem, we have an opportunity to deliver a modernized, secure, and world-class payment infrastructure in Canada and we are proud to be delivering on this important initiative with Payments Canada." Daniel Cascone, Managing Partner, Financial Services Sector, IBM Canada Consulting Services "We congratulate Payments Canada on the introduction of ISO 20022 financial messaging on the Lynx payment system. We are delighted to be a member of the globally recognized financial messaging platform, Lynx, since its inception. ICICI Bank Canada believes in leveraging technological innovations to offer improved convenience to its customers. The introduction of ISO 20022 enhances efficiency and transparency of payment transactions in Canada and other countries, thereby enabling us to serve our customers better." Vikash Sharma, President and CEO, ICICI Bank Canada "We are proud to collaborate with Payments Canada to build an even more innovative, fast and secure Canadian payment system. Today's announcement is an important step in the deployment of MX, which will ensure that we continue to deliver a seamless customer experience." Sarim Farooqi, Senior Vice President and Treasurer, Laurentian Bank "National Bank is proud to participate in the launch of the second version of Lynx, a key milestone in the modernization of Canada's payment ecosystem. Migrating to financial messages that comply with the ISO 20022 standard creates value by providing more data so clients can better understand transactions. In a data-driven world, this innovation has significant value for numerous companies." Patrice Roy, Vice-President, Payments International Solutions, National Bank of Canada "RBC is committed to delivering secure and innovative payment experiences for our clients, and the introduction of ISO 20022 is a critical next step in advancing and modernizing the payment infrastructure in Canada. Today's announcement will allow us to continue to deliver innovative payment products which significantly improve the quality of data exchanged across the payment ecosystem by enabling key data such as invoice details, rich structured remittance, or other contextual information, to travel with each payment. As the payment landscape continues to rapidly evolve, this is an exciting milestone that aligns with work being done globally." Ramesh Siromani, Executive Vice President, Cards, Payments & Transformation, RBC "Scotiabank is proud to have collaborated alongside the industry to enable this critical foundation for data-rich payments in Canada. We are confident that this will provide a launchpad for new global innovations as payments increasingly become borderless and context-rich." Chris Manning, Senior Vice President, Global Business Payments Scotiabank "Financial institutions and infrastructures around the world have embraced ISO 20022 for its potential to unlock significant new opportunities in both payment processing and service innovation. Payments Canada's successful migration puts Canada at the forefront of realizing those possibilities, and we look forward to working together to extend the benefits of rich data to the cross-border payment ecosystem." Pat Antonacci, Chief Customer Experience Officer, Swift "Lynx Release Two (ISO 20022 enablement) is a significant step in the emergence of an environment where we can integrate the various payment channels (e.g. wires, bulk payments, real-time payments) to create a seamless payment experience for customers across borders and traditional channels. It's about creating a payment ecosystem with greater transparency, near real-time fulfilment, ease-of-use and cross-border convenience." Alexandre Kade, Director - Industry Relations, Cyber, Data Analytics & Robotic Solutions for Global Payments, TD Securities, TD Bank Group For media inquiries, please visit the Media Centre. SOURCE Payments Canada [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 21, 2023] iMerit Launches AI Data Solution for Content Moderation and Community Management in Video Game Industry LOS GATOS, Calif., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- iMerit , a leading artificial intelligence (AI) data solutions company, today announced a data intelligence solution purpose built to help video game industry creators build more effective AI-based content moderation and community management systems. iMerit's data intelligence solution for video game creators enables studios to better serve their communities by building sophisticated automated speech recognition (ASR) models that conduct sentiment analysis to improve player safety and experience. iMerit's data intelligence solution for the video game industry delivers custom developed tooling for AI and ML teams to build more effective ASR and player behavior classification models. iMerit's highly-trained team of skilled annotation experts deliver human-in-the-loop model verification workflows, enabling AI teams to build sophisticated systems that fine tune content moderation models on contextual nuances. This highly scalable solution enables studios to better understand nuanced gaming language, player intent, and terminology, giving them greater player oversight for maintaining positive gaming environments. "Having robust community and communication within video games is a major factor in helping game studios achieve rapid growth and retention. However, fostering a healthy community at scale can be a challenge. As studios turn to AI to better undrstand and flag gamer behavior, they require better data to ensure the models work as intended. iMerit provides the rich data that enables game studios' AI models to perform more effectively and deliver a superior experience for players and better growth for studios," said Radha Basu, co-founder and CEO, iMerit. For more information on how iMerit leverages technology, talent, and technique to help AI and machine learning teams around the world manage and annotate data to ensure faster time to market and stronger ROI, please visit www.imerit.net . Additional Resources: Case Study Data Annotation Best Practices for In-Game Behavior Moderation 3 Ways Gaming Companies Can Use AI/ML for Safety and Inclusivity Gaming Behavior Moderation: AI-based vs. Human-Moderated About iMerit iMerit is a leading AI data solutions company providing high-quality data across computer vision, natural language processing, and content services that power machine learning and artificial intelligence applications for large enterprises. iMerit provides end-to-end data labeling services to Fortune 500 companies in a wide array of industries including agricultural AI, autonomous vehicles, commerce, geospatial, government, financial services, medical AI, and technology. iMerit employs more than 5,500 full-time data annotation experts in Bhutan, Europe, India, and the United States. Raising $23.5 million in funding to date, iMerit investors are British International Investment, Khosla Impact, Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, and Omidyar Network. For more information, visit imerit.net . View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/imerit-launches-ai-data-solution-for-content-moderation-and-community-management-in-video-game-industry-301776835.html SOURCE iMerit [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 21, 2023] Core Molding Technologies Releases Inaugural Sustainability Report COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Core Molding Technologies, Inc. (NYSE American: CMT) (Core Molding, Core or the Company), a leading engineered materials company specializing in molded structural products, principally in building products, industrial and utilities, medium and heavy-duty truck and powersports industries across the United States, Canada and Mexico today announced the release of its inaugural Sustainability Report, which focuses on its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) approach and strategies. We are committed, as an organization, to further advancing our environmental stewardship, diversity & inclusion, and corporate governance for the benefit of the company, our employees, and for the communities where we live and serve our customers. These commitments reduce risk to our business and promote long-term shareholder value, commented Dave Duvall, the Companys President and CEO. Although this is our first publication of the Sustainability Report, it represents ESG initiatives and fundamental business practices that we have been driving and incorporating into our culture for several years. I am proud of how much the Core team has contributed to, and progressed on, our environmental and social competencies in a short period of time, concluded Duvall. To access the CMT Sustainability Report, please visit https://coremt.com/sustainability/. About Core Molding Technologies, Inc. Core Molding Technologies is a leading engineered materials company specializing in molded structural products, principally in building products, utilities, transportation and powersports industries across North America and Mexico. The Company operates in one operating segment as a molder of thermoplastic and thermoset structural products. The Companys operating segment consists of one reporting unit, Core Molding Technologies. The Company offers customers a wide range of manufacturing processes to fit various program volume and investment requirements. These processes include compression molding of sheet molding compound (SMC), resin transfer molding (RTM), liquid molding of dicyclopentadiene (DCPD), spray-up and hand-lay-up, direct long-fiber thermoplastics (D-LFT) and structural foam and structural web injection molding (SIM). Core Molding Technologies serves a wide variety of markets, including the medium and heavy-duty truck, marine, automotive, agriculture, construction, and other commercial products. The demand for Core Molding Technologies products is affected by economic conditions in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Core Molding Technologies operations may change proportionately more than revenues from operations. Company Contact: Core Molding Technologies, Inc. John Zimmer Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer 614-870-5604 Investor Relations Contact: Three Part Advisors, LLC Sandy Martin or Steven Hooser 214-616-2207 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 21, 2023] INEO to Participate in Upcoming Retail Loss Prevention and Out-of-Home Advertising Conferences Retail Secure Conference will be taking place in Mississauga, ON , March 21, 2023 , 2023 OAAA/Geopath OOH Media Conference will be taking place in Nashville, TN , March 27-29, 2023 SURREY, BC, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - INEO Tech Corp. (TSXV: INEO) (OTCQB: INEOF) (the "Company" or "INEO"), the innovative developer and operator of the INEO Media Network, a digital advertising and analytics solution for retailers, is pleased to announce the Company's representatives will be participating in the following upcoming industry conferences: Retail Secure Conference: Canada's Loss Prevention Conference Date: March 21, 2023 Location: Mississauga, ON Booth: The International Centre Booth #11 (in Prosegur Security's booth) Website: https://rccretailsecure.ca/ 2023 OAAA/Geopath OOH Media Conference Date: March 27-29, 2023 Location: Nashville, TN Website: https://oaaa.org/news/conferencs-2023-oaaa-ooh-media-conference/ Kyle Hall, CEO of INEO, will be attending both conferences. Additionally, the INEO Welcoming System will be showcased inside the Prosegur Security booth at the Retail Secure Conference. Hosted by Retail Council of Canada, RCC's Retail Secure Conference brings top retail loss prevention experts, industry suppliers, security and law enforcement professionals together to explore actionable systems and forward-thinking retail solutions. This annual event for retail loss prevention professionals is Canada's only retail conference developed specifically to address contemporary preventative loss mitigation strategies. Organized by the Out of Home Advertising Association of America, the OAAA/Geopath OOH Media Conference is the industry's premier conference, bringing together a stellar line-up of brand and agency executives and industry thought leaders, who will explore OOH's BreakThrough: how the industry breaks through the noise, breaks down the physical-digital divide and breaks up obstacles or misconceptions. About INEO Tech Corp. (TSXV: INEO; OTCQB: INEOF) INEO Tech Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiary, INEO Solutions Inc., operates the INEO Media Network, a digital advertising and analytics solution for retailers. INEO's patented technology integrates and monetizes digital screens with theft detection sensor gates at the entrance of retail stores. The Company's cloud-based platform uses IoT (Internet of Things) and AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology to deliver customized digital advertising to each retail location based on the demographic mix, such as age and gender, of customer traffic at each location. The Company also deploys the INEO Welcoming Network technology through a SaaS-based solution to larger retail chains. INEO is headquartered in Surrey, Canada and publicly traded on the TSX-Venture Exchange under the symbol "INEO" and on the OTCQB-Venture Market under the symbol "INEOF". For more information please visit: Website: www.ineosolutionsinc.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/ineosolutions Facebook: www.facebook.com/ineosolutionsinc Instagram: www.instagram.com/ineosolutionsinc Twitter: www.twitter.com/INEOsolutions Forward-Looking Statements Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the disclosure document, any information released or received with respect to the Company may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. This news release contains forward-looking information, which involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual events to differ materially from current expectations. Important factors including the availability of funds, acceptance of the Company's products, competition, and general market conditions that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations are disclosed in the Company's documents filed on SEDAR, including the Annual Information Form for the year ended June 30, 2022 filed on SEDAR on November 4, 2022. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation, except to the extent required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. 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. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ineo-to-participate-in-upcoming-retail-loss-prevention-and-out-of-home-advertising-conferences-301777166.html SOURCE INEO Tech Corp. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 21, 2023] Finc3 Launches Catapult, an Analytics and Reporting Platform to Fuel Amazon 1P Enterprise Catapult Amazon is the first analytics software designed specifically for established brands selling on Amazon. NEW YORK and HAMBURG, Germany, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Finc3, a data-driven marketing agency focused on global marketplace management and consulting, is launching its own proprietary SaaS product, Catapult, a robust e-commerce analytics and reporting platform. "For several years, we've worked on building our own proprietary data technology to add additional data points critical to our clients who are running a scaled e-commerce business on Amazon. The tool also helps us visualize these data points and improve client adoption," Finc3's Head of Business Intelligence Benjamin Weyrich said. "The launch of Catapult couldn't have come at a better time 2022 Q4 e-commerce sales hit a record high of $300 billion in the U.S. alone, signaling that this is a marketplace ripe for sharper tools to boost brands' bottom lines," he added. Catapult is a standalone service that uses different levels of reporting and analytics focused on the Amazon 1P or vendor model. It also provides customized reporting and analytics for more omplex organizations evaluating marketing ROI, product classes, and more. Providing access to data and analytics that will enhance decision-making and grow businesses, the two initial arms of Catapult will support brands' promotional decisions, product development, inventory solutions, and more. "Many of the brands that approach us have difficulty surfacing their own needs or making sense of the available data," Weyrich explained. "By giving brands access to structured data while also providing them with the foundation needed to apply the data to real-world challenges, the platform helps brands better understand how to analyze and visualize important e-commerce metrics, identify the source of challenges or opportunities they're facing, and ultimately shift their attention to updating their strategies and making data-supported business decisions." He said, "E-commerce isn't slowing down any time soon in fact, it will do quite the opposite. Brands that fail to get their arms around the opportunities in front of them will find themselves falling behind their competitors. But those who make the most of today's data will thrive tomorrow." Learn more about Catapult here: https://www.catapult-analytics.com. Finc3 is a data-driven marketing engine helping brand partners strategically grow on Amazon and other e-commerce marketplaces on a global scale. An Amazon management service specializing in Amazon's 1P model, Finc3 looks to drive ROI quickly and at scale. For more information, visit https://www.finc3.com/en/. Finc3 is part of the Fortress Group, which includes Fortress Brand, an e-commerce marketplace accelerator; Taylor & Pond, a digital marketing firm; and School House, a brand, strategy and creative consultancy. Media inquiries: For additional information, please contact Fortress Group's Chief Brand Officer Christopher Skinner at [email protected]. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/finc3-launches-catapult-an-analytics-and-reporting-platform-to-fuel-amazon-1p-enterprise-301775160.html SOURCE Finc3 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 21, 2023] Sumsub releases Travel Rule guide to help crypto businesses solve the compliance puzzle Sumsub, a global tech company that provides customizable KYC, KYB, AML and transaction monitoring solutions, published its Complete Guide to the Crypto Travel Rule today. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230321005107/en/ Sumsub releases Travel Rule guide to help crypto businesses solve the compliance puzzle. (Graphic: Business Wire) The Complete Guide to the Crypto Travel Rule (2023) was prepared by Sumsub's compliance team to provide an overview of the regulatory landscape regarding the Travel Rule. This guide is intended to help readers understand Travel Rule requirements and typical challenges in implementation. It offers insights on how Travel Rule regulations are developing worldwide and how to build the process of Travel Rule verification to ensure compliance. Sumsub's experts have also prepared a checklist of things to take into account when choosing a Travel Rule solution. The Travel Rule refers to FATF Recommendation 16 (wire transfers) in the VA (virtual assets) context. It requires crypto companies, collectively referred to as VASPs (virtual asset service providers), and financial institutions engaged in VA transfers to obtain "required and accurate originator information, and required beneficiary information" to share with counterparty VASPs or financial institutions during or before a transaction. Since the personal data of transacting parties 'travels' with their transfers, the regulation is dubbed the "Travel Rule." A?cording to the most recent FATF report, 29 out of 98 responding jurisdictions reported having passed Travel Rule legislation, while just 11 have begun enforcement and supervisory measures. However, a further 25% of these jurisdictions are in the process of passing Travel Rule-related legislation. If a business fails to comply with the Travel Rule, it could face country-specific local, regional or national regulatory sanctions. In Estonia, for instance, the penalty for a legal entity is a fine of up to 400,000 euros. "This regulatory shift has jolted the crypto industry: businesses have had no clue how to implement this new FATF recommendation, because FATF does not prescribe anything specific and prefers the so-called functional and technology-neutral approach in its guidance. However, in the long term, we are sure that an optimal solution will be found, and then the implementation of the Travel Rule will become global and more or less unified, except, of course, for countries where cryptocurrencies and VASPs are banned. For example, we can find such regulatory efforts on the EU-level, including the draft amendment to the EU regulation 'on information accompanying transfers of funds and certain crypto-assets,' which, if adopted, will provide a pan-European standard for the Travel Rule," explained Tony Petrov, Chief Legal Officer at Sumsub. Prior to releasing this guide, Sumsub launched its Travel Rule solution for the crypto industry, offering a full compliance toolkit for the whole customer lifecycle. Sumsub's Travel Rule solution covers all the necessary actions, including KYC/AML checks and counterparty VASP verification. The platform also provides a tool for transaction monitoring (KYT) which detects any suspicious activity in real time. "The recent bank failures of SVB, Signature, and Silvergate-all of which service the crypto industry-have concerned the public. Flagstar's acquisition of Signature notably excludes its crypto deposits. But crypto has little to do with the reasons these banks failed, or the reasons Credit Suisse failed, now taken over by rival UBS. The sad consequence of the situation will be that crypto businesses will have a tougher time finding a partner bank. While some critics are eager to blame crypto, questions should be asked about the leadership issues, lack of risk management and compliance procedures in these financial institutions," added Petrov. To learn more about the Crypto Travel Rule and download the guide for free, please visit: https://sumsub.com/guides-reports/complete-guide-to-the-crypto-travel-rule-2023/. About Sumsub Sumsub is an all-in-one verification platform that secures every step of your customer's journey. With Sumsub's customizable KYC, KYB, KYT, and AML solutions, you can orchestrate your verification process, welcome more customers worldwide, speed up onboarding, reduce costs and steer clear of digital fraud. Sumsub has over 2,000 clients across the fintech, crypto, transportation, trading and gaming industries including Mercuryo, Bybit, Huobi, Unlimint, DiDi, Poppy and TransferGo. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230321005107/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 21, 2023] Snow Software Launches New Version of SaaS Management Platform to Address Unruly SaaS Spend Snow Software, the global leader in technology intelligence, today announced Snow SaaS Management, a new version of its award-winning software-as-a-service (SaaS) management solution to support IT leaders' need to take control of their sprawl, manage surprise SaaS costs, mitigate compliance and security risks, and optimize overall spend. Leveraging Snow's significant experience in managing SaaS and available exclusively on the Snow Atlas platform, Snow SaaS Management provides complete visibility across an organization's IT environment to accurately identify and manage SaaS usage with the most comprehensive discovery engine in the market. Empowering IT to take control of shadow SaaS According to a recent Snow survey, 44% of IT leaders said 'employees adding new SaaS applications without notifying IT' is a top concern when managing SaaS applications within their organization. With increasing end-user purchasing power, SaaS vendors have created even more self-service demos, trials and purchasing ability for their customers - agitating and broadening blind spots for IT teams. By removing friction in the purchasing process, end-users bypass most controls that may have been in place previously to assess the suitability and security of an application by IT. Without centralized visibility into SaaS application usage (whether authorized or unauthorized), SaaS cost, application sprawl and security risks can quickly spiral out of control. IT teams can still maintain responsibility for managing these pain points, even if they are not the internal owner of the application itself. "We believe that organizations need a SaaS management approach that eliminates the silos between users, departments and technologies that yields more insights into what appliations are being used and their overall impact," said Sanjay Castelino, Chief Product and Customer Officer of Snow. "With our years of experience in SaaS management and rapidly expanding capabilities available on our Snow Atlas platform, Snow is uniquely positioned to deliver further value to organizations for decades to come. This is a significant moment for Snow as we broaden the reach of our SaaS management solution to the market, taking us another step toward achieving our larger vision of delivering Technology Intelligence to all organizations." More impact with comprehensive visibility and verified usage Snow SaaS Management provides market-leading visibility into an organization's SaaS environment with the most comprehensive discovery engine - a combination of API connectors, agent, single sign-on (SSO) and browser extension - revealing paid, free, known and unknown SaaS applications to eliminate blind spots. Along with comprehensive discovery, Snow SaaS Management provides organizations with verified usage data that offers not only data on application logins but details the duration of time spent in the application down to each individual user. This is an essential feature for organizations to go beyond surface-level understanding of license allocations and highlights opportunities for optimization based on actual usage. In addition to maximizing optimization, this capability supports organizational security by identifying usage of unsanctioned and free applications. Powered by Snow's market-leading Data Intelligence Service (DIS), Snow SaaS Management automatically recognizes, normalizes and augments SaaS application data for more than 23,000 SaaS applications. Armed with this insight, organizations can approach renewals with confidence, eliminate waste and redundancies to save costs and secure their SaaS environment to mitigate risks. Single, consolidated view into SaaS use Built on Snow Atlas, the only unified cloud-native platform delivering insights across entire IT landscapes, Snow SaaS Management consolidates comprehensive details on SaaS applications used within the organization, regardless of discovery method, in one place. With a streamlined user experience, IT leaders can see the organization's SaaS application portfolio and act on the insights provided to drive value from their SaaS investments. Formerly offered as an add-on to its award-winning software asset management (SAM) solution, Snow SaaS Management is now available as a standalone product. As organizations' Technology Intelligence requirements grow, they can adopt additional capabilities leveraging the shared services of Snow Atlas. Other capabilities and benefits of Snow SaaS Management include: Optimize costs for expensive enterprise hybrid applications. Snow SaaS Management provides organizations with optimization for complex enterprise applications like Microsoft 365 or Adobe Creative Cloud. With hybrid applications, organizations need to understand online as well as installed usage to identify opportunities for downgrading from premium tiers to less expensive tiers. Snow SaaS Management provides organizations with optimization for complex enterprise applications like Microsoft 365 or Adobe Creative Cloud. With hybrid applications, organizations need to understand online as well as installed usage to identify opportunities for downgrading from premium tiers to less expensive tiers. Immediate ROI with automated data normalization, augmentation and configuration of vendor portal API and SSO connectors. In addition to providing usage data for more than 23,000 SaaS applications, IT leaders can configure SaaS API connectors in minutes and immediately see areas for optimization within their organization such as licenses assigned versus licenses purchased. Snow SaaS Management also improves time to value by leveraging Snow's DIS to recognize, clean and enrich SaaS application data from multiple discovery sources. Snow SaaS Management is available today and already in use by select customers. If you are ready to reveal your SaaS blind spots and take control of your IT ecosystem, visit https://www.snowsoftware.com/products/saas-management/ to learn more. About Snow Software Snow Software is changing the way organizations understand and manage their technology consumption. Our technology intelligence platform provides comprehensive visibility and contextual insight across software, SaaS, hardware and cloud. With Snow, IT leaders can effectively optimize resources, enhance performance and enable operational agility in a hybrid world. To learn more, visit www.snowsoftware.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230321005390/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 21, 2023] Rain Instant Pay Closes Historic Funding Rain, a provider of financial wellness products that empower and engage employees, announced today that it raised $116 million, encompassing $66 million in equity and $50M in debt. QED Investors and Invus Opportunities led the Series A with participation from firms including WndrCo, Tribe Capital, and Dreamers VC, which was co-founded by Will Smith. The debt facility was arranged by Sound Point Capital Management, LP. The funding will be used to support Rain's continued expansion in the U.S. through investments in technology and infrastructure, employee and employer experience, and marketing. Through the Rain platform, employers can offer workers on-demand pay or earned wage access. This benefit, also known as "income streaming," allows workers to access their pay shortly after completing a shift instead of waiting for a payday. Rain's service is offered free to employers who provide it to their employees as a voluntary benefit. Employees pay a small fee similar to an ATM charge each time they withdraw their earned wages. To promote responsible use, employees are never able to withdraw more than 50% of gross earned wages per pay period. Rain is proven to help businesses attract and retain workers and is currently used by employers with a total of over half a million employees across several large healthcare systems, senior living groups, hotel franchises such as Hilton and Marriott, and fast food franchises including McDonald's, Burger King, and Taco Bell. Employers have seen up to 80% reduction in turnover among employees using the Rain app and improved job satisfaction and engagement by 86% of Rain users. "We built Rain to empower people, especially hourly workers, to take control of their finances and eliminate the need for predatory payday loans," said Alex Bradford, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Rain. "With this investment, we will continue to improve our platform and deliver a powerful employee benefit that improves individual financial wellbeing and boosts morale while giving employers a valuable tool for recruiting and retaining workers during a tight labor market." Low-wage employees have encountered significant economic challenges during the past several years - from the current economic downturn to the COVID-19 pandemic - making it difficult for them to pay for expenses such as childcare, gas, food, and rent, not to mention unexpected expenses such as sudden health needs or emergency car repairs. To make ends meet, many hourly workers bridge the gap between paydays by taking out payday loans - which can sometimes come at a steep 400% annual percentage rate.2 Between payday loans, credit card interest, overdraft fees, and other penalties, Americans spent $170 billion in 2022 while waiting for their next paycheck. "Half of America cannot get access to reasonably priced, transparent financial services products," said Nigel Morris, Managing Partner and Co-Fonder of QED Investors. "This results in unnecessary stress, anxiety, and hardship for millions of people. Companies like Rain are helping to even the playing field by giving hourly workers the ability to access the money they earn faster, providing them with peace of mind, saving them millions in fees, and improving their overall financial health." The benefits of Rain for employers are simple: it can help them attract more qualified job applicants, reduce turnover, and improve employee engagement and job performance. Rain integrates with existing payroll and timekeeping software used by many middle market and enterprise businesses and automates a payroll deduction flow with the vast majority of systems, removing the frustrating manual work employers face with many other earned wage access products. Rain is an integrated marketplace partner of ADP, UKG, and SAP, and is SAP's first and main earned wage access partner globally. In addition, Rain is a market leader in compliance and supports employers' compliance systems. As just one example, Rain relies on significantly less employee data than other earned wage access providers. Today's funding milestone follows an active period of growth for Rain. Rain launched its Instant Pay app in early 2020 and has grown its user and client base over 20% per month over the past 30 months. To date, Rain has disbursed over $150 million in earned wages to users and has helped them save tens of millions in predatory fees. About Rain Rain provides earned wage access and other financial wellness benefits to hundreds of thousands of employees of middle market and enterprise companies across the US. Rain's mission is to eliminate payday loans and other predatory financial products by giving people control over their income and financial lives. About QED Investors QED Investors is a global leading venture capital firm based in Alexandria, Va. Founded by Nigel Morris and Frank Rotman in 2007, QED Investors is focused on investing in disruptive financial services companies worldwide. QED Investors is dedicated to building great businesses and uses a unique, hands-on approach that leverages its partners' decades of entrepreneurial and operational experience, helping companies achieve breakthrough growth. Notable investments include AvidXchange, Bitso, ClearScore, Current, Creditas, Credit Karma, Kavak, Klarna, Konfio, Loft, Mission Lane, Nubank, QuintoAndar, Remitly and SoFi. About Invus Opportunities Invus Opportunities ("Invus Opps") is a sister fund to The Invus Group, an equity investment firm founded in 1985 with over $10 billion of evergreen capital. Invus Opps is focused on partnering with market-leading management teams and investors in private transactions globally. With our differentiated heritage and capital base, Invus Opps brings a complementary dimension to growing companies and investor groups seeking to create lasting value. Invus Opps both leads rounds of financing and co-invests in syndicated financings and currently manages over $2 billion of assets. About Sound Point Capital Management, LP Sound Point is an alternative asset management firm founded in 2008 with particular expertise in credit strategies. Based in New York, with offices in London, Florida and Connecticut, the firm manages money on behalf of institutional investors including top-tier pensions, foundations, insurance companies, wealth management firms and family offices. Sound Point's strategies span the spectrum of liquid and illiquid credit alternatives and include funds and managed accounts focused on leveraged loans, special situations, distressed debt, structured credit, direct lending and commercial real estate. Sound Point currently manages approximately $32 billion of assets. Five principals of Stone Point Capital LLC, as well as Dyal Capital Partners, a division of Blue Owl Capital Inc. [NYSE: OWL], are strategic investors in our business. For more information, please visit Sound Point's website at www.soundpointcap.com. _________________________________ 1 https://www.crunchbase.com/discover/funding_rounds/82729d33b37f3fa3da38c6400c21327f 2 Source: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-payday-loan-en-1567/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230321005258/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 21, 2023] Miami NFT Week Announces Additional Speakers Highlighting Rapidly Growing Crypto Communities in Latin America Miami NFT Week - the biggest NFT gathering to hit the Web3 hub that is Southern Florida - has announced dozens of new speakers to its lineup. Together and alongside the three-day event agenda, these speakers further bolster the rapid growth of crypto-native communities and Latin America. The gathering is returning to the 305 to once again spearhead the innovation, creativity and imagination that form at the intersection of crypto and culture. Miami NFT Week will offer top-of-the-line networking, panels and an array of cultural discussions for the Latin America community. This year, Miami NFT Week will feature speakers from all across the globe, including: Co-founder of Ape-In Productions and singer songwriter, Timbaland Entrepreneur, two-time NBA All-Star and investor Baron Davis The Miami Ape Co-Founder Laura Rodriguez Mastercard Senior Vice President Stefany Bello Metablox and Octalysis Founder Yu-kai Chou OneOf Co-Founder and CEO Lin Dai Decentral Founder and Ethereum Co-Founder Anthony Di Iorio Artisant Co-Founder Leila Ismailova Web3 Advisor and Creator, Swan Sit Mastercard's Senior Vice President Stefany Bello will join Laura and others on stage for a panel discussion titled "Latinos Vamos! The Power of Women LATAM Women!" featuring an important conversation surrounding the power of LATAM women. In addition, Mastercard is sponsoring four panels focused on LATAM and the growing LATAM crypto community. The four panels include: Aping into LATAM, Leveraging The Web3 Latin Network, Web3 perspective and startup opportunities from LATAM, and Vamos! The Power of LATAM. Further, Mastercard's Vice President, Blockchain and Digital Assets Eduardo Abreu and its Director, Brand Management, Innovation and Digital Marketing, Latin America and the Caribbean Marcus Carmo will be speaking on the panels to add their insights surrounding this ever evolving community. Miami NFT Week is continuing to amplify its core messages through its focus on building opportunity for crypto-newcomers and individuals who are still trying to find their calling within the crypto-community, much like Laura was last year. These foundational ideas will be infused throughout the conference via its main pillars of culture, metaverse, enterprise, Web3 and community. "We strive to offer a welcoming environment for all crypto enthusiasts - natives, newcomers and curious individuals alike," said Erik LaPaglia, Miami NFT Week Co-Founder. "Crypto and Web3 are rapidly evolving and at Miami NFT Week, we are eager to help the community evolve with it. The testimonies that stemmed from last year's conference were overwhelming and it's always been our goal to be the most inclusive crypto event. This year, we are proud to continue with that same goal." In an effort to bring new innovators into the space, Miami NFT Week is hosting a group from NFT Kids featured in NFTKidsMagazine, the first-ever NFT publication for digital kid artists founded by 13 year old NFT artist and photographer Gemeidon. The kids, ranging from 7-15 years old, will have a booth at the conference to showcase their art, sign autographs and bring a fresh perspective to the space. To add to the fun, four of the kids - Christopher Lyons, Genesis Johnson, Brooklynn Bailey and Ariana Sabatino - will be speaking on panels over the weekend. In addition to the diverse panel topics and networking opportunities, Miami NFT will also host a buildathon. This year's contest, which is free to join, will provide an interactive environment where participants won't just hear about industry-leading tools, artists, and founders; they'll be able to interact with and build alongside them. There will be $25,000+ worth of prizes distributed to winning teams. Visit Miami NFT Week to learn more about the buildathon as well as purchase tickets and view sponsorship opportunities. ABOUT MIAMI NFT WEEK: Miami NFT Week is one of the largest Web3 gatherings on the U.S. East Coast - featuring a global network of key industry founders, influencers and political leaders in the broader blockchain space - that builds bridges by way of blockchain and diverse communities. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230321005266/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] As a child, lightning scared stormchaser Dale Kaminski. Growing up in Schuyler, he enjoyed watching storms at night as a child... except for the lightning, which would paralyze him with fear. When my parents were sleeping Id get up and watch the storms. We lived on the western side of Schuyler, my bedroom face the countryside, so I could see everything, Kaminski said. When they moved to Schuyler, Kaminski said, his mother started working at the Schuyler Public Library, so naturally he spent a lot of time there after school. Being a child, he said, he would get curious and want to do something, so he turned to books. Id get my homework done and study but I was a kid, I was curious and I couldnt go out with my friends, so Id go into the National Geographic and Readers Digest sections, Kaminski said. I probably know the Dewey decimal system better than any other person on planet earth. One day, he said, he was looking through microfilm and found a photo of the house he lived in, before they lived there, with a tornado in the background. That image sparked an interest in tornadoes in particular, he said. After high school, however, Kaminski said he first pursued a career as a disc jockey, then after about a year found himself at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. After some time there, he said, he met his now-wife and decided to start a family. He took some of the skills he acquired at UNK with him as he did, however. I never finished my degree because I ended up getting married and having kids. I worked radio for several years then ended up working in IT. Im a computer geek beyond computer geeks, Kaminski said. When I was in college, I studied cinematography. Those skills in cinematography and IT paid off as time went on, as he worked for a media broker company called StormView. After that company ended, he decided to go out on his own. In his 36 years of stormchasing, he said, he has amassed quite a library of images, which total over 19 million views on his website alone. If you take a picture of lightning, youll get one awesome one, but for every awesome one, 60 are junk. I have over 27,000, one of the largest databases of online material you could possibly imagine, Kaminski said. Then I added music, started doing video, social media changed to reels and shorts and thats where my popular content basically comes from. On March 25, Kaminski will tell his story in greater depth as well as show off some of his best works at the Columbus Public Library starting at 2 p.m. Adult Services Associate Kelli De Roos said that the library contacted Kaminski last year and she is looking forward to hearing his presentation. Were really excited, he has a great energy to him and Im excited for that and also his knowledge. Hes been doing this for a long time, hes a great photographer and videographer, De Roos said. Im excited to listen to what he has to share because living in Nebraska we get some pretty crazy weather. De Roos went on to say that Kaminski is the kind of speaker they like to have at the library because the topic he is talking about can appeal to anybody from any demographic, which the library strives to do. Its really a part of our lifelong learning. We want to promote content to learn beyond school and bring people together and share our knowledge in a free way, making sure theres content accessible for all ages, events available for anybody in town, De Roos said. Kaminski said the point of his talk will not be about how to chase storms, rather how he has chased storms, and a showcase of some of his work. This is not about chasing tornadoes. Youll see a few, but Im not going to be teaching stormchasing, you can learn that online. This is basically my adventures, my trophies on the wall, Kaminski said. What I do (for presentations) is put together short videos of chases, sometimes by myself, sometimes with others. [March 21, 2023] Northeastern Illinois University Exceeds Goals for its Business Enterprise Program CHICAGO, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Access---all deserve it, yet too many barriers still prevent equitable access in the workforce. The Business in Enterprise Program (BEP), created by the state of Illinois in 1994 to promote the economic development of underrepresented businesses owned by minorities, women, and persons with disabilities, bridges this gap by ensuring fair access and equitable opportunities. As a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), Northeastern Illinois University believes in a diverse student body and the importance of diversity among the vendors they utilize to provide goods and services to the institution. " The university supports breaking down barriers and increasing opportunities for underrepresented vendors," said Vicky Santiago, whose responsibility as the Director of Procurement Services and the University's BEP Liaison is to ensure that the procurement processes and procedures are followed in order to maximize BEP participation in NEIU contracting. Under the purview of the Commission on Equity and Inclusion, BEP requires state agencies and public universities to conduct a certain percentage of business with BEP vendors. NEIU's commitment to the program surpassed goals. In the fiscal year2022, Northeastern Illinois University exceeded their BEP goal by almost 16%. The University was able to surpass their goals because of the Procurement Office's continued efforts to reach out to registered BEP firms to provide contracting opportunities through Invitations for Bids, Requests for Proposals and Qualifications Based Selection solicitations that include a 30% BEP goal, where feasible. Manish Kumar, Vice President for Finance and Administration at NEIU, supported the procurement office in initiating and implementing an eProcurement process to increase efficiency and compliance in business transactions which increased NEIU's capacity to participate in the Business Enterprise Program. "I am a firm believer that all higher educational institutions, particularly universities, should strive to build a community of individuals with diverse backgrounds and life experiences, free of discrimination based on racial and ethnic origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, social economic status or religious belief," said Kumar. "Our University's BEP goals reflect that." NEIU also reaches out to current vendors to encourage registration in the BEP program and provides in-house training to NEIU personnel on how to search for vendors in the BEP database. In their commitment to exploring additional opportunities where they can engage BEP vendors for future projects, the Purchasing Office often helps new and existing vendors register for the Business Enterprise Program by providing information about the program, sharing the registration link and explaining the benefits of being registered in the Program. "Diverse vendors provide goods and services through a different lens that benefits the university and ultimately benefits the students," said Santiago. "Northeastern's board of trustees and administration take the commitment to award contracts to diverse vendors very seriously." ABOUT NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY Northeastern Illinois University offers more than 40 undergraduate degree and certificate programs and more than 50 graduate degree, certificate, licensure and endorsement programs. The Main Campus is located on 67 acres in an attractive residential area on the Northwest Side of Chicago. The University has additional locations in the metropolitan area, including the Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies, El Centro and the University Center of Lake County. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/northeastern-illinois-university-exceeds-goals-for-its-business-enterprise-program-301777418.html SOURCE Northeastern Illinois University [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 21, 2023] Minister Wilkinson Celebrates International Day of Forests With Over 400,000 More Trees to Be Planted Across Canada OTTAWA, ON, March 21, 2023 /CNW/ - Growing Canada's forests and improving their health are a critical part of the Government of Canada's strategy to address and mitigate the effects of climate change. Forests are a nature-based climate solution: trees conserve biodiversity, protect and conserve water resources, and lower emissions by capturing and storing excess carbon. Planting the right tree in the right area at the right time enhances our ability to fight against climate change. That's why the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources, announced today more than $2.2 million in funding to ALUS to plant more than 400,000 trees on marginal farmland in 13 communities across Canada. The contribution is through the 2 Billion Trees program, which supports program recipients in planting two billion trees for a better tomorrow. Through this project, ALUS communities will support local farmers and ranchers across Canada to plant trees on marginal farmland that's uneconomic or difficult to farm but ideal for trees. Planting trees on marginal or uneconomic farm land provides benefits to the farm, local communities, the surrounding ecosystem and Canada as a whole. These trees will improve air quality, water security and soil quantity on land in communities across Canada. These tree planting projects have a range of positive benefits for communities and ecosystems trees control erosion, mitigate extreme weather impacts like floods and droughts, and provide natural water filtration and retention. The tees themselves provide both carbon sequestration and cleaner air. The 2 Billion Trees program is one of the many measures the Government of Canada is taking to restore nature. This International Day of Forests, let's celebrate the trees and forests in Canada some of our most powerful allies in the fight against climate change as Canada works toward its climate goals and getting to net zero by 2050. Planting two billion trees across the country will help Canada's efforts to tackle the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss while providing Canadians with cleaner air where they live, work and play. Quotes "Canada is dedicated to helping restore and expand Canada's forests from coast to coast. Trees are essential to our lives: they capture carbon, improve air quality and support wildlife, and they are important allies in our fight against climate change. Today's investment will support the planting of trees on marginal, uneconomic farmland. This will produce numerous benefits for farmers and rural communities, including the creation of good, sustainable and local jobs while also ensuring lower emissions and providing cleaner air." The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson Minister of Natural Resources "The 2 Billion Trees program funding is critical to building forest ecosystems across Canada's working landscape, reducing the impacts of climate change and reversing biodiversity loss. The ALUS tree planting projects supported by 2 Billion Trees will help build resilience in Canada's agricultural sector by reducing soil erosion, attracting beneficial insects and wildlife, and protecting against extreme weather while also generating vital ecosystem services, like carbon sequestration, water filtration and flood mitigation, that benefit all Canadians." Bryan Gilvesy Chief Executive Officer, ALUS Related Information ALUS 2 Billion Trees Overview #2BillionTrees: How we will get there together 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Clean Air, Strong Economy Follow us on Twitter: @NRCan ( http://twitter.com/nrcan ) SOURCE Natural Resources Canada [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 21, 2023] Impulse Space Relocates Headquarters to Redondo Beach, California Impulse Space, Inc. - a leader in the development of in-space transportation services for the inner solar system - today announced the relocation of its headquarters from El Segundo to Redondo Beach, California, on Manhattan Beach Blvd to increase its manufacturing space as well as office space to address the growth of the business. "We had anticipated the need for much larger space to accommodate the equipment needed to support the vertically integrated product line that has been developed," said Impulse Space COO Barry Matsumori. "This facility will support production capabilities ranging from development, build and test of propulsion systems, avionics development and production, and composite ank production and testing as elements of what will be done in the facility." At 60,000 square feet, Impulse Space's Redondo Beach headquarters will accommodate expanding its team. The larger space and additional hires will bring more jobs to Redondo Beach and surrounding communities. And as the company continues to prepare for its first orbital mission, LEO Express-1, later this year, the transition to its new headquarters lays the necessary groundwork for future successful missions. Those interested in learning more about Impulse Space, future missions and payload availability can contact [email protected]. About Impulse Space Founded in 2021, Impulse Space is a Space 2.0 pioneer providing agile, economical space logistics services. With a near-term focus on Low Earth Orbit (LEO), services include in-space transportation to custom orbits, in-space payload hosting and precision re-entry trajectory injection. Long-term, Impulse will offer delivery services for all classes of payloads to distant destinations such as Geostationary Equatorial Orbit (GEO), the Moon, and Mars. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230321005882/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 21, 2023] Maximus Welcomes Veronica Mustoe as National Privacy & Security VP for Canada Maximus, a leading employer and provider of government services worldwide, today announced that Veronica Mustoe has joined the organization as National Vice President, Privacy & Security for Maximus in Canada. In her new role, Mustoe will support the organization's strategic vision in strengthening digital capabilities for current and future clients. "Trust is key in all Maximus client relationships," said Christian Gingras, Managing Director for Maximus in Canada. "In our ongoing stewardship of citizen and government data, we must continue to earn that trust with rigorous digital safety protocols. Working in partnership with our global organization, Veronica will help einforce our commitment to superior privacy and security protection throughout our Canadian markets - focusing on meeting our local obligations." With over 20 years of experience leading security, privacy, and compliance programs in both private and public sector domains, Mustoe brings a wealth of knowledge to the role. Her most recent professional experience includes Privacy and Security Officer with a leading Canadian commercial and personal insurance provider, and Chief Privacy, Security, and Compliance Officer with a major IT company based in British Columbia. "I am excited to join Maximus, where the citizen is at the heart of our services," Mustoe said. "The stringent protection of sensitive information requires privacy and security solutions that integrate seamlessly with our business. Together, our team at Maximus will leverage best-in-class security technologies to secure and protect citizen, employee, and partner information while continuing to enable digital transformation." About Maximus As a leading strategic partner to governments across the globe, Maximus helps improve the delivery of public services amid complex technology, health, economic, environmental, and social challenges. With a deep understanding of program service delivery, acute insights that achieve operational excellence, and an extensive awareness of the needs of the people being served, our employees advance the critical missions of our partners. Maximus delivers innovative business process management, impactful consulting services, and technology solutions that provide improved outcomes for the public and higher levels of productivity and efficiency of government-sponsored programs. For more information, visit maximus.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230321005804/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 21, 2023] Service Canada works to improve client experience for passport applicants GATINEAU, QC, March 21, 2023 /CNW/ - In learning the lessons of a very challenging period, and applying them for the future, this Government is setting up the passport program to be more reliable, more flexible, and more capable of serving Canadians effectively for years to come. Today, the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Karina Gould, announced the launch of a new online Passport Application Status Checker. Canadians who have recently applied for a passport can now check the status of their application online, with a few clicks and some basic information. The new online Passport Application Status Checker provides Canadians with a useful digital service option for passport services. Shifting these enquiries to an easy-to-use online solution allows Canadians to have faster access to front-line staff to serve them and answer questions, both now and during future seasonal peaks. Service Canada worked with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Shared Services Canada and Canadian Digital Service to develop this new tool. Service Canada is committed to providing Canadians with passport services in a timely manner. It was announced on January 24, 2023, that the passport backlog has been virtually eliminated, and since October 3, 2022, passport service delivery is back to its pre-pandemic service standards. Today, we can officially say the backlog has been completely eliminated. The Government's service delivery standard is 10 days to process in-person passport applications received at a specialized passport office and 20 days for applications received by mail or dropped off at a Service Canada Centre. Because of additional staffing, increased overtime and improved efficiency, Service Canada is delivering most passports by its 10- and 20-day targets, achieving a 96% and 98% rate for complete applications, respectively. Over the last 10 months, the Government of Canada has worked to provide faster, more convenient passport services for Canadians closer to their homes. This includes the launch of the 10-day passport pick-up service at 13 Service anada Centres across the country. Canadians can apply for a passport at these locations and receive it after 10 business days. Once issued, the passport can either be mailed or be picked up in person. Since the launch on August 15, 2022, the 13 Service Canada Centres offering 10-day passport pick-up service have processed over 66,000 passport applications. Service Canada is exploring the feasibility of adding this service to other Service Canada Centres across the country. In addition to seasonal peaks, Service Canada is prepared for renewal applications to begin for the first set of passports with 10-year validity, which were issued in July 2013. Quotes "We continue to work hard to modernize and improve our services to Canadians. The Passport Application Status Checker is a new, easy-to-use tool that allows Canadians to check the status of their passport applications online, 24 hours a day. Providing Canadians with a convenient option to obtain timely information about their passport application is one of several ways we are improving the client experience for passport applicants" Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Karina Gould Quick Facts Since April 1, 2022 , Service Canada has issued over 3 million passports. , Service Canada has issued over 3 million passports. For 202324, the total forecast passport volume is between 4.3 and 4.9 million. The service standard for an in-person application at a specialized passport office is 10 business days, and 20 business days for mail-in applications and applications submitted at a Service Canada Centre. The performance target for applications is for 90% of complete applications to be processed within these service standards. Passport Program statistics are published online, and all data is updated weekly. Related Products Backgrounder on 10-day passport pick-up service at Service Canada Centres Associated Links Passport status checker Minister Gould announces a return to steady state on passport delivery and encourages Canadians to renew ahead of 10-year passports expiry Backgrounder on passport services Canadian passports and travel documents Find a Service Canada Office Welcome to the eServiceCanada Appointment Booking Tool Passport Program statistics Canadian Passport Program on Twitter Follow us on Twitter SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada [March 21, 2023] INVESTIGATION ALERT: The Schall Law Firm Announces it is Investigating Claims Against TAL Education Group and Encourages Investors with Losses to Contact the Firm The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of investors of TAL Education Group ("TAL Education" or "the Company") (NYSE: TAL) for violations of the securities laws. The investigation focuses on whether the Company issued false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose information pertinent to investors. TAL Education is the subject of an article published by Seeking Alpha on March 14, 2023, titled, "TAL Education, Chinese ed-tech stocks slump on crackdown fears." According to the article, "Chinese media reports indicated the company may have flouted government regulations." The articl also states, "TAL subsidiary Xueersi restarted courses that run counter to conventions put in place by Xi Jinping's Common Prosperity drive. Specifically, courses were restarted in subjects like mathematics and English under the guise of permitted tutoring outside of core subjects. Under the 'Double Reduction Policy', tutoring in core subjects must be offered as a strictly non-profit business." Based on this report, shares of TAL Education fell 10% on the same day. If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate. We also encourage you to contact Brian Schall of the Schall Law Firm, 1880 Century Park East, Suite 404, Los Angeles, CA 90067, at 310-301-3335, to discuss your rights free of charge. You can also reach us through the firm's website at www.schallfirm.com, or by email at [email protected]. The class in this case has not yet been certified, and until certification occurs, you are not represented by an attorney. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member. The Schall Law Firm represents investors around the world and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230321005949/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 21, 2023] BUDGET 2023-2024 - Press release no. 2 of 6 - $12.1 billion to create wealth and increase Quebec's economic potential QUEBEC, March 21, 2023 /CNW/ - In Budget 2023-3024, the government is continuing its efforts to create wealth and increase Quebec's economic potential. It maintains its objective of reducing the gap in real GDP per capita with Ontario to less than 10% by 2026. In addition to the $9.2 billion planned to improve Quebecers' disposable income, investments totalling $2.9 billion over the next five years will make it possible to act on the determinants of economic growth, namely productivity gains, innovation, developing the regions and increasing the pool of qualified workers. In order to increase the productivity of Quebec's economy, Budget 2023-2024 provides $888 million over five years to stimulate private investment, step up efforts in innovation and promote business growth, digitization and exports. New tax holiday for large investment projects The government is announcing the introduction of the new tax holiday for large investment projects. It will reach a greater number of activity sectors and promote the realization of a greater number of large projects throughout Quebec. This measure will represent $373 million in financial support for businesses over the next five years and will support the implementation of nearly 100 new investment projects in Quebec, ultimately generating investments totalling more than $24 billion. $1 .4 billion to contribute to the prosperity of the regions The prosperity of the regions is essential to grow Quebec's collective wealth. That is why initiatives representing more than $1.4 billion over five years are planned to: support the growth of the bio-food sector; stimulate regional economic vitality; ensure the development and promotion of our tourist attractions; foster the development of the forestry sector; continue the actions for better connectivity; harness the value of Quebec's subsurface minerals. $615 million to address the labour shortage In the context of an aging population and a labour shortage, the government is announcing initiatives totalling $615 million over six years to support the socioeconomic integration of immigrants and to support businesses in their search for workers. In particular, the government plans to increase support for learning French through the rollout of Francisation Quebec, to expedite the recognition of immigrants' credentials and to promote immigration to the regions to meet labour market needs. In addition, in order to support businesses experiencing difficulties with recruitment, an amount of $100 million has been earmarked to continue the short-term training program, which focuses on internships in priority professions offered by the Commission des partenaires du marche du travail (CPMT). Adapting the Quebec Pension Plan to the new realities of Quebecers Following the public consultation on the Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) held last February, the government is proposing to use the QPP's available leeway to respond to the desire of many Quebecers close to retirement to continue working part-time. Thus, changes will be made to the QPP and will apply as of January 1, 2024 in order to: offer pension recipients aged 65 or over the possibility of ceasing to make contributions to the QPP; end the requirement to contribute to the QPP for workers over age 72; introduce pension protection for workers aged 65 or older who experience a reduction in income. In addition, to help workers improve their financial security, the government will increase the maximum pension eligibility age from 70 to 72 starting January 1, 2024. Lastly, Retraite Quebec will better inform QPP contributors of the benefits of delaying the start of the retirement pension. Quotation: "Our government is making significant investments to create wealth in Quebec. We are also committed to addressing labour force issues with sustainable and innovative solutions. The collective wealth that will result from all these initiatives will help raise the standard of living for all Quebecers and ensure the long-term financing of public services." Eric Girard, Minister of Finance and Minister Responsible for Relations with English-Speaking Quebecers Related link: All the details on Budget 2023-2024: Quebec.ca/en-budget. SOURCE Cabinet du ministre des Finances et ministre responsable des Relations avec les Quebecois d'expression anglaise [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] We mistakenly thought Mr. Chastain would keep his cool in what might be his last election bid. Sadly, we we're wrong and frustration seems to be getting the best of the longtime transit activist. And so . . . Here's the press statement from Clay Chastain that contains fighting words and a focus on his own problems confronting city hall . . . Check-it . . . "With less than 2-weeks before the election, where is the Star's reporting (as well as the rest of the local biased media) on the Mayor's race? Has the media totally abdicated it's responsibility to cover a race for the most important leadership position in the metro area? Does the media not understand it has a professional journalistic duty to provide this public service for the people? No wonder there is voter apathy. The Mayor isn't even running a campaign because he knows the Star and the local media are playing favorites, putting the people asleep and have his back against someone they dislike. The media can't even ask our popular Mayor why he refuses to debate, or why he had me arrested. Not to mention, cover each candidate's position on the issues . With the exception of Nick Haines, the media are acting like a bunch of wimped-out pussies who are coddling and being subservient to Mayor Lucas because he is Black. And, Lucas is taking full advantage of that sorry fact. "As to you Hendrix, have you approached the Mayor yet, as you told me you were going to do, about why he won't debate me before the people of Kansas City? Or, why he had me arrested? It looks like the Star wants the Mayor to be reelected. Oh yes Hendrix, did you see Week in Review last week where Eric Wesson parroted the Star's false headline that I can't vote for myself in the Mayor's race? Oh, and he went on to falsely imply that I only reside in Virginia. Nice piece of work Star. You're getting better and better at practicing deceit. Maybe the least you can do is correct that false headline by observing me vote for myself on April 4th." Clay Chastain ################ Developing . . . Or . . . COURTHOUSE ACTIVISTS & POLITICOS STAY LOSING WHAT SHOULD BE EASY LEGISLATION!!! Here's the real behind the scenes that most newsies don't understand . . . This topic has been a clusterf*ck with multiple activists wanting to take credit and put this one on their resume . . . Meanwhile, we applaud our conservative legislators for stepping in and adding even more confusion to a busted process . . . Here are the basics . . . "The countys Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee spent over two months working on the proposed ordinance to ban this practice. The committee held a public hearing last week and then voted to send it to the LEGISLATURE. " More deets . . . "To begin the discussion about the ordinance, Sean Smith (6th district) objected to the DEI committees recommendation to adopt the ordinance by suggesting the addition of three amendments, focused on removing language Smith found confusingincluding the use of the phrase sexual preference because he felt it expressed opinion language which he felt had no place in government documents "This amendment was argued against by Jeanie Lauer (5th district) and passionately opposed by Jalen Anderson (1st district At-large) "Lauer even drew a laugh from the crowd and other legislators when she pointed out that, contrary to what Smith requested, removing language from documents is often how they become more vague and difficult to understand." Here's probably the most important word . . . Jackson County Executive Statement KANSAS CITY, Mo. Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. has issued the following statement in response to the Jackson County Legislatures failure to pass Ordinance 5711, which would ban conversion therapy for minors: I am disappointed that the Jackson County Legislature failed to send a clear message today that LGBTQ+ youth should be valued, respected and treated with the same dignity that every human being deserves. Conversion therapy is a dangerous practice that is discredited by every major medical and health organization. I commend Legislator Jalen Anderson for publicly pouring his heart out, sharing his very moving story, and letting children know theyre not alone. I encourage anyone who cares about protecting kids to attend the county legislative meetings until the legislation is passed and I sign it into law. ######## Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . Jackson County lawmakers don't pass conversion therapy ban KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A vote to ban conversion therapy in Jackson County failed on Monday after months in committee. Jackson County legislator Manny Abarca said the ban didn't pass by a singular vote. Three lawmakers abstained from voting, resulting in a 5-1 vote. The measure needed six votes to pass. Jackson County Legislature fails to pass ordinance banning conversion therapy The Jackson County Legislature holds a vote to ban conversion therapy March 20. // Photo by Sarah Moore Today, Jackson County Legislature was set-and expected-to pass an ordinance banning the practice of conversion therapy. After some procedural delays, a five-to-one vote with three abstentions failed to cross the threshold of six required votes to adopt the ban. Jackson County conversion-therapy ban fails despite emotional discussion KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Emotional testimony Monday from Jackson County Legislator Jalen Anderson was not enough to sway colleagues into passing a conversion-therapy ban in the county. Ordinance 5711 failed on despite 5-4 vote after a procedural effort bumped the number of votes required for passage from five to six. Ban on anti-gay 'conversion therapy' fails in Jackson County Legislature by 1 vote It's already illegal for health care providers to practice so-called conversion therapy in parts of Jackson County, but the failed ordinance would have outlawed use of the discredited practice on minors across the county and made it easier to report abuse. Developing . . . A scary vacay report inspires us to update more than a few local news items on all things related to local crime reporting. Check TKC news gathering . . . Search continues for missing Kansas City father, son kayaking in Arkansas KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The search for a Kansas City father and son missing in Arkansas while kayaking intensifies. The Benton County Sheriff's Office says it's now a search and recovery effort. Monday marks day five. Crews started looking for them last Thursday. Lotus band member, son reported missing while vacationing in Arkansas from Kansas City KANSAS CITY, Mo. - One member of the instrumental band Lotus and his son have been reported missing while vacationing at Beaver Lake near Fayetteville, Arkansas, NBC-affiliate station KNWA reports . Lotus percussionist Chuck Morris and his son Charley, both from Kansas City, were reported missing on March 16 after they didn't return from kayaking in the Lost Bridge area of Beaver Lake. KCMO man accused of strangling woman went on violent crime spree before killing, court docs say KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A man accused of strangling a woman last week in Kansas City, Missouri, allegedly went on a violent crime spree before committing the killing, according to court documents. Darion Hall, 24, is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Elizabeth Stivers. Excelsior Springs man pleads not guilty to sex crimes LIBERTY, Mo. - An Excelsior Springs man pleads not guilty to a number of charges including kidnapping, assault, and sex crimes. Timothy Haslett, Jr. entered the plea in front of a Clay County judge Friday morning. Haslett is accused of keeping a woman hidden in his basement while repeatedly sexually assaulting her. 'We need justice, we need peace': Family of Nehemiah Clark Jr. seeks justice after his untimely death KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Clark family is seeking justice for Nehemiah Clark Jr. after the father, grandfather, great-grandfather and husband was killed Tuesday in Kansas City, Missouri. "He came to the store to get a loaf of bread and [did] not come back home," said Regina Clark, Nehemiah's wife. Family unsure what's next in 2022 Kansas City homicide case KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A Kansas City family reflects on the shooting death of a loved one following a particularly bad week of homicides. During a five day span starting on March 11 the city recorded eight homicides. So far this year there have been 34, according to KCPD figures. KCK pedestrian dead after being struck by a vehicle while trying to cross the street KANSAS CITY, Kan. (KCTV) - The Traffic Division of the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department is currently investigating an accident that has taken the life of a female pedestrian on the 1000 block of Central in Kansas City, Kansas. After Kansas House approves bill, Kansas Senate committee guts bill that legalizes fentanyl test strips A Kansas Senate committee has gutted legislation that would have legalized fentanyl test strips. The Kansas House of Representatives unanimously approved of the bill in February. Currently, test kits for fentanyl are currently classified as drug paraphernalia, legally regarding them as the same thing as a marijuana pipe or bong. KBI Director Tony Mattivi talks targeting fentanyl, setting priorities TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - When a major crime happens, Kansas law enforcement agencies can find back-up at the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. The KBI provides investigative assistance, laboratory services, prevention information and other aide across the state. The agency is now under the leadership of Director Tony Mattivi, who was confirmed to the post in early February. State takeover of St. Louis police could cost Missouri taxpayers 'hundreds of millions of dollars,' Mayor Jones says The Hancock Amendment in the Missouri constitution bans unfunded mandates. An exception written for Kansas City's police department is set to expire in 2026. ST. LOUIS, Missouri - In her quest to retain local control of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, Mayor Tishaura Jones has begun warning state taxpayers they could get stuck with a costly tab for the transition. Fundraiser launched for KC homicide victim who was devoted to rescuing abused dogs A 31-year-old woman who was killed last week in a homicide in Kansas City is being remembered as a passionate "animal crusader." Elizabeth Stivers worked for over a decade at A Dog's Fun Playce, now called KC Protective Animal Welfare Society (KC PAWS). Clay County K9 doesn't let trick deter from suspect's arrest NORTH KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A Clay County Sheriff's K-9 didn't let a minor setback get in the way of the job. Deputies said K9 Duke helped arrest 46-year-old Monte L. Meeks. He is charged with resisting arrest, tampering with a motor vehicle, and drug possession. Developing . . . Im pleased to have recently had the opportunity to speak with the economic development team in Thayer County. At the annual banquet for Thayer County Economic Development Alliance, I tried to make the case that their time is now. Whether youre in Thayer County, Platte County, or any of the other 91, Id suggest that statement is true in the realm of economic and community development. As weve talked about before in this column, we have a unique window of opportunity right now in greater Nebraska. I suggested to Thayer County that they have this golden opportunity at their hands. Maximizing that opportunity for them or anyone else will take a recognition that economic development, community development and workforce development are now all one thing and that means a whole new set of partners have to be mobilized. Those partners are now more likely to be in public, private and philanthropic space, which in many cases means that new relationships will need to be built. Im sure its true in Thayer County, just as it is for the Columbus Economic Council, that they are working on things that TCEDA never imagined working on 10 or 20 years ago. Again, its an indication that new relationships are needed whether thats a resource in housing or early childhood that wouldnt have been envisioned in traditional economic development. But once again, when those relationships are builtthe time is now. Thayer County has no shortage of financial resource the intergenerational Transfer of Wealth this decade will be $565-million. They have reached their peak years of transfer and many of us are getting close, so there is this sense of urgency. The time is also now from the perspective that rural Nebraska has a receptive audience among todays young people. Nebraska Community Foundation has conducted Youth Surveys in both places and despite being somewhat different in size and demographics, the results are remarkably similar. Students at any of the high schools in Thayer County had the same answers to those at Columbus High, Scotus or Lakeview: they love small towns, they desire the safety and family values of their hometowns, and many of them plan to come home or stay home as adults. Students at Lakeview High recently met with Columbus Area Future Fund members to discuss the local survey results and came away feeling empowered that these local leaders genuinely wanted to hear what they thought. Thats direct people attraction work being done by the Future Fund! Thayer County has been a leader in the NCF network with respect to using a different tool for to do that same direct people attraction work with students: the NCF Hometown Interns. Theyve engaged seven of those students, and some of those seven have now changed their direction to include a future return to Thayer County people attraction at its finest! Just as I shared in Thayer County last week, the time is now. Time to capitalize on our financial abundance, our receptive audience and our ability to build new partnerships to get work done in these new shared space of community, workforce, and economic development. Andrew Palamarchuk is a reporter with Metroland Media Toronto and toronto.com. He has been covering the crime beat since 2002 and has a passion for giving a voice to those affected by tragedy and looking at societal issues that may have contributed to it. 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. Press Release March 21, 2023 Villar assures P80B funds for farmers for the next five years Sen. Cynthia A. Villar yesterday called on everybody to work together to achieve our goal of improving the lives of coconut farmers and the coconut industry. Villar, Chairperson of the Senate agriculture and food committee, was the Guest Speaker during the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) Planning Workshop held at ATI Compound in Quezon City March 20, 2023 In her speech, Villar cited Republic Act No. 11524, or the "Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act" signed by President Rodrigo Duterte last February 26, 2021, and took effect on March 13, 2021. She said it created the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund (CFITF) which ensures the funding of P80 billion for the next five years. This will benefit 2.5 million coconut farmers and the coconut industry in general. "The former President said that this law is a historic "gamechanger" that will pave the way to modernizing and industrializing the Philippine coconut sector," said d Villar. "The law also mandated for the preparation of the CFIDP, which shall set the directions and policies for the development and rehabilitation of the coconut industry within 50 years," she added. The utilization of the Trust Fund, she said, shall be in accordance with the formulated plan. It shall also take into account the annual allocation of the Trust Fund provided for by the law, which is: (a) 20% for the development of hybrid coconut seed farms, and nursery for planting and replanting: 15% to be implemented by the PCA; and the 5% by the DOST-PCAARRD for research; (b) 8% for the training of farmers and their families; (c) 5% for research, marketing, and promotion; (d) 4% for Crop Insurance; (e) 10% for the Farm improvements through diversification and intercropping with livestock, dairy, poultry, coffee, and cacao production; (f) 10% for Shared facilities for processing; (g) 5% for the Organizing and empowerment of coconut farmer organizations and cooperatives; (h)10% for the Credit programs through DBP and LBP; (i) 10% for the Infrastructure Development; (j) 8% for the Scholarship program for farmers and their families; (k) 10% for Health and medical program for farmers and their families. "Now is the time to give our coconut farmers, who are considered to be the poorest in our country with the monthly income of only P1,500, the much needed and long-awaited support and attention from the Government," noted the senator. Villar, tiniyak ang P80b pondo sa mga magsasaka sa loob ng 5 taon Nanawagan kahapon si Sen. Cynthia A. Villar na sama-sama tayong magtrabaho upang mapabuti ang buhay ng coconut farmers at coconut industry. Guest Speaker si Villar, Chairperson ng Senate agriculture and food committee, sa Agricultural Training Institute (ATI)-Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) Planning Workshop na idinaos sa ATI Compound sa Quezon City noong March 20, 2023. Sa Kanyang pananalita, binanggit ni Villar ang Republic Act No. 11524, o Ang "Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act" na nilagdaan ni President Rodrigo Duterte noong February 26, 2021, at naging epektibo March 13, 2021. Sa ilalim nito, binuo ang Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund (CFITF) upang siguruhin ang P80 billion pondo sa 5 taon. Mabibiyayaan into ang 2.5 million coconut farmers at ang coconut industry. "The former President said that this law is a historic "gamechanger" that will pave the way to modernizing and industrializing the Philippine coconut sector," sabi ni Villar. "The law also mandated for the preparation of the CFIDP, which shall set the directions and policies for the development and rehabilitation of the coconut industry within 50 years," dagdag pa niya. Dapat na naayon sa inilatag na plano ang paggamit sa Trust Fund, ani Villar, Ikokonsidera rin ang taunang alokasyon Trust Fund na base sa batas gaya ng mga sumusunod: (a) 20% sa development ng hybrid coconut seed farms at nursery para sa planting at replanting: 15% Ang ipatutupad ng PCA at 5% DOST-PCAARRD para sa research; (b) 8% sa training ng mga magsasaka at kanilang pamilya; (c) 5% sa research, marketing, at promotion; (d) 4% sa Crop Insurance; (e) 10% sa Farm improvements sa pamamagitan ng diversification at intercropping na may livestock, dairy, poultry, coffee, at cacao production; (f) 10% sa Shared facilities sa processing; (g) 5% Organizing at empowerment ng coconut farmer organizations at cooperatives; (h)10% sa Credit programs sa pamamagitan ng DBP at LBP; (i) 10% sa Infrastructure Development; (j) 8% sa Scholarship program para sa farmers at kanilang pamilya; (k) 10% sa Health at medical program para sa farmers at kanilang pamilya." "Now is the time to give our coconut farmers, who are considered to be the poorest in our country with the monthly income of only P1,500, the much needed and long-awaited support and attention from the Government," giit ng senador. A former Lincoln restaurant owner who in 2021 was at the center of a plot to steal drugs from the Nebraska State Patrol's evidence storage facility pleaded guilty Friday to his role in one of the highest-profile drug cases in the state's history. George L. Weaver Jr. spent the summer of 2021 directing the theft and resale of pounds of marijuana, kilos of cocaine and grams of fentanyl from the State Patrol's evidence facility in Lincoln, federal prosecutors said at the 37-year-old's plea hearing Friday. For months, Weaver pulled off the scheme with the help of his girlfriend, 37-year-old Anna Idigima, who worked for years as a State Patrol evidence technician until August 2021, when she was fired for stealing drugs that were being held in completed cases, awaiting destruction orders, according to prosecutors. Both Weaver and Idigima were federally indicted in October 2021 for conspiracy to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, a detectable amount of fentanyl and marijuana. Idigima pleaded guilty in February to her role in the conspiracy and, like Weaver, will face a minimum of 20 years and up to life in federal prison. Both will face sentencing this summer. At Idigima's hearing last month, Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Fullerton said video surveillance from the evidence facility showed Idigima opening sealed boxes, taking drugs out, putting them in garbage bags and loading those bags into her car "on several occasions between" June and August 2021. The scheme came crashing down soon after, when investigators with the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force uncovered the plot, which came as Lincoln and Southeast Nebraska experienced an unprecedented rash of overdoes. Fentanyl-laced cocaine led to 35 overdoses in the Lincoln area between July 25 and Aug. 19, according to police data. Nine victims and one unborn child died as a result of those overdoses, Lincoln Police officials said in September 2021, when they announced the arrest of Weaver and Idigima. A subsequent audit of the State Patrol's storage facility found that 154 pounds of marijuana, 19 pounds of cocaine and 6 pounds of fentanyl were missing. "We have an employee a former employee who, by all indications, was a competent, trusted employee for 14 years. Until she wasn't," State Patrol Col. John Bolduc said then. Prosecutors never directly tied Weaver or the stolen drugs to any of the fatal overdoses in Lincoln. At Friday's hearing, Fullerton said laced cocaine that Weaver sold led to the overdose of a Nebraska City couple at their home on Aug. 4, 2021, and to a man in Lincoln on Aug. 18. Two of the three had to be revived with CPR and all three needed Narcan, an opioid-reversal drug, and were treated at hospitals in Lincoln and Omaha. She said Weaver had fronted bricks of cocaine to numerous other dealers and collected payment later. And buyers often knew the source of the drugs, Fullerton said. Some paid Idigima directly, via CashApp. One witness told investigators that they saw Idigima attend a drug deal with Weaver and didn't see her face again until it appeared in the newspaper following news of the couple's arrest. Weaver initially pleaded not guilty and was headed for trial. But Fullerton said evidence against him continued to mount even after his arrest. The prosecutor said a jailhouse witness reported that Weaver had bragged about his girlfriend's theft from the State Patrol and said he had mixed the cocaine with fentanyl because the powerful opioid is addictive. In the end, Weaver pleaded guilty to one count in the conspiracy and, in exchange, prosecutors dropped three additional counts he faced. "Mr. Weaver, do you want this court to accept your plea of guilty?" U.S. Magistrate Judge Cheryl Zwart asked him at Friday's hearing, which he attended in-person, wearing shackles and jail-issued orange garments from head to toe. "Yes, your honor," he responded. Narcan, a drug that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, can be purchased and deployed by anyone and is available for free at eight area pharmacies, a list of which is published at stopodne.com. Best private high schools in Nebraska Best private high schools in Nebraska #30. Norfolk Catholic School #29. Lutheran High School Northeast #28. 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Brownell Talbot College Preparatory School The German government has started delivering Marder infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said. This was reported by Ukrinform with reference to CNN. As noted, combat vehicles are already on their way. In January 2023, Germany announced that it would provide Ukraine with 40 units of this equipment. It was also reported at the time that Ukrainian military personnel had arrived in the country. They should learn to operate these combat vehicles. Photo: Rheinmetall The United Kingdom will provide ammunition that contains depleted uranium to Ukraine. Baroness Annabel Goldie, Minister of State at the UK Ministry of Defense, said this in a statement in response to the question from Lord Hylton, a member of the House of Lords, Ukrinform reports. "Alongside our granting of a squadron of Challenger 2 main battle tanks to Ukraine, we will be providing ammunition including armor piercing rounds which contain depleted uranium," Goldie said. According to her, such rounds are highly effective in defeating modern tanks and armored vehicles. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said at a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in February that British-made Challenger 2 tanks, due to be delivered to Ukraine in March, would change the situation on the battlefield. The first ship loaded with 30,000 tonnes of Ukrainian-produced wheat has arrived in the Republic of Kenya as part of the Grain from Ukraine humanitarian program initiated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The relevant statement was made by the Office of the President of Ukraine, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. On Monday, March 20, the Valsamitis vessel delivered a humanitarian cargo of 30 thousand tons of wheat to the Kenyan port of Mombasa. This is the fifth vessel to deliver Ukrainian grain to Africa as part of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskys Grain from Ukraine humanitarian program established to overcome the global food crisis, particularly in countries most affected by hunger, the report states. The official ceremony of receiving the cargo was attended by Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya Rigathi Gachagua, Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Kenya Andrii Pravednyk, as well as ambassadors of the donor countries. Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh, a member of the International Coordination Group for the Prevention of Hunger (ICGPH), which ensures the functioning of the Grain from Ukraine humanitarian program, also arrived in Mombasa to take part in the event. The shipment of this batch of Ukrainian grain took place with the support of the UN World Food Programme (WFP), as well as with the financial assistance from the governments of the United Kingdom, Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic. The total amount of agricultural products transferred to African countries as part of the Grain from Ukraine humanitarian program has already exceeded 140,000 tonnes. Today, almost 350 million people on our planet are suffering from hunger. Ukraine suffers daily from endless shelling and destruction caused by Russias military aggression. However, as part of the civilized world, we will never give up our joint participation in overcoming global challenges, including food security. Therefore, despite the gravity of the situation Ukraine is facing today, we will continue not only to bravely confront the enemy, but also to do everything possible to help countries whose citizens face food shortages, particularly in Africa and Asia, Zelensky noted. Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak mentioned that Ukraine had always been one of the worlds major suppliers of wheat. Before the war, African countries imported more than $1.4 billion worth of wheat from Ukraine. Today, in Kenya alone, millions of people are at risk of facing acute food shortages. Therefore, the shipment of Ukrainian grain to this country reinforces our commitment to overcome forced hunger in the most vulnerable countries in Africa through the Grain from Ukraine program, Yermak stressed. According to rough estimates by the UN World Food Programme, a total of 30,000 tonnes of grain delivered within the Grain from Ukraine initiative will provide about 2 million people with bread for 1.5 months. The Grain from Ukraine humanitarian program aims to ensure the transportation of agricultural products through Ukrainian ports and prevent hunger in the worlds most vulnerable countries. The program is supported by the International Coordination Group for the Prevention of Hunger (ICGPH), which is headquartered in Odesa. The ICGPH operates under the leadership of the President of Ukraine. More than 30 countries and international organizations, including EU member states, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, Korea, and Qatar, have joined the Grain from Ukraine program, raising more than $200 million in donations. Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar for joining a "core group" of countries supporting the creation of a special tribunal on Russian aggression and discussed the intensification of humanitarian cooperation. The head of state said this in a post on his Twitter account, Ukrinform reports. "During a call with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar I noted Ireland's important support for Ukrainian & Ukrainians. I thanked [him] for joining the Core Group on creating a Special Tribunal for aggression," Zelensky said. He added that both parties had also discussed Ukraine's peace formula and the intensification of cooperation in the humanitarian area. In September 2022, President Zelensky formed a working group, headed by the chief of his office, Andriy Yermak, to study the issue of creating a special tribunal to hold the Russian leadership accountable for committing the crime of aggression against Ukraine. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, the European Parliament, the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and individual states supported the creation of the tribunal. Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine Hungary blocked the joint statement of the EU member states on the issuance of an international arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin. This is reported by Bloomberg with reference to its own sources, Ukrinform saw. Budapest's veto meant that the head of EU diplomacy, Josep Borrell, instead issued a statement on his own behalf, "taking note" of the decision of the International Criminal Court (ICC). "The EU sees the decision by the ICC as a beginning of the process of accountability and holding Russian leaders to account for the crimes and atrocities they are ordering, enabling or committing in Ukraine," Borrell said in a statement. On Monday, EU justice ministers published their statement in support of the ICC decision, which Hungary did not sign. The publication notes that Budapests position will most likely be expressed when EU leaders meet at the summit in Brussels on March 23-24. In the draft of the conclusions, seen by Bloomberg, wording similar to Borrell's statement is used. According to sources, the leaders of several states may insist on tougher wording of the ICC decision. As Ukrinform reported earlier, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Peter Szijjarto of Hungary stated in Brussels that Budapest would not supply ammunition to Ukraine, but would not prevent others from doing so either. Hungary denied Bloomberg's report that Budapest had blocked a joint statement by EU member states regarding the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin. This was stated by the representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mate Pazolai, Ukrinform reports with reference to The Eastern Herald. "The truth is that Hungary has declared the following position to the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell: Hungary takes note of the decision of the ICC and does not wish to comment on it in any way, the news agency MTI quoted the official as sayin. According to the spokesperson, Budapest will also not object if Borrell or any of the EU countries decide to make a statement on this matter. As reported by Ukrinform, the Bloomberg agency wrote earlier with reference to its own sources that Hungary blocked the joint statement of the EU member states on the issuance of an international warrant for the arrest of Russian President Vladimir Putin. In this view, the chief of EU diplomacy, Josep Borrell, issued a statement on his own behalf, "taking note" of the ICC decision. The publication notes that Budapest's position will most likely be expressed when EU leaders meet at the summit in Brussels on March 23-24. Taiwan's foreign minister Joseph Wu on Tuesday criticized China's efforts to portray itself as a peacemaker in the Russo-Ukrainian war while it "threatens war" against the island. Thats according to CNN, Ukrinform reports. "The PRC threatens war against Taiwan & others, but wants to propose a peace plan to Russia, who initiated the war against Ukraine," Wu said on the Taiwanese Foreign Ministry's Twitter account. "We aint no idiots. Want peace? Both autocrats should immediately stop their threats, aggression & expansionism." Wu's apparent reference to Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin comes as Xi makes a three-day trip to Moscow that has been framed by Beijing as "a journey of peace." Putin said Monday that Russia is ready to study China's proposal for resolving the conflict with Ukraine but Western leaders have expressed skepticism about Beijing's role as a peace broker. Beijings claim to neutrality has been severely undermined by its refusal to acknowledge the nature of the conflict it has so far avoided calling it an "invasion" and its diplomatic and economic support for Moscow, CNN reports. As Ukrinform reported earlier, the United States called on Chinese leader Xi Jinping to use his influence on Russian President Vladimir Putin and press him to end his war in Ukraine and respect Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has visited Bucha as part of his unannounced trip to Ukraine. That's according to Reuters, Ukrinform reports. He laid a wreath outside a church in Bucha before observing a moment of silence and bowing, the report said. "The world was astonished to see innocent civilians in Bucha killed one year ago. I really feel great anger at the atrocity upon visiting that very place here," Kishida said. He extended his condolences to the all victims and the wounded on behalf of the Japanese nationals. "Japan will keep aiding Ukraine with the greatest effort to regain peace," he said. Kishida arrived in Kyiv on March 21 at the invitation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The leaders are expected to hold a joint meeting. According to representatives of the government and the ruling party, Kishida traveled to Ukraine from India. He will visit Poland on March 22 and return to Japan on March 23. Photo credit: Emine Dzheppar / Twitter During his visit to Kyiv on Tuesday, Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu attended a session of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. He wrote about this on Twitter, Ukrinform reports. It is noted that Reinsalu met with the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk. I had a good meeting with Ruslan Stefanchuk in Kyiv, Ukraine. We discussed raising the cost of war to Russia, including imposing additional sanctions to Russia & lowering the oil price cap, avoiding circumvention of sanctions. Also talked about Ukraine's path to EU & NATO, the statement reads. The Estonian Foreign Minister also joined the Ukrainian parliamentary session. 1/2 I had a good meeting with @r_stefanchuk in Kyiv #Ukraine. We discussed raising the cost of war to Russia, including imposing additional sanctions to Russia & lowering the oil price cap, avoiding circumvention of sanctions. Also talked about path to #EU & #NATO. pic.twitter.com/Bf16WMRZjL Urmas Reinsalu (@UrmasReinsalu) March 21, 2023 Humbled & honored to participate in the parliamentary session of the Verkhovna Rada where accepted a thank you to Estonia for our unwavering support, Reinsalu said, posting photos and videos. As Ukrinform reported, on March 21, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida arrived in Kyiv. Photo: Kermo Benrot The Russian emblem disappeared from the gate of the Russian ambassador's former residence in Tallinn. Instead of the Russian flag, the Estonian flag now flies over the building. This was reported by the countrys public broadcaster, ERR, according to Ukrinform. "So far as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is aware, the Russian embassy had terminated its lease agreement on this space as of March 1, so consequently this property has been returned to the lessor. This means it no longer falls under the category of an ambassador's residence. Since there is no ambassador present, the Russian embassy did not consider it necessary to retain the property in its hands," the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia Urmas Reinsalu said, commenting on the situation. He recalled that, according to the principle of parity, eight diplomats and 15 non-diplomatic staff remained in the Russian embassy. Reinsalu added that he would not reconsider reducing Russia's diplomatic presence anytime soon. In early February 2023, the ambassadors of Russia and Estonia returned to their respective capitals. The Russian Embassy in Estonia continues to use the embassy's premises in the historic part of Tallinn. In addition, Russia rents separate premises for the social insurance department and several apartments for embassy staff. The residence of the Russian ambassador in Tallinn was located on Kose 27. Photo: Priit Murk/ERR BRUSSELS The AUEUUN Tripartite Taskforce on the Situation of Migrants and Refugees in Libya has called on the international community and Libyan authorities to work together to improve the plight of migrants and refugees in Libya. At a meeting in Brussels yesterday, the Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development of the African Union Commission, Minata Cessouma Samate, the EU Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, and the IOM Director General, Antonio Vitorino, discussed and advanced the priorities of the Taskforce. The Tripartite Taskforce Members reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Libyan authorities efforts for tackling the urgent needs on the ground. While working alongside other actors, they will step up their efforts to further support the development of non-discriminatory legal and policy frameworks for migrants and refugees, based on international and AU standards and human rights, with the aim of protecting and saving lives along the migratory routes and particularly in Libya. They further urged the Libyan authorities to end arbitrary detention of migrants and refugees starting with women and children as well as other individuals with specific needs or disabilities. The Taskforce is ready to assist the Libyan authorities to ensure practical alternatives such as release into the community or accommodation in Migrant Response Centres (MRCs), where they can receive psychosocial support and health assistance. The Taskforce called on the international community to support the Libyan Authorities to combat human trafficking and smuggling of migrants, notably by facilitating effective prosecution efforts and prevent the risks of re-trafficking and disappearance. The Taskforce also agreed to support awareness raising on the dangers of the journeys along the migratory routes and to seek durable solutions for migrants and refugees. The Taskforce committed to support the Libyan Governments efforts to ensure improved migration governance and border management while fostering full respect for the human rights of refugees and migrants and access to protection. They further called on the Libyan authorities to issue documentation for labour migrants in the country and recognize documentation provided to refugees, pending the establishment of a comprehensive national migration management system. They committed to support stepping up voluntary humanitarian returns from Libya, notably by facilitating the Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) and Reintegration Programme for individuals in Libya who wish to return home voluntarily and are assessed not to be in need of international protection. They called for abolishing administrative exit fees for those departing from Libya. The Taskforce called on the enhanced the use of Emergency Transit Mechanisms in Niger and Rwanda, and emphasized the need for the international community, including the AU and EU, to offer tangible support, notably by considering expanding legal, safe and regular pathways for migrants and refugees. This includes humanitarian corridors and enhanced resettlement places for refugees and voluntary returns and reintegration. Yesterdays meeting contributes to delivering on the Joint Vision for 2030 set out at the 6th EU-AU Summit held in Brussels in February 2022, where both continents leaders committed to revitalize the work of the joint AU-EU-UN Tripartite Taskforce. For more information, please contact: For the AU: King David Cartey, Strategic Communication Expert, +251 901 090 899, Office of Commissioner, HHS. For the EU: Peter STANO: EU spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, +32 460 754 553, [email protected] For IOM: In Geneva: Safa Msehli, [email protected] , +41 79 403 5526 , +41 79 403 5526 In Addis Abeba: Eric Mazango, [email protected] , +251 11 557 1707 For UNHCR: Lower Allen Township Police are looking for a missing 17-year-old girl from California. Officers spoke with a Lancaster County Children and Youth employee Monday around 3 p.m. and learned that Jasmine Davis, who went missing from Simi Valley in California Feb. 24, was last seen in the Mechanicsburg area. Davis is described as biracial with brown hair and brown eyes. She is about 5 feet and 2 inches tall and weighs approximately 165 pounds. Police said Davis was reported to the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children. Anyone with information is asked to contacted the Lower Allen Township Police Department at 717-975-7575 or the Lancaster Office of Children and Youth at 717-299-7925. A man from New York City and Hagerstown, Maryland, will serve three consecutive terms of life imprisonment for his role in the slaying of three people in Franklin County in 2016, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced Monday. U.S. District Court Judge Christopher Conner also sentenced Kevin Coles, 37, to a total of 35 years in prison for multiple firearms convictions. He was convicted after a six-year investigation into three murders that took place June 25, 2016, at a property along Welsh Run Road in Mercersburg, U.S. Attorney General Gerard Karam said. Upon arriving at the scene, Pennsylvania State Police troopers discovered the bodies of Wendy Ann Chaney, 39, of Hagerstown, Maryland; Brandon Cole, 47, of Fayetteville; and Phillip Matthew Jackson, 36, of Mercersburg in a barn on Jacksons property. Police said all three victims had been shot, their hands were Zip-tied behind their backs, and they had been set on fire. Jackson and Cole were each shot one time in the head and Chaney was shot once in the back and once in the neck, police said. Chaney and Cole were dead when police arrived at the scene, while Jackson was transported to York Hospital where he later died. A Harrisburg jury convicted Coles on 16 counts in the indictment in April 2022, including interstate travel to commit murder, murder of a witness and offenses related to drug trafficking. An investigation revealed that Chaney was in a relationship with Coles and a co-conspirator and had previously assisted both with their drug distribution operation. Coles, the co-conspirator and co-defendant Devin Dickerson learned Chaney was cooperating with federal authorities and contracted for her to be murdered, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. It was then that co-defendants Jerell Adgebesan and Kenyatta Corbett contacted members of the Black Guerilla Family, a Baltimore-based gang, and others from the Baltimore area to kill Chaney. The attorneys office said the killers were told they could take a $20,000 payment along with any firearms or drugs they could find on Jacksons property. However, when the killers arrived, they found Cole and Jackson in addition to Chaney. Chaney was killed to protect Coles and his co-conspirators drug trafficking offenses, and Jackson and Cole were slain to prevent them from serving as witnesses, the according to the attorneys office. Officials said the killers didnt find money on the property but stole both drugs and firearms. Other defendants in the case include: Devin Dickerson, 31 of Hagerstown, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin and crack cocaine and is awaiting sentencing. Kenyatta Corbett, 38, of Hagerstown, pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act robbery and to being an accomplice to the use of a firearm during Hobbs Act robbery and is awaiting sentencing. Michael Buck, 30, of Hagerstown, pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act robbery and to being an accomplice to the use of a firearm during Hobbs Act robbery and is awaiting sentencing. Nicholas Preddy, 29, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty to attempting to kill a witness and is awaiting sentencing. Johnnie Jenkins-Armstrong, 22, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act robbery and to being an accomplice to the use of a firearm during Hobbs Act robbery and is awaiting sentencing. Terrance Lawson, 31, of Baltimore, sentenced to time served for attempting to intimidate a witness. Tyrone Armstrong, 30, Baltimore, sentenced to time served for attempting to intimidate a witness. Christopher Johnson, 31, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty to multiple counts including murder for hire and is awaiting sentencing. Mark Johnson, 35 of Baltimore, pled guilty to obstructing the grand jurys investigation and was sentenced to 110 months imprisonment. Llesenia Woodard, 46, of Hagerstown, pled guilty to providing false t.estimony to the grand jury investigating the murders and is awaiting sentencing. Jerell Adgebesan, 35, of Baltimore and Hagerstown, Maryland, pled guilty in June 2022 to Hobbs Act robbery and to being an accomplice to the use of a firearm during Hobbs Act robbery. Judge Conner sentenced Adgebesan in February 2023 to life imprisonment and a consecutive 10-year term of imprisonment. Torey White, 32, of Waynesboro and Florida, was indicted on multiple counts to include murder of a witness, conspiracy to commit murder, robbery, and firearms offenses. His trial is scheduled to commence in May 2023. Yolanda Diaz, 31, of Hagerstown, was indicted on multiple counts of perjury and obstruction of justice based upon her testimony at the Coles trial. Her trial is currently scheduled for May 2023. Joshua Davis, 30, previously pled guilty to participating in the conspiracy to locate and kill an individual believed to be cooperating with federal authorities in the investigation of the triple murders. Davis was sentenced to serve 100 months imprisonment. Opinion: Republican state leaders are as effective as they are unique March 21 2023 LBA has drafted plans for 12 homes off Poppleburn Park at Ednam in the Scottish Borders. Working with a local developer on land at West Mill the architects propose to build out a 1.3-hectare field on the edge of the village, extending an existing cul-de-sac to form a new loop access road. Four house-types from timber frame home specialist Dan-Wood have been chosen for the development with LBA reviewing the materials, roof pitch and composition. In a design statement, LBA wrote: "The site benefits from uninterrupted views across agricultural fields to the North & West. Furthermore the South Eastern corner benefits from beautiful views of the rear of the village church and graveyard, a B-listed property and one of only two listed buildings in Ednam." Materials include a mix of cement roof tiles, render and horizontal larch timber cladding. A community SUDS pool sits on a central island, landscaped to serve as a shared outdoor space. London, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Mar, 2023 ) :Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and bereaved families on Tuesday led calls for "top to bottom" reform of London's Metropolitan Police, after a review found the UK's largest crime-fighting force to be institutionally racist, sexist and homophobic. The report, written by government official Louise Casey, was commissioned after the kidnap, rape and murder two years ago of a London woman, Sarah Everard, by serving Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens. Since then another officer, David Carrick, has also been jailed for life for dozens of rapes and sexual assaults stretching back two decades, and several other Met scandals have emerged. Casey found those shocking crimes were perpetrated in a pervasive culture of "deep-seated homophobia" and predatory behaviour, in which female officers and staff "routinely face sexism and misogyny". She also warned the force could still be employing rapists and murderers. Officers from minorities suffer widespread bullying, while violence against women and girls has not been treated seriously enough by the majority white and male force, she said. A Muslim officer reported finding bacon left in boots inside a locker, a Sikh said his beard was cut because a colleague "thought it was funny", and sex toys were placed in coffee mugs as pranks. "I make a finding of institutional racism, sexism and homophobia in the Met," Casey stated in the foreword to her damning 363-page report, adding that the force "has to change itself". Caracas, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Mar, 2023 ) :Venezuela's oil minister Tareck El Aissami resigned on Monday after prosecutors opened a corruption investigation into officials at the state oil company PDVSA. Anti-corruption police on Sunday arrested two people closely linked to El Aissami: top PDVSA official Antonio Perez Suarez, and Joselit Ramirez, who manages oil industry funds through cryptocurrencies. "Given the investigations that have begun into the serious acts of corruption in PDVSA, I have taken the decision to submit my resignation as oil minister with the aim of totally supporting, accompanying and backing this process," El Aissami wrote on Twitter. El Aissami, who had been in the position since April 2020, added that he supported the government's "crusade" against corruption. Authorities have been probing high-ranking officials "who could be involved in serious acts of corruption and embezzlement", the national police force said. Legislator Hugbel Roa was among those detained, alongside a prominent lawyer, an anti-terrorism judge and a mayor. It is not the first investigation into graft at the state oil company. Former oil ministers Eulogio Del Pino and Nelson Martinez, who died while in police custody, were previously arrested as part of a corruption investigation. President Nicolas Maduro said he had "decided to accept the resignation to facilitate the investigations that should result in the establishment of the truth, and the punishment of the culprits." El Aissami, who is under US sanction, is one of the most powerful leaders of the ruling Socialist Party of Venezuela. He had previously served as vice president, as well as minister of the interior and industry. The newspaper Ultimas Noticias, which is close to the ruling party, reported that Ramirez diverted some $3 billion from last year's oil sales that were conducted in cryptocurrencies to circumvent US sanctions against Venezuelan crude. The firm Ecoanalitica estimated that the foreign Currency income of the Venezuelan state in 2022 totalled $25 billion, said company director Adrubal Oliveros. "For us to understand the magnitude of the embezzlement of $3 billion Dollars," Oliveros said, "what disappeared is equivalent to 12 percent of last year's revenue." National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Lt. Gen. Inam Haider Malik on Tuesday called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and apprised him of the relief and rehabilitation efforts for the quake-affected populace of Turkiye and Syria ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Mar, 2023 ) :National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Lt. Gen. Inam Haider Malik on Tuesday called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and apprised him of the relief and rehabilitation efforts for the quake-affected populace of Turkiye and Syria. The NDMA chairman further apprised that a total of 2,686 tons tents had been sent to Turkiye via 69 flights whereas another 2,597 tons of relief assistance had been dispatched to Turkiye and Syria through ships, the PM Office Media Wing said in a press release. Upon the direction of the prime minister, the NDMA had got 50,000 tents prepared, including fireproof ones. So far, a total of 36,402 winterized tents had been sent by the NDMA to Turkiye via 26 special flights, it was further added. IRONTON, Mo. Deputies began emptying the Iron County Jail of its 19 inmates before lunch Friday. The countys sheriff and two of his deputies had just been arrested. That left the jail short-staffed and the countys part-time coroner in charge. So there on Friday afternoon next to the town square stood Coroner Tim Harbison in a crisp white business shirt. He had stepped away from his job as a regional bank manager to take over the Sheriffs Office. Its temporary, Harbison told a reporter. Its a small town. The key is service to the community. Iron County is southwest of Farmington, in Missouris lead belt. It is home to Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, parts of the Mark Twain National Forest, and nearly 10,000 residents. And on Thursday, Iron County Sheriff Jeff Burkett, halfway through his first four-year term, was charged in neighboring Washington County with several crimes, including criminal street gang activity. Prosecutors allege that Burkett and two of his deputies used their law enforcement powers to try to help a fourth man, Donald Rickie Gaston, as he attempted to take his daughter from her mother last month. The sheriff is charged with, among other crimes, falsely reporting to 911 dispatchers that the childs mother had kidnapped the girl and that she was in danger. The sheriff and his two deputies also are accused of using pings from the mothers cellphone to try to track her whereabouts. One of the charges filed against the sheriff is that he, the two deputies and Gaston were part of a criminal street gang, because they were organized to commit the crimes. Gabe Crocker, Burketts attorney, said the small-town politicians in Iron County were hellbent on taking the sheriff down. These charges are 100% politically motivated, Crocker said. Its simply another chapter in the long-term effort to remove the outsider sheriff. Harbison, a civilian, was thrown into the job in the Sheriffs Office without notice; state law dictates that the county coroner step in when the sheriff is incapacitated. He said he thinks it will be largely administrative. His other jobs in town are as banker and funeral home director. But the trouble has left Iron County with three deputies for 550 square miles. A few Missouri Highway Patrol troopers were helping patrol on Friday. Transferring the inmates to Potosi, 30 miles away in Washington County, is designed to help relieve some of the strain on the office. Taking care of a jail is one of the biggest headaches of a sheriffs department, Washington County Sheriff Zach Jacobsen said. This will give them a chance to breathe. The charge of being part of a criminal street gang activity is a rarity, he added. Ive been in this business 20 years and Ive never heard of it, he said. Sheriff Burkett battled back The Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested all four men on Thursday. The patrols Division of Drug and Crime Control conducted the investigation. The men charged are: The sheriff, Burkett, 46, who lives in Des Arc, Missouri, in Iron County. Among the four felony and four misdemeanor charges, the patrol said his crimes included obtaining criminal history record information under false pretense and making a false report. Iron County Deputy Matthew Cozad, 39, who lives in Bixby, Missouri, in Iron County. Prosecutors allege that Cozad asked dispatchers to check for other vehicles the woman had registered in her name, and asked that area law enforcement agencies detain her if they stopped her for any reason. Iron County Deputy Major Chase Bresnahan, 31, who lives in Centerville, Missouri, in Reynolds County. Part of what prosecutors accused him of doing is contacting a wireless phone company to get information on the womans phone location. Donald Rickie Gaston, 62, who lives in Caledonia, Missouri, in Washington County. The patrol said Gastons crimes included second-degree stalking and attempted parental kidnapping. Burkett earned a salary of $63,000 as sheriff, according to January county commission minutes. Before he was sheriff, Burkett worked as a deputy. Gaston was not in law enforcement but is known around town as a big property owner. Gaston and Burkett were friends. Charging documents allege the case began on Feb. 8 when Gaston and the mother of his child got into a quarrel. A 4-minute audio recording from the 911 dispatch center and a cellphone video picked up details of the quarrel between Gaston and the woman. They were fighting over a $50 bottle of liquor, police said, and Gaston was agitated and cursing. A female voice is heard on the recording, yelling, Touch her again and I swear to god Ill call the ... cops. The video ends with Gaston saying that someone punched him in the face. Two days later, on Feb. 10, Burkett called 911 dispatch and asked for a cellphone ping, saying he was trying to check the well being of someone, documents say. He said the woman had fled the county with a child and a court order said the father should have been notified. While on the phone with dispatch, Burkett said he was Gaston, charges say. Later, Cozad asked dispatchers to put a stop and hold on the woman. After 11 p.m. that night, a Jefferson County police sergeant told dispatchers he found the woman and her child and they were fine. When Burkett heard that the Jefferson County officer didnt arrest the woman, Burkett replied by saying, Well theyre gonna have another issue because Gaston is on his way there. Burketts mugshot Thursday, taken at the Washington County jail in Potosi, shows him with an oxygen line leading to his nose and wrapped behind his ears. Jeffs had some hard times with COVID, said Iron Countys presiding commissioner, Jim Scaggs. Hes lucky to be alive. Last year, the sheriff was hospitalized for nearly four months, part of that time spent on a ventilator because of COVID, the Sheriffs Office said. While he was sick, the county filed suit to remove him from office, but the case was dropped. Sheriff Burkett battled back, the Iron County Sheriffs Department said on Facebook, and the frivolous coup attempt failed ... It is no secret that Sheriff Burkett is an outsider to many of the current elected officials. Removing inmates from cells Last week, a few days after patrol investigators interviewed Burkett, he checked himself into the hospital. The Iron County Sheriffs Department told people on Facebook that Burkett was hospitalized March 10 for complications from COVID-19. Sheriff Burkett is awake and alert, however, his symptoms are quite severe, the post said. Later that day, the office updated its message to say that Burkett was heading home for rest. Word of Burketts arrest spread quickly Thursday at the biannual Missouri Sheriffs Association conference in Osage Beach. The fact that we arrested one of our own sent shockwaves through the conference, Jacobsen, the Washington County sheriff, said from the conference. We have over 100 sheriffs here. Back at the sheriffs office, jail supervisor Beth Ethridge bristled as the inmates were removed from their cells. She said the county doesnt think its safe to keep the inmates there without enough deputies to guard them. Ethridge was working at a gas station when the sheriff recruited her last November to work as a jailer. Her 22-year-old daughter, Macie Yount, was in home healthcare when Burkett convinced her to work for him as his assistant. This is bogus, Yount said of the charges against him. They want to see him as the bad guy. The charges, they think hes Mafia and hes definitely not. Ethridge scoffed at the charge of criminal street gang activity. We have three streets, Ethridge joked. Scaggs, the presiding commissioner, said he was surprised when Burkett was snared in the criminal case. And even though Burketts attorney said the commission was trying to drive the sheriff out, Scaggs said its not true. I feel sorry for those people, I really do, despite what the attorney has said, you know? Scaggs said. Everybody should know I dont have the power. As he sat in the refurbished 1860 courthouse Friday, proud of the woodwork and artwork, Scaggs said Iron County is a tight-knit community and sometimes draws media attention for the wrong reasons. Normally its floods and tornadoes, he said. This, Scaggs said of the sheriffs crisis, is not who we are. Burkett was being held Friday on $500,000 cash bail at the Jefferson County Jail. Gaston and the two deputies are each held in lieu of $400,000 cash bail. More than 10 million people, including children, living in Pakistan's flood-affected areas still lack safe drinking water, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) warned Tuesday UNITED NATIONS, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Mar, 2023 ) :More than 10 million people, including children, living in Pakistan's flood-affected areas still lack safe drinking water, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) warned Tuesday. In a statement, the UN agency said the situation leaves families with no alternative but to "drink and use potentially disease-ridden water." The floods, which experts attribute to climate change, killed 1,739 people, including 647 children and 353 women, causing an estimated $30 billion in damages. Even before the devastating floods, despite the country's drinking water supply system covering 92 percent of the population, only 36 percent of the water was considered safe for consumption, UNICEF said. The floods damaged most of the water systems in affected areas, compelling more than 5.4 million people, including 2.5 million children, to solely rely on contaminated water from ponds and wells. "Safe drinking water is not a privilege, it is a basic human right," UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, Abdullah Fadil said, calling for donors support, and placing children at the heart of all post-flood recovery and resilience plans. "Yet, every day, millions of girls and boys in Pakistan are fighting a losing battle against preventable waterborne diseases and the consequential malnutrition," he said. "We need the continued support of our donors to provide safe water, build toilets and deliver vital sanitation services to these children and families who need them the most." The prolonged lack of safe drinking water and toilets, along with the continued proximity of vulnerable families to bodies of stagnant water are contributing to the widespread outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, dengue, and malaria, UNICEF said. At the same time, it said, open defecation has increased by more than 14 per cent in the flood-affected regions. "To make matters worse, the lack of proper toilets is disproportionally affecting children, adolescent girls and women who are at added risk of shame and harm when defecating outdoors." Unsafe water and poor sanitation are key underlying causes of malnutrition, it said, pointing out that the associated diseases, such as diarrhea, prevent children from getting the vital nutrients they need. Moreover, malnourished children are more susceptible to waterborne diseases due to already weakened immune systems, which simply perpetuates a vicious cycle of malnutrition and infection, the UN agency said. Tragically, a third of all child deaths globally are attributable to malnutrition and half of all undernutrition cases are linked to infections caused by a lack of access to safe water, adequate sanitation and good hygiene. In Pakistan, it said, malnutrition is associated with half of all child deaths. In flood affected areas, more than 1.5 million boys and girls are already severely malnourished, and the numbers will only rise in the absence of safe water and proper sanitation. UNICEF said it has been on the ground with partners since the first day of the climate-induced emergency, installing numerous handpumps and water storage facilities. In the past six months, UNICEF and partners said safe drinking water was provided to nearly 1.2 million children and families and distributed hygiene kits to more than 1.3 million people. UNICEF also supported the rehabilitation or rebuilding of water supply facilities benefiting over 450,000 people. Ahead of World Water Day, UNICEF is calling upon the government, donors and partners to urgently: -- allocate resources to restore access to safe drinking water and toilets -- invest in climate-resilient safe drinking water supply facilities and the use of renewable technologies like solar pumping systems. "It is imperative that the voices and the needs of children in Pakistan are prioritized at all costs and that children are placed at the heart of all post-flood recovery and resilience plans," Fadil, the UNICEF representative, said. Six months after the devastating floods, more than 9.6 million children still require access to essential social services, the agency said. UNICEF's current appeal of US$173.5 million to provide life-saving support to women and children affected by the floods remains less than 50 percent funded, it was pointed out. Afghanistan's schools reopened for the new academic year Tuesday, but no classes were held as students were unaware of the start and hundreds of thousands of teenage girls remain barred from attending class Kabul, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Mar, 2023 ) :Afghanistan's schools reopened for the new academic year Tuesday, but no classes were held as students were unaware of the start and hundreds of thousands of teenage girls remain barred from attending class. Afghanistan is the only country in the world where girls are prohibited from going to secondary school. The education ministry made no public announcement of the reopening of schools, several teachers and officials told AFP. "A letter issued by the minister of education was given to us by our principal to reopen the school today but, since no public announcement was made, no students came," said Mohammad Osman Atayi, a teacher at the Saidal Naseri Boys High School in Kabul. AFP journalists toured seven schools in Kabul and saw only a few teachers and Primary students arriving but no classes were held. Schools also reopened in provinces including Herat, Kunduz, Ghazni and Badakhshan but no lessons were held there either, AFP correspondents reported. Officials held a ceremony to mark the start of the new academic year at a boys school in Kabul. Tuesday's start of the new academic year coincided with Nowruz, the Persian New Year, celebrated widely in Afghanistan before the Taliban returned to power but now considered "illegal" by the country's new rulers. Hundreds of thousands of teenage girls remain barred from secondary school. "The Taliban have snatched everything away from us," said 15-year-old Sadaf Haidari, a resident of Kabul who should have started grade 11 this year. "I am depressed and broken." Eighteen-year-old Deena Rahimi should have started grade 12 this year but is confined to her home while her brother attends class. "My brother and I used to go to school together daily but now he goes alone," Rahimi told AFP. "I'm just forced to watch him go to school while we are not allowed." The ban on girls' secondary education came into effect in March last year, just hours after the education ministry reopened schools for both girls and boys. Taliban leaders -- who have also banned women from university education -- have repeatedly claimed they will reopen secondary schools for girls once "conditions" have been met, from obtaining funding to remodelling the syllabus along Islamic lines. The international community has made the right to education for women a key condition in negotiations over aid and recognition of the Taliban government. No country has officially recognised the Taliban as Afghanistan's legitimate rulers. Afghanistan under the Taliban government is the "most repressive country in the world" for women's rights, the United Nations has said. The United Nations mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) urged the authorities on Tuesday to lift the ban on girls' education. "UNAMA reiterates its call to de facto authorities to reverse all discriminatory policies against women and girls," the mission said on Twitter. "They not only impede the aspirations of half of the population but are causing great damage to Afghanistan."Women have been effectively squeezed out of public life, removed from most government jobs or paid a fraction of their former salary to stay at home. They are also barred from going to parks, fairs, gyms and public baths, and must cover up in public. More than 400 rebels in Chad were handed life sentences on Tuesday, mainly in connection with the death of former ruler Idriss Deby Itno, who was killed in 2021, the prosecutor told AFP N'Djamena, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Mar, 2023 ) :More than 400 rebels in Chad were handed life sentences on Tuesday, mainly in connection with the death of former ruler Idriss Deby Itno, who was killed in 2021, the prosecutor told AFP. After a mass trial, they were sentenced for "acts of terrorism, mercenarism, recruitment of child soldiers and assaulting the head of state," said Mahamat El-Hadj Abba Nana, public prosecutor for the capital N'Djamena. He did not give a detailed figure for those jailed, saying only that "more than 400 were sentenced" to life, while 24 other defendants were acquitted. The trial opened last month behind closed doors in the Criminal Court of the Court of Appeal. It took place within Klessoum prison about 20 kilometres (12 miles) southeast of the capital. In early 2021, the country's main rebel group, the Front for Change and Concord in Chad (FACT), launched an offensive on the north of the country from its bases in Libya. On April 20, the army announced that Marshal Deby, Chad's iron-fisted ruler for the previous three decades, had died from wounds sustained in the fighting. His death was announced just a day after he had been declared victor of a presidential election that gave him a sixth term in office. He was immediately succeeded by one of his sons, General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, who took the helm at the head of 15-member military junta. He promised to hold free elections within 18 months, but that deadline was extended. Protests last October to mark the initially promised end to military rule were met by a crackdown in which 50 people were killed, according to an official toll contested by opposition groups. A total of 262 people were then handed terms of between two and three years after a trial in the notorious Koro Toro prison, isolated in the desert 600 kms from N'Djamena. Despite criticism of his authoritarian rule, the elder Deby was a key ally in the West's anti-militant campaign in the unstable Sahel, particularly due to the relative strength of Chad's military. A nuclear war cant be won and must never be fought, Russia and China said in a joint statement published by the Kremlin Tuesday MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 21st March, 2023) A nuclear war cant be won and must never be fought, Russia and China said in a joint statement published by the Kremlin Tuesday. "Underlining the importance of the joint statement by the leaders of the five nuclear-weapon states on the prevention of nuclear war and the prevention of an arms race, sides reiterate that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be unleashed," the statement read. Moscow and Beijing also called on nuclear states to abide by agreements signed between nuclear states. "The Parties confirm that the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons is the cornerstone of the international mechanisms for nuclear disarmament and the international regime for the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. The Parties reaffirm their commitment to their obligations under this Treaty and will continue to coordinate efforts to preserve and strengthen the Treaty in the interests of maintaining international peace and security," the statement said, adding that measures to reduce strategic risks should be included in efforts aimed at reducing tensions amid worsening relations between nuclear states. In addition, the statement said that nuclear powers should not deploy nuclear weapons abroad and remove the ones that are already deployed in other countries. (@FahadShabbir) Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, on Tuesday signed a joint statement on deepening comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 21st March, 2023) Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, on Tuesday signed a joint statement on deepening comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation. Earlier in the day, a Sputnik correspondent said that Russia and China have signed a number of intergovernmental documents on the sidelines of the meeting between Putin and Xi. "President of Russia Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping sign a joint statement by the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China on deepening relations of comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation entering a new era," the Kremlin said in a statement. The presidents also signed a joint statement on the plan for development of key areas of the economic cooperation until 2030. (@ChaudhryMAli88) The United Kingdom will transfer Ukraine depleted uranium tank ammunition, including armor piercing shells for Challenger 2 battle tanks, UK Minister of State for Defense Annabel Goldie said MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 21st March, 2023) The United Kingdom will transfer Ukraine depleted uranium tank ammunition, including armor piercing shells for Challenger 2 battle tanks, UK Minister of State for Defense Annabel Goldie said. Military expert Konstantin Sivkov told Sputnik in late January that the use of depleted uranium ammunition threatened health of people living in the special operation's area and could cause nuclear contamination and increase the number of cancer cases. "Alongside our granting of a squadron of Challenger 2 main battle tanks to Ukraine, we will be providing ammunition including armour piercing rounds which contain depleted uranium. Such rounds are highly effective in defeating modern tanks and armoured vehicles," Goldie wrote in an answer to a question from a member of the House of Lords on Monday. Depleted uranium is used in armor piercing projectiles due to its high density and significant damage it causes after armor penetration. Nazi Germany was the first country to use depleted uranium for its tank shells due to the lack of more dense wolfram. The US-led coalition intensively used this type of ammunition during its invasion of Iraq. Suad Al-Azzawi, a researcher at the US Colorado school of Mines, noted that the use of white phosphorus and depleted uranium by the United States in Iraq led to a sixfold increase in the number of cancer cases in the affected areas. On the other hand, other studies claim that ammunition based on depleted uranium has no measurable negative health consequences. The UK is planning to send 14 Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 21st March, 2023) Ukraine has received Norwegian Leopard 2 tanks, Norway's Defense Ministry said in a statement on Twitter. "#Ukraine has now received the Norwegian tanks #leopard 2 and training of Ukrainian personnel is underway," the ministry said. It posted a photo of a tank moving out of a military transport aircraft. Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine on February 24, 2022 in response to calls by the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics for protection from Ukrainian troops. The Russian Defense Ministry said the operation, which targets Ukrainian military infrastructure, aims to "demilitarize and denazify" Ukraine, and to completely liberate Donbas. Western nations have imposed numerous sanctions on Russia and have been supplying weapons to Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said any cargo that contains weaponry for Ukraine will become a legitimate target for Russia. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul said on Tuesday that he will subpoena US Secretary of State Antony Blinken if the chief diplomat fails to produce documents related to the United States' withdrawal from Afghanistan by Thursday WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 21st March, 2023) House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul said on Tuesday that he will subpoena US Secretary of State Antony Blinken if the chief diplomat fails to produce documents related to the United States' withdrawal from Afghanistan by Thursday. "On March 3, 2023, I wrote to you regarding the State Department's ongoing failure to comply with the Committee's requests for documents and information concerning the Biden Administration's disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan. For the reasons outlined below, it is essential that you produce the items requested in advance of your March 23 testimony before the Committee," McCaul said in a letter to Blinken. McCaul requested documents including a purported dissent cable sent by State Department officials in July 2021 warning of the rapid expansion of the Taliban's power and potential collapse of US-backed Afghan security forces, an after-action report on the withdrawal and the Kabul embassy's emergency evacuation plan. If Blinken does not provide the documents before 5:00 p.m. EDT (9:00 p.m. GMT) on March 22, the committee will proceed with the compulsory process, the letter said. NOAA Assistant Administrator Visits Coastal USM Tue, 03/21/2023 - 08:55am The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) hosted leadership from the National Ocean Service for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on Wednesday, March 15 as they toured Coastal USM. In connection with her appearance at the US Hydro Conference, 2023, Nicole LeBoeuf, Assistant Administrator of NOAA, visited USM sites along the Gulf Coast. In keeping with existing long term agreements with USM NOAA seeks to enrich its work along the Gulf Coast region utilizing Coastal USMs vast resources to support strategic objectives. The opportunities along the Mississippi Gulf Coast with Coastal USM are limitless with access to top-rated research facilities and partnerships with academia to fuel workforce development, economic development, ocean research, and innovation, said LeBoeuf. As the Assistant Administrator for Ocean Services and Coastal Zone Management at NOAA, LeBoeuf oversees all strategic and operational aspects of Americas premiere coastal and ocean agency. She provides the strategic vision needed to lead the implementation of activities that support the National Ocean Services priorities of safe and efficient transportation and commerce; preparedness and risk reduction; and stewardship, tourism, and recreation. LeBoeuf toured the Gulf & Ship Island Building, home to Gulf Blue. Gulf Blue is a regional partnership of private-sector, federal, state, local and non-profits focused on growing the innovation sector of the Gulf Coasts economy. Our Gulf Blue programs and initiatives play an integral part connecting blue technology startups from around the world to the strengths of the Mississippi Gulf Coast ecosystem, stated Dr. Shannon Campbell, Senior Associate Vice-President for USM Coastal Operations. We work closely with national partners, like Boston-based Sea Ahead, for their expertise in helping later-stage startups achieve their goals. LeBoeuf also toured the USMs Roger F. Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise facilities at the Port of Gulfport. These facilities are home to research and development partnerships focused on uncrewed maritime systems and blue technology innovation among USM, federal and industry partners. We were delighted to provide a first-hand look at our facilities, talk about our initiatives and introduce the Assistant Administrator to the people who drive development of new technologies and solutions that benefit science and coastal communities broadly, and specifically along the Gulf Coast, stated Dr. Leila Hamdan, USM Interim Associate Vice-President for Research, Coastal Operations. The five inmates who escaped the St. Francois County Detention Center earlier this year face more charges this month related to the theft of a vehicle reported during the escape. Police allege the car contained items worth nearly $2,000, which the inmates reportedly used to aid in their escape. Dakota Pace, 26, Lujuan Tucker, 37, Kelly McSean, 52, Aaron Sebastian, 30, and Michael Wilkins, 40, were each charged last week in St. Francois County with one count of felony stealing ($750 or more) and one count of stealing a motor vehicle. According to probable cause statements filed in the cases, on Jan. 17, Pace, Sebastian, Tucker, Wilkins, and McSean escaped from the St. Francois County Detention Center, where about 200 inmates are housed. Court documents allege at about 7 p.m., the inmates utilized Cell D-1, where a sink was pulled from a wall. The inmates reportedly crawled through a void behind the sink, entered a closet on the roof, and forced entry through the closet door to the outside. Within 15 minutes of the escape, the group reportedly walked to Centene Corporation on Air Park Drive in the Farmington Industrial Park nearby. Once at Centene, two of the inmates entered the companys secured parking lot by crawling through a small gap below the automatic entrance gate. They then rummaged through a vehicle before stealing a gray 2009 Toyota Scion TC with Missouri temporary tags. All five inmates climbed inside the car and were seen on security footage fleeing in a southerly direction. Just after the inmates fled from the Centene parking lot, an officer with the Farmington Police was reportedly dispatched to the location about a stolen vehicle. The officer arrived and met with a security worker, who reported the Toyota Scion TC stolen from the parking lot. The probable cause statements indicate investigators reviewed the surveillance footage, which reportedly showed Dakota Pace and Michael Wilkins crawl under the security gate of the parking lot. Pace reportedly gained entry into the Toyota, started the vehicle, and exited through the gate with Wilkins in the passenger seat. As they left the gate, Tucker, Sebastian, and McSean climbed inside the car, according to police. The report alleges that all five escapees acted together in stealing the motor vehicle in an effort to flee from custody. The Farmington officer later spoke with the owner of the Toyota, who reportedly said she had several possessions inside. The owner listed the valuables that were in the vehicle at the time it was taken, which allegedly included an HP laptop worth $400, two Samsung tablets worth $200, a Gucci purse worth $800, and a pearl necklace worth $300. The report alleges that additional investigation revealed the items were used by the escapees to further aid in their escape from custody. According to a previous press release, the five inmates were discovered missing from the jail at the 10 p.m. count on Jan. 17. After an extensive search over several days, all five escaped inmates were back in custody by Jan. 20 following a run-in with authorities in Ohio. At about midnight on Jan. 21, St. Francois County officials announced they received notification late Friday from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, confirming the arrests of McSean and Sebastian. The two fugitives were reportedly taken into custody in or near Butler County, Ohio, in the late evening of Jan. 20. On the morning of Jan. 21, St. Francois County Sheriff Dan Bullock said they learned that the last two escapees, Pace and Tucker, were arrested overnight in Butler County, Ohio, north of Cincinnati. Police said all four fugitives were traveling together in the stolen 2009 Toyota Scion they used during their escape from the St. Francois County Jail. At about 9:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 20, an Ohio State Highway Patrol officer reportedly attempted to make a traffic stop on the car. The escapees fled the stop on foot but were later tracked and captured in nearby areas. Authorities said Sebastian and McSean were apprehended soon after the attempted traffic stop. Pace and Tucker were reportedly arrested later in the night. On Jan. 20, sources announced that Wilkins had been apprehended in Poplar Bluff earlier that morning. In a press release the afternoon of Jan. 20, the St. Francois County Sheriffs Department confirmed Wilkins had been located in Poplar Bluff and taken into custody that morning by officers with the Poplar Bluff Police Department. Investigators began to focus on the Poplar Bluff area Thursday morning (Jan. 19) following a tip that indicated a person matching Wilkins description was seen at a bar in Poplar Bluff on Wednesday evening (Jan 18), the sheriffs department said in the news release following the capture. Officials said information led police to believe that Wilkins entered the bar alone on the evening of Jan. 18 and mostly kept to himself, only drinking water. Witnesses felt Wilkins was behaving rather strangely, which drew their attention, the department explained at the time. After seeing news reports Thursday morning (Jan. 19), witnesses reported the sighting. Investigators reportedly obtained surveillance video from the bar, and Wilkins was positively identified, according to police. The man was taken into custody by Poplar Bluff Police at a second-hand retail store without incident and transported back to St. Francois County by officers from St. Francois County and the U.S. Marshals Service. All five were charged with the Class E felony of escape from confinement. The charge carries a sentence of up to four years in prison. At the time of their escape, Tucker, McSean, and Sebastian were being housed in the county jail after allegedly committing offenses at the Sex Offender Rehabilitation and Treatment Services (SORTS) facility in Farmington, where they had been in custody as sexual predators. The U.S. Marshals Office later issued a $5,000 reward for each of them before they were captured. Authorities said Tucker was in custody for a third-degree assault charge. He was previously charged with raping a 12-year-old girl in St. Louis County, according to court documents. Documents further state McSean, also known as Larry Bemboom, was being held at the jail on charges of committing violence against Department of Mental Health employees and endangering an employee through contact with bodily fluid. McSean was in SORTS for the sexual assault of a 39-year-old woman in Boone County. Information from the sheriffs department indicated McSean identifies as a woman, but the U.S. Marshals Office identified McSean as a male. Sebastian was in custody for an assault charge. He was in SORTS for two counts of first-degree statutory sodomy involving females under the age of 10. Pace, whose last known address is Park Hills, has a lengthy list of pending felony charges in St. Francois County, including trafficking of stolen identities, property damage, resisting arrest, stealing, and tampering with a motor vehicle. Wilkins was in jail for a charge of burglary. The U.S. Marshals Office had issued $2,500 rewards for Pace and Wilkins following the escape. All five are reportedly still in custody at the St. Francois County Detention Center. An area man faces charges of sexual trafficking of a child and molestation in Washington County after officials say he allegedly participated in forcing sexual contact on a child. Authorities are still seeking information about two unidentified teen females alleged to have been directed to also participate in the sex acts involving the male child. Vincent Sterling Price, Jr., 38, of Potosi, has been charged in Washington County with four counts of first-degree sexual trafficking of a child and four counts of first-degree child molestation. Price was charged this month by an eight-count felony complaint filed in the Associate Circuit in Washington County. The complaint alleges that between Oct. 1, 2019, and Feb. 16, 2021, Price, on four separate occasions, directed two unidentified minor females to hold down the male child, who was less than 12 years old, on a bed and then take turns touching the boy's penis while Price watched. According to the charging documents in the case, the alleged acts were reported by the child's mother last April, and an investigation was initiated. During a forensic interview, the report states the child recalled details of the alleged encounters, which he said happened in Potosi. Washington County Prosecuting Attorney John I. Jones, IV said in a recent press release that his office is looking to the public for information about the two minor females mentioned in the complaint. "The sexualization of children we see today is out of control and completely unacceptable," said Jones. "My office will do everything in its power to bring every child sex trafficker in Washington County to justice. The first step is prosecuting the cases we know about, but we need the public's help in identifying victims who are presently being hidden from law enforcement." Anyone with information concerning the identities of the two minor females is asked to contact the Potosi Police Department at 573-438-5468 or the Washington County Prosecutor's Office. The case is being prosecuted by Jones and First Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Caleb J. Aponte. The alleged incidents were investigated by the Potosi Police Department. Price was booked at the Washington County Jail, where he remains in custody on a $1 million cash-only bond. If released on bail, the man is prohibited from having contact with children and is ordered to comply with GPS monitoring. At a hearing last week, Price waived formal arraignment and entered pleas of not guilty to each of the eight counts. He is scheduled to appear in court again for a counsel status hearing on Tuesday. Court records show that Price has a pending case in Iron County in which the man is charged with two counts of first-degree child molestation. The case was filed last year on July 27, alleging the molestations happened in -February 2019. The charges contained in this complaint are simply accusations and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a jury whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. U.S. President Joe Biden said Monday the United States stands with the brave women and all the citizens of Iran who are inspiring the world with their conviction and courage as they fight for their human rights and fundamental freedoms. Speaking at a White House event celebrating Nowruz, the Iranian New Year, Biden said the United States and its partners will continue to hold Iranian officials accountable for their attacks against their people. Biden also highlighted the people who have been unjustly detained in Iran, and elsewhere in the world, saying it is a top priority for his administration to bring those people home. In a statement earlier Monday, Biden said he and first lady Jill Biden send our best wishes to everyone celebrating Nowruz across the United States and around the world from the Middle East, to Central and South Asia, to the Caucasus, to Europe. This year, Nowruz comes at a difficult time for many families, when hope is needed more than ever including for the women of Iran who are fighting for their human rights and fundamental freedoms, President Biden said. Ethiopias government has rejected a U.S. assertion that all sides in the two-year Tigray war committed war crimes, calling the statement inflammatory. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Monday on Twitter that the Ethiopian and Eritrean armies, Amhara region forces and Tigray Peoples Liberation Front forces all committed atrocity crimes during the Tigray war that ended in November. Blinken said he condemns these atrocities and welcomes commitments to pursue transitional justice. Ethiopias Ministry of Foreign Affairs struck back in a statement Tuesday, saying it rejects the U.S. allegation that all sides committed war crimes during the Tigray conflict. It said Blinkens statement, coming a week after the secretary of state visited Ethiopia, unfairly proportions blame and is inflammatory and untimely. The government said it has just launched national consultations on a transitional justice policy. The ministry added that a report on human rights released by the U.S. State Department on Monday does not contain any information that wasnt included in a previous joint report done by the U.N. and Ethiopias Human Rights Commission. That report in September of last year said investigators had found evidence of crimes against humanity by the Ethiopian government, including using starvation as a weapon. The government rejected that report. Letter bombs were sent to at least five journalists working in TV and radio stations in violence-plagued Ecuador Monday, one of which exploded without causing serious injury, Interior Minister Juan Zapata said. The prosecutor's office said it had opened an investigation into the crime of terrorism, without stating why the news stations were specifically targeted, or by whom. The interior minister said the envelopes were sent from the town of Quimsaloma, in the coastal province of Los Rios. Three were sent to Guayaquil in the southwest and two to the capital Quito. The "device is indeed the same in all five places," Zapata told reporters. In the port city of Guayaquil, journalist Lenin Artieda of the Ecuavisa private TV station received an envelope containing a pen drive which exploded when he inserted it into a computer, his employer said. Artieda sustained slight injuries to one hand and his face, said police official Xavier Chango. No one else was hurt. Chango said the USB drive sent to Artieda could have been loaded with RDX, a military-type explosive. Another package addressed to journalist Carlos Vera was intercepted by the police at a courier company in Guayaquil and did not reach its destination, Zapata said. Elsewhere in Guayaquil in Ecuador's southwest, the prosecutor's office said a letter bomb was also sent to the offices of TC Television. There is "an absolutely clear message to silence journalists," said the minister. 'New escalation' The Teleamazonas chain later said it had also received a USB stick at its offices in Quito "with the same characteristics" as the one sent to Ecuavisa. The Fundamedios NGO which advocates for press freedom, said the three "attacks used the same modus operandi." Envelopes with USB sticks were addressed to Artieda as well as to Mauricio Ayora of TC Television and Milton Perez of Teleamazonas, it said in a statement. The envelope addressed to Artieda contained a threat against the journalist, said Fundamedios. The one to Teleamazonas, it added, contained a note that claimed the stick contained information on "Correismo" -- a political movement named after former president Rafael Correa. The letters represented "a new escalation in violence against the press, said Fundamedios, and called for "immediate intervention of the State." The government said in a statement that it "categorically rejects any form of violence perpetrated against journalists and media outlets." Any attempt to "intimidate journalism and freedom of expression are repugnant," it added. The CDH human rights watchdog also condemned the attacks on media "in the context of growing insecurity in Ecuador." Ecuador is sandwiched between Colombia and Peru, the world's two largest cocaine producers, and has itself become a hub for the global drug trade in recent years. Guayaquil is one of its most violent cities, with frequent clashes among criminal gangs disputing drug trafficking routes. President Guillermo Lasso has declared war on gangs who control the drug trade from prisons engulfed by extreme violence and riots that have left more than 400 inmates dead since 2021. Ecuador has seen its murder rate jump from 14 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2021 to 25 per 100,000 in 2022. Last year, the RTS TV station came under gunfire, and in 2020 a bomb exploded at Teleamazonas. Former U.S. President Donald Trump said Saturday he expected to be arrested by the Manhattan district attorney as soon as Tuesday on charges stemming from an investigation into a $130,000 payment made to porn star Stormy Daniels in 2016. Laurel Bowman reports on reaction among U.S. political leaders. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met Tuesday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv in a show of solidarity that came as Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in Moscow. The Ukrainian leader posted footage of him greeting Kishida, whom Zelenskyy called "a truly powerful defender of the international order and a longtime friend of Ukraine. Earlier, Kishida toured the town of Bucha, where Ukraine says more than 400 civilians were killed last year by Russian forces, and which has since become synonymous with the brutality of Moscows troops. He laid a wreath outside a church before observing a moment of silence and bowing. "The world was astonished to see innocent civilians in Bucha killed one year ago. I really feel great anger at the atrocity upon visiting that very place here," Kishida said. "I would like to give condolences to all the victims and the wounded on behalf of the Japanese nationals, he added. Japan will keep aiding Ukraine with the greatest effort to regain peace." Kishida is the latest world leader to make the trip to wartime Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. In an apparent response to Kishida's trip, Russia's defense ministry said Tuesday that two of its strategic bomber planes flew over the Sea of Japan for more than seven hours. Japan is due to host a G-7 summit of the leaders of some of the worlds largest economies in Kishida's hometown of Hiroshima in May. Tokyo has continually voiced support for Ukraine and joined rounds of sanctions against Russia. Kishida has said that the summit should demonstrate a strong will against Russias invasion and to uphold international order and rule of law. Kishidas trip was kept secret until the last minute for security reasons. It is rare for a Japanese leader to make an unannounced visit to another country. U.S. military aid U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced Monday the United States is providing $350 million in equipment and ammunition in its latest aid package for Ukraine, as European Union foreign and defense ministers finalized a plan to supply Ukraine with ammunition while replenishing their own ammunition stocks. Three military officials told VOA the package includes more surface-to-surface rockets to use in Ukraines High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), more 155-millimeter ammunition for Howitzers and additional 25-millimeter rounds. Long-range rockets for HIMARS are not included in this package, according to officials. Blinken said the package also includes more ammunition for Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles, HARM missiles, anti-tank weapons and riverine boats. Russia alone could end its war today, Blinken said. Until Russia does, we will stand united with Ukraine for as long as it takes. A military official told VOA the U.S. ammunition package was being made in tandem with the efforts that EU partners were making to address Ukraines need for more ammunition on the battlefield as it fights the full-scale Russian invasion that began more than a year ago. The EUs $2 billion plan includes sending Ukraine 1 million 155-millimeter artillery shells within 12 months. After EU foreign and defense ministers endorsed the plan during a meeting in Brussels Monday, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell called the agreement a historic decision. We are taking a key step towards delivering on our promises to provide Ukraine with more artillery ammunition, he said on Twitter. The EU plan also calls for fast-tracking new orders of ammunition for Ukraine and encourages countries to work together on purchases through the European Defense Agency or in groups of at least three nations. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba cheered the EU move in a tweet, calling it a game-changing decision. Exactly what is needed: urgent delivery + sustainable joint procurement, he wrote. Some material in this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. Illinois had a three-year head start on legalizing recreational marijuana, but in many ways, Missouri has surpassed it after just one month. The two states came to legalization very differently, which makes the laws in each state very different and means Missouri is cutting into the Illinois market. In February, its first month of legal sales, legal marijuana sales in Missouri totaled $103 million. In Illinois, sales to out-of-state shoppers dropped 15% in that time, and as much as 30% in stores near Missouri, market analyst Cantor Fitzgerald reported. Thats important because sales to out-of-state residents make up almost one-third of all cannabis revenue in Illinois. Illinois had $120 million in recreational sales alone in February, which outpaced Missouri. But Illinois sales have plateaued somewhat recently, and historically, sales continue increasing after legalization. Some cannabis customers say they prefer buying in Missouri, which unlike Illinois, offers home delivery, drive-through windows, and deli style service, in which customers can see and smell the product before they buy it. People from Illinois are blown away, former Missouri medical marijuana dispensary worker Michael Lasley said. This is how its supposed to be. Its all a function of competition. One reason the rules in Missouri are so different is that the states voters approved legalizing recreational cannabis by referendum, with 53% of the vote approving the measure in November 2022. In contrast, the Illinois lawmakers wrote a much more restrictive law when they voted to legalize recreational weed effective in 2020. As a result, while Missouris population of 6 million is just about half of Illinois, the Show Me State has nearly twice as many licensed marijuana stores, with more than 200. Missouri, where medial marijuana has been legal since 2018, also has nearly three times as many licensed cultivation sites, and allows anyone 21 or older to grow at home, while Illinois only allows medical cannabis patients to grow their own weed. Importantly for customers, Illinois products often cost roughly twice as much, often running $40 or more for an eighth of an ounce of flower, the part of the plant that smokers use. Missouri has what Cantor Fitzgerald says is the cheapest legal weed in the Midwest, as low as $20 for an eighth of an ounce. Perhaps the most striking difference is that Missouri taxes retail marijuana sales at a flat 6%. Illinois has a scale that goes up to a hefty 35%. Illinois residents may possess up to 30 grams of cannabis flower, while customers in Missouri may possess nearly three times as much. In response to Tribune questions about the discrepancies between the states, Illinois regulators issued a statement emphasizing the states social equity licensees, meant to increase minority ownership. We prioritized social equity so that those most affected by decades of harsh drug policy had their fair shot at the industry, not just massive corporations run by the already-wealthy. Thats why weve issued 195 conditional social equity dispensary licenses so far with capital and other supports to help these businesses get off the ground. Weve also issued 88 Craft Grow licenses, 100% of which are social equity. Thats also why weve directly reinvested over $144 million of cannabis tax revenue into the communities hardest hit by the War on Drugs, which was possible because of the $487 million in tax revenue brought in just last year, with revenue continuing to increase year over year. With social equity dispensaries opening their doors, record tax revenue, and money flowing to communities that have faced historic disinvestment, Illinois intentional and deliberate approach to cannabis legalization is paying off and we look forward to continuing to build on that success. But due to delays in issuing licenses and in getting financing for small start-ups, only a handful of social equity businesses have opened. Meanwhile, majority white male-owned cannabis businesses in Illinois have expanded into multi-state giants, and own many of the 100-plus pot stores in the state. Both states laws were written largely by industry advocates and benefitted existing medical marijuana growers by letting them add recreational sales immediately. Missouri has plans to add micro-businesses to expand diversity in the industry. While the Missouri law allowed for automatically expunging most nonviolent marijuana offenses, Illinois, which legalized recreational weed effective in 2020, already has expunged hundreds of thousands of such offenses. Lasley, the former Missouri dispensary worker, lives near downstate Carbondale, and writes for the cannabis web site Illinois News Joint. He so prefers the Missouri market, including its quality and variety, that he even got a medical marijuana card there, which the state allows for out-of-state residents. Greenlight Dispensaries, with 15 dispensaries and two growing facilities in Missouri, has been doing great business since full legalization, co-owner Tom Bommarito said. He and his brother own auto dealerships, and were self-financed with partner and CEO John Mueller, who had run cannabis businesses in Nevada. The prices are an obvious draw for Illinois residents, he said. They come over to buy gas and cigarettes, so why not weed? he said. The taxes are lower and were just cheaper, so thats going to be a problem for Illinois. States with the highest revenue from cannabis taxes States with the highest revenue from cannabis taxes #11. Maine #10. California Human rights advocates in Kenya are condemning what they call "barbaric acts" by police in their response to protests over the high cost of living. One university student was killed, 31 officers were injured and nearly 240 people arrested Monday in demonstrations organized by opposition leader Raila Odinga. In a joint statement, the Kenya Human Rights Commission, along with the Constitution and Reform Education Consortium, and Muslims for Human Rights say the violent and excessive use of force and restriction of movement by the Kenyan police was unnecessary. News reports say a student from Maseno University in the western city of Kisumu was killed when officers fired live rounds during skirmishes with protesters. On Tuesday, students took to the streets in Kisumu to protest his death, according to local reports. Separately, the National Police Service says that even after officers restrained themselves and acted according to the law, rioters stormed the Maseno police station, hurling stones at officers and property. The NPS also says that 10 police vehicles were damaged during Monday's protests. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki praised the police service, which he said "has done the country proud, despite the day-long provocation by unruly protesters." In Nairobi on Monday, police fired tear gas at Odinga's convoy and used water cannon to disperse the crowds as he spoke to supporters from the sunroof of his car in the city's Eastleigh area. Asked for comment on the protests, the NPS referred VOA to a statement released Tuesday. The service said, "The unwarranted standoff witnessed on Monday in Nairobi and Kisumu in an illegal demonstration amounts to nothing short of violence against police and economic sabotage." The demonstrations were organized by Odinga, who said the high cost of staples such as maize flour was one of the reasons he called for the protests. Odinga narrowly lost to President William Ruto in last year's election. The longtime opposition leader has called for the protests to be repeated every Monday and Thursday. An international conference in London raised 4 million pounds ($4.9 million) to support the International Criminal Court in its investigations into alleged war crimes in Ukraine and its work to hold Russia to account, officials said Monday. Justice ministers from over 40 countries met in London for the war crimes conference days after the global court issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing him of personal responsibility in the abduction of children from Ukraine. Friday's move was the first time the court has issued a warrant against the leader of one of the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council. "We share the belief that President Putin and the wider leadership must be held to account," Britain's Justice Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab said as he opened the meeting. "Let's make sure that we back up our words with deeds, that we back up our moral support with practical means to effectively investigate these awful crimes." Karim Khan, the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, said the warrant for Putin was not a moment of triumph but a "somber occasion" reminding the world that joint international action is key to delivering justice for Ukraine. "If we don't at this moment of world affairs cling to the law, if we don't look at ourselves and ask how we can do better we will not only miss an opportunity, but we may not have further opportunities," Khan said. Monday's conference drummed up extra international funding for the ICC, as well as other offers of resources from European countries including investigative support and forensic expertise, Raab said. The global court also issued a warrant Friday for the arrest of Maria Lvova-Belova, the commissioner for Children's Rights in the Office of the President of the Russian Federation. Andriy Kostin, prosecutor-general of Ukraine, described the abduction and transport of thousands of Ukrainian children to Russia to be adopted and raised as Russians as part of a "clear plan" by Russia to "destroy Ukraine and Ukrainian identity." His office has already launched investigations into over 72,000 incidents of war crimes in his country, he said, adding that no single day goes by without "widespread and systemic atrocities" committed in residential areas against civilians. Although the conference's focus was on backing the ICC's work, Kostin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also petitioned for international support for the establishment of a special international tribunal to investigate and prosecute Russia's leaders for the broader crime of aggression. In a prerecorded video message aired at the end of the conference, Zelenskyy told participants that a new tribunal would supplement the ICC and "significantly strengthen international justice." Zelenskyy has long pushed for a tribunal to hold Russian leaders to account for the decision to invade Ukraine. The European Union, among others, have supported the idea, but talks are in an early stage and there is no international agreement on the matter so far. Some are concerned that such a tribunal could undermine the ICC's mandate. The arrest warrant against Putin may damage his international standing, but its practical implications are likely limited, not least because Moscow does not recognize the court's jurisdiction or extradite its nationals. Russian officials dismissed the ICC's move as "legally null and void." Asked whether he believed it likely that Putin will one day stand trial, Khan said the ICC's record isn't perfect but that it has successfully convicted leaders including Liberian President Charles Taylor for crimes in Sierra Leone. "Those that think they have a free pass or that there's no consequences need to realize that the law is out there," the prosecutor told Sky News. Officials in Mozambique say the death toll from cholera after Cyclone Freddy has doubled in the last week to 16 and they fear it will continue to jump as thousands of displaced are living in overcrowded shelters. The U.N Children's Fund, UNICEF, says nearly 10,000 cholera cases have been reported in Mozambique - more than tripling since early February. The health director in Mozambiques Zambezia province, the area worst hit by the cyclone, told state run Radio Mozambique Monday night they are scrambling to cope with the rising numbers of cholera patients. Blaiton Caetano said nearly 200 patients were being treated for the bacterial disease in the provincial capital, Quelimane, where 50,000 people are crowded into temporary shelters. He said they have recruited and hired 116 health technicians, including doctors, nurses, service agents and drivers, to cope with the demand in Quelimane city. Caetano said they are working with two cholera treatment centers and are preparing to open a third. In a media statement Monday, the U.N Childrens Fund, UNICEF, said millions of children were at risk in the aftermath of the record cyclone. Cyclone Freddy killed hundreds in Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique since first making landfall in February, and displaced hundreds of thousands. Malawi was already suffering a record cholera outbreak, with nearly 1,700 deaths in the past year from the diarrheal disease spread by dirty water most of them children. UNICEFs statement notes that Mozambique has 2 million people in need of food and other aid in the countrys northern region. UNICEF said the situation for children is set to worsen if aid doesnt arrive quickly, saying malnutrition increases the risk from diseases like cholera. It said as of March 18, there were nearly 10,000 cholera cases reported in 35 districts in Mozambique, more than tripling since early February. UNICEF head of office in Zambezia province Michael Chimedza told Radio Mozambique Tuesday they provided 10,000 water purification bottles and nearly 5,000 hygiene kits. He said they will increase these numbers even more with the trucks (of supplies) that are arriving in a few days. Chimedza said they made this delivery now to support the government response and to try to stop the cholera outbreak. UNICEF is calling for $155 million to respond to the impacts of the flooding and cholera on children and families. Cyclone Freddy made landfall twice in Mozambique and is believed to be the longest lasting such tropical storm to hit southern Africa in decades. Gay rights activists in Namibia are decrying a Supreme Court decision that will effectively deny citizenship to a child born through surrogacy to a same-sex couple in South Africa. The case has ignited public debate in Namibia on what constitutes a family. The ruling Monday by the Supreme Court of Namibia overturned a lower court decision that ordered the government to process a gay couples citizenship application for their child. The high court ruled last year that the minister of Home Affairs and Immigration must process the application within thirty days. However, the Minister of Home Affairs at the time, Frans Kapofi, appealed the judgment. He argued that the couple Phillip Luhl, a Namibian citizen, and Guillermo Delgado, a Mexican national had not proven that they were the actual parents of the child by submitting DNA results. LGBTQ activist Linda Baumann told VOA the judgment of the Supreme Court is a major setback for Namibias LGBTQ community. The family and broadly us in the movement find it as ten steps back, she said. We also know that homophobia, bi-phobia and trans-phobia will be experienced when the family goes back to Home Affairs because now you have to go back to the person you have challenged in the court. We also know the frustration of harassment could occur because that is a common practice that happens against us when we try and push or advance our rights in this country. A full bench of Supreme Court judges agreed that Luhl and Delgado did not satisfy the requirements of the Citizenship Act in their application. The Supreme Court held that the minister was correct in not granting the minor child citizenship by descent. Speaking to journalists outside the Supreme Court, the lawyer for the two men, Uno Katjipuka, said the judges relied on technicalities when ruling on the appeal and did not consider the merits of the case. She said the couple would now have to go back to the Home Affairs Ministry to register the birth of the child as a Namibian and said in all likelihood the registration will not be accepted. The child was born in South Africa. All theyve done is push the can or kick the can down the road to live, I dont know, to consider these things another day but in my opinion its very unfortunate and not the sort of thing we expect to see from our Supreme Court, said Katjipuka. This was the time to deal with the merits and they chose not to, for a second time they chose not to. Kapofi, the former minister of Home Affairs, welcomed the judgment. He said the couple failed to prove that they were the fathers of the child by submitting DNA evidence to that effect. Namibias Supreme Court heard other cases this month involving homosexuality. In one, a South African citizen who married a Namibian man in South Africa is asking to be granted citizenship by domicile. In another, a Namibian man is asking for the repeal of the country's law, arguing that it is an invasion of privacy and discriminatory to people in homosexual relationships. LGBTQ rights have divided public opinion in a country where the majority of the population identify as Christian and homosexuality is still regarded as taboo and abnormal. The government of Niger says it negotiated the release of a U.S. aid worker and a French journalist who were held captive by Islamist militants in the Sahel region. Aid worker and missionary Jeffery Woodke was held for more than six years, while reporter Olivier Dubois spent nearly two years in captivity. Kidnappings in the Sahel are growing at an alarming rate. Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger saw a combined 532 abductions in 2022, up from to 33 in 2017, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project. Some 115 abduction incidents have already been recorded in the region this year. Kidnappings in the Sahel represent a permanent risk for all actors working in the region, said Fahiraman Kone, a security analyst with the Institute for Security Studies in Dakar. This is a practice that has been put forward for a long time by jihadist groups as a method of financing, but also by other ransom groups who simply engage in banditry," he said. Due to the private nature of hostage negotiations, its difficult to decipher the role each country plays in securing someone's release, Kone said. Nigers efforts, however, should not go unnoticed, he added. Niger nevertheless stands out more and more in the central Sahel in its approach to the fight against insecurity, he said. While in Burkina Faso and Mali we see a strengthening of the militarized approach to the fight, Niger is trying to set forth a policy of negotiation so as to disengage fighters from groups and to negotiate with jihadist leaders themselves. While abductions of foreigners often make headlines, the majority of kidnappings target locals. Some 97% of civilians abducted in Mali since 2012 were Malian, according to a 2021 report from the Institute for Security Studies. Local humanitarian workers, village chiefs, religious leaders and journalists are among the most targeted groups. Sadibou Marong is the West Africa director for Reporters Without Borders. People must not forget Malian journalists Hamadoun Nialibouly and Moussa MBana Dicko, who are still being held captive, he said. The safe return of Dubois shows that hostage release campaigns can be successful, he added. When people generally think it's not possible, we need to go far and wide, Marong said. It's always possible to set up mechanisms to advocate, to mobilize allies everywhere, so as to achieve such a positive result. Dubois was kidnapped on April 8, 2021, in Malis northern Gao region by the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims, or JNIM, a coalition of jihadist insurgent groups active in the Sahel. He was there to interview a jihadist leader when he was abducted. In a video posted to Twitter from Niamey airport Monday he told reporters he was tired but felt fine. Its huge for me to be here, to be free, he said. Id like to acknowledge Niger and their expertise with this sensitive mission. And to France as well to everyone that allowed me to be here today. Dubois returned to Paris Tuesday, where he was greeted by President Emmanuel Macron. U.S. aid worker Jeffery Woodke was kidnapped in October 2016 from his home in Abalak, Niger, and was believed to have been taken to Mali. Nigers interior minister said Nigerien authorities secured his release from JNIM. Via Twitter, White House national security advisor Jake Sullivan said he was gratified and relieved over Woodkes liberation and thanked Niger for its help in securing the aid workers release. The releases followed a recent trip to Niger by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. A Hong Kong pro-democracy activist was arrested Tuesday just months after he was released from prison for violating the citys draconian national security law. Reuters news agency says 71-year-old Albert Ho was handcuffed and taken away from his home in a vehicle, according to a witness. Albert Ho once led the pro-democracy Hong Kong Alliance before he was arrested in 2021 and charged with inciting subversion. He spent more than a year in jail before he was released last August for medical treatment, according to Reuters. Agence France Presse says it learned from an anonymous source that Ho was arrested and charged for allegedly interfering with witnesses while on bail. Albert Hos brother Frederick was arrested earlier this month for in connection with the arrest of labor rights activist Elizabeth Tang on suspicion of colluding with foreign forces. They have since been released on bail. Hundreds of pro-democracy activists have been convicted and sentenced to lengthy prison terms since the Chinese legislature approved the law in 2020 in response to massive and sometimes violent pro-democracy demonstrations the year before. Under the law, anyone believed to be carrying out terrorism, separatism, subversion of state power or collusion with foreign forces could be tried and face life in prison if convicted. Russian President Vladimir Putin hosts Chinese leader Xi Jinping for a second day of talks Tuesday, after Putin welcomed Beijing's peace plan to resolve Russia's war against Ukraine and signaled to Western leaders the extent of what they call their "limitless" friendship. Xi said Tuesday he invited Putin to visit China later this year. In opening remarks before their closed-door talks Monday, Putin said Russia was "slightly envious" of the rapid development of China in recent decades that has boosted it to become the world's second-largest economy behind the United States. Russian news agencies later reported that the two leaders talked for nearly four-and-a-half hours before breaking for dinner, where Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had said Putin would likely give Xi a detailed explanation of Moscows actions in Ukraine. Putin said Monday he viewed the Beijing peace plan with respect. But Chinas proposal has little chance of enactment as proposed because it does not meet key demands from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy namely, that Russia withdraw from Ukraine to honor its internationally recognized borders, including the Crimean Peninsula that Moscow illegally annexed in 2014 and the eastern Ukrainian regions Russian forces invaded in February of last year. The Chinese leader's three-day visit to Moscow gives both Xi and Putin a public show of partnership in opposing what both see as American domination of global affairs. Their growing alliance also facilitates economic deals, such as shipment of Russian oil and natural gas to China at a time when the U.S. and its Western allies have imposed widespread sanctions to curb Russia's foreign business transactions in retaliation for its invasion of Ukraine. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters in Washington Monday that any proposal for Ukraine that allows Russian forces to remain in the country would merely let Moscow regain its strength to continue its offensive. "Calling for a cease-fire that does not include the removal of Russian forces from Ukrainian territory would effectively be supporting the ratification of Russian conquest," he said. White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby called on Xi "to press President Putin directly on the need to respect Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity." Ahead of Xi's visit, in an article published in the Chinese People's Daily newspaper, Putin described the visit as a "landmark event" that "reaffirms the special nature of the Russia-China partnership." The Russian leader specifically said the meeting sent a message to Washington that the two countries aren't prepared to accept attempts to weaken them. "The U.S. policy of simultaneously deterring Russia and China, as well as all those who do not bend to the American diktat, is getting ever fiercer and more aggressive," he wrote. The Chinese leader's trip to Moscow came just days after the International Criminal Court in The Hague charged Putin with the illegal deportation of thousands of children from Ukraine to Russia. Russia has ignored the allegations as "null and void." It was not immediately clear what China hoped to gain from Xi's visit. In Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Xi's trip was a "journey of friendship, cooperation and peace." On the war, Wang said, "China will uphold its objective and fair position on the Ukrainian crisis and play a constructive role in promoting peace talks." The spokesperson added, "President Xi will have an in-depth exchange of views with President Putin on bilateral relations and major international and regional issues of common concern." Wang said that Xi aims to "promote strategic coordination and practical cooperation between the two countries and inject new impetus into the development of bilateral relations." While trying to broker an end to the war in Ukraine, Beijing has not supplied weapons to Moscow, nor has it condemned the invasion. At the same time, it has accused NATO and the United States of provoking Putin's attack on Ukraine. The U.S. has strongly rejected Beijing's call for a cease-fire, which it says would leave in place Moscow's territorial gains in eastern Ukraine. "The first and main point is the capitulation or withdrawal of the Russian occupation troops from the territory of Ukraine in accordance with the norms of international law and the U.N. Charter," Oleksiy Danilov, the secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, said Monday on Twitter. On Monday, Xi wrote in the Rossiiskaya Gazeta, a Russian state-run daily publication, that the Chinese peace proposal represents "as much as possible the unity of the world community's views," according to an English translation of the article issued by the Chinese Mission to the United Nations. "The document serves as a constructive factor in neutralizing the consequences of the crisis and promoting a political settlement," Xi said. "Complex problems do not have simple solutions." White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara and Paris Huang of VOA's Mandarin service contributed to this report. Some material for this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Tuesday signed a new strategic partnership between their countries and called for a diplomatic solution to Moscows war against Ukraine, but Putin said he sees no indication that the Kyiv government and its Western allies are ready for peace talks. After two days of talks with Xi at the Kremlin, Putin accused the United States and Western countries of fighting to the last Ukrainian, but praised what he said was Chinas neutral position on the war. Chinas foreign ministry said in a statement that Beijing and Moscow believe that the United Nations Charter must be observed and international law must be respected, but made no demand that Russia withdraw its troops from Ukraine or honor Ukraines internationally recognized borders. Putin called his talks with Xi open and friendly, discussions aimed at cementing their no limits partnership agreed to in early 2022, less than three weeks before Russia invaded Ukraine. China recently proposed a 12-point plan calling for a de-escalation and eventual cease-fire in Ukraine, which the West has rejected because it would lock in place Russian territorial gains its illegal annexation of Ukraines Crimean Peninsula in 2014 and more land seized by Russia in eastern Ukraine during its 13-month invasion. Putin said, "We believe that many of the provisions of the peace plan put forward by China are consonant with Russian approaches and can be taken as the basis for a peaceful settlement when they are ready for that in the West and in Kyiv. However, so far, we see no such readiness from their side. Kyiv has welcomed Beijings diplomatic overture but says that Russia must first withdraw its troops from Ukraine. Fighting has mostly stalemated in eastern Ukraine along the main battlefront line. The series of documents Putin and Xi signed called for "strategic cooperation" between the two countries, including a planned pipeline shipping Russian natural gas to China. I am convinced that our multi-faceted cooperation will continue to develop for the good of the peoples of our countries," Putin said in televised remarks. He said Moscow was ready to help Chinese businesses replace Western firms that have left Russia in protest over the invasion of Ukraine. Xi said he invited Putin to visit China later this year. In opening remarks before their closed-door talks Monday, Putin said Russia was "slightly envious" of the rapid development of China in recent decades that has boosted it to become the world's second-largest economy behind the United States. Russian news agencies later reported that the two leaders talked for nearly four-and-a-half hours before breaking for dinner, where Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had said Putin would likely give Xi a detailed explanation of Moscows actions in Ukraine. The Chinese leader's three-day visit to Moscow gives both Xi and Putin a public show of partnership in opposing what both see as American domination of global affairs. Their growing alliance also facilitates economic deals, such as shipment of Russian oil and natural gas to China at a time when the U.S. and its Western allies have imposed widespread sanctions to curb Russia's foreign business transactions in retaliation for the invasion of Ukraine. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters in Washington Monday that any proposal for Ukraine that allows Russian forces to remain in the country would merely let Moscow regain its strength to continue its offensive. "Calling for a cease-fire that does not include the removal of Russian forces from Ukrainian territory would effectively be supporting the ratification of Russian conquest," he said. White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby called on Xi "to press President Putin directly on the need to respect Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity." Some material in this report came from Reuters. Members of the Australian-Ukrainian community will protest Tuesday in Canberra against Russias upcoming presidency of the UN Security Council. Rally organizers said in a statement that for the first time in world history, an aggressor and state sponsor of terrorism will be the president of the Security Council. Russias ambassador to Australia, Alexey Pavlovsky, believes support for Ukraine in Australia is misguided. He claims the Australian public has been brainwashed and has ignored Russias motives for invading Ukraine. Authorities in Moscow have said they intended to "demilitarize and denazify" Ukraine. Pavlovsky has also condemned as biased allegations made by the International Criminal Court (ICC) that Russian President Vladimir Putin has committed war crimes in Ukraine. The allegations focus on the deportation of Ukrainian children from occupied areas of Ukraine. A warrant for Putins arrest has been issued. Authorities in Moscow have denied the allegations and denounced the arrest warrant as outrageous. First of all, I would like to see these reports, Pavlovsky told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. Monday. From what I have seen, so far, I gather that the bodies you are referring to are more than biased. They have a tunnel vision. They choose not to notice the ample evidence of the war crimes committed by the Ukrainian side. So, my point is that any investigation should be unbiased. Russia is not an ICC member country, and the Hague-based court has no authority there. But President Putin could be arrested should he travel to any of the ICCs 123 member states. Australia has committed $680,000 and three staff members to support the International Criminal Court investigation into alleged Russian war crimes. Canberra is also the largest non-NATO contributor to Kyivs war effort, supplying missiles and armored personnel carriers. Since the invasion began more than a year ago, Australia has imposed sanctions on hundreds of Russian politicians, including President Putin, military commanders and businesspeople. They are the most sweeping penalties Australia has ever placed on another country. Saudi Arabia has released a U.S. citizen who was sentenced to 19 years in prison for tweets critical of the Saudi government. Saad al Madi was freed Monday and was at home with family in Riyadh, his son said. Madi is a dual U.S.-Saudi citizen who had been living in Florida. He was arrested on charges that included working to destabilize the kingdom and funding terrorism in 2021 after traveling to Saudi Arabia. There was no immediate comment from U.S officials about Madis release. The development comes after U.S. officials pushed for Saudi Arabia to free Madi, and after U.S. President Joe Biden made a July visit to Saudi Arabia. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters. The spring season is well underway and many Missouri plants and trees are blooming with life and color. Unfortunately, one invasive tree species is prominent along roadways and other natural open areas: the Callery pear tree. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) urges the public to avoid this nonnative tree species when shopping for a new tree this spring. The Callery pear, also known as the Bradford pear, Cleveland Select, Autumn Blaze, or Aristocrat, is a highly invasive tree that multiplies quickly and crowds out Missouri native plants. The Callery pear rose to fame as a popular ornamental landscape tree in the 1960s because it was inexpensive, it grew fast, and it provided white blooms in the spring, said MDC Forestry Field Programs Supervisor Russell Hinnah. But thats where the list of benefits ends. Different varieties of the tree were planted close to each other, they cross-pollinated, and spread everywhere. Callery pears ability to cross-pollinate is why many roadsides, rights-of-way, parks, and other natural areas are filled with white blooms every spring. The trees are infamous for the stinky smell, but also have poor branch structure. They dont fare well in bad weather, often losing limbs or splitting apart. MDC encourages homeowners and landscapers to grow native when picking a tree to plant this spring. The best decision is to plant a tree species native to Missouri, and there are several great trees to substitute, said Hinnah. Serviceberry trees produce similar white blooms in the spring and they have small red fruits that attract wildlife. Other great alternatives include American plum, hawthorn, eastern redbud, and Missouris state tree, the flowering dogwood. Hawthorns provide bountiful fruit and attractive fall color, while dogwoods thrive in shady areas, but can be difficult to grow. Learn more about native trees and landscaping on your property online at https://mdc.mo.gov/trees-plants/tree-care. Callery Pear Buy-Back Events Missourians with Callery pear trees on their property have the opportunity to cut down their trees and receive a free, noninvasive tree in return at several buy-back events around the state on April 18. The events are made possible through partnerships with the Missouri Invasive Plant Council, Forest ReLeaf of Missouri, Forrest Keeling Nursery, and MDC. Registration opened March 15. To qualify, participants must submit a photo of their cut-down Callery pear online. One free native tree will be provided to each registered participant at the selected location on April 18 from 3 p.m. 6 p.m. Participating cities include: St. Louis Columbia Cape Girardeau Poplar Bluff Springfield Joplin Lebanon Hannibal Kansas City For more information on the buy-back events and how to register, visit moinvasives.org. To learn about native trees for landscaping, planting tips, backyard tree care, and more helpful information, visit https://mdc.mo.gov/trees-plants/tree-care. Many South Africans stayed home from work Monday after the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party called for a nationwide shutdown to protest frequent power cuts and high unemployment. The highly anticipated demonstration ended Monday with small and isolated incidents of public violence and the arrest of at least 550 people across the country. The party's leader, Julius Malema, had called for businesses to close and people to stay home to protest record unemployment and ongoing power cuts. The party also called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to step down immediately. Although most businesses closed in Johannesburg and Pretoria, some observers questioned whether the protest was a success because it was held on a day many would have taken off anyway, ahead of a Tuesday public holiday. Piers Pigou, an analyst at the Institute for Security Studies, said public safety precautions also may have played a role. "A significant deployment of security forces, the military out in certain areas, and visible policing accentuated it in a way we don't often see," Pigou said. "I think this set the parameters for a nation to just err on the side of caution, which is how I feel the day has played out." He said protesters mainly operated within the confines of the law during Monday's event, describing it as a success for a young, fragile democracy. The largest of the protests occurred in Pretoria, where about 1,000 EFF members gathered. They marched near the presidential guest house, where they were blocked by police before dispersing later. Gift Bogopane, a 42-year-old father of three, attended the protest. "We have a lot of complaints, but now the main complaint is the electricity and unemployment, and I don't know if I must say this, but for the president to step aside to give others a chance," he said. The police said the majority of arrests occurred in Gauteng province, followed by the Northern Cape, with people arrested for a number of offenses, including public violence, intimidation and theft. Ahead of the protests, law enforcement confiscated some 24,000 tires from various locations, saying the tires would have been used to block roads and start fires. "Law enforcement deployments will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure the safety and security of everyone in the country," said police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe. "Communities are encouraged to continue reporting any wrongdoing and suspicious activities to their nearest police station." While the shutdown was mostly peaceful, the EFF has vowed to continue calling for an end to power system loadshedding and for Ramaphosa to step down. An oil tanker that has been leaking fuel since sinking last month off the coast of the central Philippines has been located. Humerlito Dolor, the governor of Oriental Mindoro province, said Tuesday that the Princess Empress was found by an underwater robot donated by Japan. He said photos taken by the robot will help determine the tankers condition and what steps need to be taken to plug the leaks. The MT Princess Empress was carrying about 800,000 liters of industrial fuel oil when it sank on February 28. Officials say thousands of hectares of coral reefs, mangroves and seaweed could be affected by the spill. The Philippines has sought assistance from the United States and Japan to contain and clean up the spill. Authorities have imposed bans on fishing and swimming in affected areas, putting the livelihoods of many residents at risk. Some information for this report came from Reuters and Agence France-Presse. The U.K. on Monday sanctioned more senior officials of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including financiers and commanders, in its latest set of asset freezes and visa bans. The government said it was slapping sanctions on five board directors of a foundation which manages the IRGC's domestic investments, as well as two provincial commanders of the state security service. It follows a flurry of other sanctions against Iranian officials by London, the European Union and the United States in recent months over Tehran's bloody crackdown on protesters. "Today we are taking action on the senior leaders within the IRGC who are responsible for funneling money into the regime's brutal repression," said U.K. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly. "Together with our partners around the world, we will continue to stand with the Iranian people as they call for fundamental change in Iran." The U.K. has imposed dozens of asset freezes and U.K. travel bans since the start of the year on Iranian individuals and organizations, including leading IRGC commanders and Tehran's prosecutor general. The last set of sanctions in January followed Iran announcing that it had executed British-Iranian dual citizen Alireza Akbari for spying for the U.K., prompting widespread Western outrage. Demonstrations have swept Iran since the September 16 death in custody of Iranian Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini, 22, after her arrest for allegedly failing to adhere to the Islamic republic's strict dress rules. Iran has since arrested thousands of people in the wave of protests, according to the United Nations and rights groups. Nearly 420 million children benefited from free school meals last year, a new World Food Program report said Tuesday, providing an important safety net as hunger reaches unprecedented crisis levels worldwide. Governments worldwide seem to be increasingly recognizing that the health and nutrition of children is something that needs to and must be protected, even in the context of fiscal crises that are affecting the world, and particularly low-income countries, Carmen Burbano, WFPs head of school-based programs, told reporters in a video briefing from Rome. The State of School Feeding report is the first since 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the education of 1.5 billion students and young people around the world, and took away the only guaranteed daily meal for millions of them. The report says the number of children reached by school meal programs now exceeds pre-pandemic levels. In 2022, WFP says 418 million children worldwide received school meals 30 million more than just before the pandemic hit in early 2020. Burbano said much of this is due to governments ramping up domestic funding by around $5 billion over the last two years to nearly $48 billion overall for these programs. She said this is happening in both rich and poor countries. One of the big findings of the report is that the rally of governments, this domestic mobilization, is unprecedented, she said. She attributed much of that success to the School Meals Coalition, which was launched in 2021 and seeks to provide a nutritious, free school meal to every child by 2030. More than 75 heads of state have joined the coalition. And its their commitment, its their mobilization, thats achieved this unprecedented result, Burbano said. Safety net WFP says school meal programs are a critical safety net for vulnerable children and households, especially at a time when 345 million people face crisis levels of hunger worldwide, including 153 million children. The combination of the COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts, economic and climate crises, and now Russias war in Ukraine, have seen food prices rise over the past three years, making it harder for many families to regularly put nutritious meals on the table. While the Food and Agriculture Organization says prices for key food items are beginning to come back down, healthy meals are still not affordable for everybody. Millions still hungry But despite successes, disparities persist, and millions of children who need the meals are not getting them. We are estimating at the moment about 73 million children living in low-income countries in extreme poverty, with high levels of malnutrition, dont have access to these programs, Burbano said, urging the international community to help bridge that gap. She said feeding program coverage in low-income countries is only at about 18%, compared with around 60% in high-income countries. If you are a child that is born in a country like Niger, like Somalia or Haiti, you have the double whammy of going to school in sub-funded education systems, but also understanding that you are probably going there on an empty stomach. You are probably sick. You are probably hungry. And then we wonder why children are not learning in these countries, Burbano said. She added that research shows that in low-income countries, 70% of children under age 10 cannot read or write a simple sentence. Part of this is because they dont have enough to eat, and they are sitting in these classrooms hungry and without the proper support, she said. For many low-income families, a free school meal is an added incentive to keep their children in school. This is especially important for girls, who are usually the first ones pulled from the classroom when parents cannot afford to educate all of their children. For girls, this can have lifelong consequences, including exposure to early marriage and motherhood, and a loss of earning potential. The U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization says just one more year of school can increase a girls earnings as an adult by as much as 20%. School feeding programs dont just benefit the students. WFP says these programs have created 4 million jobs in 85 countries, many of them supporting women who prepare the food, as well as small holder farmers who produce it. Washington and Beijing are discussing a potential trip to China by U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, the White House said Monday. It would be the highest level visit between the two countries since relations took a nosedive in February. "Active" consideration of the trips is underway, John Kirby, spokesperson for the National Security Council, told reporters. "We're having discussions with the PRC (China) right now about a potential visit by Secretary Yellen and Secretary Raimondo to go over there and talk about economic issues," he said. A much-anticipated visit to Beijing by Secretary of State Antony Blinken was scrapped at the last minute in February after the United States shot down a Chinese balloon said by the U.S. government to be spying on secretive military sites. Kirby said Blinken could yet go. "That visit was postponed, it wasn't canceled," he said. "We still want to get Secretary Blinken back to Beijing." "It's important that we keep those lines of communication open, particularly now, when tensions are so high," he said. However, regarding a potential phone call between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden, Kirby said "I don't have a call scheduled. The United States has welcomed an agreement between Yemens warring sides to free nearly 900 detainees. This important step builds on the positive environment created by a truce in Yemen that has effectively stopped the fighting for the past 11 months, National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said in a statement. We thank UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg and the International Committee of the Red Cross for their hard work finalizing the agreement. Mondays agreement came after 10 days of negotiations in Switzerland. It includes the Iran-backed Houthi rebels releasing 180 prisoners in exchange for Yemens internationally recognized government freeing more than 700 Houthi prisoners, according to Abdul-Qader el-Murtaza, the head of the Houthi delegation. U.N. special envoy Hans Grundberg said the two sides agreed to meet again in mid-May to discuss more releases but added that there is much more work to be done to resolve the conflict that began in late 2014. A comprehensive and sustainable end to the conflict is necessary if Yemen is to recover from the devastating toll the eight-year conflict has had on its men and women, Grundberg said. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. The administration of U.S. President Joe Biden is trying to lower any possible animosity from China over an upcoming visit to the United States by Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen. President Tsai will stopover in California and New York later this month before embarking on an official mission to Central America. An unnamed administration official says the Biden administration has told Beijing that past Taiwanese presidents have routinely made stopover visits in the U.S. on their way to other nations, including Tsai, who has made six stopover visits between 2016 and 2019. The official says China should not use Tsais stopover in the U.S. as a reason to take any aggressive action towards Taiwan. China responded to a visit to Taiwan last August by then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi by launching several days of massive military drills over the Taiwan Strait, including firing ballistic missiles in the waterway that separates the island from mainland China. Beijing considers the democratically-ruled island part of its territory, even though Taiwan has been self-governing since the end of Chinas civil war in 1949, when Chiang Kai-sheks Nationalist forces were driven off the mainland by Mao Zedongs Communists. China has vowed to bring the island under its control by any means necessary, including a military takeover. The United States switched diplomatic recognition of China from Taiwan to Beijing in 1979, but it provides Taiwan military equipment for self-defense under the Taiwan Relations Act. News outlets said last month that Tsai will give a speech at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Center near Los Angeles ahead of her scheduled trip to Central America. It was also reported that House Speaker Kevin McCarthy will meet with President Tsai during her stopover in the U.S. The Republican leader, who represents a district in California, has previously expressed an interest in visiting Taiwan himself. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters. What is an indictment? An indictment is a formal accusation that a person has committed a crime. It contains the basic information about the charges being filed. Why is it necessary? The Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution requires that the government seek an indictment before prosecuting someone for a federal felony offense. What about state charges? While the Fifth Amendment only applies to federal charges, many states have set up a similar system for indictments, requiring them for felony charges. What is a felony? A felony is typically defined as an offense punishable by a term of imprisonment of at least one year. Felonies are more serious than misdemeanor offenses, most of which do not require an indictment for charges to be brought. How does an indictment begin? After reviewing the facts of a case, a prosecutor will decide whether there is enough evidence to continue pursuing it, and if so, will present the case to a citizens panel, known as a grand jury. What is a grand jury? A grand jury hears evidence about a case and decides whether there is probable cause for criminal charges to be filed. Grand jurors do not determine the guilt or innocence of the suspect. Federal grand juries are made up of between 16 and 23 people. At least 12 jurors must agree before an indictment can be issued. Can indictments be sealed? Because an indictment comes after a grand jury but usually before an arrest, the prosecutor can seal an indictment, or keep it hidden from the public, for the amount of time needed to prevent the defendant or other suspects from fleeing or destroying evidence. What happens after an indictment? After a grand jury recommends indictment, the suspect is usually arrested and formally charged. The case then proceeds in court, with multiple legal paths possible, including a plea agreement or a trial. After weeks of raucous parliamentary debate and public anger spilling onto garbage-choked streets, French President Emmanuel Macron has won his battle for now - to raise Frances retirement age from 62 to 64. But what happens next? After Mondays defeat of two no-confidence motions, in the National Assembly, that would have toppled Macrons government one short by only nine votes opposition lawmakers and unions vow to repeal Macrons pension reform by other means, including ongoing strikes and protests that could paralyze the country. There is a massive opposition to that reform, says French political scientist and author Nicole Bacharan of the pension bill rammed through using a special constitutional measure. The anger is growing and growing and growing. Nobody knows how far it will go. More protests broke out in Paris and other cities following the no-confidence vote, adding to days of unrest. Police arrested dozens and put out fires smoldering on piles of uncollected trash. Garbage workers are finally getting back to work after a week-plus strike over the reform, but more than nine thousand tons of refuse continued to fester at last count. For their part, unions have called for another nationwide strike and protest on Thursday. Worker blockages in some refineries are also sparking fuel shortages in parts of the country. Macron who has remained largely silent amid the pension uproar will give a televised interview Wednesday, his office says. He has chosen to address the nation at lunchtime, rather than during prime time in the evening. He faces serious trouble convincing an angry nation. Can he still govern over four more years? asked France-Info radio in an editorial, noting the president had lost his absolute parliamentary majority and faces slipping support from the center right. A poll by popular BFMTV finds most French had hoped a no-confidence vote would pass. Another showed public disapproval of Macron and his prime minister, Elisabeth Borne, had soared to 70%. For its part, the centrist government has downplayed the close outcome of the no confidence effort, blaming rebels from the conservative Republicans party whose leadership promised to support the reform. They preferred to renounce their own ideas, their own campaign proposals rather than support the government, government spokesman Olivier Veran told RTL radio Tuesday. Bigger tests ahead The opposition vows to block the reform from becoming law by other means, including petitioning Frances Constitutional Council. Macrons government is already dead in the eyes of the French, said Mathilde Panot, leader of the leftist France Unbowed coalition, calling on Prime Minister Borne to resign. The government may face a bigger test on the streets. The ongoing protests spilling into violence have sparked fears of rolling Yellow Vest-style demonstrations that swept the country a few years ago. Some observers also draw parallels with massive 1995 protests that forced then-Prime Minister Alain Juppe to repeal a pension reform measure. What worries me is seeing violent demonstrations succeeding dignified protests and the possibility of an explosion, one leftist lawmaker told French media. Macron made reforming Frances generous and complicated pension system a central pillar of his presidency and campaign. He and his government argue the system risks going bankrupt as French age and fewer workers pay in. Currently, France enjoys among the lowest retirement ages in Europe. His critics argue there is no immediate urgency and there are other ways to make the system sustainable, including taxing the very wealthy. Even more controversial, perhaps, has been Macrons method of pushing through his reform. He rebuffed negotiations with unions, then used a controversial constitutional lever Article 49.3 to ram the reform through without a lower house vote. Far right the big winner? The accusation of isolation, out-of-touch, arrogance it flies everywhere, including in his own support circle, says analyst Bacharan, citing conversations she has had with members of Macrons Renaissance party, including close allies. Todays turmoil amounts to one of the biggest challenges of Macrons presidency. Its not clear whether he can recover, many analysts say much less push through other reforms. No matter how Macron comes out of this crisis, he will be very, very much weakened; thats a sure thing, Bacharan says. Macron is totally deaf to the aspirations of the French, said Marine Le Pen, head of the main opposition National Rally party, after the vote. She called for a referendum on pension reform action and a new government. Observers believe Le Pen runner up to Macron in the last two presidential elections and her far-right party, could emerge the biggest winners from the crisis. Strengthening their hand, Bacharan says, is Macrons apparent failure to turn his centrist movement that swept him to power in 2017 into a sustainable bloc. We are in a situation where the left in a way is irrelevant, the center will be gone his party wont survive his term, Bacharan says. And the far right is getting stronger and stronger. Businesses were closed in South Africa on Monday as thousands took to the streets for a protest, called by the Economic Freedom Fighters party, against a lack of jobs and the worst power outages on record. Rachel Faber has more. STORY: Thousands of protesters marched through South Africa's cities on Monday. They're calling on President Cyril Ramaphosa to resign over a lack of jobs and electricity. "We want our electricity back. We want our jobs back. We want our South Africa back." A third of South Africans are currently out of work. At the same time, state utility company Eskom is implementing the worst blackouts on record, known locally as load-shedding, leaving households in the dark for up to 10 hours a day. Analysts expect the ruling African National Congress to lose its parliamentary majority for the first time in three decades, in national elections next year. The protest was called by South Africa's Marxist Economic Freedom Fighters. This is their leader, Julius Malema. "We are here to demand the end of load-shedding, to demand Ramaphosa to step down, and if he doesn't want to step down we will force him to step down." The EFF, whose supporters are mainly poor Black South Africans, had called for a national shutdown. It was successful to the extent that many businesses were closed on Monday and workers stayed away due to a lack of transport. The ANC said in a statement it was "fully committed to doing what the people of South Africa expect, demand, and deserve," but that the EFF protest was "extremist and regressive." Charlottesville City Schools has a new school safety coordinator. The position replaces a school division employee that was previously tasked with supervising facilities, safety and operations. Formerly a detective with the Charlottesville Police Department, Regine Wright joined the Charlottesville school division as safety coordinator on Monday. Jason Lee, previously the divisions facilities, safety and operations supervisor, has moved over to the Albemarle County Public Schools division, where he is now the dean of students at Albemarle High School where he once served as assistant principal. Wright joins the city school division at a time when students, parents and public officials have raised concerns over safety in local schools. There were a series of active shooter hoaxes last fall as well as a filmed brawl among dozens of students at Charlottesville High School that circulated online in January of this year. Ms. Wright impressed our interview committee with the depth of her experience, her connections within the community, and her relationship-oriented approach to safety, Charlottesville City Schools Superintendent Royal Gurley said in a written statement. That experience also includes stints as an investigator for the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission, a magistrate for the commonwealth and a Farsi translator and interpreter for the U.S. Army. Wrights post was previously called supervisor facilities, safety and operations. Now, the city school division has renamed the post coordinator of school safety and security. City schools spokeswoman Beth Cheuk said the name change reflects a shift in responsibilities. Formerly, the person also oversaw the custodial staff, Cheuk told The Daily Progress on Monday. Especially during COVID, custodial staff was hand in glove with keeping kids safe. Wright will focus more on what the division has traditionally associated with student safety, Cheuk said. Wright will oversee routine safety and crisis planning and training for staff, monitoring of security systems, and the divisions Care and Safety Assistant program. Amanda Korman, another spokeswoman for Charlottesville schools, specified that care and safety assistants are not school resource officers, which are sworn law enforcement officers with arrest powers that work within schools. Those officers, often called SROs, were once popular nationwide but have become controversial presences on school campuses. Both Charlottesville and surrounding Albemarle County removed officers from schools in 2020, citing their ineffectiveness and incidents of discrimination. Albemarle County Public Schools now intends to bring at least one school resource officer back. Korman said the city school divisions care and safety assistants respond to the emotional and social needs of students in different ways than a school resource officer. They are able to interact with students who are in the halls and check in about how theyre doing, Korman said. They are trained in deescalation. Those assistants might also take care of more mundane safety risks: a leak that made floors slippery and could cause a student to fall, for example. In her new post, Wright will also collaborate on safety practices and protocols with division leadership and mental health coordinators, community partners and first responders, including the police, to support student and staff safety, according to school officials. This job is all about creating a school environment that is safe and secure so that students can focus on the most important thing: their education, Wright said in a written statement. I am excited to do this work on behalf of the young people of this great community. Russian President Vladimir Putin hosts Chinese leader Xi Jinping for a second day of talks Tuesday, after Putin welcomed Beijing's peace plan to resolve Russia's war against Ukraine and signaled to Western leaders the extent of what they call their "limitless" friendship. Xi said Tuesday he invited Putin to visit China later this year. In opening remarks before their closed-door talks Monday, Putin said Russia was "slightly envious" of the rapid development of China in recent decades that has boosted it to become the world's second-largest economy behind the United States. Russian news agencies later reported that the two leaders talked for nearly four-and-a-half hours before breaking for dinner, where Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had said Putin would likely give Xi a detailed explanation of Moscows actions in Ukraine. Putin said Monday he viewed the Beijing peace plan with respect. But Chinas proposal has little chance of enactment as proposed because it does not meet key demands from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy namely, that Russia withdraw from Ukraine to honor its internationally recognized borders, including the Crimean Peninsula that Moscow illegally annexed in 2014 and the eastern Ukrainian regions Russian forces invaded in February of last year. The Chinese leader's three-day visit to Moscow gives both Xi and Putin a public show of partnership in opposing what both see as American domination of global affairs. Their growing alliance also facilitates economic deals, such as shipment of Russian oil and natural gas to China at a time when the U.S. and its Western allies have imposed widespread sanctions to curb Russia's foreign business transactions in retaliation for its invasion of Ukraine. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters in Washington Monday that any proposal for Ukraine that allows Russian forces to remain in the country would merely let Moscow regain its strength to continue its offensive. "Calling for a cease-fire that does not include the removal of Russian forces from Ukrainian territory would effectively be supporting the ratification of Russian conquest," he said. White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby called on Xi "to press President Putin directly on the need to respect Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity." Ahead of Xi's visit, in an article published in the Chinese People's Daily newspaper, Putin described the visit as a "landmark event" that "reaffirms the special nature of the Russia-China partnership." The Russian leader specifically said the meeting sent a message to Washington that the two countries aren't prepared to accept attempts to weaken them. "The U.S. policy of simultaneously deterring Russia and China, as well as all those who do not bend to the American diktat, is getting ever fiercer and more aggressive," he wrote. The Chinese leader's trip to Moscow came just days after the International Criminal Court in The Hague charged Putin with the illegal deportation of thousands of children from Ukraine to Russia. Russia has ignored the allegations as "null and void." SEE ALSO: It was not immediately clear what China hoped to gain from Xi's visit. In Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Xi's trip was a "journey of friendship, cooperation and peace." On the war, Wang said, "China will uphold its objective and fair position on the Ukrainian crisis and play a constructive role in promoting peace talks." The spokesperson added, "President Xi will have an in-depth exchange of views with President Putin on bilateral relations and major international and regional issues of common concern." Wang said that Xi aims to "promote strategic coordination and practical cooperation between the two countries and inject new impetus into the development of bilateral relations." While trying to broker an end to the war in Ukraine, Beijing has not supplied weapons to Moscow, nor has it condemned the invasion. At the same time, it has accused NATO and the United States of provoking Putin's attack on Ukraine. The U.S. has strongly rejected Beijing's call for a cease-fire, which it says would leave in place Moscow's territorial gains in eastern Ukraine. "The first and main point is the capitulation or withdrawal of the Russian occupation troops from the territory of Ukraine in accordance with the norms of international law and the U.N. Charter," Oleksiy Danilov, the secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, said Monday on Twitter. On Monday, Xi wrote in the Rossiiskaya Gazeta, a Russian state-run daily publication, that the Chinese peace proposal represents "as much as possible the unity of the world community's views," according to an English translation of the article issued by the Chinese Mission to the United Nations. "The document serves as a constructive factor in neutralizing the consequences of the crisis and promoting a political settlement," Xi said. "Complex problems do not have simple solutions." White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara and Paris Huang of VOA's Mandarin service contributed to this report. Some material for this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. Thousands of members of the opposition Economic Freedom Fighters staged a protest in South Africa against the current power crisis and high unemployment rate. They are calling for the resignation of President Cyril Ramaphosa. (Video: Thuso Khumalo) British archives revealed that, in 1993, Russian President Boris Yeltsin repeatedly hinted to his Western interlocutors that, personally, he was not opposed to the accession of Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO); statements that obviously astounded his own advisers. Boris Yeltsin was hesitant about participating in the 1997 NATO summit in Madrid, which ultimately adopted the Founding Act outlining the terms of cooperation between the Alliance and the Russian Federation. But this text has no legally binding value; it merely served as a PR tool aimed at reconciling the public and private positions of the Russian president. During this period, Russian Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin constantly warned his interlocutors against the private position of President Boris Yeltsin, underscoring that the expansion of NATO would explode the European continent. Press Release March 21, 2023 Zubiri and Romualdez Hold Luncheon for Foreign Dignitaries ahead of the APPF 2023 On Tuesday, Senate President Juan Miguel F. Zubiri and Speaker Martin Romualdez hosted a luncheon at Shangri-La The Fort for the ambassadors and consuls of member countries of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF), in preparation for the 31st Annual Meeting of the APPF, which will be hosted by the Philippine Congress from November 23 to 26, 2023. The APPF brings together the parliaments of twenty-eight (28) member countries in the Asia-Pacific region, covering Southeast Asia, Oceania, Northeast Asia, and the Americas. As one of the founding members of the forum, the Philippines hosted the Second Annual Meeting of the APPF in 1994. APPF 2023 is the first time that the Philippines will be hosting the event since then. "The Philippines has consistently participated in APPF's Annual Meetings as we find great value in the various deliberations with our fellow parliamentarians, especially on key issues relating to regional security, transnational crime, free and fair trade, climate change adaptation and sustainable development, migration, and most recently, on global health pandemics and ensuring post-pandemic economic recovery," said Zubiri in his message during the luncheon. The Philippines' hosting of APPF 2023 also comes in the same year that the country has officially joined the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) region, after the Senate concurred to its ratification in February. "This is a great start for the President's administration, to show that the Philippines is once again open to the international community, in this period of post-pandemic recovery." Present at the luncheon were dignitaries from the member countries of Australia, Cambodia, Canada, China, Colombia, Indonesia, Laos, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, the United States of America, Vietnam, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Fiji, the Marshall Islands, and Mongolia. Addressing the dignitaries, Zubiri stressing that the upcoming APPF meeting is testament to how "the Philippines is ready once more to re-engage with the world and ready to take on our responsibility as an active member in our community of nations and especially, in the affairs of the Asia-Pacific region." Also at the luncheon were Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, who headed the Philippine Delegation to the APPF 2022 in Bangkok, and who formally conveyed the Philippine's acceptance to host this year's meeting; Rep. Maria Rachel Arenas, who chairs the House Committee on Foreign Affairs; Rep. Glona Labadlabad, who chairs the House Committee on Interparliamentary Relations and Diplomacy; DFA Usec. Maria Theresa Lazaro; Usec. Jesus "Gary" Domingo; and Asec. Henry Bensurto Jr. Charlottesville police have arrested a man in connection with the early Saturday morning killing near the Elliewood Avenue parking garage in the city. Lakori Brooks, a 21-year-old Charlottesville resident, has been charged with the second-degree murder of Cody Brian Smith and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, the Charlottesville Police Department announced Monday evening. The 26-year-old Smith died at 5:31 a.m. on Saturday after being shot around 2 a.m., according to police. University of Virginia President Jim Ryan sent an email to the university community identifying Smith as a contractor with the university. This is hard news to hear, especially after the Nov. 13 tragedy on Grounds, Ryan said in the email. The University of Virginia Police Department issued a shelter-in-place order at 2 a.m. on Saturday and lifted the order a little more than an hour later. On Monday, March 20, 2023, Charlottesville detectives executed multiple search warrants in Charlottesville and Albemarle County in reference to the murder of Cody Brian Smith, the city police department said in a statement on Monday. Those warrants resulted in Brooks arrest. A statement from the police did not include details of where Brooks is being held. Gun violence in the Charlottesville area has now taken the lives of 14 people and injured 22 others since September of last year, according to an ongoing Daily Progress tally. Milan rally to recall innocent mafia victims. Italy on Tuesday marks the Day of Remembrance for Innocent Victims of the Mafia, a national day held each year on 21 March. Thousands of people from all over Italy are expected to attend a major anti-mafia rally in Milan, organised by the Libera and Avviso Pubblico organisations. The procession will leave Corso Venezia at 09.00 before arriving in Piazza Duomo where the names of all the 1,069 innocent victims of the mafia will be read out. Giornata nazionale della memoria e dell'impegno in ricordo delle vittime delle mafie, #CasaldiPrincipe: il Presidente #Mattarella depone dei fiori sulla tomba di don Giuseppe #Diana assassinato dalla camorra il 19 marzo 1994 pic.twitter.com/vt2wtuiH4t Quirinale (@Quirinale) March 21, 2023 The march will be led by more than 500 relatives of mafia victims who will be joined by various groups, associations and representatives of state institutions, trade unions, schools, culture and sport. The founder and president of Libera, Father Luigi Ciotti, will give the final speech at the event which is supported by the city of Milan and the Lombardia region. This year marks the 28th edition of the annual commemoration which has been recognised by the Italian state since 2017. A national day but not a public holiday, this year's event comes two months after Italy's most-wanted mafia boss, Matteo Messina Denaro, was arrested in Sicily after 30 years on the run. Photo La Repubblica Comment on this story Comment Gift Article Share Swiss authorities may have averted disaster by forcing a merger of the countrys two largest banks, the distressed Credit Suisse Group AG and the stronger UBS Group AG. But their actions also send a troubling message: A decade and a half after the last global financial crisis, regulators still arent confident that they can safely manage the demise of a systemically important bank, even a relatively small one. Under the circumstances, the acquisition by UBS was probably the best that couldve been hoped for. Given how quickly Credit Suisses depositors and counterparties were fleeing, and how urgently regulators sought a deal over the weekend, any other outcome would have wrought even greater havoc. The combined entity should be able to meet necessary obligations and maintain critical functions. Yet make no mistake: This was a bailout. The Swiss government, on behalf of taxpayers, has agreed to provide UBS with nearly $10 billion of insurance against losses on certain assets, and to cover any losses on a $108 billion emergency credit line from the Swiss National Bank. Faced with the failure of Credit Suisse, officials gave UBS what it wanted and created an even bigger bank with explicit state guarantees. This reinforces the perception that governments will always stand behind systemically important banks an expectation that encourages even more irresponsible behavior. Advertisement Thats particularly unfortunate given that global regulators have spent the past decade or so preparing to respond differently. Like the European Union and the US, Switzerland created a big-bank resolution mechanism allowing officials to swoop in, replace management and recapitalize a failing institution without interrupting its global operations. It required the banks to have an extra layer of loss-absorbing debt that could be erased or converted into equity capital, to help ensure that any restructuring wouldnt happen at the expense of taxpayers and depositors. The EU successfully used its mechanism in 2017, to salvage and sell Spains insolvent Banco Popular. In many ways, Credit Suisse was a good candidate. As systemically important institutions go, it wasnt very big, with less than $600 billion in assets at the end of 2022 (Deutsche Bank AG had more than $1.4 trillion). Its distress stemmed primarily from a lack of confidence in management: It had businesses that could be valuable in the right hands, including global wealth management and a profitable domestic bank. It had a lot of equity and debt that could be written down to protect taxpayers and depositors a possibility that, judging from the prices of the banks stock and bonds, markets were rapidly coming to accept. Yet when Credit Suisse reached the precipice, officials displayed little faith in their ability to resolve it safely. Instead, they opted for a jury-rigged solution. They wrote down about $17 billion in bail-in bonds, but also allowed shareholders to receive more than $3 billion in UBS stock, upending the traditional seniority of investors. And, of course, they put taxpayers at risk. Perhaps they felt that the market environment was too fragile, that confidence had fallen too far for a newfangled resolution process to restore. Whatever the reason, they demonstrated that governments arent willing to pull the trigger even when dealing with one institution, let alone a repeat of the multiple emergencies of 2008. Advertisement This episode should inspire serious regulatory introspection. At the very least, if some banks are still too big to fail, officials should require a lot more equity capital to make such events less likely in the first place. But even ample equity wont necessarily stop runs of the sort that Credit Suisse and Silicon Valley Bank experienced. Addressing that fragility will require a much deeper rethink, aimed at ensuring that financial institutions can always pay back the money-like obligations they create. Until that happens, the lesson to banks from the Credit Suisse rescue is a dangerous one: If youre big and scary enough, the government will have your back. More From Bloomberg Opinion: Curing Credit Suisse Should Contain the Chaos: Paul J. Davies Credit Suisse Bailout Crosses a Debt Rubicon: Marcus Ashworth Credit Suisse AT1 Bondholders Find Out Lifes Unfair: Shuli Ren The Editors are members of the Bloomberg Opinion editorial board. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion 2023 Bloomberg L.P. GiftOutline Gift Article Comment on this story Comment Gift Article Share The two most fraught conversations this week both have Chinese President Xi Jinping on one side. In Moscow, hes currently talking to his Russian counterpart and host, Vladimir Putin. In a video conference or phone call thats assumed to follow within days, hell then interface with the Ukrainian leader, Volodymyr Zelenskiy. In tone, that second conversation is sure to be stilted and awkward. In substance, its unlikely to achieve much, if anything. And yet, the nuances will be consequential both for Ukraines war of self-defense and for global diplomacy and world order. How should Zelenskiy approach the call? Xi fresh from securing himself an eyebrow-raising third term in office is trying to do four things. First, he wants to push back globally against the US, which he accuses of trying to impede Chinas rise. Second, he wants to pose with a keen eye to audiences in the Global South as a global peacemaker and honest broker. Third, he aims to prevent Russias war against Ukraine from escalating to a nuclear conflict. And last, he wants to enshrine his own interpretation of sovereignty as a guiding principle to global politics, with a view to Taiwan. Advertisement For the first objective staring down the US-led West Xi still regards Putin as a useful understudy, who must be kept from failing outright in Ukraine. Hence the compliment of a visit and hints of military support. For the second posing as peacemaker Beijing last month published a highfalutin Global Security Initiative Concept, followed by 12 theses for a Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis. Xi also picked up some diplomatic street cred recently when China brokered a detente in an unrelated conflict, the one between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Xis third objective to prevent World War III or nuclear escalation is shared by the US and its partners. Here Xi, with his sway over Putin, can play a helpful role. Its the fourth objective the definition of sovereignty and integrity where things get complicated. Xi wants the world to stipulate who is and isnt sovereign. And he places Taiwan in the latter category. Formally, Beijing and Taipei agree that theres only one China, disagreeing only over its official name and government. Even the US hews to a One-China Policy. So whenever Xi stresses the words sovereignty or territorial integrity, hes glancing at Washington and telegraphing: Stay out of our business, in our province of Taiwan. Advertisement That same respect for territorial integrity should therefore make Xi condemn Putins invasion and side with Ukraine. The country has been independent and sovereign since 1991, and (unlike Taiwan) is a member of the United Nations. On paper, Russia recognizes Ukraine too. In 1994, Moscow even gave Kyiv assurances over its integrity and security in return for the Ukrainians giving up their Soviet-era nuclear warheads. But China hasnt denounced Putins attack. This omission exposes Xi as a hypocrite rather than an honest broker. After papering over the first point in his own peace plan territorial integrity he has no credibility in pushing the others, from ceasing hostilities to resuming peace talks. Writing in a Chinese newspaper before Xis visit, Putin has signaled that for talks to start, Ukraine would have to accept Russias illegal annexations of Ukrainian territory. If Xi cajoles Zelenskiy into negotiations on that basis, the Chinese leader clearly doesnt believe in sovereignty at all. Talking would amount to capitulation in the face of aggression. Advertisement So how should Zelenskiy answer the phone? He has some experience with haughty superpower strongmen trying to manipulate him. In 2019, it was former US President Donald Trump on the line. Sounding like a Mafia Don, Trump attempted to bully Zelenskiy (I need you to do us a favor though) into investigating Joe Biden, Trumps opponent at the time and ultimate successor. Somehow, Zelenskiy managed to stay diplomatic without giving in. Hell need that aplomb again with Xi. Simply rebuffing Chinese overtures is not an option, because Kyiv is fighting not only a physical war but also a contest of narratives to win moral, economic and military support across the world. And from the Global South to Putin sympathizers in the West, too many people with influence would be ready to hand Putin a propaganda victory. Zelenskiy should instead recognize that Xi is really after sound bites that make him look good. So the Ukrainian president should give him some, but focus on point one of Xis own peace plan. During the call, Zelenskiy should insist on his countrys sovereignty and territorial integrity as the basis of all subsequent talks, and get his Chinese counterpart to nod along. After all, its simply what Beijing is urging, is it not? Advertisement If Xis overture is only a bluff, let Zelenskiy call it. If it has substance, lets find out and build on that. More From Bloomberg Opinion: What Motivates Putin and His Followers Is Resentment: Andreas Kluth The West Cant Afford Hubris About Russias War in Ukraine: Max Hastings Getting Pummeled in War Is a 200-Year Russian Tradition: James Stavridis This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Andreas Kluth is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering European politics. A former editor in chief of Handelsblatt Global and a writer for the Economist, he is author of Hannibal and Me. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion 2023 Bloomberg L.P. GiftOutline Gift Article Crosley Green spent his last full free day at church and with family. Meanwhile, the woman detectives initially suspected, whose boyfriend was killed in 1989, is tired of being accused. Voters have backed federal Labor on national security and almost every other major policy amid last weeks AUKUS deal on nuclear submarines, while giving the party a lead of 39 to 30 per cent over the Coalition in core political support. Labor has confirmed its lead on policies ranging from education to health while gaining a small advantage on national security and defence, with 35 per cent of voters backing the government on the issue compared to 32 per cent who favour the Coalition. Anthony Albanese has a lead of 51 to 22 per cent over Opposition Leader Peter Dutton when voters are asked to name their preferred prime minister, but his rating has slipped from 55 per cent last month. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen But voters have cooled slightly on whether Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his party are the best for the country and have a vision for the nations future, continuing a gradual decline from a surge in support after the May election. An exclusive survey shows Albanese has a lead of 51 to 22 per cent over Opposition Leader Peter Dutton when voters are asked to name their preferred prime minister, but his rating has slipped from 55 per cent last month. Tokyo: A leading Japanese MP and former minister in Shinzo Abes government has condemned his countrys sole custody system, declaring it an embarrassment, while appealing to the Australian government to publicly call out laws that have torn families apart. Masahiko Shibayama, the deputy secretary-general of Japans ruling Liberal Democratic Party, called on Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to address the issue and said only international pressure would change the countrys century-old system. Deputy secretary-general of Japans ruling Liberal Democratic Party Masahiko Shibayama has called on the Prime Minister to change the law. Credit: Jack Donohoe This is a very strong and serious human rights issue, said Shibayama, former Japanese education minister and vice minister for foreign affairs. The European Union and the United Nations are advising Japan to change this situation. So, I think we must take on such advice. French authorities have identified more than 100 abducted children; the United States 475; while hundreds of thousands of Japanese children have been abducted by their mothers or fathers in Japan. The World Customs Organization (WCO), in partnership with Namibia Revenue Authority (NamRA), held a stakeholder training workshop on rules of origin in Walvis Bay, Namibia, from 15 to 17 March 2023 that brought together the private and public sectors. Conducted under the framework of the EUWCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme (RoO Africa Programme), funded by the European Union (EU), the workshop was attended by Customs officers, Ministry of Fisheries Officials and Namibia Standards Institution staff from the public sector and importers, exporters, customs brokers and manufacturers from the private sector. The objective of the workshop was to assist NamRA and its stakeholders in enhancing their knowledge on preferential rules of origin and their ability to understand and use the rules related to origin, especially on fisheries. In his opening remarks, Mr. Patrick Tongo, the Region Manager, Western Region, Walvis Namibia in NamRA, welcomed the training activity and thanked the EU and the WCO for their support in raising awareness in the business community on rules of origin. He stated that proper enforcement of rules of origin amounts to good achievement on regional integration, therefore enhancing Intra-Africa trade and socio-economic status of the African Countries. In addition, he highlighted that a better understanding of rules of origin can help eradicate the unfair use of rules of origin, which could result in transshipment or trade deflection. The workshop was part of a comprehensive support package to NamRa under the RoO Africa Programme, delivered on a demand-driven basis. Rules of origin play a critical component of the Customs clearance, thus knowledge attained from the training will contribute to efficiency and effectiveness of Customs brokers (Clearing Agents) and minimize if not eradicate delays at the ports of exit or entry. During the workshop, participants worked on key concepts for proper origin determination, related operational and procedural issues, and the establishment of efficient origin management. Further, the WCO facilitators presented the WCO rules of origin tools, such as the rules of origin facilitator, Guidelines on Origin Certification, which have been designed to assist WCO Members in bringing the provisions in Free Trade Agreements into application. The participants examined several practical case studies and discussed specific areas of concern, including the day-to-day challenges faced by the business community in implementing rules of origin in the FTAs. Some challenges are linked to administrative cooperation and overlapping rules of origin. The EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme will continue its work with NamRA on rules of origin through capacity building for efficient implementation of free trade agreements. For further information please contact EU-WCORoOAfrica.Program@wcoomd.org Liquid Intelligent Technologies has acquired Egyptian cloud and security firm Cysiv MEA, formerly known as SecureMisr. Operating in the enterprise space with a number of major clients in the financial services sector, Cysiv will be rebranded as Liquid C2 following its acquisition. Liquid plans to significantly grow its Egyptian business via local talent, with ambitions to make the market a key hub for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Sherif Shaltout, VP of Operations, Cysiv MEA, said: We are now in an even stronger position to enable our enterprise customers in Egypt and the MENA region to accelerate their digital transformation whilst at the same time acquiring more sophisticated tools to deal with ever-increasing threats through our expanded cloud and cyber security services portfolio. David Behr, CEO of Liquid C2, added: Liquid recognises the critical role Cysiv MEA has been playing in the cloud and cyber security industry in Egypt and the region. Our main task as a group is to support them in bringing more cyber security tools for our customers as they face an increasingly hostile global threat environment from cybercriminals and nation-state sponsored attackers. This will ensure that their business is protected whilst also meeting the demands for global compliance requirements. Today A shower lingering early; otherwise, morning clouds break for some afternoon sun. Brisk and cooler as temperatures take another step back closer to seasonable levels. Tonight Partly cloudy and breezy. Tomorrow Clouds and some sun, breezy and chilly; there might be a stray shower around mainly north and west. KUTZTOWN, Pa. State Sen. Judy Schwank and community leaders gathered at the Strand Theatre in Kutztown for a tour Monday. They all said they are excited for its return. "This has been the center of the community in many ways," Schwank (D-11th District) said. "A movie theater that was active and working you know, such an asset to the borough." The movies are coming back to Kutztown with $450,000 in state funding set to help with the rehabilitation and preservation of the Strand Theatre. "I'm really excited. I'm really happy to see it happen," Schwank said. "You know, we had put it on the list a long time ago, and of course, there were local advocates that were constantly cheering it on." Schwank and members of the Kutztown Community Partnership and the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance toured the building, taking a look at its two theaters, projector room and other features. The theater is on North Whiteoak Street, just off Main Street. Its doors have been closed since the death of its longtime owner, Paul Angstadt, in late June 2022. "I grew up here, so for me, when I walk into the main theater, you know, I have memories from when I was here," said Allison Fuller of the Kutztown Community Partnership. Fuller said her group will be keeping people updated throughout the rehabilitation process. As for now, there is no set date for when it will reopen. "Coming in here now that we own it," Fuller said, "I can see past everything, and I can see the Strand here, making memories again." "It's been really interesting to see the passion for the theater and how deep-rooted the love for this theater is in the community," said Amy O'Brien, director of Kutztown University's public relations program. Students in the program are documenting the theater's history. O'Brien says they are working on a website looking back on its history from 1908 to present day. The students are interviewing past employees, and they spoke with the previous owner's daughter, learning how the family ran the business. "Mom was helping take tickets at the door," O'Brien said. "The daughter was working behind the scenes." Local business are also looking forward to the theater's return. Mamma's Delight Pizza and the Kutztown Tavern say they noticed a difference when the theater was open. "It's great for business. It brings people into town," said Tim Arehart, who works for Kutztown Tavern. "You know, there's customers that I haven't seen in town for a while since the movie theater went out." "I think when it's open, it definitely brings more customers in to the store, so we're looking forward to that now that they're going to be reopened," said Julia Kilbride of Mamma's Delight Pizza. A reopening date has not been released. Those involved with the project say a master plan still has yet to be developed and architects will be interviewed this Thursday. MAXATAWNY TWP., Pa. - A New Jersey man is in custody in Berks County after he allegedly assaulted two state troopers as they attempted to detain him. According to court documents, police were dispatched to the 100 block of Long Pond Road in Maxatawny Township on Monday for a report of a disabled vehicle. Upon arrival, two state troopers made contact with 40-year-old Michael Mazza of Ocean Township, New Jersey. Police allege Mazza was acting erratic, and their investigation revealed he had an active arrest warrant out of New Jersey. When they tried to place him under arrest, police say Mazza resisted and attempted to strike them. Court documents state that one of the troopers twice deployed their stun gun on Mazza but the suspect was able to break free of the wires as he ran away. Troopers eventually pepper-sprayed Mazza and were able to force him to the ground, placing him in handcuffs. One of the troopers sustained cuts and bruises and the other a possible broken or sprained thumb. Mazza is charged with aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, terroristic threats and resisting arrest. He's in Berks County Jail unable to post $20,000 bail. WEST READING, Pa. - Many West Reading business owners turned up Monday morning at a meeting to discuss contributing money for a proposed "Business Improvement District," or BID. Mark Ratcliffe, executive director for West Reading's Main Street, said it's essentially a co-op marketing fund that he says will continue to support and grow the borough. "We have lost some funding for our operations so we are starting to use money from our events to support our operating, and because of that, we don't have the money to market West Reading as we'd like to," said Ratcliffe. Several business owners were very vocal about their opposition to the proposal. "We don't really need that," said Melinda Oneill, President of Empire Home Design Center. "We need one thing in West Reading: parking." Oneill said she feels many of the businesses are already doing their own marketing, and they don't see the value in contributing to this fund. According to her, several of them are looking for other options. "We're going to do a lot of our own due diligence and then come back on it with answers as business owners," Oneill said. Ratcliffe said the West Reading Community Revitalization Foundation has brought in more than $2 million dollars in grant money for improvements in the community over the last twenty years. He said this BID, which is projected to be somewhere between $500 and $700 a year per business, would help continue to promote and grow the community. "We are a destination, and we need to market our destination, and if we don't have marketing dollars to do that then people will start to go other places because they won't think of West Reading anymore," said Ratcliffe. The next step will be a formal draft that will go out to property owners. Once they preview it, there will be meetings to address concerns and ultimately it will go to a vote. Bethlehem's plan to allow 240 apartments on an industrial site on the South Side is up for final review by the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission on Thursday. Serfass Construction plans to put up a six-story building right off the south end of the Philip J. Fahy Memorial Bridge, which carries New Street over the Lehigh River. The apartments would be on the four-acre site of IQE Plc, a U.K.-based maker of semiconductor wafers that is moving out. The Serfass residences would be on the east side of the bridge, just across from Riverport, a condominium complex just to the west. The LVPC's Comprehensive Planning Committee gave a preliminary look to the project Tuesday, and the full commission will discuss it Thursday at 7 p.m. The address is given as 119 Technology Drive, a little-known street that is a block from the Third Street retail corridor. IQE's nitrogen tanks are visible from the bridge. The site is in an "industrial redevelopment" zone now. Darlene Heller, Bethlehem's director of planning and zoning, has recommended a change to "central business," which allows apartments. "It doesn't allow residential at this point," Heller said at the meeting. In addition to her role with the city, she is an appointed LVPC commissioner. The industrial zone was created for old Bethlehem Steel Corp. land, but times have changed and Bethlehem now needs urban, walkable homes, according to a memo Heller sent to Bethlehem City Council. Bethlehem Steel poured its "last cast" in its namesake city in 1995. Some buildings remain, and on the north side, Center and Linden streets are still one-way up until Elizabeth Avenue. That configuration was designed to help Steel commuters get in and out of town. Bethlehem's own Planning Commission has already recommended the zoning change, which requires approval from City Council before becoming law. Several hundred other apartment projects for the South Side are on the way or in the approval process. The LVPC review was of the zoning change, which it found could align with multiple goals of FutureLV, the commission's plan for the area. The change could lead to "pedestrian-friendly uses, as opposed to uses that are auto-dependent." It could also promote "walkable historic centers" with the Serfass development in the Southside, within about a mile of Main Street, the historic Moravian District, and Lehigh University. The LVPC committee also discussed two warehouses proposed for Lower Nazareth Township and a chicken ordinance for backyard farmers in Upper Saucon Township. The LVPC has a professional staff of planners and 37 commissioners. The commission reviews zoning changes and big projects proposed for Lehigh and Northampton counties. The appointees review recommendations made by the staff, and reports are then sent to local municipalities to consider. The final land-use decision for the zoning change in South Bethlehem will be made by the City of Bethlehem. The plans submitted by North Whitehall Township-based Serfass would then be subject to further review. PLAINFIELD TWP., Pa. - Firefighters in Northampton County battled a large brush fire Tuesday evening. It happened near the 900 block of West Mountain Avenue in Plainfield Township. Multiple crews were called to work the fire from the ground. A helicopter was also called in to drop water from above. The area, along with much of the Lehigh Valley, is under an elevated risk for wildfire spread. That's due to dry and windy conditions. The National Weather Service is urging residents to be cautious when handling flammable materials. Philippines-based Eastern Communications budgeted PHP1 billion (US$19.1 million) in capex to bolster operations on the islands of Visayas and Mindanao, and complete a subsea cable, reported Philstar. The subsea cable in question is the Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN), which is scheduled to be completed in April. The cable will apparently be the longest subsea cable in the Philippines when completed and extend fibre connectivity in multiple regions. The cable will land in several locations in the coming weeks such as Liloy, Dipolog, Zamboanga del Sur, Maasin, Leyte, Mactan and Cebu. PDSCN is a US$150 million project to deploy over 2,500 kilometres of fibre optics. Eastern Communications is jointly owned by mobile network operators PLDT and Globe, through their subsidiary Vega Telecom. Our nationwide expansion should be completed by the end of the year. With this, more Filipinos will be enabled by our high-tech and high-touch services, said Eastern Communications co-coordinator Vince Tempongko. We are proud of our high-touch approach, and this has become our competitive advantage. Our 2022 customer satisfaction score shows our dedication to continuously delight our customers. We will bring this commitment with us as we expand to more areas in the country, he added. WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. - A Lehigh County pediatrician stands accused of sending sexually explicit messages to a minor. Dr. Moshe Markowitz allegedly engaged in sexually explicit conversations with the child over a social media app. He's charged with endangering the welfare of a child, specifically for engaging in conduct which would impair or debauch the morals of a child, a third-degree felony. Court records say the 47-year-old was using the app Discord, and sending messages to a juvenile starting around Dec. 30. Investigators say the victim is a female student at Warren Hills Regional High School in Warren County. Police say that Markowitz, using the alias Steven Jones, met the girl on the app Omegel, which promotes the ability to talk to strangers. Prosecutors say he then used the app Discord to send the messages. A search warrant was carried out at his Allentown home, where police say they found electronic devices the online chats were on. They allegedly revealed sexually charged conversations. Police say they confirmed the conversations with the girl. He was charged in Washington Township, Warren County, New Jersey and arrested March 14. Markowitz had an office in Whitehall Township and was employed by Lehigh Valley Health Network. According to his LinkedIn profile, Markowitz has been with LVHN since July 2004. In a statement, a Lehigh Valley Health Network spokesman said upon learning of the issue the hospital took immediate action, and Markowitz is no longer employed by LVHN. His medical license is suspended by the state. The Lehigh County District Attorney's Office assisted with New Jersey police in the search warrant served at Markowitz's Allentown home. There are no active investigations of Markowitz in Lehigh County. He's due in New Jersey court April 28. HARRISBURG, Pa. - A bill proposed by a Lehigh Valley lawmaker would bring more state money to some communities in our area. State Rep. Robert Freeman, who represents part of Northampton County, introduced a bill that would give special financial assistance to municipalities with a large amount of tax-exempt properties. Tax-exempt properties include colleges, nonprofit medical facilities, government offices and state game lands. Freeman, a Democrat, says they are often significant employers and important assets for the area, but are sometimes financial burdens since they don't pay property taxes to their host municipality. The proposed state law would compensate towns, cities and townships with 15% or more of their total assessed property value as tax-exempt. The money would come from the state's current 18% liquor tax, known as the Johnstown Flood Tax. Freeman said the legislation would provide significant funding to Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, Fountain Hill and others. Those areas are host to large hospital and medical facility campuses. The proposal, deemed House Bill 451, was referred to the Pennsylvania House Local Government Committee. FOSTER TWP., Pa. Hollander Sleep Products will cut 112 jobs at a Schuylkill County site, according to a notice from the state of Pennsylvania. The notice gives the name of the business as Bedding Acquisition LLC, which has the same headquarters address as Hollander Sleep Products. The company will cut the jobs effective May 19, according to the WARN notice posted by the state Department of Labor and Industry. WARN stands for Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act. It is required by federal law to give workers and communities notice of certain business closings and mass layoffs. The address given in the notice is 67 Keystone Blvd. The state identifies the location as in Pottsville, but it is in Foster Township, according to Schuylkill County records. The building is near Interstate 81. Hollander also has an address listed as 25 Keystone Blvd. Plant Manager Paul Fallon said in a telephone interview Tuesday that May is the tentative date to start winding down the operation in preparation for closing. He said the company is looking into ways to help workers who will be out of jobs. "We are still evaluating" what options may be available to the staff. Hollander Sleep Products is working with the State of Pennsylvania to assist workers, Fallon said. Hollander is owned by Centre Lane Partners, according to a 2021 news release. Centre Lane is a New York City-based investment firm. POTTSTOWN, Pa. - People in Pottstown, Montgomery County say crime seems to be increasing. Their thoughts come after a heavy police presence on North York early Monday morning. Officers cordoned off the area around a building in the 100 block that they were seen focusing on. They say three people were rushed to the hospital after reportedly being stabbed around 4 a.m. "I lived here for 74 years," Pottstown native Gary Kinckiner said. "It's constantly getting worse, worse, worse, worse." Gary and his wife Nancy say they've lived in Pottstown for most of their lives, but a lot has changed. "There's always something going on," Kinckiner said. "It's sad to say, but even when you take your pet for a walk, you see so much in here, so much going on, especially at nighttime." "There definitely is talk amongst neighbors about the crime," resident Kathy White said. "It seems to have increased." White says she's lived in the borough for seven years now and she keeps track of the crime with the help of her neighbors. "Through the doorbell Ring," White said. "It's pretty instant. I mean, when somebody hears something, that they think are gunshots, they'll go right onto the app." Just like the Kinckiner's, Kathy visits Memorial Park, which is only a short walk from the scene of this latest incident. They all agree, while crime seems to be going up, Pottstown still has a lot to offer. "We have a beautiful park," White said. "We're close to the major thoroughfares. You can get onto Route 100 and 22. And there's a lot of events that are at the park. So there's a lot to offer living here as well." As far as the police presence on North York Street, the department says the incident is no threat to the public. Police also say the situation wasn't random. WASHINGTON (AP) President Joe Biden on Monday signed into law legislation nullifying the recent overhaul of the District of Columbia criminal code, but the fight between Congress and local lawmakers is continuing. The signature merely marks the end of a raucous first chapter in a saga that has left district lawmakers bitterly nursing their political bruises, harboring fresh resentments against national Democrats and bracing to play defense against an activist Republican-controlled House for at least the next two years. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy hailed the move in a statement, calling it the end of what he labeled a soft-on-crime criminal code rewrite that treated violent criminals like victims and discarded the views of law enforcement. But even before the bill was formally sent to sent to Biden, House Republicans were promising a season of direct congressional intervention in local D.C. affairs. This is just the beginning, McCarthy, R-Calif., said earlier this month in a celebratory signing ceremony after the vote to cancel the new criminal code passed the Senate with significant Democratic support. It is a message for the entire nation. D.C. Council members sound like they fully believe those promises. Im afraid that were going to see more of this for the remainder of this Congress," D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson said. Does this raise a concern that there are going to be other issues? Yes. When congressional passage of the measure appeared inevitable and Biden indicated he would sign it, the D.C. Council withdrew the measure. But the move did not spare Biden a politically charged decision on whether to endorse the congressional action. Biden did not issue a statement accompanying the signing Monday. But he tweeted earlier this month that while he supported statehood for D.C., I dont support some of the changes D.C. Council put forward over the mayors objections such as lowering penalties for carjackings. Under terms of Washingtons Home Rule authority, t he House Committee on Oversight and Accountability essentially vets all new D.C. laws and frequently alters or limits them through budget riders. But the criminal code rewrite is the first law to be completely overturned since 1991. House Oversight Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., has pledged that his committee "stands ready to conduct robust oversight of Americas capital city. That robust oversight has already begun. Even before Biden signed the bill, the Oversight Committee sent letters summoning Mendelson, D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen and D.C. Chief Financial Officer Glen Lee to testify at a March 29 hearing. The topic of that hearing, according to the letter, is the ominously vague general oversight of the District of Columbia, including crime, safety, and city management. Other House Republicans have already identified areas of interest to target. Rep. Andrew Clyde of Georgia has introduced a resolution to block a police accountability law known as the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act. Most aspects of that law were passed by the D.C. Council on an emergency basis in 2020, amid the protests against police brutality following George Floyds murder; it was made permanent in December 2022. It bans the use of chokeholds by police officers, makes police disciplinary files available to the public, weakens the bargaining power of the police union and limits the use of tear gas to disperse protestors. Now that Congress has effectively used its constitutional authority to strike down the D.C. Councils dangerous Revised Criminal Code Act, we must now move to swiftly block this anti-police measure to ensure our nations capital city is safe for all Americans, Clyde said in a statement. Clyde is a longtime nemesis of D.C. loyalists, having publicly stated that his ultimate goal is to completely end Washington's Home Rule authority. That sentiment, once a long-shot fringe position, has edged closer to being a mainstream Republican talking point. Former President Donald Trump publicly stated earlier this month that the federal government should take over control and management of Washington D.C. Meanwhile, Oversight Committee member Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., has targeted the D.C. Jail for congressional scrutiny. Greene has demanded access to the jail to visit some two dozen detainees from the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. She's also seeking a complete overview of the jail's conditions. Other aspects of D.C. legislation remain ripe targets for activist Republicans, such as the District's strict gun control laws or the decision to essentially decriminalize most psychedelics a move that was approved by D.C. voters in a referendum. This congressional onslaught of oversight was widely predicted when Republicans took back control of the House in last year's midterm elections. But most local politicians and activists hoped they could count on Democratic control of both the Senate and the White House as a shield. Those hopes rapidly melted away in a storm of political dynamics that amounted to a humiliating setback for the D.C. Council and the larger hopes of Washington ever achieving statehood. House Republicans were able to put Biden and Senate Democrats in a political bind. By defending D.C.s right to self-governance, they would open themselves to charges of being soft on criminals at a time of rising crime both in the nations capital and across the U.S. In the end, Biden signaled before the Senate vote that he would not veto the rejection of the criminal code and 33 Democratic senators voted to overturn it. The moves were regarded by statehood activists as a betrayal that they say exposed the hollowness of Democratic support for D.C. statehood. For now, the D.C. Council maintains that the city's criminal code is dangerously obsolete and desperately in need of reform. But after seeing the initial law turned into a national political issue, there appears to be little appetite to try again in the short term. Mendelson said that changing the aspects that drew criticism, such as the lowering of maximum penalties for crimes like carjacking, would simply lead to other objections from a Republican House that he said is openly looking for a fight. I dont plan on installing a hotline to Republican leadership in the House and the Senate and calling them every week and asking them for permission to move forward, Mendelson said. ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) House Republicans rallied to the defense of former President Donald Trump before his possible indictment, demanding that the Manhattan district attorney who is investigating him turn over documents and come for an interview. The Republican chairmen of three House committees sent a letter Monday to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat, seeking information about his actions in the Trump case, which they characterized as an unprecedented abuse of prosecutorial authority. They requested testimony as well as documents and copies of any communications with the Justice Department. No authorities wanted to take the case but then "what changed? President Trump announces hes running for president and shazam, Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, chairman of the Judiciary Committee, said shortly after sending the letter. The letter to Bragg effectively demanding transparency in the middle of a criminal investigation suggested that Republicans intend to use their House majority to defend Trump as he mounts a second run for president. Both Bragg and the Justice Department seemed unlikely to respond to the request, given the long-standing practice of prosecutors not divulging information about active cases. Bragg's office said in a statement it would not be intimidated by what it characterized as attempts to undermine the justice process. Without saying whether Bragg would comply with the chairmen's request, the statement said the prosecutor's office would not let baseless accusations deter it from fairly applying the law. It said its prosecutions follow the law without fear or favor. The grand jury case revolves around hush money payments to women who alleged sexual encounters with Trump. Braggs team appears to be looking at whether Trump or anyone committed crimes in New York state in arranging the payments, or in the way they accounted for them internally at the Trump Organization. Prosecutors have not said when their work might conclude or when charges could come. But law enforcement in New York has been making preparations for any unrest, should Trump face charges. However, Rep. Brian Steil, chair of the House Administration Committee, said the potential actions of the prosecutor are pretty darn unprecedented. Steil, whose committee oversees election law, said lawmakers are looking to see whether federal resources have been used by Bragg throughout his investigation. I think theres a broad concern about the politicization of the judicial system, and we are better served as a country if our judicial system writ large is not politicized, Steil said in an interview. Democrats on Monday called Republican efforts to seek information from an ongoing investigation an astonishing and unprecedented abuse of power. Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., the top Democrat on the Oversight committee, assailed the Republican majority's efforts to use its new power to obstruct a possible criminal indictment. He added, "Former President Donald Trump demanded this nonsensical interference over the weekend, and these Committee chairs have acted totally outside their proper powers to try to influence a pending criminal investigation at the state level. House Republicans were stalwart defenders of Trump while he was in office and have mostly stood by him even after the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, an unprecedented assault that was fueled by Trump's lies about a stolen election. His claims were rejected by state and local officials, the courts and his own Justice Department. House Republicans are in Orlando, Florida, on a party retreat to plot strategy for the year, but Trump's legal peril quickly became the main focus, as House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and others faced questions about Trump's call for supporters to protest and take back our nation. McCarthy, a California Republican, said that there should be no protests or violence in response to the DA's decision. But he did focus on Bragg personally. People have already looked at these cases and said no to it, McCarthy said. So this guy is trying to create something when he has all the crime happening in New York, and he prides himself on not prosecuting everything else." "So you just see that it is pure politics. Associated Press writer Michael R. Sisak in New York contributed to this story. NEW DELHI (AP) Japans Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Monday invited his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi for the Group of Seven summit in May and announced action plans for a new Indo-Pacific initiative aimed at countering China's influence in the region. Kishida, who is on a two-day trip to India, said he hopes to promote a vision of free and open Indo-Pacific, a Tokyo-led initiative for greater security and economic cooperation that is geared toward curbing Beijing's growing assertiveness. It includes Japans assistance to emerging economies, support for maritime security, a provision of coast guard patrol boats and equipment and other infrastructure cooperation. It fits with Japans new national security strategy adopted in December under which Tokyo Japan is deploying long-range cruise missiles to strengthen its strike-back capability, and using development aid more strategically in support of like-minded countries. India, which is heading this years Group of 20 industrial and emerging-market nations, says ties with Japan are key to stability in the region. The two nations, along with the United States and Australia, make up the Indo-Pacific alliance known as the Quad. China's territorial claims in the East China and South China seas have rattled Beijing's smaller neighbors in Southeast Asia as well as Japan, which is also facing threats from North Korea's nuclear and missile development. The relationship between New Delhi and Beijing also has deteriorated since 2020, when Indian and Chinese troops clashed along their undefined border in the Himalayan Ladakh region, leaving 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers dead. Kishida also held talks with Modi to deepen bilateral cooperation while also addressing food security and development financing. The two leaders said they will closely cooperate in dealing with a wide range of global challenges, including soaring prices of energy and food supplies that have exacerbated since Russia's war in Ukraine. Kishida said Modi accepted his invitation to participate in the G-7 summit of major industrial nations, which will be held in Hiroshima in May. He told reporters later that he will also invite seven other heads of non-G-7 countries, including South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol a step toward further improving Japan-South Korea ties and to bring Seoul closer to other key players in the strategic map of the region. In his statement, Kishida said he told Modi that he hopes to take up challenges at the summit including upholding the rules-based international order and strengthening partnership with the international community that goes beyond G-7 and includes the Global South, a term used for developing nations in Asia, Africa and Latin America. The two leaders also discussed their priorities for their respective presidencies of the G-7 and G-20, Modi said in a speech. Japan holds the G-7 presidency in 2023 and has sought deeper ties with developing countries to lay the groundwork for a successful summit. In an article for the Indian Express newspaper Monday, Kishida said the foundation of order in the international community was shaken by Russias aggression against Ukraine and its impact on food access and fertilizer prices were felt everywhere, including in the Indo-Pacific region. In order to respond effectively to the various challenges that the international community is currently facing, cooperation between the G-7 and the G-20 has greater significance. Such pressing challenges include food security, climate and energy, fair and transparent development finance, Kishida wrote. India and Japan share strong economic ties. Trade between the two was worth $20.57 billion in fiscal year 2021-2022. The Japanese investments in India touched $32 billion between 2000 and 2019. Japan has also been supporting infrastructure development in India, including a high-speed rail project. Yamaguchi reported from Tokyo. A Virginia man who assaulted police with a stolen baton and used a flashing strobe light to disorient officers trying to defend the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 was sentenced Tuesday to more than four years in prison. Geoffrey Sills of Mechanicsville, Virginia, was convicted of assault with a dangerous weapon, obstruction of Congress and robbery for his role in the violence at the Capitol's Lower West Terrace tunnel, where police were beaten and crushed as as they tried to beat back the angry mob of President Donald Trump supporters. The 31-year-old has already served a year and a half behind bars since his June 2021 arrest. In a separate case on Tuesday, a judge declared a mistrial after jurors failed to reach an agreement on whether a man described as the Oath Keepers operations leader for Jan. 6 was guilty of obstruction. Michael Greene was acquitted of all other felony charges on Monday, but convicted of a misdemeanor offense. Greene is the only defendant in three trials involving more than a dozen members and associates of the far-right extremist group to not be convicted of a felony charge. Sills who arrived at the Capitol with a gas mask and goggles threw several pole-like objects at police, stole a police baton from an officer and hit at least two officers with it, according to prosecutors. He also pointed a strobe light at a line of officers in the tunnel. Sills posted videos of his actions and others on social media that day before deleting his account, prosecutors say. In one post showing officers in riot gear Sills wrote: Visited the Capitol today. In another post depicting rioters flooding into the the tunnel, he wrote: Took a tour. U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden found Sills guilty in August after a stipulated bench trial an unusual legal proceeding in which defendants do not admit guilt to charges but agree with the government that certain facts are true. Prosecutors had been seeking nine years behind bars, writing in court papers that Sills has expressed little remorse and contrition." Prosecutors argued that his social media posts were those of a man proud of his actions. Sills' attorney wrote in court papers that his client didn't come to Washington on Jan. 6 with any intention to commit violence and had a gas mask and tactical gear only because he feared a terrorist attack. He did not arrive that day planning or expecting to wreak violence. There is no evidence that he injured anyone. He went because his President asked him to. Once there, he stepped into a maelstrom not of his making," attorney John Kiyonaga wrote. An email seeking comment was sent to Kiyonaga after sentencing. Sills is among roughly 1,000 people who have been charged with federal crimes in the riot that left dozens of police officers injured. More than 300 people have been charged with assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers, including more than 100 who have been charged with using a deadly or dangerous weapon or causing serious bodily injury. More than half the Jan. 6 defendants have pleaded guilty, including more than 130 who have pleaded guilty to felony crimes. Of the 400 who have been sentenced, more than half have gotten terms of imprisonment ranging from seven days to 10 years, according to an Associated Press tally. In the Oath Keepers case, jurors on Monday found four defendants guilty of conspiracy and obstruction: Sandra Parker, of Morrow, Ohio, Laura Steele, of Thomasville, North Carolina, William Isaacs, of Kissimmee, Florida, and Connie Meggs, of Dunnellon, Florida. Sandra Parkers husband, Bennie Parker, was acquitted Monday of obstruction as well as one conspiracy charge, and Greene was acquitted of two conspiracy charges. The judge instructed jurors to keep deliberating after they said they couldnt reach a verdict on another conspiracy charge for Bennie Parker and the obstruction charge for Greene. On Tuesday, the jury returned a guilty verdict for Bennie Parker on the other conspiracy charge, but deadlocked on the obstruction charge for Greene. Greene, of Indianapolis, Indiana, said he wasnt a dues-paying member of the Oath Keepers but worked essentially as a contractor, providing security services. He took the witness stand during the seditious conspiracy trial of Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes and told jurors that Rhodes asked him to come to Washington to help with security operations for events around the Capitol before the riot. Greene didn't go inside the Capitol and told jurors he never heard anyone discussing plans to do so. Greene's attorney, William Shipley, said Tuesday that the government's case was a farce," adding that it made no sense and the jury saw it for what it was. An American aid worker and a French journalist kidnapped and held by Islamist extremists were freed on Monday, four days after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken paid a visit to West Africa. U.S. officials said no ransom had been paid for aid worker Jeffery Woodke, who was held for more than six years. The French government did not comment on how freedom was won for journalist Olivier Dubois, who was abducted almost two years ago in Mali. Blinken visited the region last week and on Thursday spoke to the press in Niger, where he announced $150 million in direct assistance to the Sahel region. The Royal Shakespeare Company, Neal Street Productions, and Hera Pictures announced that the stage production of Hamnet will transfer to the West End. Based on the best-selling novel by Maggie O'Farrell, adapted by award-winning playwright Lolita Chakrabarti, and directed by RSC acting artistic director Erica Whyman, the play follows the life of Agnes Hathaway, the wife of the man who would later become the most famous playwright on the planet. Madeleine Mantock (Charmed, The Long Song) will play Agnes Hathaway for the West End run in her RSC debut. Hamnet has already sold out its world premiere run at the newly restored Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, with returns available for those desperate to catch it before it transfers. O'Farrell said: "It's wonderful and welcome news that Hamnet will transfer to the Garrick Theatre later this year. I was astonished at how fast the Stratford-upon-Avon tickets sold and it's lovely to know that more people will have the chance to see it in its new London home. It has been a joy from start to finish to work with the RSC, Hera Pictures, Neal Street Productions, director Erica Whyman and playwright Lolita Chakrabarti on bringing this adaptation into being. "I have been lucky enough to attend rehearsals, and to have a glimpse into the creative process of transposing a novel into a play has been fascinating. The cast are fantastic, each and every one, and are breathing new life into the story for its stage version. The motivation, for me, in writing the novel was to give a voice and a presence to the only son of William Shakespeare, who died when he was eleven and has ever since been relegated to a literary footnote in his father's biography. "Although Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon and maintained strong ties with the town throughout his life, choosing to return to his family there when he retired, London was of course the centre of his professional life. It feels particularly apt and moving, therefore, that a play which puts Hamnet centre stage will now move to the world of theatrical London." Chakrabarti added: "I am beyond excited that Hamnet is transferring, following the sell-out run at the Swan. It has been a real journey to adapt Maggie's beautiful, deep novel, but this is a story of the joys and trials of family life, so it has been very familiar as well. This play is, in part, about William Shakespeare, but it is mainly about Agnes Hathaway, the wife who gave him three children. "It is the imagined story of their life. It feels right that we bring Hamnet to London, to the streets he would've walked and the world he inhabited. The West End is no stranger to Shakespeare's work, but I hope London audiences will come to see Hamnet to meet the entire Shakespeare family and discover more about the works they helped to inspire." The production will run for a limited 14-week season at the Garrick Theatre. from Saturday 30 September 2023 to Saturday 6 January 2024 with a press performance on Thursday 12 October 2023. Whyman said today: "I have been overwhelmed by the response to Hamnet in Stratford and the palpable excitement about bringing this beautiful and important book to the stage. "We are having a rewarding and inventive time in rehearsals and I'm delighted that we will now be able to share this emotional rollercoaster of a story with audiences in London. It has meant the world to me to be collaborating with Neal Street and Hera Pictures who have supported the idea of this adaptation from the very beginning and are making this transfer possible. "The RSC is enormously proud of the new work we make and we are always seeking partners so that we can share our work in London, most recently the phenomenally successful My Neighbour Totoro with the Barbican, Improbable and Nippon TV and later this year The Empress will be at the Lyric Hammersmith. "Hamnet is a compelling story about love. It transcends 400 years of history - a history some of us may know - and speaks with total freshness straight to our hearts. It is a story of birth, death and hope which centres characters and lives who have been left in the shadows. It is also a hymn to the unique emotional wisdom of the theatre. Lolita's brilliantly sharp adaptation carries us from the wildflowers of Stratford to the boisterous success of London theatre - and now the production will too!" Public booking opens on 6 April 2023, with priority spots available for thoe who join the RSC. A 43-year-old Crystal, Minnesota, man who was involved in a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 90 in Minnesota allegedly ran two stop lights in La Crosse with officers in pursuit before driving across the border. Carl A. Haugen faces a single felony charge in La Crosse County of fleeing an officer. According to a criminal complaint filed in La Crosse County Circuit Court, police were called Feb. 23 to a Green Bay Street business, where a witness said a vehicle was parked in the business parking lot 20 minutes after closing. Police obtained a description of the vehicle and a partial license plate number. The complaint says a police officer located the vehicle southbound on West Avenue and initiated a pursuit. After the officer activated the squad cars emergency lights, the driver allegedly accelerated to 60 mph in a 25 mph zone and ran a red light at the intersection of West and Green Bay. The driver reportedly ran another red light at the intersection of West and South avenues before the officer broke off the chase for safety reasons. Police identified the driver as Haugen. He was arrested in Winona County after he allegedly fled police while westbound Interstate 90 near Lewiston. The chase ended when Haugens vehicle turned at a crossover and struck an eastbound semi truck and a Winona County squad car. Both Haugen and a passenger, Katherine Harper, 35, of Fairview Heights, Illinois, were taken to a Winona hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Nobody else was injured. Haugen faces two charges of felony fleeing in Winona County. COLUMBUS The city of Columbus has a choice for mayor: the current city council president or a former city employee now retired. Ian Gray or Joseph Hammer will be named the next mayor of Columbus following the spring election on April 4. Current Columbus Mayor Mary Arnold has decided against running again for the position. She served one term as Columbuss mayor. Ian GrayGray was appointed to fill a vacancy for the District 1 alderperson position in June 2019. He was elected as District 1 alderperson in 2020 and 2022. He has served as the council president since 2021. Gray, who grew up in Portage and completed his education in southwest Missouri, went on to serve in the United States Air Force. During his military career, Gray received many awards and accommodations for his honorable service during the Iraq war. After his service, Gray returned to Wisconsin in 2006. He went on to work in corporate management and sales and is now a Columbus business owner and works in real estate. Despite his successes in business, he felt the need to serve his community once again. I have assisted in shifting the citys focus to economic development and housing, Gray said. I recognize the needs of Columbus and tirelessly fight to meet them. As mayor, I will help Columbus responsibly grow to meet modern needs, while respecting and appreciating the communitys history. Joseph HammerHammer retired from Columbus Water & Light, a municipal-owned utility, on Jan. 6, 2022, after 42 years. At the time, he was co-manager and managed the operations end, while his colleague managed the business side. Hammer was born and raised in Beaver Dam and went to Eau Claire Tech for electrical power distribution prior to beginning his career at Columbus Water & Light at the age of 18. Both he and his wife, who raised four children, have been involved in the Columbus school music program for the last 17 years. He is also an active members of St. Jerome Parish. With working for Columbus Water & Light over the years, I have found that politics get in the way of getting things accomplished, Hammer said. I am willing to continue to serve my community by being an advocate for the public. My initial main focus will be to work on city employee retainage. Positive attitudes among employees will bring out great work results. I would also like to encourage positive economic growth that appeals to small town atmosphere. I would like to see more transparency from the council when funds, tax dollars or other sources are used to purchase property. GALLERY: Columbus celebrates winning team Columbus 1.jpg Columbus 2.jpg Columbus 3.jpg Columbus 4.jpg Columbus 5.jpg Columbus 6.jpg Columbus 7.jpg Columbus 8.jpg Columbus 9.jpg MINNEAPOLIS A formerly well-connected Republican donor, accused of plying petite, vulnerable teenage girls with cash, liquor and gifts, goes on trial Tuesday on federal charges of sex trafficking minors. Anton Tony Lazzaro is charged with seven counts involving commercial sex acts" with five minors ages 15 and 16 in 2020, when he was 30 years old. His indictment touched off a political firestorm that led to the downfall of Jennifer Carnahan as chair of the Republican Party of Minnesota. His co-defendant, Gisela Castro Medina, who formerly led the College Republicans chapter at the University of St. Thomas, pleaded guilty to two counts last year. She is cooperating with prosecutors and will testify against him. She faces sentencing in August. Lazzaro denies the sex-trafficking allegations. He says the government targeted him for political reasons and because of his wealth. Prosecutors say it's simply a sex-trafficking case. They have not signaled any intent to call political figures as witnesses, nor has the defense. U.S. District Judge Patrick Schiltz has already rejected Lazzaro's claims of selective prosecution. But Lazzaro insists he's innocent and that the charges are politically motivated. Mr. Lazzaro believes he is being targeted by the U.S. Department of Justice for his political activities," spokeswoman Stacy Bettison said in a statement to The Associated Press. "The unusual application of the federal sex trafficking statute to the facts in Mr. Lazzaros case supports his beliefs. He is not alone in his view that the U.S. Department of Justice is politicizing prosecutions. Many other individuals, including many members of Congress and most recently the Senate Judiciary Committee, have recently raised legitimate and credible concerns that Attorney General (Merrick) Garland is politicizing the department by aggressively investigating Republicans and conservative activists, like Mr. Lazzaro. Carnahan is the widow of U.S. Rep. Jim Hagedorn, who died of kidney cancer in February 2022. She denied knowing of any wrongdoing by Lazzaro before the charges were unsealed in August 2021, and she condemned his alleged crimes. But his arrest fueled outrage among party activists. Allegations surfaced that she created a toxic work environment and abused nondisclosure agreements to silence her critics. She resigned a week later. Carnahan and Lazzaro became friends when she ran unsuccessfully for a legislative seat in 2016. He backed her bid to become party chair in 2017 and attended her 2018 wedding to Hagedorn. They hosted a podcast together for a few months. Lazzaro also helped run the campaign of Republican Lacy Johnson, who failed to unseat Democratic U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, of Minnesota, in 2020. Pictures on Lazzaro's social media accounts showed him with prominent Republicans, including former President Donald Trump and former Vice President Mike Pence. He founded a political action committee called Big Tent Republicans, which advocated for a more inclusive party. Lazzaro gave more than $270,000 to Republican campaigns and political committees over the years, including $42,000 to the state party organization and $31,000 to Hagedorn's campaign. Several recipients quickly donated those contributions to charity after the charges became public, including U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer, of Minnesota, who received $15,600 but suffered no repercussions. Emmer became majority whip in January. Prosecutors alleged in their trial brief earlier this month that Lazzaro conspired with Castro Medina and others to recruit 15- and 16-year-old girls to have sex with him in exchange for cash and valuable items. They met in May 2020 on a sugar daddy website when she was 18 years old and finishing high school, prosecutors wrote. According to the brief, Lazzaro had a stated sexual preference for young, tiny girls and liked them "broken and vulnerable but without tattoos. Prosecutors say he paid Castro Medina well over $50,000, including money for her tuition, her off-campus apartment and her Mini Cooper. He often sent cars to take the girls to his luxury penthouse condo at the Hotel Ivy in downtown Minneapolis, prosecutors said. Once the girls Castro Medina recruited arrived at Lazzaros apartment, a similar pattern ensued," the brief alleges. "Lazzaro would brag about his wealth and connections. He would give the girls small and young hard liquor. Lazzaro would take out stacks of cash and offer the girls precise sums of money to perform certain sex acts with him, and with each other. $100 to kiss. $400 for sex. And so forth. He would send them home with cash, vapes, alcohol, Plan B, cell phones, and other items of value. Plan B is a form of emergency birth control. Lazzaro is also the target of a lawsuit by one alleged victim who claims he offered $1,000 in hush money to her and her parents and asked them to sign a nondisclosure agreement. The charges against Lazzaro, who has been jailed since his arrest and has been denied bail, carry mandatory minimum sentences of 10 years with a maximum potential of life in prison. The sources of Lazzaro's wealth are murky. Defense filings have called him an up-and-coming real estate owner and entrepreneur." Items seized from him included a 2010 Ferrari and more than $371,000 in cash. The government put his net worth in a bond report at more than $2 million but said its calculations didn't include his extensive but hard-to-trace cryptocurrency holdings. It noted that the search yielded multiple types of foreign currency, plus precious metals worth more than $500,000. Photos: Wisconsin women's hockey secures NCAA championship with shutout Voters can begin weighing in on the crucial Wisconsin Supreme Court race and numerous local elections on Tuesday, when clerks offices around the state open for early in-person voting. Spring elections typically draw far lower voter turnout than other ones. But with plenty of mayoral races across the state, proposed changes to the state constitution and a Wisconsin Supreme Court contest that could decide the future of numerous policies, this is no flyover election. During the next two weeks, voters will decide whether conservative Dan Kelly or liberal Janet Protasiewicz will replace a retiring conservative justice on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, an election that will decide the courts ideological balance as it could rule soon on the future of abortion and redistricting in the state. In Madison, voters will decide whether to reward Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway with a second term or hand the keys to City Hall to challenger Gloria Reyes. There are competitive races for most City Council seats and one Madison School Board seat. The election is April 4, but state law allows nearly two weeks of in-person voting before then. Heres what you need to know heading into the election. How does early voting work? State law allows early voting or what is technically known as in-person absentee voting no earlier than 14 days preceding the election and no later than the Sunday preceding the election. That makes for a possible 13 total days of early voting. Within those strictures, clerks are allowed to set their own hours, days, and, to some extent, sites for early voting. Where can I vote? In most municipalities, the local clerks office is the only voting site for early voting, according to Madison city attorney Mike Haas, a former state elections commission administrator. In Madison, however, there are more than two dozen places where residents can cast a ballot. But because of a quirk in state law, Madison voters are not allowed to vote early at the city clerks office in the City-County Building. Madisons early voting sites dont share the same open dates or hours. You can find a list of local early voting sites at go.madison.com/MadisonVoting. Any Madison voter can vote at any of those sites. Madisonians who arent registered to vote can sign up at any of the citys early voting locations. But by state law, there will be no voter registration at the sites on April 1 and 2. Voters can register on Election Day, however. How do I vote? First off, make sure youre registered to vote. You can check the status of your voter registration and register to vote at myvote.wi.gov/RegisterToVote. To register, you need to bring photo identification, such as a Wisconsin drivers license or a passport. Voters also need to provide proof of residence, such as a utility bill with their current address. New voters or those who have changed their name or address since they last voted can fill out a new registration form at their polling place. Proof of residence is required to register. What do I need? An acceptable photo ID is needed, such as a Wisconsin drivers license or identification card, a U.S. military ID card, a U.S. passport, an identification card issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe in the state, or a photo identification card issued by a Wisconsin accredited university or college that includes the date of issuance, signature of student and expiration date no later than two years after the date of issuance. Those with an expired university or college ID must also provide a separate document proving current enrollment. Find more information at bringit.wi.gov. Whats on my ballot? You can find out whats on your local ballot at myvote.wi.gov/Whats-On-My-Ballot. The Wisconsin Supreme Court race is the only election appearing on statewide ballots this February. But voters statewide will see three additional referendum questions. Two relate to proposed amendments to the state constitution that would allow judges to consider defendants previous convictions and a range of other factors in setting cash bail. The vote is binding, meaning the constitution would be amended to include the changes if voters approve them. A third statewide referendum, which is nonbinding, asks voters whether adults should have to work or seek work to receive taxpayer-funded benefits. A binding Madison referendum will ask voters whether to stagger City Council terms beginning in 2025. A nonbinding Dane County referendum will ask voters whether the state constitution should be amended to require a nonpartisan redistricting system for statewide legislative and congressional maps. Another nonbinding county referendum will ask voters whether to create in the state constitution a new right to privacy that would protect rights such as abortion, same-sex marriage, and interracial marriage. This winter season has truly been remarkable to see snowfall of epic proportions blanket upstate New York, the Midwest and the mountains of the West. Minneapolis is experiencing its eighth-snowiest season on record, with 81 inches of snow, compared to its average of 51 inches. Bismarck, North Dakota, and Grand Rapids, Michigan, are experiencing their third-snowiest season; Duluth, Minnesota, is coming in at sixth; and Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is eighth. Several more shots of snow will come to the Midwest again this week, only adding to the impressive snowpack. But all the snow will eventually melt, and forecasters are fearing the worst. Forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration expressed concern about the increased likelihood of major spring flooding in the Upper Mississippi River Basin, particularly from the Twin Cities to St. Louis, due to rapid snowmelt. It's crazy to think the Mississippi River could end up overflowing its banks when just last fall, parts of the river were at record low levels. How quickly the tables can turn. Masha Hoy, a hydrologist with the North Central River Forecast Center, said a big driver of the forecast is the region's above-average -- and very wet -- snowpack. "The snow water equivalent in the snowpack that's still on the ground is in the top 10 or 20% compared to historic years, so there's really just quite a lot of snow water out there," Hoy said in a media briefing. "With temperatures on the colder side for this winter, it hasn't had a chance to melt out slowly yet." While temperatures may get above freezing during the day across parts of the Midwest, for the most part, lows are returning below freezing, which has kept the snowpack from rapidly melting until now. "If we were to receive consistency of warm, high temperatures -- right around our normal highs or where they're at right now -- with low temperatures above 32 degrees consistently, that is where we would see a much more rapid snowmelt, and then increase that flooding potential," explained Ryan Dunleavy, meteorologist at the National Weather Service office in Twin Cities. If a major flood does materialize in the coming weeks and months, cities like Davenport, Iowa, will be at risk. Davenport Mayor Mike Matson has been watching the situation closely and said his city is ready for what's to come. "We have 20 pumps that are set up, and we test the pumps. We practice the work when we think there might be a flood," Matson told CNN Weather in an interview last week. "All of our barriers for the flood are pre-staged downtown and we rehearse setting them up. We send out notices to potential impacts of any businesses or residents. They understand what goes on. So, we're of course watching it." Matson has been mayor since 2020, but remembers just four years ago, when a temporary levee broke and sent water rushing into his town, after rapidly melting snow and rain caused major flooding along the Mississippi River in 2019. He said every spring, flooding is on everyone's minds. "This is a conversation that a lot of people are used to having you know, especially some of our old-timers have been dealing with this a long time and they get it. We have people that live along the river and when the flood comes, they boat in and out," Matson said. Matson added just as people in Florida live with the reality of hurricanes, this is their reality living along the mighty Mississippi. The potential for a rapid spring melt is an evolving situation, and there is no guarantee it will happen, but it will be at the forefront of minds up and down the Mississippi in the coming months. Photos: Mississippi flood of 1965 in Illinois GREEN BAY, Wis. A 23-year-old Rockford man charged with abuse of a corpse for stealing a funeral home van containing a body that was later dumped in Chicago has been arrested in Wisconsin. The man, who also faces a charge of unlawful possession of a stolen vehicle, was arrested Sunday in Green Bay. The van belonging to Collins & Stone Funeral Home was stolen from outside the Rockford business on Jan. 21. Chicago police found the van the following day without the body inside. The body of 47-year-old Curtis Brown that had been in the van was recovered Jan. 23 behind a vacant home on Chicagos South Side, Rockford police have said. Browns body was returned to Rockford by the Winnebago County Coroners Office. Photos: Looking back at deadly 100-car pileup on foggy interstate in 2008 The US Department of State published the 2022 report on human rights in Georgia, in which the third president Mikheil Saakashvili is mentioned.As stated in the report of the Department of State, during the year, the Public Defender repeatedly urged the authorities to provide Saakashvili with timely and appropriate medical assistance:"During the year, the public defender repeatedly urged authorities to provide timely and appropriate medical treatment for detained former President Mikheil Saakashvili. The public defender issued several statements urging authorities to implement the recommendations of a team of medical doctors who examined Saakashvili in 2021. On March 11, the public defender noted that, "According to the standard set by the European Court of Human Rights, the lack of timely, full, and adequate treatment, accurate diagnosis, and proper medical care may equate to a violation of Article 3 of the Convention on Human Rights, which pertains to torture, inhuman and/or degrading treatment." On May 4, she reported, "the patient's condition is considered to have deteriorated significantly, and timely provision of qualified medical care is crucial," the report reads.President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili responded to Shalva Papuashvili's statement regarding young people and called it 'unacceptable'. According to the president, such assessments may only serve to intensify the tension."I find the last statement made by the Speaker of the Parliament to the youth completely unacceptable. A representative of the government may not agree with any form of protest, but this does not mean that the position gives someone the right to insult their own citizens. Such assessments may only serve to intensify the tension, and not to communicate with the youth. The government should try to restore it by all means, especially in the light of these recent events," Zourabichvili said.On March 20, the Speaker of the Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, called the students who criticized the lecturers, including Irakli Kobakhidze for supporting the Russian draft law 1000 GEL youth. Chinese President Xi Jinping is warmly greeted by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko and other senior Russian officials by the ramp upon his arrival at the Moscow Vnukovo Airport in Moscow, Russia, March 20, 2023. At the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived here on Monday afternoon for a state visit to Russia. Xi's plane arrived at the Moscow Vnukovo Airport around 13:00 local time. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi] MOSCOW, March 20 (Xinhua) At the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived here on Monday afternoon for a state visit to Russia through Wednesday. Xi's plane arrived at the Moscow Vnukovo Airport around 13:00 local time. As he stepped out of the plane, Xi was warmly greeted by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko and other senior Russian officials by the ramp. The Russian side held a grand welcome ceremony at the airport. The military band played the national anthems of China and Russia. Xi inspected the honor guard of the three services and watched the march-past. Xi delivered an arrival statement, extending warm greetings and best wishes to the Russian government and people on behalf of the Chinese government and people. He stressed that China and Russia are friendly neighbors connected by shared mountains and rivers, adding that the two countries have consolidated and grown the bilateral relationship on the basis of no-alliance, no-confrontation and not targeting any third party, and set a fine example for developing a new model of major-country relations. The growth of China-Russia relations has not only brought tangible benefits to the people of the two countries, but also made important contributions to the development and progress of the world, he said. Noting that both being major countries in the world and permanent members of the UN Security Council, Xi said that China and Russia play important roles in international affairs. In a world of volatility and transformation, China will continue to work with Russia to safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core, the international order underpinned by international law, and the basic norms of international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, he said. China will work with Russia to uphold true multilateralism, promote a multipolar world and greater democracy in international relations, and help make global governance more just and equitable, he said. He expressed confidence that the visit will produce fruitful results, and inject fresh impetus into the sound and steady growth of China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era. Chinese President Xi Jinping inspects the honor guard of the three services and watches the march-past at the Moscow Vnukovo Airport in Moscow, Russia, March 20, 2023. At the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived here on Monday afternoon for a state visit to Russia. Xi's plane arrived at the Moscow Vnukovo Airport around 13:00 local time. As he stepped out of the plane, Xi was warmly greeted by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko and other senior Russian officials by the ramp. The Russian side held a grand welcome ceremony at the airport. The military band played the national anthems of China and Russia. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi] This photo taken on March 20, 2023 shows a welcome sign for Chinese President Xi Jinping in Moscow, Russia. At the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived here on Monday afternoon for a state visit to Russia through Wednesday. [Xinhua/Cao Yang] People welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping in Moscow, Russia, March 20, 2023. At the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived here on Monday afternoon for a state visit to Russia through Wednesday. [Xinhua/Bai Xueqi] (Source: Xinhua) Weather Alert ...Gusty Winds and Elevated Fire Conditions Today, Frost Potential Tonight... Westerly winds will be sustained around 15 to 20 mph today with gusts of 30 to 40 mph. The strongest gusts are expected to be across portions of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, and northwest Kentucky. This may cause small tree limbs to break and loose outdoor objects to be blown around. In addition to the gusty winds, relative humidity values are expected to fall below 25 percent in many areas. This combination will lead to elevated fire weather concerns today. Caution should be used in any outdoor burning. Tonight, winds will decrease, setting the stage for temperatures to fall into the mid to upper 30s across northern portions of southern Illinois and southwest Indiana. This may lead to patchy frost developing, mainly for areas north of the I-64 corridor. (CNN) Federal officials, including those at the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, are monitoring what they say has been an uptick in violent rhetoric online including calls for "civil war" since former President Donald Trump asked supporters to "protest" what he said was his impending arrest. But the online chatter has been just that and has lacked the actionable information, coordination and volume that preceded the January 6 attack on the US Capitol, US officials and security experts tell CNN. An intelligence memo from US Capitol Police on Sunday downplayed the current threat, saying there was "no indication of large-scale organized protests and/or violence" like what was observed in the lead-up to January 6. The memo also cautioned that while Trump's influence with moderate conservatives has "waned since he left office, some of his most ardent supporters continue to condone political violence and continue to be willing to fight on behalf of the former president." That dynamic has led to a cautious response from the Biden administration, which has refrained from making too much of the chatter and been careful about what it shares regarding potentially violent rhetoric with state and local law enforcement, a senior US official familiar with the online chatter told CNN. "There has been nothing specific or credible both in terms of large-scale activity or violence," the senior official said. A senior law enforcement official also told CNN that while the online chatter is growing with time, it's all "familiar" to the intelligence community, meaning nothing that rises to the level of major concern as of now. A key difference two years after January 6, sources tell CNN, is the threat of arrest has risen in the minds of many potential protesters. As a good indicator of the current situation, the senior law enforcement official pointed to a small protest on Monday in New York City, noting that one group that was scheduled to come decided not to out of apparent fear of being arrested. Still, federal, state and local law enforcement officials are wary of underestimating the potential violence, as critics say they did prior to January 6, when weeks of online threats turned into a deadly attack at the Capitol. Officials in Washington are preparing for demonstrations surrounding any indictment of Trump that could erupt into violence, a district official told CNN on Monday. But FBI and Department of Homeland Security officials are also wary of opening themselves up to political attacks by Republicans, who are eager to call out both agencies for anything perceived as infringing on people's First Amendment rights, the senior US official said. And until Trump tells his supporters when and where to show up in his defense, as he did before the Capitol riot, "it is unlikely we will see another event of January 6th's magnitude and even then, a lot of folks have lost faith in him," said Meghan Conroy, a former investigator on the January 6 Select Committee who is now a research fellow with the Atlantic Council's Digital Forensic Research Lab. New York, DC wait for Manhattan DA's next move in hush money probe Officials in New York and Washington are taking preemptive security measures in case a potential indictment of former President Donald Trump leads to widespread protests. On top of that, online rhetoric has been relatively muted compared to 2021. "The steady stream of anti-government hostility and increasingly violent rhetoric is worrying, but it hasn't reached the volume of what we saw in the run-up to January 6 yet," Ben Decker, the CEO of online threat analysis firm Memetica, told CNN. Some posts from influential right-wing figures in recent days have seemingly been more geared at creating chaos than at sparking violence. Right-wing provocateur Jack Posobiec took to Trump's preferred social media platform, Truth Social, to call for a "nationwide bank run" after Trump announced that he expected to be arrested. "The risk here is that narratives surrounding the recent collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and potential arrest of President Trump may converge as influencers like Posobiec foment conversation around a potential run-on banks as a form of nonviolent protest," said Lisa Kaplan, founder of tech firm Alethea Group, which tracks online disinformation campaigns. Law enforcement and security experts told CNN they are not seeing large groups animating around Trump's Truth Social post calling for protest at any level near what they saw at January 6. One law enforcement expert tracking extremist social media posts said the engagement level on some of the most aggressive posts they had seen was much lower than previously expected. Some Trump allies, like Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, have warned that any protests against an arrest of Trump could be infiltrated by federal agents. It is unclear if and when the office of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg will unveil charges against Trump as part of its probe into a hush money payment from former Trump attorney Michael Cohen to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. House Republicans, though, are already pledging to investigate Bragg's investigation. Three House GOP chairmen on Monday sent a letter to Bragg calling for his testimony and claiming that Bragg's investigation was an "unprecedented abuse of prosecutorial authority." The uncertainty surrounding Trump's legal fate has security experts preaching vigilance. "While we have not yet identified specific plans to engage in large-scale violence, we remain concerned about singular acts of political violence occurring in the days ahead," Daniel J. Jones, president of Advance Democracy, a not-for-profit research organization, told CNN. (CNN) Officials in New York and Washington are taking preemptive security measures in case a potential indictment of former President Donald Trump leads to widespread protests. In New York City where a grand jury has been meeting as part of the investigation into Donald Trump's alleged role in a scheme to pay hush money to adult film star Stormy Daniels all NYPD officers are expected to be in uniform and ready for deployment Tuesday, according to an internal memo that a source shared with CNN. Law enforcement officials told CNN that although Tuesday is a "high alert day," there is currently no credible threat. The memo came in response to Trump's social media posts over the weekend that called on his supporters to protest in response to a potential arrest, echoing the calls he made for protests in Washington, DC, in response to his 2020 election loss protests that later turned violent when scores of his supporters stormed the Capitol. While Washington police are similarly preparing, the US Capitol Police force "is not currently tracking any direct or credible threats to the US Capitol," according to a department intelligence assessment obtained Monday by CNN. A source close to the Trump legal team told CNN that should Trump be indicted, they do not expect any arrest or initial appearance to happen before next week. As of Monday night, they did not have any guidance on the timing of a potential indictment beyond that they had been told by Manhattan district attorney's office that nothing was expected Tuesday. An indictment could come at any time, and law enforcement officials involved in the discussions have stressed the need to adequately prepare for the complex choreography of a Trump surrender and court appearance. Federal, state and local law enforcement met Monday in New York City to discuss the planning, a senior law enforcement official familiar with the ongoing discussions about security said. The Manhattan DA's office has signaled it is closing in on a decision of whether or not to indict the former president. Trump says he expects to be arrested, calls for protest Former President Donald Trump says he expects to be indicted next week and called on his supporters to protest. Attorney Robert Costello, at the request of Trump's legal team, testified Monday for nearly three hours in front of the grand jury in an effort to discredit the testimony of the former president's ex-lawyer Michael Cohen, who has admitted to paying $130,000 to Daniels just before the 2016 election to stop her from going public about an alleged affair with the former president. Cohen made himself available to the DA's office as a rebuttal witness Monday but was "not needed," according to a statement provided to CNN by his lawyer. Trump who has denied having an affair with Daniels and says the probe by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat, is politically motivated has been agitating for his team to get his base riled up and believes that an indictment would help him politically, multiple people briefed on the matter told CNN, though in private, he has called the looming development "unfair." On Capitol Hill, House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, House Oversight Chairman James Comer and House Administration Chairman Bryan Steil said they intend to investigate whether Bragg and his office used federal public safety funds as part of its grand jury probe in an extraordinary move to intervene in the investigation. A spokesperson for Bragg responded by saying that the district attorney's team "will not be intimidated by attempts to undermine the justice process, nor will we let baseless accusations deter us from fairly applying the law." "In every prosecution, we follow the law without fear or favor to uncover the truth. Our skilled, honest and dedicated lawyers remain hard at work," the spokesperson continued. A grand jury in Manhattan is expected to indict ex-President Donald Trump on charges related to an alleged hush money payment on the eve of the 2016 presidential election. Trump has called on supporters to mount protests in the streets outside the Manhattan District Attorneys offices. Using language very similar to his siren call to the fascists who attacked the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, Trump posted several appeals in all-capital letters on his own social media site, Truth Social, on Saturday morning. This was combined, as always in Trumps operations, with a fund-raising message for money to pay his legal bills and promotional expenses. The announcement seems to be of a preemptive character, with Trump choosing to focus attention on the Manhattan charges, in part because they may be the closest of the myriad investigations against him to an actual court appearance, in part because their flimsy and concocted character makes them an easy target for counterattack. The Manhattan case involves Trumps payment of $130,000 to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the final week of the 2016 election campaign to buy her silence. Daniels had previously sought to negotiate hush money from Trump on several occasions, as well as seeking to sell her story about having sex with Trump in 2006 to numerous media outlets, always unsuccessfully. In the wake of the release of the Access Hollywood tapes on October 9, 2016, in which Trump could be heard boasting of previous crude assaults on women, Daniels and her attorney revived their effort to gain a hush money payment, this time succeeding. Trumps fixer, attorney Michael Cohen, negotiated the payoff and then used his own funds to carry it out. He was subsequently reimbursed by the Trump campaign, which wrote it off, falsely, as legal expenses. Cohen was later prosecuted for violating campaign finance laws in the arrangement, ultimately pleading guilty and serving three years in prison. He would be the main witness against Trump in any Manhattan prosecution. The main legal weakness in the case is that both the Federal Election Commission and the US Attorney declined to prosecute Trump on the federal charges, and the statute of limitations has long expired on a state charge of filing false business records, which is a misdemeanor. Braggs office reportedly seeks to get around this problem by charging Trump with engaging in the state misdemeanor, filing a false report, in furtherance of a second crime, violating federal campaign finance laws. This would elevate the state charge to a felony, however minor, thus avoiding the statute of limitations. No case has ever been prosecuted in New York state on such a legal theory, and it is not assured that the judge in the case will even permit it to go forward. From a political standpoint, the entire Stormy Daniels case is a reactionary diversion. Trumps crimes against the working class and democracy are legion, but the Democratic Party has always sought to avoid confronting them directly, in pursuit of Bidens endless efforts to save the Republican Party as an institution and seek its bipartisan collaboration in the pursuit of his right-wing policies, above all the war against Russia in Ukraine. Former President Donald Trump speaks at the Minden Tahoe Airport in Minden, Nevada, on Oct. 8, 2022. Trump called for the "termination" of the US Constitution on his Truth Social media site on Friday, December 2, 2022. [AP Photo/Jose Luis Villegas, Pool, File] Trump has still not been charged with any crime relating to January 6, 2021, when his fascist followers, summoned by him to Washington and told to fight like hell at a rally outside the White House, marched to the Capitol, stormed police lines and halted the congressional certification of Trumps election defeat. Nor has Trump faced charges relating to his previous attempt to establish military rule in the midst of the protests over the police murder of George Floyd, when he tried to declare martial law and send the military into US cities; or his crimes against immigrants and refugees, including separating children from their parentsthe same charge, with much less evidence, which the International Criminal Court has brought against Vladimir Putin, to Washingtons applause. Sex scandals, as the WSWS pointed out in relation to the effort to overthrow the Clinton administration in 19981999, are invariably the instrument of right-wing factions which seek to conceal their reactionary agenda from the population and instead manipulate public sentiment with media sensationalism and appeals to the most backward moralizing. It is no better when the Democratic Party uses such methods, as they did in the early stages of the bogus Russia investigation, with the notorious Steele dossier, and now with the cases involving Stormy Daniels and L. Jean Carroll. Trumps sex life, and his efforts to cover it up, are of no more interest to the working class than Clintons. Trump has actually profited from such attacks, which give him the opportunity to characterize every case against him as motivated by his partisan political opponents within the ruling elite, even when such cases, as in the investigation of his efforts to overturn the presidential vote in Georgia, concern actual crimes against the Constitution and the American peoples right to vote. He has sought to rally support within the leadership of the Republican Party, including among rivals and prospective rivals for the Republican presidential nomination. A political action committee backing his campaign, MAGA Inc., has already sent out a statement tracking the responses of other top Republicans, like former Vice President Mike Pence, who denounced the prospective Manhattan indictment. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said on Twitter that he was directing House committees to immediately investigate if federal funds are being used to subvert our democracy by interfering in elections with politically motivated prosecutions. Whatever the outcome of the Stormy Daniels case in Manhattan, the stage is being set for new and even more violent actions by Trump and his neo-Nazi and white supremacist sympathizers, which will only encourage Biden and the Democrats to move even further to the right and make more concessions to the increasingly fascistic Republican Party. Ford Spain has announced a savage redundancy scheme to lay off 1,144 workers, or 20 percent of its workforce, at its plant in Almussafes, Valencia. Just hours after the announcement, the trade unions signalled their readiness to work with management to impose these attacks in the space of three months. Ford plant in Valencia, Spain [Photo: Ford Motor Company] The cut is a devastating exposure of the Socialist Party (PSOE)-Podemos government which has showered Ford with billions of euros in tax benefits and claimed that attacks against working conditions were necessary to attract supposed investments to preserve jobs. Above all, it has exposed the German and Spanish trade unions which organised last years fratricidal competitive bidding contest between Almussafes plant against Fords Saarlouis plant in Germany. The one who imposed the most savage attacks on its workforce would secure the contract to produce electric vehicles, and supposedly, preserve the plants future and jobs. Almussafes victory has only meant a new round of attacks, as the WSWS warned. The savage cuts were expected for months. The Almussafes factory will stop producing the S-Max and Galaxy models in April because Ford is accelerating its strategy towards the total electrification of its passenger vehicles in 2030 and of its entire portfolio in 2035. Thus, the Almussafes factory will keep the production of only the Kuga, accounting for 62 percent of the more than 245,000 cars assembled in Valencia in 2022. The factory also assembles the Transit Connect but will stop making the version for the European market at the end of this year. It is clear that this is just the start of the job onslaught. Last November, Martin Sander, director of Fords electric car division in Europe, said that electrification would mean a reduction in jobs compared to combustion vehicles. The time it takes to produce an electric vehicle is significantly less than the time it takes to produce a combustion engine vehicle. Depending on who you ask, its somewhere between 30-50%, so well need less capacity to build vehicles in the future. That is a reality. Thousands more jobs are under threat. According to the Valencian Association of the Automotive Industry (AVIA), Fords operations are responsible for nearly 25,000 direct jobs in the region of Valencia, many of these are linked to the combustion vehicles. Already in February, Ford Europe announced 3,800 job cuts across Europe over the next three years. In Germany, 2,300 jobs are to go and 1,300 in Great Britain. The trade unions are not only refusing to mobilise workers in defence of jobs. Instead, they have long agreed to the cuts behind the backs of the workforce and immediately announced their readiness to work with Ford management to impose them through so-called voluntary redundancies. The UGT, which won a majority of the union election votes last month, with 2,713 votes (61.91 percent), translated into 22 delegates in the company committee, reacted by bemoaning that it will be hard for them to impose the job losses on workers. It stated: This is a more than considerable volume of jobs [losses], which makes it difficult to reach an agreement that guarantees 100% voluntary leave through retirement support plans and incentivized leave. We can say that a more than complicated negotiation is starting today. It added, What [the company] is not going to be able to claim is that, since the surplus is extensive, it will make the conditions of the previous [redundancy] plans cheaper. In any case, what would proceed is the opposite, in order to seek the greatest number of volunteers. UGT has now called management to lower the age for voluntary redundancies under the previous job cuts agreed at 55 years. This layer now represents only 600 workers in the plant, after the UGT signed off on mass redundancy schemes over the past years, the last one affecting 630 workers in April 2021. Last week, UGT cynically stated that far from what the company intends, and although it may seem crazy, what we will request from UGT at the negotiating table is that the exit age for a hypothetical plan be lowered below the 55 years agreed in the previous plan. The UGT recalled the clause in the Electrification Agreement they signed last year allowing management to reach an agreement to undertake the voluntary exits. The whole deal has been exposed as fraud, sold as a way of preserving jobs at the expense of workers at the Saarlouis plant in Germany. The Electrification Agreement represents the most savage attack on workers in the Valencia plants 46-year history, designed to ensure it won a fratricidal bidding contest against Saarlouis. It imposes a four-year wage freeze, which under conditions of soaring prices due to NATOs war against Russia in the Ukraine, represents thousands of euros less for each worker. Aware of mounting anger, the UGT refused to submit the agreement to a referendum, even when it represented 97 percent of the unionised workers before Februarys elections. Instead, they opted to submit the deal to a sham vote in February 2022, while pre-empting opposition to it by posting a video on YouTube featuring an attack on the WSWS for opposing its reactionary collaboration with Ford management. Without the text available, workers were forced to vote via a union app. It was thus impossible to independently count the vote. The UGT has once again been exposed as a tool of Ford to ram through attacks. Last August, the UGT downplayed Ford Spains refusal to accept millions of euros in corporate bailouts from the Spanish government and the EU which signalled its intention to increase attacks on workers, reneging on its earlier commitments. UGT cynically claimed that investments are not in question and will preserve thousands of jobs in very good conditions. The STM-Intersindical Valenciana also stands exposed. The union claimed to oppose the UGT backroom deals with Ford management, the Electrification Agreement and its sham vote. On this basis, it received a substantial increase in its votes during last Februarys elections, gaining 30 percent of the votes and increasing its union affiliation by 28 times, according to STM spokesperson in the plant, Daniel Portillo. Portillo also claimed that the UGT suffered a 40 percent disaffiliation. It shows that workers are seeking an alternative to oppose wage cuts and job losses, but the STM is no alternative. Celebrating the results, Portillo promised we are going to do everything possible as a union to fight and prevent all those cuts that the company can achieve with its majority union (UGT). Weeks later, the same Portillo reacted to Fords jobs cuts announcement by stating We hope that within 30 days an agreement can be reached that is so beneficial so that people can present themselves voluntarily [for the redundancy scheme]. The union then posted a 114-word statement, stating that it will work and fight to reduce the number of those affected, in order to improve the production lines work rhythms and speeds to avoid harm to our health. Of course, we will also fight to avoid traumatic dismissals. The devastating expose of the unions shows that to secure their jobs and a decent standard of living, workers at Ford and throughout the auto industry in Spain and across Europe need to create rank-and-file committees. The WSWS urges workers in Valencia to contact the rank-and-file committee in Saarlouis and build the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) to organise the fightback against Ford and connect workers in a growing number of industries. These committees, democratically controlled by workers, are the only way forward to organize a fight against job cuts. This is the fifth article on the 2023 Berlin International Film Festival, held February 16 to February 26. The first was posted on February 22, the second on March 2, the third on March 6 and the fourth March 9. The current xenophobic policies pursued by the German ruling elite are the product of a much longer process. Three older documentary films featured at this years Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) provide insight into the plight of immigrants in the 1970s and 1980s. The experiences immigrants had both in the Federal Republic (FRG) and East Germany (GDR), which called itself socialist, were sobering to say the least. Chronicling the experiences of the first generation of guest workers in West Germany, Yuksel Yavuz tells his fathers story in the award-winning film My Father the Guest Worker (Mein Vater, der Gastarbeiter, 1995). My Father the Guest Worker, 1995 Like many young people who headed to the cities to escape the lack of prospects in the countryside, Cemal Yavuz came to Germany in 1968. Selection committees were specifically looking for workers for Germanys expanding industrial sector. What was planned to be one year of work in Germany turned into 16. We see Cemal working at the Sietas shipyard (founded in 1635) in Hamburg, separated from his children and his wife, who look after a small sheep farm. He can only visit his family in the summer and becomes more and more of a stranger to them. Eventually, he takes his son Yuksel with him to Germany. When he can no longer stand being apart, he returns home in 1984 with the help of a repatriation scheme initiated by the right-wing Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) government of Helmut Kohl. Years later, Cemal wants to show his son, who has stayed in Hamburg, his old workplace. He is proud of the fact that he helped build modern ships, wants to see the new crane and praises the prudence of the new owner (the son of the former owner) who invested in technology to increase turnover. The former model worker is then shocked and bitter when he is refused entry to his former place of work. Today, there is still much talk about the cultural gulf between the German population and immigrants. These are sham discussions. In concrete terms, as the film shows, families are torn apart not by deep-seated cultural differences, but rather by poverty, reactionary laws and war. The rural, regressive cultural circle of Kurdish farmers is shown in the film to be the result of politically produced poverty. The farmers are bitter that the Turkish state is letting everything go to waste. The only modern things produced are the tanks seen driving north to combat Kurdish nationalists. The father returns to these desolate conditions. While he resignedly notes that the quality of his trees has deteriorated, he still has the powerful metallic clang of the Hamburg shipyard in his ears. The film shows how Turkish workers were deliberately left isolated in Germany. His father lived in a shanty town called Little Istanbul near the shipyard. The shipyard owner played foreign workers off against local ones. According to Cemal, the Turkish workers shift lasted ten hours, the German workers eight, leading to tensions within the workforce. His father, the director said after the Berlin screening, never wanted to return to Germany. African students also live in isolation in the documentary I, Your Mother (Man sa yay, 1980), which the internationally renowned Senegalese director Safi Faye made for West German television. Moussa is a student at the West Berlin Technical University. Like others studying electrical or mechanical engineering, he keeps his head above water by doing odd jobs and selling African woodcarvings. When it rains, the 'wood sellers' earn nothing. I, Your Mother, 1980 Moussa has real problems fulfilling the wishes of his relatives, who seem to think he is wealthy because he lives in Europe: expecting fashionable clothes, televisions, etc. He feels abandoned and on his own. Many Germans restrict their contact by merely asking him where he is from and how long he expects to stay. Yet, as he explains, today's cultural and economic problems are internationally connected. He longs for his partner in Senegal, who writes him poetic letters. Moussa adds that the 1970s were a 'social democratic decade' dominated by two Social Democratic Party (SPD) chancellors Willy Brandt and Helmut Schmidt. West Berlin had been governed by SPD mayors since 1955, Hamburg (with one exception) since 1946. The extent to which 'left' politics were dominated by nationalism is vividly demonstrated by the stance taken by the trade unions, closely tied to the SPD. The unions regarded the recruitment agreements drawn up with Turkey and other countries as a threat to German workers and demanded restrictions, while agitating against illegal immigrants. Immigrants in East Germany The fact that young people from the Stalinist Eastern bloc and other countries studied in East Germany (GDR) had nothing to do with the states officially propagated internationalismwhich in practice stopped at the Berlin Wall. In competition with the West, Stalinist East Germany was seeking to extend its political influence to a number of so-called young nation states where nationalist movements had come to power. Those who came to the GDR expecting socialism were seriously disappointed. Chetna Vora (1958-1987) daughter of Indian Communists, studied film in Potsdam-Babelsberg from 1976 to 1982. She made her diploma film Oyoyo in 1980. Her 45-minute documentary focuses on international students living in a hostel in East Berlin. One young immigrant comes from Chile, where the Pinochet dictatorship is in power. Carmen is from Guinea-Bissau, which had been independent since 1974; others come from fraternal countries such as Cuba, the Mongolian People's Republic and Bulgaria. They communicate and socialize in German. Oyoyo In the interviews with Chetna, they talk about everyday life and personal relationships. The focus of the film is less on the content of the conversations than on their attitudes, informal, frank and emotional: for example, in the case of the student who fell in love with a fellow Cuban. That may seem a little banal. But in the Stalinist GDR, immigrants always had something of an official status about them. The fact that they were under state control also put them at a certain distance from the population at large. In the hostel, however, they are no longer living figureheads of state solidarity but normal human beings. When Carmen says at some point that she likes it in the GDR and lapses into the official tone of gratitude, she is interrupted by Chetna. At some point they all sing Oyoyo, a song that is apparently about not saying Yes Sir to everything. With her first feature film, Women in Berlin (1982), Chetna crossed a red line for the East German authorities. Here she leaves the immigrant milieu and enters everyday life in East Berlin. East German women speak openly about everyday life, family and relationships. They confide in a foreign student and, according to the Film Museum in Potsdam, also reveal their skepticism about the future of the workers' and farmers' state. The film was immediately withdrawn from circulation by the Stalinist authorities. In 1983, a year before the Kurdish worker Cemal Yavuz disappointedly left the FRG, Chetna Vora left the GDR for India with her young daughter and her German husband Lars Barthel (who operated the camera on Oyoyo). Later they lived in West Berlin. Chetna Vora died in India in 1987. To be continued The Socialist Equality Party held a speak-out in Bankstown, southwest Sydney, on Saturday as part of their campaign for the New South Wales (NSW) election on March 25. SEP candidates Oscar Grenfell and Max Boddy, along with other party members, spoke to people in the working-class suburb about the need for a socialist alternative to the program of war and austerity put forward by all other parties in the election. Grenfell, who is standing in the upper house, said that Labor Prime Minister Anthony Albaneses announcement of $368 billion for nuclear-powered submarines had nothing to do with opposing Chinese aggression or defending Australia. Instead, he explained, this is about an aggressive military buildup throughout the Asia-Pacific region, aimed at asserting the hegemony of American imperialism. Theres not going to be a peaceful outcome under capitalism. The only way forward is to unite internationally. Workers have the same interests wherever theyre from, for a peaceful world based on social equality. But if we want that, we have to fight for it, and that means a fight against capitalism itself. Boddy, who is standing for the seat of Bankstown in the Legislative Assembly, said the election campaign waged by the major parties takes the form of a giant cover-up. None of the burning issues that are facing workers are being discussed or raised, above all, the immense and immediate danger of war. We say that the billions that are being used for machines of war should be used for education, for health and for a social housing program for workers. Under socialism, Boddy explained, these vast resources would be used to resolve the housing and cost of living crisis, These are particularly acute in the Bankstown electorate, which has the highest level of mortgage stress in the state, and the second highest level of rent stress. Workers and young people spoke to World Socialist Web Site reporters about their concerns over the growing threat of world war, as well as the dire social conditions confronting the working class amid the rapidly rising cost of living. **** Francis [Photo: WSWS] Francis, a formwork carpenter from Ghana, said: Theres no winners in war. In the end we lose people, vulnerable citizens, people that know nothing about war. I dont know the main motive behind the Australian government spending that amount of money on nuclear submarines. The people that have power go for the weapons, and they make money out of that as well. But I dont think we should be fighting. Freddie [Photo: WSWS] Freddie, a construction worker from Tonga, stopped to listen to Boddy at the speak-out on March 11. He said: What youre saying is the right thing. Freddie asked: Why get submarines? Why cant they give that money to people here in Australia? If you look around, theres too many people that are homeless. Why cant they think about raising them up, helping them get a house, feeding them? Freddie spoke about the cost of living crisis, saying everything is going up, except wages. He said he was paid just $12 an hour, half the legal minimum wage, but was brushed off when he raised this with SafeWork NSW and other government regulators. As a result, he depends on charities for food. Leila, a 74-year-old former table hand in the printing industry, said it was getting harder and harder for retired workers to get by on the meagre Age Pension, which pays a maximum of $1,064 per fortnight. She said: I pay $700 rent each fortnight. Ive got electricity bills, Ive got to eat, Ive got to pay the doctor. Medicare doesnt cover much. If we cant afford to pay, we have to die. We cant treat ourselves. Ive had a problem with my leg for two years now. The doctor told me if I had the money, in two weeks I could have the operation. I dont have the money, so I go on the waiting list. In that time, you get worse. I go shopping for what I need, meat, bread, things like that. But I cant afford to eat something nice. Even ALDI has gone up as well. Things I was paying $2 for have gone up to $4. How can we live like that? How are we gonna survive? Soon well have to sit down on the street and ask for charity. But who could afford to give? These people here shopping, are all on the same page as me. Leila did not believe the election would do anything to improve the situation, whichever of the major parties takes office. She said: What do they do for you, whoever wins? They promise you this, promise you that, but when they win, they dont know you. SEP campaigners also spoke to workers in Newcastle, the second-largest city in NSW. Matt, a technology worker, said: I think Labor can come out in elections saying they have progressive policies, but then after the elections they go back on promises, on social issues especially. Perrottet receives a lot of negative press that is well deserved, whereas Chris Minns doesnt, when he has similar opinions. All the major parties benefit from the current systemwhy would they want to change it? Matt said the deregistration of the SEP was an attack on democratic rights, absolutely. He continued: Limiting political participation, making it harder to have a party, thats always bad, its never done with the interests of ordinary people in mind. The current capitalist system doesnt work for most people and thats why theres a move away from the major parties. I think a lot of young people are anti-war, because were the ones who would be on the front line of a war. I appreciate you raising what happened after the Russian Revolutionwhy wasnt socialism achieved? We have to ask these questions and learn from past experiences. I would agree with an international perspectiveI agree with a lot of the things youve said. I think organisation and representation for workers is needed. A lot of those who are supposed to represent workers, for example in the unions, they dont actually do that. Don, right, speaks with SEP campaigners in Newcastle [Photo: WSWS] Don said: I used to drive those big coal-loaders up in Kooragang. In 1988, our work area got sold off by the government and a few years later we got the sack. We worked long hours, 90 hours a week, always at work, and all we got was the sack and told we were incompetent. Anything the government owned, under Liberal and Labor, has been sold off and privatised. Our union was the waterfront union. The union reps all got work, the president of the union and secretary of the union got a job, while the rest of us got the sack. I had to sell my house and I finished up with nothing. I went all the way down to the head office in Sydney, to try to get help from the union, but they just werent interested, they turned their back on us. So, the union stabbed us in the back and the government stabbed us in the back. Im living in a housing commission place now, and because my wife works, I have to give up 30 percent of my pension. Were going to get a new increase to our rent next Monday, then what are we supposed to live on? Its hard for younger people too. Ive got a sixteen year-old son, I dont know how hell ever afford to own a home. On the threat of war, Don said: Who needs a war? Nobody wins, its just for the ones at the top. Its war for no reasontheyre just there to make money. I agree, the answer is we need the working class in charge. The average person in China, or in America, or here, doesnt want a war. Im glad this party is talking about it. Nobody else is. Contact the SEP: Phone: (02) 8218 3222 Email: sep@sep.org.au Facebook: SocialistEqualityPartyAustralia Twitter: @SEP_Australia Instagram: socialistequalityparty_au TikTok: @sep_australia Authorised by Cheryl Crisp for the Socialist Equality Party, Suite 906, 185 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000. The World Socialist Web Site interviewed Chelsea, an adult education teacher in Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) with over 20 years experience. She spoke about the strike this week uniting classified staff in SEIU Local 99 and the teachers in UTLA and the conditions in the schools. (Her name has been changed to protect her identity.) If you are a Los Angeles educator sign up through the form at the end of this article for more information on building rank-and-file committees. Los Angeles teachers strike at city hall, January, 2019 [Photo: WSWS] Kimie Saito: What do you think about the classified staff and teachers uniting in strike action? Chelsea: I absolutely support them. Their contract expired three years ago! And ours expired last June. Were all working under expired contracts. Meanwhile, cost of living is skyrocketing for everybody. Last Wednesday there was a rally downtown with the SEIU and UTLA announcing the three-day strike. Some of the parents of my students told me they got a robocall saying, Be prepared! [Superintendent] Carvalho is trying to inflame everyone, saying the teachers dont care. We have not heard a heck of a lot from the UTLA about it, only that we can join the SEIU picket line if we want to, and were not to cross their picket lines. Im not going to cross. I was raised in a union family. But this is all on me. Nobodys going to get strike pay. The unions should be paying the SEIU members and teachers for this strike! KS: What are your working conditions like? Chelsea: The district has made my schedule worse. Ive been working a split shift for a long time, and Im not getting any support from the union. I teach from 8:15-12:30, go back home and then teach from 6:00-9:00 at night. I live 22 miles away. This issue isnt being addressed. I have a bad right knee that gets aggravated when I drive. It just feels like theyre trying to force me out. Im going to be 60 this year, and this is very hard on me. Because I work in adult ed, we dont have the regular cafeteria workers like at the rest of the schools. The district rents out the cafeteria on our site, and our meals are not supplied by the district. My students work with resource specialists, not with special ed assistants, who are the ones going to strike. We have been working on an expired contract since June 2021. In addition, because adult ed is a small portion of the district, unfortunately our needs are not being addressed. Were just dragged into the K-12 group. We all need pay raises, but none of our specific issues are being addressed. KS: What do you make of the new superintendent? Chelsea: When the school year started, Carvalho visited all the campuses. It was like a stage production, really slick. Several of my teacher friends said he was very rude to the employees. When he became the new superintendent, the person who was in charge of adult ed was replaced by one of his friends he brought from Florida. Everything is very corrupt in this district. Hes portrayed as an immigrant; he is from Portugal. But he doesnt have anything to do with the day-to-day lives of our students, who are mostly immigrants and poor. KS: Are you getting strike pay? Chelsea: No, this three-day strike is on our backs. Were not going to get strike pay. We didnt get strike pay when we struck in 2019 for a week. And two years ago, the UTLA increased our dues. Its not like dues that autoworkers pay, but still the union is not doing anything for us. The current union President Cecily Myart-Cruz got reelected. But she has an agenda. Shes using her position in the union to go into politics. She wants to create new programs, but we dont need more special programs. We need the union to support us teachers. All the issues we were fighting for in 2019 during our last strike are the same. They werent addressed. Our class sizes are very large, especially in K-12. My co-worker teaches fourth grade, and she has 35 students. She has a daughter in kindergarten, and her class has 28 kids. Shes struggling and not getting it. The class is too big. Theres not enough time for the teacher to work one on one with the kids. So her daughter hates school because she just gets negative feedback. I told her shes got to get the school to do an IEP (Individual Educational Program) for her soon. Her son, who needed special services, had to wait four years before he got an IEP. Thats four years wasted. Thats ridiculous. KS: What are the general social conditions like in LA? Chelsea: Look at whats been happening in Southern California over the past 10 years. Youve got some people who can afford those million-dollar homes, and then youve got masses of people who are homeless. This is a big problem, and its getting worse. Most of the young adults I work with are 18 to 24 years old. Theyve got to work full-time just to try to make ends meet. And their parents are working two jobs, barely making it. And then all the special programs and measures for COVID-19 are ending, while the military is having war exercises in Twenty-Nine Palms [near Palm Springs] getting ready for war with China. Maybe Im not so eager to have my son graduate from high school and face all this! Twenty years ago, on March 20, 2003, the government of the United States embarked on one of the greatest crimes of the 21st century, launching an unprovoked and illegal war against Iraq. It began with saturation bombing of the defenseless country (shock and awe), which annihilated the bulk of its armed forces and much of its social infrastructure, including electrical power and water supplies, food processing, and the production of medical supplies. In this June 19, 2004, file photo, residents of a Fallujah, Iraq neighborhood walk through the wreckage of their homes which were destroyed in a U.S. airstrike. The U.S. launched its invasion of Iraq on March 20, 2003, unleashing a war that led to over 1 million deaths. [AP Photo/Abdul-Kadr Saadi, File] This was followed by the invasion of the devastated country by more than 130,000 American troops, armed with the most technologically sophisticated weapons, who cut through what little remained of organized Iraqi resistance and reached Baghdad in only two weeks. After another week of slaughter, US forces captured the capital, suffering only 34 casualties in this final one-sided battle, compared to countless thousands of Iraqi dead. The methods employed by the Bush administration in Iraq were entirely criminal, in keeping with the nature of the whole enterprise. The war began with a sneak attack: cruise missile strikes against government buildings where Iraqi ruler Saddam Hussein was believed to be, in an effort to assassinate him. It continued with the use of weapons banned by international law, like white phosphorus bombs, which set cities on fire and cause horrific burns to human flesh. In addition, US and British forces fired an estimated 440,000 depleted uranium shells, which cause long-term cancer rates to skyrocket and produce hideous birth defects. In the course of the war, the most horrific forms of torture were employed by US forces, revealed in shocking images from the Abu Ghraib prison. The authorization of torture was drawn up by Bush administration lawyers, who asserted that the president had virtually unlimited powers as Commander-in-Chief. The result of the invasion, followed by an eight-year occupation, was what the WSWS branded as sociocide, the deliberate destruction of an entire society. The imperialist conquest reduced one of the most advanced countries in the Middle East to conditions of medieval barbarism, not only economically, but also politically. The US rulers systematically promoted religious divisions and ignited sectarian warfare between Sunni and Shiite Muslims and between Muslims and smaller religious minorities, in an effort to prevent any united resistance to the US occupation. In deliberately embarking on an aggressive war, the US government and its leading officialsincluding George W. Bush, Richard Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, Condoleezza Rice, and Colin Powellwere guilty of war crimes. Along with allies like UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, they violated the core principle laid down by the Nuremberg Tribunal after World War II, which found that the central crime of the Nazis, from which all their other crimes flowed, was the launching of unprovoked and aggressive wars. (See below, remarks delivered by David North in 2004 at a debate in Dublin, Ireland.) David North speaks at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland on October 14, 2004 The American media paid only perfunctory attention to the Iraq War anniversary. What has been said is aimed at covering up for the colossal scale of the crime, and of the medias own role in it. The cynicism, as always, found its most perfidious expression in the pages of the New York Times. A news analysis by Max Fisher under the headline, 20 Years On, a Question Lingers About Iraq: Why Did the U.S. Invade? treats the motives of the Bush administration in launching the war as uncertain and even fundamentally unknowable, in the words of one scholar interviewed by Fisher. The Times article flatly rejects the once-prevalent theory: that Washington invaded to control Iraqs vast oil resources, without referring to the prominence of former oilmen like Vice President Cheney and Bush himself in driving the decisions for war. And it attributes the systematic lying about Saddam Husseins possession of weapons of mass destruction to a form of groupthink, in which [a] critical mass of senior officials all came to the table wanting to topple Mr. Hussein for their own reasons, and then talked one another into believing the most readily available justification. The Times analysis carefully avoids any discussion of the role of the Times itself as one of the main promoters of the weapons of mass destruction campaign. Reports written by Judith Miller and Michael Gordon, most notoriously a September 2002 front-page exclusive under the headline, U.S. Says Hussein Intensifies Quest for A-Bomb Parts, parroted the claims of top Bush administration officials, and were taken up by the corporate media as a whole. White House officials then cited these reports as evidence against Iraq, which they themselves had planted. The motivations for the war are not unknowable. Indeed, they were known at the time, with tens of millions throughout the world participating in demonstrations in advance of the invasion, rejecting the lies of the administration and demanding no blood for oil. The size and breadth of the demonstrations were so large that it prompted the New York Times to comment that there were two superpowers: The United States and world public opinion. On March 21, 2003, the day after the invasion began, World Socialist Web Site International Editorial Board Chairman David North published a statement laying out the nature of the war: The unprovoked and illegal invasion of Iraq by the United States is an event that will live in infamy. The political criminals in Washington who have launched this war, and the wretched scoundrels in the mass media who are reveling in the bloodbath, have covered this country in shame. Hundreds of millions of people in every part of the world are repulsed by the spectacle of a brutal and unrestrained military power pulverizing a small and defenseless country. The invasion of Iraq is an imperialist war in the classic sense of the term: a vile act of aggression that has been undertaken on behalf of the interests of the most reactionary and predatory sections of the financial and corporate oligarchy in the United States. Its overt and immediate purpose is the establishment of control over Iraqs vast oil resources and reduction of that long-oppressed country to an American colonial protectorate. The war was part of an unending series of invasions and occupations initiated by the United States in the midst of and following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, under both Democrats and Republicans. This includes the First Gulf War (1990-91); the bombing of Serbia (1999); the invasion of Afghanistan (2001); the bombing of Libya (2011) and the US-backed civil war in Syria (2011). Far from expressing the strength of American capitalism, the effort of the American ruling class to use military force to conquer the world arises out of extreme crisis. As the WSWS statement explained: Whatever the outcome of the initial stages of the conflict that has begun, American imperialism has a rendezvous with disaster. It cannot conquer the world. It cannot reimpose colonial shackles upon the masses of the Middle East. It will not find through the medium of war a viable solution to its internal maladies. Rather, the unforeseen difficulties and mounting resistance engendered by war will intensify all of the internal contradictions of American society. The 20th anniversary of the Iraq war is being marked now amidst an escalating US-NATO war against Russia, which threatens to become a much wider war, involving the whole of Europe and risking the potential use of nuclear weapons for the first time since the Truman administration carried out the nuclear incineration of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. While the former middle class critics of the Bush administrations war against Iraq have become the most fervent advocates of the war against Russia, the basic interests driving US policy remain the same. American imperialism, now led by the Biden administration, instigated the war and is determined to pursue it to the military defeat of Russia, whatever the consequences. Facing intersecting crises, enormously exacerbated by the pandemic, the ruling class toboggans toward catastrophe. The media which yesterday promoted the lies of weapons of mass destruction peddles the Wuhan lab leak hoax to blame China for the coronavirus pandemic, and the claims of unprovoked Russian aggression and ludicrous allegations of Nazi-style atrocities in Ukraine. The lies of 2023 are even greater and more brazen than the lies of 2003. Putins reactionary invasion is a desperate effort by the Russian oligarchy to defend its class interests against a real threat: the far more powerful forces of American and European imperialism. Twenty years after the invasion of Iraq, all those responsible for it remain free. But the colossal growth of the class struggle throughout the world provides the powerful objective foundation for a mass movement that will hold them to account and put an end to imperialist war, as part of the socialist reorganization of world society. OZARK-This court will uphold the law as written, 33rd Circuit Judge William Filmore ruled as he denied the request of a man charged with capital murder to require a unanimous jury verdict instead of the agreement of 10 jurors as required law. Filmore had taken that request and others made by Coley McCraneys attorney Andrew Scarborough at a March 16 court hearing in Ozark under advisement. McCraney has been in Dale County Jail without bond since his March 17, 2019, arrest and indictment on five counts of capital murder and one charge of rape in 2019 in connection with the 20-year-old cold case shooting deaths of Dothan teens, J.B. Beasley and Tracie Hawlett, whose bodies were found in the trunk of Beasleys car parked on Herring Avenue in Ozark. The teens were last heard from on the evening of July 31, 1999, when Hawlett called her mother from Ozark to let her know they were on their way home after getting lost on the way to a party. McCraney was identified as a suspect after DNA from the crime scene was submitted for genetic genealogy testing. McCraneys trial was to be held in August 2022 but was continued due to a lack of available jurors. When jury selection began only 75 of the 250 people summoned showed up at the Dale County Courthouse. As a result, Filmore continued the trial. A trial has now been set for April 19 before Filmore in Ozark. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall and Assistant Attorney General Jimmy Thomas will prosecute McCraney at the request of the 33rd Judicial Circuit District Attorney Kirke Adams. At the pretrial hearing last week, Scarborough told the court that his request to prohibit the death penalty, if McCraney is convicted, unless the jury verdict is unanimous is based on a law that defines the jurys decision as a verdict rather than a recommendation. Citing a 1975 law, Thomas told the court that the state objected to the requirement to have a unanimous jury decision because it put an unnecessary burden on the state. The law states that the decision of the jury to return a verdict recommending a sentence of life imprisonment without parole must be based on a vote of a majority of the jurors, said Filmore in his ruling. The decision of the jury to recommend a sentence of death must be based on a vote of at least 10 jurors. The verdict of the jury must be in writing and must specify the vote. The law is clear, Filmore ruled. This court will not re-write the law. That is the job of the legislature, not the court. If the legislature sees merit in the defendants argument, then the legislature can change the law, Filmore ruled. However, until then, this court will uphold the law as written. Defendants motion is denied. McCraneys attorneys had also asked that all court proceeding be recorded and transcribed by the court reporter. The motion is granted as all proceedings in this case have been transcribed and will continue to be, Filmore said. We publish below a recent statement issued by the Kayts Fishermens Action Committee in Sri Lanka. As fishermen we, like every worker and the poor in Sri Lanka, are in dire straits, unable to continue our work and forced to eke out our existence on an income inadequate for living. An older fisherman at Kayts Island in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, drags in a net. [Photo: WSWS] The most central problem is the skyrocketing cost of living together with rising prices for fishing equipment, kerosene and diesel. The decline in the harvestable fish population, which is a result of a breakdown in the ecology of the sea caused by the profit-driven sea industries, is also a big problem. Last August, the Wickremesinghe government increased the price of kerosene overnight from 87 rupees (US24 cents) to 340 rupees per litre, a hike of more than 290 percent. Although the cost of kerosene was reduced on March 1, it was by a negligible 50 rupees. The government has also wiped-out fuel subsidies and rejected the provision of any concessions. Although the dreadful kerosene rationing system has been eased to some extent, these problems persist. The fuel price hikes mean that most small-scale fishermen have had to limit distant fishing, forcing us to use outdated, inefficient and unsafe fishing methods. We need at least 20 litres of kerosene for just one trip in an engine-powered fishing boat. Nets and net-making materials, as well as boat maintenance, are far too expensive. Fishing net prices are now 100,000 rupees, up from around 50,000 rupees three years ago. Big bottom trawlers often damage underwater fishing nets, causing us considerable losses. Lots of poor fishermen who use kattumaramsa primitive catamaran-type boat made by tying together several large logscannot sail because they cannot afford to repair their decaying boats. Fishermen lack cheap transportation to take their catch to market and do not have a guaranteed price for their fish but rich middlemen, merchants and large fish-exporting companies are reaping huge profits. Declining fish prices mean a sharp decline in our income. It is now common in Eluvativu, an island adjacent to Kayts, to see fishermen who lack modern storage methods, disposing of their unsold fish along the seashore. The 26-year communal war waged by consecutive Colombo governments since 1983 against the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam is another major reason for our social misery. In the north, significant numbers of people were displaced and lost all their personal belongings at some point during this war. In 1990, residents of the northern peninsula islands had to flee to safer places as the Sri Lankan military advanced. Those families were only able to return after 2000. Our homes were destroyed by the war, and we are still living in semi-built houses. Like most Jaffna Peninsula residents, we too face drinking water problems because of the high-salt content of the ground water. Our roads are poor and in an underdeveloped state. All these issues have worsened our living conditions and we cannot even adequately feed our children and give them a good education. These deepening problems are not natural but are a product of the unprecedented capitalist crisis in Sri Lanka, intensified by COVID-19 and the US-NATO war against Russia in Ukraine. The war in Ukraine has led to supply chain breakdowns and is the prime reason for the fuel price increases. The Wickremesinghe government, which is implementing International Monetary Fund (IMF) austerity measures in exchange for a $2.9 billion loan, is placing the burden of this crisis on all workers and the poor. President Wickremesinghe has declared that he will not allow any disruption to the IMFs program. He has banned strikes and mobilised the military and police to crush protests by workers and students, arresting opponents of his governments brutal social measures. Although we are facing unbearable poverty and social misery, the fishermens cooperative associations, which were formed decades ago, have done nothing to defend our rights. Most of these associations support the Tamil capitalist parties, such as the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kattchi (ITAK), Tamil National Alliance (TNA), Tamil Peoples Forum, and the Tamil National Peoples Front (TNPF). But these parties and associations all support the IMFs policies. As well as opposing the Sri Lankan government and Tamil political parties in the islands north, we also reject the policies of their counterparts in India and its southern state of Tamil Nadu. These organisations seek to provoke communal enmity between poor fishermen on both sides of the Palk Strait which separates northern Sri Lanka and India. Last month, Sri Lankan Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda, leader of the Eelam Peoples Democratic Party (EPDP), proposed permits for Tamil Nadu-based small fishing boats in the Palk Strait. His call was made amid the Sri Lankan navys arrest of Tamil Nadu fishermen, who were accused of intruding into territorial waters. Several Indian trawlers previously seized by Sri Lankan authorities at Karinagar Island in Jaffna. [Photo: WSWS] On February 28, more than 40 northern fishermens associations held a joint meeting with ITAK, the TNA and the communalist Sri Lanka Freedom Party. They issued a statement opposing this proposal and threatened to bring local fishing boats into the streets as a protest. The EPDP also has a history of similar communal provocations. Tamil and Sinhala bourgeois parties in Sri Lanka, and the capitalist parties in India, are whipping up nationalism to divert the rising anger of workers and the poor and tie them to their respective national states, and the capitalist profit system. In Tamil Nadu, around 91 percent of the states 200,000 fishing families live below the poverty line and face escalating social attacks from the central government and the Tamil Nadu state administration. Our enemies are not our class brothers in India, but the Sri Lankan and Indian ruling classes who are the obedient servants of imperialism. Our hatred must be directed against them, not Indian fishermen and their families. To fight for our rights, we must build action committees of fishing workers, independently of these capitalist parties and the fishermens associations. We have established the Kayts Fishermens Action Committee (KFAC), not just in the north but also among our brethren in the south and are ready to help you establish your own action committees. We draw your attention to the March 10 Joint statement of workers action committees in Sri Lanka which calls for the building action committees in every workplace. We raise the following demands: Kerosene, petrol and diesel must be made available for fishermen at previous prices! Provide us with fishing equipment at an affordable price! Cancel all the debts of fishermen and for payment of an allowance during the off season! This allowance must be paid to all fishermen! At the same time, we emphasise that the IMF austerity attacks can only be defeated in a unified struggle of all workers and the poor in Sri Lanka and India with their international class brothers and sisters. We support the Socialist Equality Partys call for a Democratic and Socialist Congress of Workers and Rural Masses consisting of delegates from action committees of workers and the rural masses, including fishermen. Such a Congress would take up the struggle for a government of workers and peasants committed to a socialist program. Such a program must include the repudiation of all foreign debts and nationalisation of the big companies, plantations and the banks under workers democratic control. We urge you to join this struggle. You can contact us at this email address: action.committees.sl@gmail.com The World Socialist Web Site continues to receive a steady stream of correspondence from postal workers over the back-breaking increases in workloads demanded by Royal Mail. They are also speaking out against the Communication Workers Union (CWU) enforcing the cost cutting exercise of revisions by the company and the betrayal of the fight they have been waging since last August against low pay and sweatshop conditions through 18 days of nationwide action. The feedback comes from across the UK showing the broad constituency for a fight against a sell-out by the CWU. The latest batch of emails are from Feltham, Moseley, Bournemouth, Finchampstead, Wareham, Derby, Livingston in Scotland and Graigavon in Northern Ireland. *** Impossible workloads to be introduced for the new financial year. Duties USO'd on a regular basis and covered by agency workers delivering only tracked parcels when the duty holder is on holiday or day off. The de-prioritisation of mail is now accepted as company policy, with permanent staff returning from a day off or holiday to face multiple days of mail. Changes to start times in September and the annualisation of hours in our office will mean longer working days in winter with rural duties finishing in the dark. Not just challenging working conditions but potentially dangerous ones. Any considerations of health and safety are to be wilfully dismissed. Pickets at Crieff Delivery Office, October 13, 2022 [Photo: WSWS] The annualisation of hours achieved by PDA data tracking smacks of a return to the age of the Victorian mill owner with workers seen as no more than cogs in Royal Mail's corporate machine. And these are the working conditions accepted and supported by the CWU... as long as local reps give a perfunctory nod to management's unworkable plans. (USO is the Universal Service Obligation, the statutory requirement for letters to be delivered to every address in the UK six days a week at a uniform price and parcels five days a week. PDA stands for Postal Digital Assistant, which are hand-held devices used by delivery staff. They collect data and produce reports known as Outdoor Actuals on individual routes covering start and end times, planned and actual routes, distances covered and times of completion.) *** Royal Mail has had no intentions of complying with its USO obligations since Covid. Its current staffing arrangements mean that mail is failing every day. When I started 10 years ago nothing was ever left. Parcels are prioritised over mail despite the CEO lying to parliament saying this is untrue. Simon Thompson has turned Royal Mail from a place where people were happy and proud to work to a place where no one wants to work. Staff are leaving in their droves. I am now doing over 30% more work than when I started, walking 23km a day. Royal Mails answer to their own failings is ever increasing demands on its workforce and ever decreasing pay and conditions. *** I've read most of nightmare postings from Royal Mail colleagues. These are spot on. I work in mail centre where the union only care about friends, lackies, the common saying by our Area Process Rep. Are there different levels of representation depending who you are? Worse still they represent people and give advice who are not in union. They turn a blind eye to managers who work then deny postmen overtime because they are given overtime to keep them happy and not rock the boat. *** Revisions already implemented at my office, becoming physically very difficult to complete duty. *** Took 4 walks out of office giving us an extra 180 drops each. Absolutely shocking. *** I was bullied so bad by management l had to leave after 20 years. Racist comments by them, sexist comments constantly. Told to f*** myself by a colleague and the boss blamed me. Had lB follow me on my round constantly. Put more and more on me 12 miles a day, 16 kilos on my back trolly, caused me back damage. They mentally broke me. l want to hear from you soon. *** Been with Royal Mail now for 5 and a half years. It's always been hard work but now it's completely unacceptable not to mention unachievable. So many staff leaving because of the conditions and not being replaced. Walks being made bigger so can never be completed within your contracted hours. New working practices introduced without consultation, customer collections, scanning your tracked parcels at your frame. All this takes time so youre getting out on delivery much later than you used to. Number crunching desk jockeys making these ridiculous decisions. Never been a postman in their lives. The job is now so demoralising and soul destroying. *** No overtime been given because of strikes. Letters building up into a mountain of mail in the week before Mothers Day. Appears to be wilful delay of mail. Dorset mail centre. *** Our office has just removed 14 deliveries. The deliveries left have to cover these deliveries in what is being called a carve up. There is no planning. There's no time for it and theyve removed the vans for the jobs that have gone from the office. If the customers thought we were struggling during covid they should look around there local offices now. Send in the local MPs to their local offices because Simon (Thompson chief executive of Royal Mail ) and his boys are laughing at you! Youre powerless and they know it! It was mentioned that Royal Mail is ignoring disability rules.... it's true... I've been on a ring-fenced job due to a disability, and they have taken it from me, giving it to someone else. I too went to my rep who smiled and walked away!! They are still replacing us with casuals..... theyre just trying plan B 22 years of being proud to work for the Royal Mail. Sold out by my union and put out with the rubbish by RM. MPs are just doing a PR session. *** The job is getting worse day by day. Royal Mail doesn't care about the workforce, they only want to put more money into their pockets. We have area managers who have no idea about the work frame, who treat people like slaves. Telling people to do light duties when they are brutally attacked by dogs. Telling people to work faster and harder. We all been treated like slaves for the good of Royal Mail bosses. Walks are bigger and bigger, some even unable to finish it on time. They impose ideas without knowing if they will work and then blame the workforce when they go wrong. *** The public need to know what service they are getting. It is a disgrace. They are paying for a service which is not being provided. First class next day delivery a joke, just not happening. Mail left in the office daily and priority is being given to tracked mail and the service will only get worse with the new revision being introduced which increases workload to impossible to do in allocated work time. *** The job is ruined. We had a revision pushed through in my small delivery office of 9 duties, so now we are down to 8. I go back tomorrow after my long weekend, I am dreading what I am going to be faced with. A few weeks ago I had 1 week of annual leave, I came back to work on the following Monday to find that absolutely no letters or ordinary packets had been delivered, only Tracked and Special deliveries. Absolute shameful and an embarrassment of a company to work for now. All duties are too big and they constantly ask, and I always refuse, people to work their rest days. If they dont, most of the time the duty doesnt go out and you get double bubble the next day. I am at my wits end but am struggling to find other full time jobs in my area, so am stuck. Dont know what to do anymore, if you dont book extended delivery overtime and work to your time then you get bullied by management. Sorry, rant over, I just dread going in now! *** Our manager is pushing through a revision which is adding more onto our delivery when we struggle to complete what we do now. Daily we are leaving part walks and when it gets busier it will get worse. They are deliberately cutting costs, knowing we wont be able to fulfil the USO. It is sad that this once great company is being decimated in the name of shareholders profits. *** In our office we have lost well over half the staff through either sickness (long term) or people leaving because of how toxic the company has become. Due to all the walks not going out posties are being sent to areas they have never delivered to with no guidance or idea where to start. Management just tell them to do what they can, but its hardly fair on the employee to be dumped out in the wilderness trying to provide a service for the hard working public. Every branch has recruitment freezes and overtime freezes so that the company will fail. I honestly believe the Royal Mail is being set up to crumble so the shareholders can cash out and it can be resold and chopped up by a new company for maximum profit. *** If the CWU accepts these changes for all of us that went on strike and lost money just to be sold down the river, hang your head in shame Dave Ward (CWU General Secretary)? Member becoming non-member! CWU wont survive because of your backhanders, shame on you! We encourage postal workers to contact the WSWS to report on their conditions and to discuss how to take forward the fight. On Sunday, the Marrickville Peace Group held a meeting opposing the AUKUS military pact and Australias acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines from the US and Britain. Anti-AUKUS meeting at Marrickville Town Hall, Sydney, March 19, 2023. [Photo: WSWS] The meeting did not represent a genuine opposition to the US-Australian plans for war against China. Instead, it reflected the interests of a section of the Australian ruling elite, fearful of the consequences of all out conflict. The organisers promoted as lead speaker Colonel Lawrence Wilkerson, who as Colin Powells chief of staff, drew up the infamous UN speech containing lies about Iraqi weapons of mass destruction and links to Al Qaeda to justify invading Iraq. That address was the essential prelude to an illegal war that claimed a million lives. Labor politician Bob Carr also addressed the gathering, despite his long record as a US informant and warmonger. Discussion from the floor was all but suppressed. Only three questions were permitted. WSWS writer and Socialist Equality Party candidate for the NSW election Oscar Grenfell was able to speak very briefly, before interruption. SEP assistant national secretary and candidate for Bankstown Max Boddy was among those not able to ask a question. We post below what Grenfell and Boddy would have raised had they been permitted to speak. *** My name is Oscar Grenfell. Im a journalist with the World Socialist Web Site. Weve written extensively in defence of WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange. Im also an SEP candidate for the upper house in the NSW election. Oscar Grenfell, SEP candidate for the NSW Legislative Council, attempting to ask questions at anti-AUKUS meeting in Marrickville, 19 March 2023. [Photo: WSWS] We say very clearly that the fight for Assanges freedom and the fight against war requires an independent political movement of the working class. Workers are hostile to war, they have a deep going commitment to democratic rights, and theyre being propelled into struggle all over the world by the crisis of capitalism. The perspective of this meeting is very different. Its an appeal to sections of the political establishment and the ruling elite to see sense and turn away from war because of its impacts. Such appeals failed to halt two world wars in the 20th century. They also served to derail the mass anti-war movement 20 years ago, which despite its potential strength, was unable to prevent the invasion of Iraq. My questions are these. To the organisers, you claim to be building an anti-war movement. Why then are you promoting Colonel Wilkerson, a man who as Colin Powells chief of staff, played a key role in concocting and promoting the lies about weapons of mass destruction used to justify the invasion of Iraq? Whatever his subsequent mea culpas, Wilkerson has never been held to account for his role in the greatest war crime of this century. Secondly, why are you promoting Carr? This is a man who first became an informant for the US embassy, that is the CIA, in the 1970s just before the coup against Whitlam. As foreign minister, Carr further aligned Australia with the US preparations for war against China. That included support for the stationing of US Marines in Darwin, US military aircraft rotating through Northern Australia and greater naval cooperation. In other words, Mr Carr and his Labor government were directly responsible for the genesis of what is taking place now with AUKUS and the further military build-up, again being overseen by a Labor government, this time led by Anthony Albanese. Also as foreign minister, Carr called on Washington to begin assassinating Syrian government leaders. That was nothing less than advocacy for US state terrorism, which would have violated international law. He was intensely hostile to WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange, who he denounced as amoral. In 2012 Julians mother Christine Assange pleaded for the Labor government to intervene in her sons defence. Carr rejected that plea with contempt. As per a 2012 AP article, Christine responded at the time by asking whether Carr was a stooge of the US or did not care about her son. These are the individuals youre promoting. To conclude: you cant build an anti-war movement on the basis of figures who are directly responsible for US-led wars and imperialist crimes. *** My name is Max Boddy, Im the Socialist Equality Party candidate for Bankstown in the NSW election. We have placed the fight against war at the centre of our campaign, unlike every other party including Labor, the Greens and Socialist Alliance. Max Boddy, SEP candidate for Bankstown in the NSW Legislative Assembly. [Photo: WSWS] What were witnessing today is an explosion of militarism. The US is seeking to overcome its historic decline through the waging of a proxy war against Russia in Ukraine. We opposed the Russian invasion, but the chief responsibility for this war rests with US imperialism and its allies, including Australia. This war threatens a third world war. A victory against Russia is seen by US imperialism as the essential component in Washingtons plans for war against China, which it views as its chief threat. In your platform and reports today you do not mention this war, which is currently underway. Why is that? In your reports today, you have made only passing references to this war, but you have not opposed it. Why is that? You cannot oppose the war against China without also opposing the war against Russia. The perspective of this Coalition is to appeal to the Labor government to pull back from war. This is bankrupt and futile. You are appealing to the very same Labor government that fully supported the pivot-to-Asia in 2011 and has escalated the drive to war against China. You cannot oppose the threat of world war from a nationalist basis. Australia is an imperialist power. It has always advanced its own predatory interests in the Pacific in alliance with the dominant imperialist power of the day. You say nothing about Australian imperialisms sordid record. That is because you support it. We say that the critical issue is to build an international anti-war movement of the working class, based on a socialist program that is directed against the source of war, the profit system. Contact the SEP Phone: (02) 8218 3222 Email: sep@sep.org.au Facebook: SocialistEqualityPartyAustralia Twitter: @SEP_Australia Instagram: socialistequalityparty_au TikTok: @sep_australia Authorised by Cheryl Crisp for the Socialist Equality Party, Suite 906, 185 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000 About 30 avowed Nazis, dressed in black shirts and repeatedly performing Hitler salutes, marched through Melbourne and formed up on the steps of the Victorian state parliament on Saturday. They were protected throughout against counter-protesters by a heavy and violent police presence. Neo-Nazis on the steps of the Victorian state parliament in Melbourne, 18 March, 2023 [Photo: @SarkySage] While the Nationalist Socialist Network (NSN) contingent was small, its blatant display in the centre of the countrys second most populous city, is a shocking political warning. It is a stark demonstration of the degree to which such fascist forces are being emboldened by the right-wing trajectory of the official political establishment, and shielded by the police and intelligence agencies, as social discontent rises over the cost-of-living crisis and the danger of war. Video footage on social media shows Victorian police, including from the riot and horseback units, attacking and pushing over transgender rights protestors in order to facilitate the Sieg Heil parade, which also featured Australian flags. The counter-protestors, mainly from a range of gender rights and pseudo-left groups, were demonstrating against a right-wing anti-transgender rally that the Nazis used to perform their political stunt. The neo-Nazi provocation, and the police assistance of it, triggered widespread disgust and concern, including on social media. In response, leaders of the political establishment feigned horror, despite being responsible for the political and social conditions that have emboldened the fascists. Victorian Labor Premier Daniel Andrews tweeted that Nazis were not welcome in Victoria and foreshadowed legislation to ban their salute, having last year outlawed swastika emblems. But such measures serve only to strengthen the hand of the same capitalist state that has encouraged the fascist forces, and will inevitably be used against left-wing, socialist and working-class opposition to the ruling capitalist class. During the first two years of the now unchecked COVID-19 disaster, the neo-Nazis sought to gain traction by spearheading right-wing protests against lockdowns, vaccinations and other essential public health measures. Now that governments, both Labor and Liberal-National, have implemented their demands, serving corporate interests, the Nazis have been invigorated to seek to whip up other anti-social causes. More fundamentally, the unanimous pro-business and pro-war agenda of the political establishment and trade unions, accompanied by the promotion of nationalism, militarism and anti-Chinese and anti-Muslim xenophobia, has heartened the fascists, even as they falsely posture as anti-establishment. Significantly, Saturdays march was led by Thomas Sewell, the NSN leader. He had celebrated with a Nazi salute outside a court in January after a magistrate spared him from a prison term for a serious assault on a TV station security guard, leaving him able to conduct his fascist activities. Australian neo-Nazi leader Thomas Sewell. [Photo by "The Unshackled" Youtube Channel / CC BY-SA 3.0 Pointedly, Saturdays abomination took place just three days after the fourth anniversary of the Christchurch massacre, the worst mass shooting in New Zealand history, when Brenton Tarrant, an Australian neo-Nazi, opened fire on two mosques, killing 51 people, on March 15, 2019. Tarrant was a supporter of Australian far-right groups, which are connected globally through various online fascist networks. Governments and the police allow them to operate freely to foment anti-Muslim, anti-immigrant and other nationalist prejudice. Evidence emerged last weekend that serving Australian soldiers and police officers are members of neo-Nazi groups. That indicates their integration into the military-police apparatus, as has been exposed recently in Germany. The Age reported on Saturday that the Australian Army has launched an investigation into these revelations, first brought to light by the newspaper. Fascists have conducted increasingly open displays in Australia in recent years. In January 2021, people in the Grampians National Park in western Victoria were confronted by dozens of neo-Nazis celebrating the annual national Australia Day, complete with a cross-burning modelled on the activities of the Ku Klux Klan. In January this year, five days after Sewell avoided a prison sentence, 25 or so of his supporters staged another provocation, performing Nazi salutes at Melbournes Elwood Beach. In Australia, as is the case globally, there is growing political and social unrest due to the decades of deepening assaults on workers jobs, living standards and conditions. The bolstering of far-right forces by the political establishment is a warning that these elements will be used, as in the 1930s, against the population as other ruling class mechanisms for control are increasingly unable to hold back the developing class struggle. Sewell and the NSN did not come out of nowhere. They constitute a more explicit neo-Nazi version of earlier formations, such as the anti-Muslim Reclaim Australia party. That development was fed by the political and media establishments ongoing anti-terrorism and foreign interference witch hunts. Internationally, Trumps accession to the US presidency in 2016 signalled a turn by sections of the ruling classes toward fascistic forms of rule to combat the rising opposition from the working class to the agenda of war and austerity. Today, the US Republican party, one of the two major bourgeois parties, is increasingly dominated by fascist figures. Trumps coup attempt, featuring Nazi supporters, only narrowly failed in January 2021. Italy is governed by a prime minister who stands in the political tradition of the fascist dictator Mussolini. A warning must be issued against any reliance on the capitalist state machine to fight the far right. Police repression, even if nominally directed against fascistic elements, is invariably directed against the left wing. That was underscored last month when an attack by three members of the extreme right-wing milieu at a remote property in the Australian state of Queensland was politically twisted around to become the pretext for police to be directed, in the name of fighting extremism, to target socialists, Marxists and those who speak critically of capitalism, branding them as potential terrorists. The change to police protocols came from the highest levels of the ruling class. It followed a meeting on February 3 of the National Cabinet, an extra-parliamentary body composed of the federal, state and territory government leaders. That gathering was briefed by Mike Burgess, director general of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), the domestic spy organisation. Amid the deepest crisis of the capitalist system in decades and an explosive growth of the class struggle, the ruling elites and their political representatives are terrified of an increasing attraction among workers and youth to socialism, and are perfectly willing to turn toward fascist forces to combat that threat. The only way to answer the threat of the extreme right is for workers and young people to build a mass socialist movement against war, inequality, authoritarianism and the profit system, completely independent of, and against, the capitalist governments and police-intelligence apparatuses. That is the basis for the Socialist Equality Partys intervention into the March 25 New South Wales state election. Contact the SEP: Phone: (02) 8218 3222 Email: sep@sep.org.au Facebook: SocialistEqualityPartyAustralia Twitter: @SEP_Australia Instagram: socialistequalityparty_au TikTok: @sep_australia Authorised by Cheryl Crisp for the Socialist Equality Party, Suite 906, 185 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000. Police body camera footage shows an Oklahoma City police captain who was pulled over for suspected drunk driving asking the arresting officer to turn off his body camera. Sgt. Christopher Skinner pulled over Capt. James Matthew French, 55, a little after 1:30 a.m. on March 12 after allegedly seeing his SUV swerving and making a turn without signaling, according to Oklahoma City Police Department incident reports, parts of which were redacted, and body camera footage released by the department. CNN did not immediately hear back from the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 123, which represents members of the Oklahoma City Police Department, with any comment on French's behalf. In the body camera video, French is seen telling Skinner he is an Oklahoma City police captain before pointing to his chest and telling Skinner to turn his body camera off. Less than a minute later, French again tells the officer to turn his body camera off. "Turn the camera off," French whispers. "Please." "Huh?" Skinner says. "Turn the camera off," French whispers again. "I'm not turning my camera off," Skinner responds. Skinner asked French how much he had to drink. French responded he was at a poker game and had "three or four" beers, the latest about two hours before the traffic stop. The video shows French again repeatedly asking Skinner to turn the body camera off as French struggles with field sobriety tests. "I know you are aware of our body cam policy," Skinner tells French. "You know I cannot turn off this body camera." "I do," French says. "But I'd like to talk to you." "I am a captain in the police department," French says after a brief exchange. "I understand that, sir. And I'm a sergeant... and I've taken an oath to uphold the law. I don't show favoritism to anyone regardless," Skinner says. "Okay. I'm not asking for that," French says. According to an incident report, French was arrested and booked on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol and failure to signal intention to turn. Oklahoma City Police told CNN French is on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation. "As to why Captain French was saying that, I can only make assumptions, but the officer did exactly as he should have by not turning the camera off," Police Chief Wade Gourley told CNN affiliate KOCO. History of anti-drunk driving advocacy History of anti-drunk driving advocacy 1982 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2019 Solar and wind energy developers who have been late for an incentive rate want a temporary feed-in tariff of 6.2 cents per kilowatt hour while waiting for the authorities to finalize a higher tariff. The price is equivalent to 90% of that of imported energy, representatives of solar and energy developers said at a meeting Monday. "The price is temporary and could be adjusted later when the legal framework on this matter is completed," said Nguyen Thanh Binh, deputy CEO of T&T Corp. Some developers have been waiting for two years for the new feed-in tariff to be announced, but as it is too low, they are concerned about bankruptcy, she said. "My wind turbines, each of which costs more than VND150 billion ($6.36 million), have been standing still for the last year," Binh said. The 6.2 cents per kilowatt-hour price tag is lower than that of coal-fired energy, as last year there were times when the price of coal-fired energy surged to 15-17 cents per kilowatt-hour, a representative of Thai energy firm GULF said. There are 84 renewable projects in Vietnam with a total capacity of over 4,676 megawatts per hour that will be under the new feed-in tariff. Among them 34 have been completed. As of Monday only one developer had requested an energy-selling contract with Vietnam Electricity (EVN), as the remaining developers were not interested in the low price that EVN had offered earlier. Do Van Binh, CEO of developer Ocean Group, said that the lack of guidelines and regulations on renewable energy makes it difficult for developers to sign deals with EVN. EVN CEO Tran Dinh Nhan urged the Ministry of Industry and Trade to quickly announce an algorithm to determine a new feed-in tariff. Fourteen-year-old Bao Ha is the only Vietnamese model to walk the runway of Seoul Fashion Week this year. Ha wore two outfits from the "Wednesday is Monday" collection by designer Kwak Hyun-joo. In her first appearance, Ha wore a jacket combined with a split skirt and white high-top boots. Her second appearance featured an all-black outfit with a jacket and a flared skirt. Designer Kwak Hyun-joo was inspired by the Netflix series "Wednesday," which caught the Internet by storm in 2022. The collection targets teenagers with dynamic and rebellious designs. Bao Ha walks the runway at the 2023 Seoul Fashion Week. Photo by VnExpress/Zee Nguyen Ha was selected for the show during a casting session in South Korea on Mar. 17. She was the first Vietnamese model to walk the main show of the event. "This is an opportunity for me to gain more experience and improve myself. My dream is to make it in the fashion world," she said. Nguyen Lam Bao Ha was born in 2009 in Ho Chi Minh City. She won the "talented child model" award at a Hanoi fashion contest in 2019 and participated in the 2020 Asian Kids Fashion Week, as well as the 2020 and 2022 Vietnam International Fashion Week Ha attended Milan Fashion Week in July last year and won the Teen Models Vietnam contest in September. A woman pushes luggage at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, Indonesia, July 3, 2021. Photo by Reuters The Indonesian authorities have deported 47 foreigners, including 13 Russians, for violating the terms of their visas and for using their tourist visas to work in the country. The move is part of the governments crackdown on foreign tourists misusing their visas to work on Bali, Bloomberg reported. Bali is stepping up law enforcement against foreigners, even banning them from riding motorcycles following a string of deadly accidents. Authorities in Indonesia's popular holiday island of Bali earlier asked the central immigration agency to cancel a visa-on-arrival policy for Russian and Ukrainian nationals after tourists from these two countries were found working illegally on the island. Known for its beautiful beaches, temples, waterfalls and nightlife, Bali drew 6.2 million foreign visitors in 2019, the year before the pandemic broke out. Locklyn and Loreli Callazzo were tragically found in the pool at their parents home in Oklahoma City GoFundMe Twin toddlers from Oklahoma City are being remembered as "the sweetest babies" after they drowned in a pool in their family's backyard last week. First responders rushed to the scene near Council and 122nd Streets Thursday morning after learning the 18-month-old brother and sister had been found inside the pool, according to FOX affiliate KOKH and NBC affiliate KFOR. Locklyn and Loreli Callazzo's mother pulled the twins from the water before first responders arrived, KOKH reported. It is unclear how long the children were in the water. Their mother attempted to resuscitate the toddlers before first responders arrived and took over the rescue effort, per the outlet. RELATED: Firefighter's 3 Kids Who Died After Fire at Home Were 'Deeply Loved,' Says Grandmother: 'Gone Too Soon' The twins were rushed to a nearby hospital, where they were pronounced dead around 1 p.m., according to KFOR and Newsweek. Godmother Dawn Lemons told KOKH that the twins' family is at the beginning of a long grieving process following the tragic incident. "They were angels," she told the outlet. "They were so fun. Loreli loved to dance. They both played the harmonica, piano and drums. They loved to sing. They were just the sweetest babies." 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 celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Neighbors said the family which included six kids, two parents and a grandmother moved into the home in the Cobblestone neighborhood about a year ago, according to KFOR. Mike Bernard, who lives nearby, said he watched firefighters put the toddlers in separate ambulances at the "disturbing" scene while they performed CPR, according to KFOR. He said he had met some members of the family prior to Thursday's incident, but not the twins. "I saw the mother who was distraught, who got in an EMS vehicle," Bernard added, per the report. RELATED: 5 Children, Ages 8 to 17, Killed in Car Crash on N.Y. Highway, 9-Year-Old Survives Story continues Officials believe Thursday's drownings were an accident, according to the reports. An investigation into the deaths is ongoing. A candlelight vigil for the toddlers is scheduled for Saturday at 7pm at the Route 66 Park Shelter, according to a GoFundMe for kids' family. More than $11,000 has been raised through the fundraiser. Lemons told KOKH that the twins' family is grateful for the support they've received from their community in wake of the twin toddlers' deaths. "This is not something that you can get over in a week or two weeks," Lemons said, per the report. "It is just not." A 17-year-old and an 18-year-old have died after suffering a tragic sledding accident while they were on spring break. The incident occurred at approximately 8:35 p.m. on Sunday night at the Copper Mountain Ski Resort in Colorado, approximately 75 miles west of Denver. The Summit County Sheriffs Office responded to a report of two people being involved in a sledding accident at the resort. MORE: Mans attempt to kidnap child from school bus stop thwarted by group of kids: Police "The subjects reportedly rode tandem down the half pipe and launched off a large snowbank at the bottom of the half pipe," the Summit County Sheriffs Office said following the accident. "The two individuals came down hard on the hard ice below, causing blunt force trauma." The two teenagers -- both from Illinois and visiting Copper Mountain Ski Resort on spring break -- received immediate medical attention but neither could be revived and both of them were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. MORE: Man looking for deer antlers discovers human skeleton instead "Our thoughts and condolences go out to the families and friends of the individuals involved in this tragic incident," Summit County Sheriff Jaime FitzSimons said. Paula Crane, superintendent of Prairie Central Community Unit School District Number 8, identified the boys as Dylan Bazzell and Drew Fehr, seniors who attended Prairie Central High School in Fairbury, Illinois. MORE: 2 young skiers rescued after being stuck in snow for 3 hours with phone battery at 9% "It is with deep sadness that I inform you about a tragic accident that has resulted in a significant loss in our schools and in our community," Crane said in a statement directed at the schools community. "On Sunday, two Prairie Central High School students lost their lives in a ski-related accident. We are committed to doing everything we can to help our students and staff with the grieving and healing process. To that end, we have teamed with the Baptist Church in Fairbury to offer counseling, prayer, and a place for students to gather today." Story continues Crane continued, "This loss will affect everyone in our school family and in our communities. Students may have a difficult time dealing with the loss, and we encourage you to talk with your child." MORE: Avalanche kills 3 climbers after victims swept 500 feet down mountain Authorities subsequently took the opportunity to remind people about safe practices on the slopes and to always be aware of the risks involved. "The Summit County Sheriff's Office would like to remind everyone to always practice safe on snow activity habits and to be aware of the risks associated with these activities," authorities said. MORE: 1 hiker dead, 1 still missing as 11 more are airlifted due to severe weather The Summit County Coroner's Office has now taken over the investigation into the cause and manner of death. The investigation remains active and authorities said no further details will be made available at this time. High school mourns 2 seniors who died in tragic sledding accident originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Sumrall teen Kayleigh Clark is one of the newest contestants on "American Idol" who will be going to Hollywood to continue her pursuit of a musical career. "I hit the jackpot," Clark said on Facebook. "I got the golden ticket and I'm heading to Hollywood!" Clark auditioned for the show in New Orleans. The episode aired Sunday. The 17-year-old homeschooled senior performed a cappella, singing Garth Brooks' "The Dance." Judge Katy Perry said Clark was too quiet and asked for another song. Clark followed it up with Hillsong Worship's "I Surrender." While Perry wasn't entirely convinced, fellow judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie voted to send her on to the next round. Meet Kayleigh Clark:This Mississippi girl is ready for 'American Idol' judges. 5 things we learned about Kayleigh Clark from her audition If you didn't guess by the bright pink rubber boots in her opening sequence and the hot pink jacket she wore during her audition, her favorite color "for sure" is pink. "I've always been into glitter and pink, but I also live on a farm so I like to get dirty, too." Some people have told Clark she looks like HunterGirl "a little bit" and Dolly Parton "which is a huge compliment." She's into hunting and fishing. "I actually killed my first buck last year with my crossbow," she told Bryan. "I did it all by myself." She may sing softly, but she's got talent. Bryan said, "I think that little girl is going to be in the Top 10." There are 25,000 chickens in each of her family's chicken houses. She's going to practice projecting her voice over the noisy chickens. "I may be going to Hollywood, but I'm going to sing for some chickens first." What is it about Amory?'American Idol' loves contestants from this small town in Mississippi . We went there to find out why Story continues Do you have a story to share? Contact Lici Beveridge at lbeveridge@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @licibev or Facebook at facebook.com/licibeveridge. This article originally appeared on Hattiesburg American: Mississippi teen Kayleigh Clark going to Hollywood on American Idol 2011 MTV Movie Awards - Arrivals - Credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Images Amanda Bynes, whose 9-year conservatorship ended last year, has been placed on a 72-hour psychiatric hold, a source told NBC News on Monday. She hasnt been in contact with her family for quite some time, the source told the outlet. More from Rolling Stone A lawyer for Bynes did not immediately return Rolling Stones request for comment. The actress was previously scheduled to make her make her first public appearance since the termination of her conservatorship, and was planning on reuniting with her former All That costars at 90s Con in Hartford, Connecticut. Bynes was set to take part in an All That panel with Kel Mitchell, Lori Beth Denberg, and Danny Tamberelli. Im really excited to reunite with my cast mates and meet the fans at 90s Con, Bynes told People earlier this year. Bynes had struggled with mental health and substance abuse issues in the past, and in 2013, was placed in her conservatorship after she allegedly set a fire in a neighbors driveway. The actress mother took control over her healthcare and security for the next nine years until they both agreed to end the arrangement in 2022. I would also like to thank my lawyer and my parents for their support over the last nine years, said Bynes. In the last several years, I have been working hard to improve my health so that I can live and work independently, and I will continue to prioritize my well-being in this next chapter. Best of Rolling Stone Click here to read the full article. Tam Ky Town in Quang Nam Province is seen from above. Photo by VnExpress/Dac Thanh Photos of two foreigners begging for money on the streets in Tam Ky Town near Hoi An have gone viral on social media, prompting authorities to step in. The photos show the two foreigners standing at the intersection of Hung Vuong and Tran Cao Van Street with a sign in Vietnamese saying, "Help. No money." The police said they are from Russia and entered Vietnam on tourist visas, Bao Van Hoa newspaper reported. Local authorities warned them not to beg since it is illegal under Vietnamese laws. Both have left Tam Ky Town. Recently a number of foreign tourists have been seen begging at tourist hotspots in Vietnam. [Source] The Japanese voice actor of Ash Ketchum from the long-running Pokemon anime recently went viral for her live performance of the series original theme song. Ashs final appearance in the Pokemon anime is set to air in Japan on Friday. Rica Matsumoto, 54, helped commemorate the end of an era by performing Mezase Pokemon Master - with my friends - for the YouTube channel The First Take on Friday. Matsumoto has notably been the voice behind Ash, known as Satoshi in the Japanese version of the Pokemon anime, for around 25 years. Her remix of the show's' iconic theme song, which she recorded in a single take, quickly went viral and now has over 6 million views and 417,000 likes on YouTube since its release on Friday. On Dec. 16, 2022, around a month after Ash finally became the greatest Pokemon trainer in the world, the Pokemon Company released a teaser trailer for a new Pokemon series that will feature brand new protagonists. More from NextShark: Its Japan-centric: Elon Musk names Japan as Twitters ideal market More info on the new series was shared earlier this month on social media. The final 11 episodes of Pokemon Ultimate Journeys: The Series" follow Ash and Pikachus concluding chapter as the franchises main characters. More from NextShark: Stunned fans spot 'Hayao Miyazaki' strolling around Ghibli Park in news report Ash will be replaced by the characters Roy and Liko, with some social media users speculating that Liko is Ashs daughter, for her green hair clip in the teaser trailer looks similar to the logo on Ashs original cap. More from NextShark: Michelle Yeoh says being cast in 'Wicked' film adaptation is 'what we call diversity' Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark! Disney and Hybe unveil new BTS shows for Disney Plus Bachelor Zach recap ABC/Craig Sjodin Warning: This post contains spoilers from Monday's episode of The Bachelor. The Bachelor's "Sex Week," as Zach Shallcross preferred to call it, has finally arrived. But Zach, 26, really wanted it to be "No Sex Week." Before meeting finalists Ariel, Gabi and Kaity for Fantasy Suite dates in Thailand, Zach told host Jesse Palmer he wanted "no sex of any kind" to be part of the experience. Zach credited former Bachelor and mentor Sean Lowe with helping him reach that decision. "He took a very similar approach," Zach told Jesse, 44. "I mean, he just said, 'Really do what is comfortable for you and what you think is right.' This is the only thing that feels right and comfortable for me. And [sex] can really muddy the situation." Bachelor Zach recap ABC/Craig Sjodin RELATED: Bachelor Host Jesse Palmer Admits the Franchise Has 'Done a Very Poor Job' of 'Addressing Serious Topics' Jesse wondered if Zach felt an attraction to the three remaining women, and the sales account executive confirmed he did. "It's going to be really damn hard," Zach acknowledged. Zach didn't think that being physical with three different women would help start a future with one of them on the right note. "It's not how I imagine a healthy engagement should start," he said. He said in an on-camera interview that abstaining from sex felt like "the right thing" to do. "There's a lot of pent-up energy," he said, "but I'm up for the challenge." ARIEL'S FANTASY SUITE First, Zach met up with Ariel, 28, to go to a night market. "Let's go eat some bugs!" he declared. After they tried some local Thai dishes, they sat down to chat. "I definitely am falling for you, definitely am falling in love with you," Ariel told Zach. "Hearing you say that, that's very special," he replied. "It means so much because I feel that." However, Zach explained that he didn't want to use the L-word just yet. "There's only one person to love at the end of this, but I want you to know at this point and I want to make it abundantly clear I can absolutely see a future with you," he said. Story continues Bachelor Zach recap ABC/Craig Sjodin They received the invite to the Fantasy Suite and Zach informed Ariel he had something to talk to her about. "This week, in particular, sex being off the table for me," he said. "It's inevitable, like, I feel a physical connection with you. That's there, that's no joke. But I think like, loving one person at the end of this and sharing that intimate moment should be saved for that moment of engagement." Ariel said she didn't like to "plan anything in advance" and that his plan sounded destined to fail. "I feel like if you set a standard before like, 'I'm definitely not going to sleep with you,' you probably will," she told Zach. The marketing executive admitted in an on-camera interview that she felt "a little disappointed" by Zach's no sex decree. "I think it's important to keep it sexy, so I definitely want to have those physical moments as well," she said. Still, Ariel and Zach proceeded to the Fantasy Suite and spent the night together. "Today feels like lightyears ahead of where we were before," Ariel told the cameras the next morning. Zach thought he made the right decision by abstaining from sex with Ariel. "I know that in the end, it will be all worth it," he said. GABI'S FANTASY SUITE For his Fantasy Suite date with Gabi, 25, Zach took her on a boat that looked like a pirate ship before they hung out on the beach. There, Gabi expressed her concern at being the second one to go on the date that week. "Sometimes when you feel so strongly about someone and you're so excited, you want to find something that's not right," she said. "And so my mind just runs to 'you're not good enough' and 'you're second.'" Zach assured Gabi he didn't intend the order of the dates to be a "mind game." Still, Gabi felt like she needed to step away and speak with a producer. "I feel very stupid and foolish," she cried. Zach went to find Gabi and tried to patch things up. "He put me right back where I needed to be, which is excited and hopeful for the future," the Vermont native told the cameras. Bachelor Zach recap ABC/Craig Sjodin During the evening portion of their date, Gabi explained how a previous relationship caused her to feel the way she did earlier. "I was cheated on, and although I knew it was happening, I chose to look the other way," she said. "And I didn't know my value and what I was worthy of in a relationship." "I always want you to know that you do deserve to be No. 1," Zach assured. Gabi appreciated hearing that. "I am falling in love with you," she told Zach. Before they could head to the Fantasy Suite, Zach told Gabi about his no sex policy for the week. "Obviously, sex is important in a relationship, and you know, you want that side of it as well," she responded. "Did I think I was going to get engaged to somebody that I haven't had sex with? Probably not." They proceeded to spend the night together anyway, and in the Fantasy Suite, Zach told Gabi about his childhood nickname. "Growing up my nickname was Mowgli," Zach revealed, referring to the Jungle Book character. He explained that the nickname came about because, as a kid, he would "walk around in my white tighties and just run around the house." The next morning, Gabi told the cameras that that kind of foreplay resulted in a "great cuddle sesh." But Zach informed Jesse that more actually happened. "We both agreed and wanted to have sex together and it was very special," Zach said. "It was important, and it was what we both wanted and needed for the relationship. And I feel terrible because I've just gone against my word." Jesse tried to ease Zach's guilt. "It came from a good place," he said. "To some of these women, intimacy might be a really important thing before knowing they can say 'yes.'" While Zach described that what he and Gabi did was "an act of love, not lust," he still felt obligated to tell the other women. Zach informed Gabi he planned to come clean to everyone. "You made me feel so special and like, I wouldn't be able to go about this week just having secrets and telling someone one thing and doing another," he said. "I didn't realize you were so bothered," Gabi responded. To the cameras, she expressed even more frustration. "Everything that's meant to be private and between us is not any longer," she said. "I do feel like my trust was broken." Zach wanted to assure Gabi that he had no regrets about what took place between them. "I'm falling in love with you," he told Gabi. "You're someone what would be awesome to go through life with." Gabi replied, "Thank you for sharing that and coming to talk to me." RELATED VIDEO: Bachelor in Paradise's Astrid Loch and Kevin Wendt Expecting Second Baby: 'We're Celebrating' KAITY'S FANTASY SUITE After going kayaking with Kaity, 27, Zach decided to inform her about having sex with Gabi. First, Zach laid out his "parameter" to not have "sex and physical intimacy be involved" in the week, but said "a lot has changed and evolved." "I have been intimate this week," Zach told Kaity. "It was a decision between us that made sense to further the relationship." Bachelor Zach recap ABC/Craig Sjodin Kaity did not want to hear that. "I knew going into this like, that is something that could potentially happen and it hurt obviously to think about it," she said. RELATED: Charity Lawson Is Named the New Bachelorette: 'I Could Meet My Person and Be Engaged' The ER nurse cried and wondered how she could move forward with a Fantasy Suite date under these circumstances. "That's your relationship with the other women. Keep it there," Kaity said to Zach. "I needed to tell you, at least for me," Zach said. After taking some time apart, Kaity and Zach continued with the overnight date. "This is something I feel like we can get through," she said. ROSE CEREMONY Zach worried to Jesse that he "f---ed up for good" with the way he handled Fantasy Suites. He admitted he regretted trying to control what happened. "That was the biggest mistake I could've done," Zach told the three remaining women at the rose ceremony. "This week, I, at times, felt like a failure. I've caused pain, I've made mistakes and I'm so sorry for that." He proceeded to give roses to Kaity and Gabi, sending home Ariel. "I'm blessed to know you and how you opened up your heart to me," Zach said to Ariel before she left. "I couldn't have done this with anyone else," Ariel said. Despite receiving a rose, Gabi felt like she had "a big A on my chest." "It's a very uncomfortable feeling," Gabi said in an on-camera interview. "And he's like, only making eye contact with Kaity." Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The Bachelor airs Mondays at 8 p.m. on ABC. Bleecker Street, the Oscar-nominated studio behind Captain Fantastic and Trumbo, has partnered with New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) to award three scholarships to women attending film schools in the New York City area. The grants are part of NYWIFTs scholarship fund and will assist with educational costs associated with film production, living expenses, books, travel and tuition needs. Bleecker Streets contribution will be officially acknowledged at NYWIFTs upcoming Muse Awards on March 28, which recently announced a mix of film executives, actors and filmmakers including Arianna Bocco, Danielle Brooks, Deborah Chow, Maria Hinojosa, Sandra Lee, Freida Pinto, Lauren Ridloff, Sharon Stone, and Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences president Janet Yang as this years honorees. More from Variety Scholarship recipients will be announced in the fall and will meet with the Bleecker Street team at their New York headquarters. Supporting and highlighting female filmmakers and their work is our priority, and we strive to continue this important mission through our partnership with NYWIFT, said Andrew Karpen, CEO of Bleecker Street. As a New York-based company, we look forward to providing the financial means and support to help make these local future filmmakers dreams a possibility, with the hopes of one day collaborating on a film. NYWIFT CEO Cynthia Lopez adds, We at New York Women in Film & Television work every day to advocate for inclusion, equity, diversity, and safe working environments in our media. A key part to building a better industry is ensuring that emerging women content creators are given the crucial support they need to nurture their talent and reach their full potential, to grow into the leaders of tomorrows more equitable workplaces. We are so grateful to Bleecker Street for their support of the NYWIFT Scholarship Fund, which helps this next generation of industry trailblazers reach their professional goals. Story continues Bleecker Street has a history of supporting female filmmakers. Its 2023 slate consists of 80% female-directed films, including Frances OConnors recently released debut film, Emily, Catherine Hardwickes Mafia Mamma, Alice Troughtons The Lesson, as well as Meg Ryans first feature film in eight years What Happens Later, and Laurel Parmets feature directorial debut The Starling Girl. The company also debuted Guy Nattivs Golda starring Helen Mirren as Golda Meir at the Berlinale last month. The NYWIFT Scholarship provides financial assistance to women-identifying undergrad and graduate film students at Brooklyn College, the Brooklyn College Feirstein School of Cinema, City College of New York, Columbia University, Hunter College, New York University, and the Stony Brook/Killer Films MFA in Film program. The Sabrina Wright-Giliar Scholarship is awarded to a female high school senior graduating from the Academy for Careers in Television and Film. In addition to receiving cash scholarships, recipients are also welcomed into the organizations Next Wave membership program for emerging professionals. NYWIFT first established their scholarship fund in 1995 and has since provided scholarships to nearly 100 filmmakers to date. Best of Variety Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. The Board of Regents announced two big leadership shifts for their special school and services branches Monday afternoon. Kami Van Sickle has been named the next superintendent of the South Dakota Services for the Deaf (SDSD), formerly known as the South Dakota School for the Deaf. Jessica Vogel has been named the next superintendent for the South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (SDSBVI). Kami Van Sickle has been named the new Superintendent of South Dakota Services for the Deaf. About Kami Van Sickle Van Sickle is an experienced leader in deaf education and has been with SDSD for 12 years. She accepted the head position earlier this month and will take over for current superintendent, Kim Wadsworth, who retires this June. Before beginning at SDSD, Van Sickle was a teacher for the deaf and hard of hearing in the Sioux Falls and Worthington school districts. Van Sickle started her career with SDSD in 2011 as an outreach consultant before transitioning to service coordinator in 2018. More:Superintendent of School for the Deaf retiring, search for new leader begins SDSD works to provide quality services for children who are deaf and hard of hearing, their families, schools, and educational teams statewide. Services will continue to evolve to meet needs identified across the state, including all children who are deaf or hard of hearing, and extending and equalizing the audiology and educational outreach services across the state. The South Dakota Services for the Deaf team is the most knowledgeable, passionate team I've ever encountered," Van Sickle said in a statement. "I am excited to stand next to this amazing group and continue to provide top-notch pediatric audiology and educational outreach services for children who are deaf and hard of hearing and their families in our state." Jessica Vogel has been named the new Superintendent for the South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. About Jessica Vogel Vogel, an assistant professor of education at Northern State University, will become the next superintendent for the SDSBVI and succeeds Superintendent Dan Trefz this June. During her time at NSU, Vogel has worked alongside many of the students, teachers and staff at SDSBVI. Between the supervision of SDSBVI teacher training and her service on school committees and boards, Vogel is eager to continue establishing those relationships, she said in a statement. Story continues More:'I want to see him thrive': How technology is helping a deaf-blind Rapid City student find independence "I look forward to working with our students and their families and supporting our teachers, staff, and outreach consultants," Vogel said in a statement. "To support growth in advocacy, instructional development, and independence for our students who are blind and visually impaired is the ultimate reward. SDSBVI is a K-12 accredited school by the South Dakota Department of Education in Aberdeen that supports children with vision loss and provides access to educational resources to prepare students for life. Enrollment on the Aberdeen campus averages about 28 students, with nearly 250 students served by the school's statewide outreach programs. Vogel holds a doctorate in educational administration in special education, a master's degree in emotional and behavior disorders and a bachelors degree in special education. She is currently working on a masters degree in visual Impairments. This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Superintendents named for SD Services for Deaf, School for Blind Nothing like a good ole Logan Roy outburst to fire up the red carpet premiere of Successions fourth and final season. Reality was imitating art on Monday night in New York City when Brian Cox, channeling his Succession character, began shouting at the end of the red carpet; the commotion loud enough that it disrupted Deadlines interview with Fisher Stevens who plays Waystar Royco employee and consigliere Hugo Baker on the Emmy-winning HBO series. From what we gleaned, the incident happened during the group cast photo call and involved Cox addressing photographers. More from Deadline Its building obviously to an ending, Stevens told Deadline about Successions final season before acknowledging the yelling in the background, You can hear Brian screaming; Brain is, um, still mad. Thats Brian screaming, added Stevens, Hes having a good time. Hes enjoying his final premiere of the show. Sorry, that was interesting. I wonder who hes screaming at? And hes not serious. Hes not real. Hes having fun, said Stevens, Hes Logan! He can do whatever the f*** he wants. A rep whizzing by the press on the carpet said about Cox, Oh, he was just joking. Reporters could not verify that because the actors who took part in the group photo headed inside the theater immediately after the kerfuffle, skipping red carpet interviews. But Deadline caught up with Cox at the after party and asked him about what went down on the red carpet. He appeared bewildered and unfazed that anything had gone wrong. When Deadline brought up the photo call, Cox downplayed the incident and shed light on what prompted his outburst. Theres always this problem with photographers: Theyre like go right, right, right, and I was like Get your f***king sh*t together!, he said. Story continues As for Stevens, he carried on with the interview after the Brian Cox detour. Youre going to see more family drama. I think theres a lot of humor, he said about Season 4. I can tell you one thing, we shot long scenes where we had to change magazines during the takes, which is really exciting. Its like making plays. Its like working in theater. You can watch a video of the interview below. The first episode of the fourth and final season of Succession airs on Sunday, March 26. Fisher Stevens interview interrupted by Brian Cox yelling at the #Succession Season 4 premiere pic.twitter.com/GAyBSmNN2r Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) March 21, 2023 Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Ribbon cutting held for Elite MedSpa Marion Area Chamber Ambassadors held a ribbon cutting March 16 at the new Elite MedSpa. The Marion Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, Dr. Adil Katabay and his team along with guests held a ceremonial ribbon cutting March 16 to mark the grand opening of Elite MedSpa. Located at 1065 Delaware Ave., Suite B, Elite MedSpa offers aesthetic and wellness treatments, ranging from skin rejuvenation and body contouring to hormone balancing, medical weight loss and more. Before founding Elite MedSpa, Katabay worked for 17 years in performing minimally invasive procedures, receiving numerous awards, including a Top 10 Doctor in Ohio. Elite MedSpa is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday. For more information, call 740-499-7089, email info@elitemedspa.com, visit their website elitemedspa.com or follow them on Facebook. Spring style show April 1 at Kingston Residence Kingston Residence of Marion will host its 2023 spring style show and afternoon tea from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 1. The following local boutiques will be participating in the event: Finding Center, Maddie's on Main, Maurice's, Paula's Posh Picks, Scioto Shoe Mart, and Spruce and Sparrow. The public is invited. Kingston Residence of Marion is located at 464 James Way. For information or to RSVP, contact Becky Richardson at 740-360-2863. Spring Severe Weather Awareness Week COLUMBUS Severe weather can occur at any time of the year and Spring Severe Weather Awareness Week allows Ohioans the opportunity to learn the best ways to be prepared and stay safe during inclement weather. In a coordinated effort with the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness (OCSWA), the Ohio Emergency Management Agency, and the National Weather Service, Gov. Mike DeWine has proclaimed March 19-25 as Spring Severe Weather Awareness Week and is encouraging all Ohioans to prepare themselves for spring and summer weather hazards and home emergencies by building a kit and making a plan. At 9:50 a.m. Wednesday local communities can participate in a statewide tornado drill and test their emergency and sheltering plans. Ohio counties may use this time to sound and test their outdoor warning sirens and mass notification systems. Businesses, schools, and households are also encouraged to practice their tornado drills and emergency plans at this time. Story continues In addition, the 2023 Ohio Severe Weather Poster Contest is accepting submissions until April 21. To learn more and to view the complete contest rules and entry forms, visit the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness website. Peace of mind community chat April 18 at Kingston Residence Advance Planning Specialist Erin Coss from Snyder Funeral Homes will host a "peace of mind" community chat at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18 at Kingston Residence of Marion. Attendees will learn how planning for your final wishes may shield your loved ones from unnecessary emotional and financial burden and about pre-arrangements, veterans benefits, cremation, burials and more. Kingston is a full-service senior retirement community located at 464 James Way, Marion. RSVP by calling 740-389-2311. Upcoming meeting: Scioto Conservancy District, 4:30 p.m., March 27, AgCredit conference room, 1100 E. Center St., Marion This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Marion Area Chamber welcomes Elite MedSpa, severe weather awareness Els Woodke speaks about the 2016 kidnapping of her husband Jeff Woodke, photo on video monitor, by a jihadist terrorist group in West Africa, during a news conference in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021. | Cliff Owen, Associated Press More than six years ago, American Jeff Woodke was attacked at his home in Niger and taken into captivity. Now he and a French journalist who was also being held in the region are finally free. Im gratified & relieved to see the release of U.S. hostage Jeff Woodke after over 6 years in captivity. The U.S. thanks Niger for its help in bringing him home to all who miss & love him. I thank so many across our government whove worked tirelessly toward securing his freedom, tweeted Jake Sullivan, White House national security adviser, on Monday. Im gratified & relieved to see the release of U.S. hostage Jeff Woodke after over 6 years in captivity. The U.S. thanks Niger for its help in bringing him home to all who miss & love him. I thank so many across our government whove worked tirelessly toward securing his freedom. Jake Sullivan (@JakeSullivan46) March 20, 2023 Like Sullivans tweet, news reports on Woodkes release dont include many details about what took place over the past few days. Whats known is that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in Niger last week, according to The Washington Post. One government official told reporters that no ransom was paid. A senior Biden administration official who briefed reporters Monday on condition of anonymity described the release as the culmination of years of efforts, but declined to say what exactly led to him being freed from captivity or where he is now, USA Today reported. Woodke had been in captivity since 2016, when armed militants entered his home, killed his guards and abducted him, The Washington Post reported. Before the attack, Woodke had been in Niger off and on for around three decades doing Christian aid work, like building wells and schools. Though he was believed to have been abducted by a West African affiliate of the Islamic State, Woodke was thought to be in Africas vast Sahel region and held by JNIM, a West African affiliate of al-Qaida, USA Today reported. Story continues Related Woodkes wife, Els, was able to speak to her husband early Monday morning after his release. He was in great spirits and thrilled to be free, the family said in a statement, according to NBC News. He is undergoing medical evaluation and will be working with his family and the U.S. government on plans for his return home and reunion with his family. Woodke was freed at the same time as Olivier Dubois, a French journalist who was taken captive in Mali in 2021. Dubois is believed to have been kidnapped by the Support Group for Islam and Muslims (GSIM), the main jihadist alliance in the Sahel which is linked to Al-Qaida, The Guardian reported. Like Sullivan, French President Emmanuel Macron thanked Niger for its help securing Dubois release, according to NBC News. Darcey Silva TLC The latest episode of Darcey & Stacey brought new beginnings and fresh challenges. Darcey Silva returned to Connecticut to help her daughter Aniko pack for college. During a final visit to a trampoline park, she disclosed to her daughters that it "didn't really work out" with Cicero. Then, the trio were off to Arizona to get Aniko settled into her dorm and Darcey tried to share "every little life hack" she knew. However, her hack to make eggs in the microwave did not go to plan when it ultimately made the room smell like "a bunch of farts." Before leaving Aniko, Darcey teared up and told her to "not make stupid mistakes I would do because I know you're better." "I'm losing my baby. For me, obviously my life is going to change as well," Darcey told the cameras. "I don't know how that's going to be. I'm scared about it. I don't want to ever lose her." Darcey & Stacey Recap credit TLC tlc RELATED: Darcey Silva Is Insulted After Matchmaker Blames Her for Failed Relationships: 'The Common Denominator Is You' Meanwhile, Stacey and Florian Sukaj were meeting with a designer who could create her dream gown after she was unable to find her perfect wedding dress in stores. Stacey was overwhelmed with emotion when she saw a sneak peak of the dress and said it was "a dream come true." She added how she felt like "a million bucks" when she got a glimpse of the look. The sisters' House of Eleven x Impossible Kicks collaboration also hit another roadblock when their designer Conrad asked Stacey to return the pre-production samples before she could do photo shoot with Darcey for the line. However, Florian suggested moving forward with the shoot, but Stacey was worried that would be "overstepping" the bounds with her twin sister. "This is a really big moment for Darcey and Aniko. Aniko's going off to college and I don't want to disturb Darcey and stress her out," she explained in a confessional. "So Florian and I can handle planning this photo shoot, especially since we need the marketing material." Story continues She added: "Honestly, it's a win-win because we'll get all the marketing material we need for this collaboration and Florian has some new photos to add to his portfolio." Darcey & Stacey Recap credit TLC tlc RELATED: Darcey Silva Walks Out on 'Manipulating' Ex Georgi After His Attempt to Win Her Back: 'I Feel Betrayed' Stacey hoped the photo shoot would help Florian "gain more experience modeling," which would allow him to start booking jobs. However, she was upset to find out that Florian was thinking of not doing his upcoming photo shoot for resort wear because he was offered "very low money." "You have a modeling gig. It may not pay a lot of money first but you gotta work your way up," she told him. "Maybe it's not as much money as you expected but the next job will [be] more money." "This is really your only opportunity and you love modeling so I'm just kinda confused why all of the sudden now you don't want to do it," she added. "To me, it just sounds like another excuse." In a confessional, Stacey expanded on her feelings about Florian not taking the modeling gig, sharing, "Florian hasn't been working so he's not in a position to turn down work and it's a modeling job, it's exactly what he wanted. He wanted to be a model. It sounds like he just doesn't want to work. I think he came to Miami to just have f---ing fun." Despite accusing Stacey of making him feel "a little kid," he ultimately decided to take the job after all. RELATED: Darcey Silva Tells Her Ex Georgi She Is 'Done' After He Tries to Rekindle Their Romance When Darcey arrived back in Miami, her friend Leslie wanted all the details of her dating life after she ended things with Cicero. Leslie offered to set her up with a friend Zach, saying, "I think you'll say 'Mmm' to," and Darcey couldn't help but agree after seeing his shirtless photo. "He's very attractive. He's got a nice body. He's more my style. More my type. More my vibe," she admitted. "Zach definitely has the 'Mmm' factor." Darcey & Stacey Recap credit TLC tlc Leslie wasted no time and FaceTimed Zach on the spot for an impromptu introduction, where he asked for Darcey's number. Darcey shared, "Since my experience with Cicero didn't work and my whole experience with the matchmaker kinda went south, I feel like it made me lose hope on finding love but now that Leslie introduced me to Zach, I feel like tingly all over. Damn." She added, "Zach's gonna be good in the sack." The episode concluded with Darcey confronting Stacey and Florian about the photo shoot they did behind her back. Stacey told her that she made "an executive decision" to do "the impromptu photo shoot" because they needed marketing materials. But Darcey wasn't having it. "I didn't get any phone calls from you," she hit back. "Maybe I have an opinion on how we could have marketed and promoted the brand through a new photo shoot. What if I did this to you?" "I would be like, 'Great job,'" Stacey replied. "I just feel very left out on this whole decision-making process for this photo shoot. Usually, we talk about these things before anything is a go-ahead, especially for a photo shoot," Darcey explained. "I mean, this is a huge deal with Impossible Kicks. I would have envisioned maybe having guys and girls, not just one singular model. It looks like you're the face of the brand at this point for this new collaboration we have." Stacey continued to defend her decision, telling her sister, "This was a little last minute, you have to understand, Darcey." However, Darcey wouldn't allow her to get away with it and even admitted that she "wasn't crazy about the way the pictures came out." When Stacey suggested she should receive thanks for getting the photo shoot done, Darcey snapped back, "I would never do a photo shoot with anybody without you even knowing. I feel like, you know, these pictures [weren't] worth all this." 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. Darcey & Stacey airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on TLC. You can still order the original Singapore Sling at Raffles Long Bar in Singapore. Courtesy of Raffles Hotel Singapore I loved all cocktails equally, except for the Singapore Sling. A good friend of mine would always make them with too much Heering cherry liqueur, lending the drink a cough medicine effect. But because I was headed to Singapore to try the cocktail where it was invented, I wanted to give it another shot. So I drove to Nickel City in East Austin, Texas, a dive bar specializing in Tiki drinks, and ordered one. Despite it no longer being on the menu, the bartender said he could whip one up for me. They were only missing Benedictine, and if I didnt mind, he didnt either. I didnt mind: The cocktail was rich, sweet, filling, and still very alcoholic. Besides, missing an ingredient is kind of part of its lore. The Singapore Sling has a storied history of devolving and evolving; originally just gin, citrus, soda, and cherry brandy, the cocktail eventually became something much sweeter, thanks to canned juices, before finally settling somewhere near its original version with fresh citrus. Related:Singapore Sling After a 14-hour flight to Singapore, I ambled over to the bar where the Singapore Sling was invented, Raffles Long Bar. Courtesy of Raffles Hotel Singapore After walking through the glistening white archways of Raffles Hotel, strolling through the courtyard, and waiting in a queue of like-minded patrons who may or may not have journeyed to Singapore specifically for this very experience, I marveled at the bars surprisingly modern interior. The best way to describe it is as a romanticized 1920s Malaysian plantation, complete with a staircase crawling its way towards the ceiling, adorned with intricately woven rattan furniture. On the ceiling, rows of 19th century fans oscillate in unison, giving the illusion that you are underneath a boat, and that these are oars, rowing their way up a stream, against a strong current below. But all of this is not to be outdone by the loud crunch coming from the floor. In stark contrast to the spotless streets of Singapore, the tiled floor in this room is covered, coated, littered with emptied out peanut shells. It is the only place in Singapore that allows littering, although you can only discard your peanut shells here (I asked). Story continues Courtesy of Raffles Hotel Singapore When my Singapore Sling arrived, I didnt even notice it. With everything going on the peanuts, the fans, the austere white archways its almost easy for this bright pink drink topped with a pineapple slice to fade into the background. And perhaps thats the point: A drink that requires internet sleuthing to track down in the US is more or less an afterthought in Singapore. Shouldnt it be? After all, it was designed to be a discrete way for women in Singapore to get around silly etiquette rules, which discouraged drinking in public. Related:Singapore's Hawkers Raise Prices for First Time in 40 Years The drink was refreshing, so much so that it vanished all too quickly. The most notable feature though, was how light it was. Although the ones Ive had in the past were filling, this one was a nice blend of flavors that was light, quenching, and a perfect respite from the humidity just outside. Paired with peanuts, I cant think of a better summertime beverage. Courtesy of Raffles Hotel Singapore I returned from Singapore with only a few souvenirs, as its difficult to bring anything tangible home. But Im still finding one thing weeks later, hidden in the folds of my clothes, and at the bottom of my bag: Peanut shells. For more Food & Wine news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Food & Wine. International distributor Eccho Rights has inked landmark deals for Turkish drama series Golden Boy with broadcasters in Sweden and Finland. The show, which has enjoyed huge success on Turkeys Star TV since launching in September 2022, is the first Turkish drama to be picked up by Swedish and Finnish broadcasters. In Sweden, TV4 acquired Golden Boy for its TV4Gold and Sjuan linear channels, as well as streamers CMore and TV4 Play. More from Variety In Finland, Eccho Rights deal with MTV Oy represents the first time ever that a Turkish series has been licensed by a Finnish broadcast group, with Golden Boy to stream on CMore and Katsomo in Finland. Produced by OGM Pictures for Star TV, Golden Boy is a family drama and tale of jealousy that follows two sisters, Seyran and Suna, whose paths cross with golden boy Ferit. The sisters lives change forever when Ferit decides to marry Seyran instead of Suna. Seyran is the new bride in a world full of betrayals, lies and secrets, while Suna starts making plans for revenge to take back her stolen future. The series stars Afra Saraoglu, Mert Ramazan Demir and Cetin Tekindor. We are thrilled to once again be at the forefront of bringing Turkish drama to new audiences, said Melis Hamacioglu, Eccho Rightss director of digital media acquisition and content sales for the MENA region, India, Pakistan and Western Europe. Golden Boys extraordinary success so far makes it an easy choice for broadcasters looking to test something new. Golden Boy was Turkeys most watched series of 2022 and it has continued to perform strongly in 2023, regularly ranking No. 1 in the country. Story continues The series has sold to more than 35 territories worldwide since its launch. Best of Variety Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Many Vietnamese parents push their children to get married when their children reach "marrying age" but still remain single. Illustration photo by Pexels Nguyen Thi Hoa from northern Ninh Binh Province became impatient when her 33-year-old son and 28-year-old daughter still had yet to marry. They were single, and there wasnt even the hope of a spouse on the horizon. So tiger mom Hoa took matters into her own hands and began trying all sorts of clever methods and creative ways to find partners for her children. Hoa, 55, said her son Phuc has a stable job, a good income, bought a house and a car, but his love life was not good. Her daughter Hanh is also pretty, but she hasnt brought a single man home to meet the family. Hoa has gone to the temples many times to pray to the gods that her children will find the right match. "My husband and I are getting older day by day and we just want our child to settle down soon," Hoa said. Every time the children come back, Hoa urged them to get married, but nothing changed. La Linh Nga, director of the Hanoi Center for Research and Applied Psychology Education, said many parents are worried and impatient when their children reach "marrying age" but still remain single. "Parents push their children to get married because they think it's a natural thing. However, some people worry too much about this conception," Nga said. This year, Hoa decided to do a ritual that involves sprinkling rice and salt and burning special votive papers to chase away her childrens bad luck and attract love toward them. To please their mother, Phuc and Hanh followed Hoas ritual. "I told my mother that it takes a long time to find happiness, but she was eager and impatient," Hanh said. A screenshot of a video that shows Nguyen Thi Hoa's son doing a ritual to attract love. Minh Thuy, 30, from My Duc District, Hanoi, has a mother who asks her every single day if she has a lover yet or not. "Sometimes I get angry and tell her to stop asking because I cannot find a partner in just a day or two," Thuy said. On Lunar New Year (Tet), she texted her mother Bich Hang that she's coming home for the holiday, but the 50-year-old coldly replied: "If you can't bring anyone home, you dont have to come." When Thuy didnt go home, Hang had to ease the tension by telling her that she wont interfere in her daughters love life anymore. However, it didnt stop there. Thuys brother told her that Hang used her shirt for a ritual at the temple twice. The first time cost VND30 million ($1,272) and the second time VND50 million ($2,120), which equals nearly half her annual salary. "The money that my mother saved up for my wedding is now used for rituals," Thuy said. After Tet, Hang asked Thuy to go to another ritual and this one also cost dozens of millions VND. To find a partner for her daughter, Hoang Hong Thu, 60, from Ba Dinh District, Hanoi was even more extreme. Besides performing rituals, whenever Thu meets a guy around the same age as her daughter, she asks for their phone number or social media and then sends the info to her daughter, demanding that she contact these strangers. Thu has also posted on dating columns, and signed up for matchmaking services in the hope of finding a partner for her daughter. "Getting married is as important as education. When you get older, no one is going to notice you," she told Bich Ha, her 30-year-old daughter who is studying in Netherlands. Last year, Thu planned to match Ha with her friend's nephew. During the summer, the nephew returned to Vietnam. Thu pretended to be sick and texted her daughter to fly back to Vietnam urgently. Ha tried to get her mother on video call, but Thu said she was too tired to talk. Ha had to take days off and flew back. When Ha came back home, she was stunned to see that her mother was not only healthy but also excited about matching her with the friends nephew. "This guy is one year older than you, also studying abroad, handsome and has a decent family. If you marry him, you don't have to worry about anything," Thu told her daughter. The mindset and actions of these mothers reflect Vietnams massive generation gap when it comes to matrimonial culture. The previous generations got married and settled down before the age of 24. Young Vietnamese tend to get married later and prioritize spending time to develop themselves and build their career before marriage. A survey on population change and family planning by the General Statistics Office in 2020 showed that the average Vietnamese marriage age has increased over the years, from 23.8 in 1989 to 25.7 in 2020. According to the study, Vietnamese men used to get married at an average age of 24.4 in 1989, But by 2020 the average age had jumped to 27.9. In some big cities like HCMC, the number hovers around the age of 30. The percentage of unmarried people in Vietnam has also increased rapidly, from 6.2% in 2004 to 10.1% in 2019. Hang said her daughter hasnt brought even one boyfriend home. When she was Thuys age, she already had two kids. But Thuy said she still wants to enjoy the single life. "She told me that she doesnt want to settle down yet. If she doesnt want to get married at 30 years old then I dont know when that will happen," Hang said. Psychologists warned that being worried and urging people to get married won't solve anything. On the contrary, it can add much more stress to their lives. "Many parents worry so much that they end up stressing their children out by constantly criticizing them for not going out and not taking care of themselves in order to attract a partner," Nga said. Thuy lives just over 30 km from home but only returns once every few months because her mothers constant pressure makes her feel uncomfortable. "I can't talk to my mother for more than 10 minutes. Sometimes I want to open up, I want to vent, but no matter what the topic, eventually my mother will make it about marriage," Thuy said. During Tet, Thuy stayed in her room most of the time and skipped many meals because she didn't want to meet people and relatives who were only going to ask her about marriage. For Ha, after taking days off to fly back and then realizing that her mother Thu was lying to her, Ha then created an increasingly large amount of distance between herself and her mother as a way of setting a healthy boundary for herself. "I love my mother, but she doesn't understand me, our opinions and mindset are too different," Ha said. Psychologist Nguyen Thi Tam said that instead of urging children to get married, parents should sit down and talk to their children. They should explain to their child the importance of marriage in life. According to the psychological development pyramid, the period of adulthood is from 18-35. The most important feature of this period is establishing intimate relationships with the opposite sex and building a career. This is also the ideal time for women to give birth. By the age of 30, despite having a stable career, young people can easily fall into a state of loneliness, emptiness and anxiety without a romantic relationship. "Parents should remember that children can decide what to do with their life. Parents should not and have no right to interfere in their decision." Tam said. Even though Hanh and Phuc obediently followed their mothers ritual, they no longer feel under pressure to get married. "We told our mother to wait a little longer as we are still looking," Hanh said. "When we find the right person and feel ready, we will bring them home to our family." The claim: Ohio train was derailed intentionally to push 15-minute city plan A Feb. 18 Instagram post (direct link, archived link) makes a serious allegation about the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, on Feb. 3. What better way to usher rural off grid folks who have no dependency on the system into their 15 minute cities (than) by making their environment (un)inhabitable through deliberate poisoning of their water and air, reads the text in the post. Problem - Reaction - Solution. OHIO. The post garnered more than 200 likes in a month. Other versions of this claim have been circulating on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Telegram and Truth Social. Follow us on Facebook! Like our page to get updates throughout the day on our latest debunks Our rating: False Theres no evidence the train derailment in East Palestine was deliberate. A spokesperson for Cleveland mayor Justin Bibb said the posts distort the citys plan to adopt elements of the 15-minute cities framework. No evidence train derailment in East Palestine was intentional On Feb. 3, a train operated by Norfolk Southern was traveling to Pennsylvania when multiple rail cars derailed in East Palestine, Ohio. Some of the derailed cars contained hazardous materials, prompting authorities to evacuate residents due to the threat of a possible explosion. The National Transportation Safety Board, which is investigating the derailment, has found "no indication" it was intentional, spokesperson Keith Holloway said in an email to USA TODAY. The safety board announced in their preliminary report on Feb. 23 that a mechanical issue with a rail car axle was the reason for the derailment. Patrick Ray, assistant professor of environmental engineering at the University of Cincinnati, previously told USA TODAY it's nonsense to assert the railway disaster was planned in any fashion. Fact check: Baseless claim that Ohio train derailment was a 'false flag' operation More than two dozen lawsuits have been filed against Norfolk Southern after the derailment for alleged negligence as of March 17. Story continues Posts misconstrue Clevelands 15-minute cities plan The posts reference Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibbs plan to turn Cleveland into a 15-minute city in order to improve citizens access to essential services like grocery stores and green spaces. Some of the posts also claim the 15-minute city plan would imprison Cleveland residents and subject citizens to extreme surveillance. But City of Cleveland spokesperson Sarah Johnson told USA TODAY the claims linking the 15-minute cities plan to the derailment are false. Furthermore, the posts do not accurately represent the plans goals, she said in an email. The goal of Bibbs 15-minute cities plan is to provide convenient and equitable access to necessities like healthcare, schools, grocery stores, jobs and greenspace all leading to opportunity and prosperity for residents, said Johnson. More: Ohio train derailment fact check: What's true and what's false? USA TODAY has debunked an array of claims that mischaracterize the nature of 15-minute city plans around the world, including posts about Ottawa, Scotland, Oxforshire and the U.N.s 2030 agenda for sustainable development. Carlos Moreno, the creator of the "15-minute cities" concept, previously told USA TODAY the notion that 15-minute cities will restrict or confine residents to their neighborhoods is false. They are built around the idea that all residents of a city should be able to access all essential services they need within a 15-minute walk or bike ride. USA TODAY reached out to the social media users who shared the posts for comment. The AFP 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: Ohio train derailment not linked to 15-minute city plan LILLE, France ZDF Studios is bringing onto the market at Series Mania, Dear Vivi, the biggest series hit to date on ZDFmediathek, the VOD service of German public broadcaster. Described by ZDF Studios as an emotional family drama and thriller combo, Dear Vivi also joins a new wave of more successful crime drama thrillers. More from Variety Though packing multiple suspense-drivers to their very end, these are more why than whodunnits, the motives for crime more important than the identity of the killer, known in the dramas early going. One such series, Spains Rapa, showcased at the Berlinale Series Market, proved Movistar+s biggest series bow of 2022. In Germany, Dear Vivi (Gestern waren wir noch Kinder) has set new online records, its seven episodes, which launched on ZDFmedaithek on Dec. 30, punching online almost 21 million views, or three million views per episode. This makes the program the most-viewed series in the ZDFmediathek to date but also by far the most successful German streaming offer in the current year, ZDF Studios announced Tuesday at the beginning of Series Manias Forum, which runs March 21-23, taking in the centerpiece Co-Pro Pitching Sessions on Tuesday and the Lille Dialogues two days later. Airing on three consecutive nights over Jan. 9-11, Dear Vivis linear broadcast notched up an average of 5.6 million viewers for a 20% market, crowing it as making it the prime time winner on all three broadcast days. The series also scored record TikTok followers and fan edits: over 23K followers and half a million likes within three weeks of its launch. Written and produced by successful German TV writer Natalie Scharf, behind one of ZDFs longest-running series, Fruhling, (2010-23), Dear Vivi begins with Vivi, 16, limping down a street to a pharmacy and then collapsing in tears in a delayed reaction to discovering some hours before that her dad, Peter, has killed her mum. Story continues Cut to 16 hours earlier where a seemingly perfect family celebrates mum Annas 44th birthday over breakfast before the father returns home to discover his wife hiding some undisclosed secret in the kitchen and kills her, ending up in custody pending trial. Dear Vivi This thriller-drama crossover unfolds on two different time frames: The familys oldest daughter, Vivi tries to take on responsibility for her two younger siblings while the father Peter in custody attempts to explain the lead-up to this terrible crime by means of flashbacks. Already, Episode 1 has asked urgent questions such as why Peter, a wealthy lawyer having dropped off Vivi and her siblings at a posh Munich private school, picks up Vivis arch nemesis, in her own class, who comes from a family too poor to afford the school, and drives off with her. He is later seen throwing a cell-phone into a canal. I guess it had to end in catastrophe one day. No secret stays buried for ever. The dirtier the secret, the harder it tries to come to light, Peter writes to Vivi from prison in an initial voiceover. When I was as old as you I already had four deaths on my conscience, he confesses slightly later. Growing up in a psychiatric ward where here father worked as a psychologist, as a portrait in Germanys Welt notes, Scharf, whose Seven Dogs Film Produktion produced Dear Vivi, has a fine sense of how people enact their lives, constructing images of themselves far from reality. Returning to a dark past, Dear Vivi builds, in a carefully crafted structure, a picture of a family where, despite its luxury villa in a quiet Munich suburb, murder becomes a high probability. We are delighted at the enormous success of Dear Vivi and are pleased to present it in Lille as one of our Series Mania highlights. It is a series which connects with all generations, the young in particular, and is the focus of many discussions and viewing recommendations, said Sebastian Krekeler, director of drama at ZDF Studios. Dear Vivi does not only generate interest thanks to its highly talented cast, but above all due to its nerve-racking storyline, big secrets and unexpected cliffhanger, he added. This also makes it an immensely attractive production for our international customers. Dear Vivi Best of Variety Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Cuban American leaders in Miami welcomed a catcher who represented Cuba in the World Baseball Classic after he defected on Monday, following his teams loss against the United States at loanDepot park in Little Havana. Bullpen catcher Ivan Prieto Gonzalez, 26, didnt show up at Miami International Airport for the teams flight to Havana. Protests against the island nations appearance in the tournament took place in and around the stadium Sunday. Roberto Pizano, 84, who was a political prisoner in Cuba for 18 years before he was released following negotiations during the Jimmy Carter presidency, commended Prieto on Monday afternoon during a panel led by Florida Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez at the American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora in Miami. READ MORE: Cuban catcher defects in Miami after World Baseball Classic game at loanDepot park Congratulations to the baseball player who just defected from the Cuban team, Pizano told the Miami Herald after a discussion on the influence of the Cuban government in the U.S. We would like to have seen many more follow his lead. READ MORE: This is a trap: Protesters slam Cuban national team as the World Baseball Classic begins Orlando Gutierrez-Boronat, 57, an author and activist whose family fled Cuba in the early 1970s, hailed the defection. We welcome this Cuban brother to the land of the free, Gutierrez-Boronat said. This ratifies our position that the protests werent against the baseball players, but against the regime that enslaves them. READ MORE: Cuban catcher defects after World Baseball Classic. What does it mean for his pro ball chances? Ramon Saul Sanchez, 68, the president of Democracy Movement, a nonprofit that advocates for democratic changes in Cuba, welcomed the news of Prietos defection. Anyone who seeks freedom must be welcomed, Sanchez said in a phone interview. The fact that a baseball player, who is better off than most Cubans on the island, had to escape from the security forces of the Cuban government, gives us a taste of what type of regime they have been made to live in. Story continues Ivan Prieto Gonzalez, who was the bullpen catcher for Cubas World Baseball Classic team, stayed in Miami after Sundays game against the United States. Nunez reacts to news about the players defection Nunez, the lieutenant governor, who is Cuban American, started the panel by congratulating the Cuban exile community for peacefully protesting against the Cuban government. The governor and I know full well the pain and the devastation that the Cuban regime has inflicted on the Cuban people for decades, she told panel attendants. READ MORE: We played ball with Cuba in Miami, filled the stadium and expressed ourselves. A win | Opinion Nunez told the Herald that players like Prieto know the difference between living in a free country and one where human rights arent respected. But she said it saddens her that many of the athletes have allowed themselves to be used as part of the propaganda of the Cuban government. READ MORE: Team Mexicos Randy Arozarena wants Cuba in WBC final. Why? So then we can face them Last nights win for the United States was a resounding reminder that freedom always wins, Nunez said. EXCLUSIVE: Greek production and sales house Heretic has upped its longtime head of sales and acquisitions exec Ioanna Stais to partner. Stais, who has been with the company since 2014, has been a key driver behind Heretics bustling film sales slate which has included Berlin Golden Bear winner Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn from director Radu Jude, and Omar El Zohairys Feathers, which won Cannes Critics week in 2021. In 2019, the company handled world sales for Retablo, Perus official submission for the International Oscar, which was also nominated for a BAFTA Outstanding Debut Award and Best International Film for the Film Independent Spirit Award. More from Deadline The company recently boarded world sales rights for Judes latest project, Do Not Expect Too Much From the End of the World, as well as Sundance doc And the King Said, What a Fantastic Machine, which it sold widely. Having joined the company almost from its very founding, I couldnt be prouder for what weve achieved in these past nine years, said Stais. Theres something very rewarding when you manage to evolve together with people you cherish and share a common vision with. I couldnt be happier to continue shaping Heretics identity and creative pursuits as we continue to grow in so many and exciting ways, aiming to establish Heretic as a globally recognizable production, financing and international sales entity. Heretic co-founders Giorgos Karnavas and Konstantinos Kontovrakis added: We are extremely happy to be welcoming Ioanna in the ownership of the company. She has been a huge part of what Heretic is and stands for. We are living in exciting and interesting times in the global audio-visual sector and our strategic decision, at the turn of our first decade as a company, is to strengthen the ties between our production and sales arms in a more organic way. This made it a natural choice to have in the companys management the knowledge, network and expertise Ioanna brings. Story continues Heretic has been ramping up its production slate across the last few years, notably serving as a major co-producer of Ruben Ostlunds Palme dOr winner and Oscar contender Triangle of Sadness. It also produced Willem Dafoe starrer Inside, which Focus Features released domestically last weekend to a $510,000 debut across 357 locations. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Major Hollywood studios and streamers needing original content helped lift Ontarios film and TV industry to a record $3.15 billion in total production activity in 2022. Ontario Creates, which markets the province in Hollywood, reported on March 21 that foreign film and TV production expenditures across the Canadian province last year reached $1.94 billion, just up from $1.91 billion in overall expenditures in 2021. And thats well up from the pre-pandemic $1.12 billion spent in local film and TV expenditures in 2019 in and around Toronto as major studios and streamers invested heavily in content for new direct-to-consumer platforms. (The rest of the $3.15 billion spend was from Canada-based producers.) More from The Hollywood Reporter Im excited to see that the growth is continuing, Karen Thorne-Stone, president and CEO of Ontario Creates, told The Hollywood Reporter. At the same time, film and TV production shot locally in the province this year faces the twin challenges of a possible U.S. writers strike as the Writers Guild of America prepares to open negotiations with U.S. producers, and Hollywood eyes less original content spending overall to improve the economics of streaming. The next few months are difficult to judge based on labor negotiations and also a contraction at some of the studios south of the border. But whats always encouraging about Ontario is that we also have a very strong domestic industry and we saw the rise of that in terms of production volume over the last year, says Justin Cutler, the Ontario Film Commissioner at Ontario Creates. Going into 2023, peak TV continues to be good to Ontario, with 70 foreign, mostly Hollywood series having accounted for $1.66 billion of the overall expenditures in the province last year, up from $1.58 billion in budgets for 77 foreign series in calendar 2021. Story continues Other American series to have shot in Toronto and across the province include The Handmaids Tale, Reacher, The Umbrella Academy, Accused and Ginny & Georgia. With Hollywood movie production happening mostly in Vancouver on the West Coast, foreign film production accounted for $226.4 million of production activity in the province last year, against a year-earlier $161.8 million in budgetary spending. That included Oscar-winning Sarah Polleys Women Talking, which is typical of U.S. shoots in often filming in more than one corner of the province beyond Toronto, whether in Hamilton, North Bay or Sudbury. Other U.S. indie movies to have shot in Ontario last year include upcoming titles like Sofia Coppolas Priscilla and Fingernails, starring Jeremy Allen White, Annie Murphy and Riz Ahmed. As Hollywood production increasingly dominates film and TV shooting in the province, local production in 2022 came to $1.2 billion in total budgetary spending, or around 38 percent of the overall activity last year. That marked an upswing on the $965.4 million in domestic film and TV production dollars left behind in Ontario in 2021. Domestic production levels exclude TV commercials, music videos broadcaster-in-house production and other local filmmaking expenditures that were not channeled through Ontario Creates film fund and other initiatives, and together are estimated to have added another $1.4 billion in production activity last year. As streaming giants like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon make big bets on Ontario as a long-term production base, the province continues to add local soundstages to usher in still more Hollywood projects. The province currently has around 3.8 million square feet of stage space. Another 2.4 million square feet of studio space is set for completion over the next few years in Toronto and the surrounding areas, up 60 percent from what is currently available. Click here to read the full article. Icelandic Political Drama The Minister Greenlit For Season Two Icelandic political drama The Minister has been greenlit for a second season and acquired by Viaplay in the UK and Germany. The show, which is commissioned by Icelands RUV and four Nordic networks, stars Olafur Darri Olafsson (Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald) as Benedikt Rikharsson, the Icelandic Prime Minister whose medical condition threatens the stability of the government and the private lives of the team around him. After the dramatic finale of Season 1, in which he publicly reveals his bipolar disorder to the entire nation, Benedikt is back and this time he wants to change the countrys approach to mental health. Anita Briem (Salt and Fire) reprises her role in Season 2 as Steinunn, the woman behind husband Benedikts success and his political career. Cineflix Rights struck the deal with Viaplay for Season 2, having sold Season 1 across Europe and APAC. More from Deadline Yop: Swedish Producer David Jassys Story Made Into Limited Series The true story of Swedish artist and music producer David Jassy, who was given a life sentence for second degree murder and spent the subsequent years struggling to survive in LA County Jail, is to be retold in a limited series from Nordic drama indie Nevis Productions. At 34, Jassy got in an altercation with a person at a crosswalk in LA, resulting in the death of the man and Jassy heading to jail. The project is being developed in collaboration with Jassy and is set to a hip-hop soundtrack. The eight-parter is being unveiled at this weeks Series Mania in Lille. I want people to be inspired by my story, said Jassy. No matter how dark it gets, you can pull through and work through the hard times with positive thinking. Story continues Sky Italy Supernatural Series Christian Sells Across Europe & North America Sky Atlantic Italys Christian has sold to networks across Europe and North America. As season two prepares to launch this week, distributor Newen Connect has struck deals for both the current and previous series with the likes of Sky in the UK, Sky Deutschland Germany and Topic in North America. The first season of the supernatural crime series increased audience share by 20% in its Friday night slot, according to Newen Connect. The first series follows the fate of the eponymous hero Christian (Edoardo Pesce), the henchman of local crime boss Lino (Giordano de Plano), who suddenly discovers he has gained mysterious healing powers. Newen SVP Distribution Nadia Chevallard called it an unmissable series, that is both tragic and ironic. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. An investigation is underway after a man was found dead inside a home that caught fire Sunday night in south Wichita. The Wichita Fire Department responded to a fire call at a single-story duplex in the 1600 block of S. Sedgwick around 9:56 p.m., battalion chief Jose Ocadiz said. Fire crews were able to get the fire under control but had trouble getting through the front door. Upon entering, firefighters found a 71-year-old man in the living room of the home, according to Ocadiz. The man was pronounced dead at the scene, as was a dog. It is unknown if the man owned the home or lived there, Ocadiz said. The Kansas state fire marshals office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are investigating and determining what caused the fire, Ocadiz said. An autopsy is being done to determine the mans cause of death, Ocadiz added. Copyright 2023, Des Moines Register and Tribune Co. Russ ORourke says he learned important lessons in his first real job, bussing dishes at a local restaurant as a sixth grader: showing up and working hard, the value of time and money and how to save. He also learned through early jobs what kind of work he did and didnt like. If we deprive kids from doing basic jobs as teenagers, its foolish to expect theyll come out of school with the experience needed to function in the nations workforce, said the 48-year-old political independent who lives in Story County. More:The good and the bad of Iowa's bill that would bring big changes to child labor laws ORourke is among the 50% of Iowans who favor a bill in the state Legislature that would relax child labor laws, letting teens work jobs they now are restricted from doing, according to a new Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll. The bill, Senate File 542, also would lengthen the hours kids may work, as well as allow 16- and 17-year-olds to serve alcohol in bars and restaurants with written permission from their parents or legal guardians. Forty-two percent of Iowans oppose the legislation and 8% are unsure about the proposal, the poll found. The poll, conducted March 5-8 by Selzer & Co., asked 805 adult Iowans for their views on the bill, as well as a bevy of other proposals the Republican majority is trying to pass this session. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points. Two in three Republicans 66% favor the bill, while a similar proportion of Democrats 67% oppose it. Among men, 60% support the legislation, while a plurality of women, 49%, oppose it. Parents of children under 18 favor the idea, at 57%, the poll shows. Iowa bill would lift restrictions for teens in school- or employer-based training Iowa labor groups are fighting the bill, saying the Republican-led Legislature is trying to put kids in jobs that employers cant fill with adults amid a worker shortage and rising wages. Story continues They also say the bill would roll back decades of protections put in place in an era when children were injured and sometimes killed in grueling, low-wage jobs. The U.S. Labor Departments top lawyer, Solicitor of Labor Seema Nanda, this month criticized child labor bills like the one in Iowa, saying the proposals would contribute to the rising number of children who have been found working illegally at U.S companies. Nanda warned that the department will continue to vigorously enforce child labor protections across the nation." The bill would enable the states workforce development or education department directors to lift longtime bans that restrict 14- to 17-year-olds from working in meatpacking plants, mines and other potentially dangerous jobs as long as theyre part of a school- or employer-based learning program. A not hiring sign posted at Dollar General in Des Moines, Friday, Feb. 3, 2023. Responding to union criticism, Republican lawmakers amended the bill so that students who are sickened or injured in a training program can seek benefits under the states workers compensation program. The initial version exempted businesses from liability. The bill would let kids under 16 work two more hours a day until 9 p.m. during the school year and until 11 p.m. during the summer. And it would allow minors with special permits to drive to work between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. The provision already exists for students age 14 or older driving to school. Willis Harte, a poll respondent and an eastern Iowa Democrat, said hes concerned about possible abuses. I question their motivation, he said of the bills backers. A high school teacher in Johnson County, Harte sees students struggling to stay awake in school because theyre working part-time or nearly full-time hours outside the classroom. The students often are the first generation to attend U.S. schools and need money to help their families. They try to function. They try to learn, Harte said, adding that many times, juggling school and a job becomes too much. What usually gives is school, and they end up dropping out, he said. Some worry about exploitation, while others tout experience Marla Modlin, a Democrat who is a poll respondent living in Jasper County, said she worries the bill would enable businesses to exploit children of immigrant families. She pointed to recent federal action against a Wisconsin company that paid a $1.5 million fine for employing about 100 teens on overnight shifts cleaning meatpacking plants in Minnesota, Nebraska and six other states. A New York Times report showed many teens working full-time jobs in the U.S. are from poor Central American countries. Theyre young and vulnerable, said Modlin, 74, a retired pharmacy technician. That could happen here. Instead of making it easier for children to work, Harte said, lawmakers should focus on supporting low-income families with programs such as universal health care or assistance with college tuition, so teenagers arent forced to work. A not hiring sign posted at Qdoba in Des Moines, Friday, Feb. 3, 2023. I dont see how this bill benefits children or their families, he said, adding that the bill would help corporations and makes the bottom line the end-all and be-all. While businesses could face penalties up to $10,000 for violations of the chapter, the bill would empower the state labor commissioner to waive or reduce fines. Poll respondent Collin Albaugh, 34, isnt sure where he stands on the bill. He said fast-food jobs he held, beginning at 16, helped prepare him for his first real job. It wasnt such a shock to go from being a student to being a worker with managers and a team of coworkers, said Albaugh, who lives in Polk County. But he hopes lawmakers arent changing child labor laws to help fill jobs that adults should work. I dont think companies would intentionally set out to abuse children, said Albaugh, a social worker. I just dont think their interests align with childrens. And children arent mature enough to know theyre being taken advantage of. Dan Eklund, a political independent and poll respondent who favors the bill, said he believes his adult children benefited from doing farm chores as youngsters, including weeding soybean demonstration plots that farmers use to compare how different plant varieties grow. FAQs: How is the Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll conducted? We answer your top questions. The Story County seed dealer and ag consultant said young people are finding careers in tech and skilled trades without college degrees. Not everyone wants to sit in a class and be preached to, said the 67-year-old. Its living, doing and participating theyre interested in, he said. Thats the part weve lost with the internet. ORourke, the Story County independent, said he expects lawmakers to use common sense if they revamp child labor laws. I dont want a 10-year-old running a chop saw, said the engineer, who paid his way through college working construction jobs. Safety is a big priority with me. We want to give kids a chance to work, but not put them at risk. Donnelle Eller covers agriculture, the environment and energy for the Register. Reach her at deller@registermedia.com or 515-284-8457. About the Iowa Poll The Iowa Poll, conducted March 5-8, 2023, for The Des Moines Register and Mediacom by Selzer & Co. of Des Moines, is based on telephone interviews with 805 Iowans ages 18 or older. Interviewers with Quantel Research contacted households with randomly selected landline and cell phone numbers supplied by Dynata. Interviews were administered in English. Responses were adjusted by age, sex and congressional district to reflect the general population based on recent American Community Survey estimates. Questions based on the sample of 805 Iowa adults have a maximum margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points. This means that if this survey were repeated using the same questions and the same methodology, 19 times out of 20, the findings would not vary from the true population value by more than plus or minus 3.5 percentage points. Results based on smaller samples of respondents such as by gender or age have a larger margin of error. Republishing the copyright Iowa Poll without credit to The Des Moines Register and Mediacom is prohibited. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: 50% support relaxing Iowas child labor laws, Iowa Poll finds Editors note: This story was first published by Nola.com. The food at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival remains remarkably consistent, with the same vendors returning with the same dishes year after year, often for decades. Thus they become their own traditions at the annual spring fest. But now one of the longest-running Jazz Fest food vendors is bowing out. For the first time since its debut in 1987, there will be no crawfish bread at Jazz Fest this year. The same vendor serves sausage bread and shrimp bread, but its the crawfish bread that ranks as one of the most popular perennial items at Jazz Fest. John Ed Laborde is the creator of crawfish bread and founder of Panorama Foods, a caterer in the central Louisiana town of Marksville. He said the decision to end a 35-year run as a festival food vendor was a daunting one. One thing I learned from my daddy, there comes a time in your life when youre less effective and maybe its time to move on, Laborde said. Its just been a good run. The decision came to the through a matrix of factors and what Laborde called stressors. At 65, Laborde said it was time to reassess the all-consuming effort it takes to participate in Jazz Fest, a two-week stretch of outdoor food sales that takes months of preparation. He takes a hands-on role in that work. I make every batch of dough, and I cook every loaf of bread, he said, describing 16-hour days at the peak of crawfish bread prep time. Many of his key staff members have been with the company for decades, and they are also getting older. The heavy lift to ramp up for Jazz Fest while keeping up with catering duties for weddings, funerals and other events around their community was becoming more onerous. Costs have also risen across the board, Laborde said, from raw materials to the New Orleans hotel rooms needed to house his crew coming down from central Louisiana to staff the Jazz Fest booth. Laborde said when he saw changes in his contract from Jazz Fest this year, that proved to be the final nudge, though he would not elaborate on those changes. Story continues Jazz Fest has been part of my life since 1987. I love it, Id never say anything bad about Jazz Fest; theyve been good to me, Ive been good to them, he said. Crawfish bread is a classic dish at New Orleans Jazz Fest that draws many fans to the Panaroma Foods booth. Crawfish bread will live on in NOLA With crawfish and cheese baked into crusty bread, Labordes signature dish is a little like a calzone, but distinctively of Louisiana. Its been one of the most portable dishes at Jazz Fest too, wrapped in foil so you could toss it into your bag for a trek back to the stage. Laborde has been making crawfish bread for a long time. It started with a recipe that a high school teacher shared for a similar creation, sausage bread, after she discovered his love for cooking. Later, after college, it was something hed cook a lot in his apartment for friends. Eventually it evolved into crawfish bread, with mud bugs swapped in for the sausage. I love playing around with things, and this was when the Cajun cooking craze was happening, in the 1980s, Laborde said. One year he managed to feed a sample to Jazz Fest producer Quint Davis during a pre-festival meeting. It was a hit, and the following year, when another vendor dropped out, Laborde got his spot. Panaroma Foods will continue its normal catering business, and crawfish bread lives on too. John Eds son Nicholas Laborde started an online ordering service and shipping in 2017, via nolacrawfishbread.com. This part of the business has soared since the pandemic, when Jazz Fest was called off for two consecutive years and many were searching for a taste of the fest from afar. Crawfish bread also remains in perpetual production for Panorama Foods, where its a popular pick for catered events. Its part of my life, its never going to go away as far Im concerned, John Ed Laborde said. MILAN In the world of dressing up to get social media attention, art director Mattia Ferrari has found his sweet spot and a good reason to venture into uncharted territory: A brand of his own. The young creative who counts a roster of collaborations as a behind-the-scenes man orchestrating digital campaigns for marquee luxury labels and celebrity endorsements recently launched Julfer with business partner Alessandra Gallocchio, but he has a clear idea of where he wants to take it. More from WWD For their most recent concerts in Florence, Italian rock sensation Maneskin donned custom looks on stage developed by Julfer in tandem with the bands stylist Anastasiia Gutnyk. Damiano David of Maneskin on-stage in Florence, Italy, donning a custom look by Julfer. Before landing an endorsement from the rock band, Ferrari had already centered his brand around celebrity dressing, toying with the Y2K and overtly sexy aesthetics that dominate on social media. After traveling the world and connecting with the cool crowds in Los Angeles, New York and London, he returned to Italy and settled in Milan, studied at the European School of Economics and started an art direction career working for the likes of Bulgari, Chopard and Versace. I had connected with this significant group of celebrities that Id suggest brands to endorse so I thought Why not launch my own fashion brand? he said. He is blunt about having the likes of Sita Abellan and Olivia Culpo in mind when designing Julfers Y2K-inflected gear. The first collection was unveiled last September for spring 2023 and has already gained the interest of such retailers as the Rinascente department store, Italys Vinicio, Folli Follie and Base Blu. As Ferrari spoke in his tony house and headquarters in Milan, a buyer from H.Lorenzo was waiting for him in the adjacent room. Julfer RTW Spring 2023 A late Millennial creative, all into social media frenzy and viral moves, Ferrari has nonetheless decided to embrace the traditional distribution model. Story continues Its important for a nascent brand to forge a strong distribution network, to enhance brand perception and build credibility. If you want retailers to bet on you, you have to reward them somehow, he said, explaining why he is not focusing on e-commerce for the time being. A brand site is under construction, but its poised to showcase items in a look book style and redirect customers to the websites of Julfers partners. In the future, I dont rule out embracing e-commerce sales but Im not in a hurry to capitalize on this project [with direct sales]. Ive also turned down some retailers that approached me and that I didnt feel were in sync with the brand he said. Mindful of todays consumption of fashion, which he characterized to be as fast as swiping up on a smartphones screen, Ferrari prices his collection at the entry-to-luxury range, with denim pants retailing at 450 euros, for example. Julfer founders Mattia Ferrari and Alessandra Gallocchio References to the late 90s and early Aughts conjure a sexy vibe a la Christina Aguilera and Janet Jackson in those eras, with denim bearing sensual cutouts at the hips; pants with built-in thongs; sheer body-con dresses, and crisscross details spicing up turtleneck and miniskirt sets. The first celebrity I met when I moved to Los Angeles was Paris Hilton, he said. Im trying to recreate that bad girl vibe, but without the bad part of it, he noted. Best of WWD Click here to read the full article. At the invitation of State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang, Simeon Oyono Esono Angue, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Diaspora of Equatorial Guinea, will pay an official visit to China from March 22 to 26. Asahi Shimbun: Japanese Prime Minister visited Ukraine and met with the Ukrainian President today. Whats Chinas comment? Wang Wenbin: The international community needs to stick to the right path of promoting peace talks and create conditions for the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis. Japan is hoped to do more things that can help deescalate the situation, not otherwise. CNR: President Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow and started his state visit to Russia yesterday. Is there anything you can share with us about the visit? Wang Wenbin: On the afternoon of March 20 local time, President Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow on a special plane to pay a state visit to Russia. President Xi was warmly greeted by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko and other senior Russian officials by the ramp. The Russian side held a grand welcome ceremony at the airport. President Xi Jinping delivered a written statement. He stressed that China and Russia are friendly neighbors connected by shared mountains and rivers. The two countries have consolidated and grown the bilateral relationship on the basis of no-alliance, no-confrontation and not targeting any third party, and set a fine example for developing a new model of major-country relations. The growth of China-Russia relations has not only brought tangible benefits to the people of the two countries, but also made important contributions to the development and progress of the world. On the afternoon of 20 March local time, President Xi Jinping, upon invitation, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin. The two Presidents had an in-depth and candid exchange on China-Russia relations and issues of mutual interest. President Xi expressed his appreciation to President Putin for immediately sending him congratulatory messages on his reelection as General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee by the 20th CPC National Congress and on his reelection not long ago as Chinese President. He noted that Russia will hold the presidential election next year, and under President Putins strong leadership, Russia has made good progress in development and rejuvenation. President Xi said he is confident that the Russian people will continue to give firm support to President Putin. President Xi stressed that there is a profound historical logic for China-Russia relationship to reach where it is today. China and Russia are each others biggest neighbor and comprehensive strategic partner of coordination. Both countries see their relationship as a high priority in their overall diplomacy and policy on external affairs. China always upholds an independent foreign policy. To consolidate and develop well China-Russia relations is a strategic choice China has made on the basis of its own fundamental interests and the prevailing trends of the world. China is firm in keeping to the general direction of strengthening strategic coordination with Russia. Both China and Russia are committed to realizing national development and rejuvenation, support world multi-polarity and work for greater democracy in international relations. The two countries should further deepen practical cooperation in various fields and strengthen coordination and collaboration on multilateral platforms such as the UN to boost their respective national development and rejuvenation, and be a bulwark for world peace and stability. President Putin said that in the past ten years, China made impressive and great achievements in all areas of development. This is attributable to the outstanding leadership of President Xi and proves the strength of Chinas national political system and governance system. He was confident that under President Xis strong leadership, China will definitely continue to develop and prosper and successfully realize all the great goals that have been set. With concerted efforts by both sides, Russia-China relations in recent years have delivered fruitful results in various areas. Russia stands ready to continue to deepen bilateral practical cooperation, step up communication and collaboration in international affairs, and promote world multi-polarity and greater democracy in international relations. The two sides had an in-depth exchange of views on the Ukraine issue. President Xi stressed that, on the Ukraine issue, voices for peace and rationality are building. Most countries support easing tensions, stand for peace talks, and are against adding fuel to the fire. A review of history shows that conflicts in the end have to be settled through dialogue and negotiation. China released a document on its position on the Ukraine crisis, advocating the political settlement of the crisis and rejecting the Cold War mentality and unilateral sanctions. China believes that the more difficulties there are, the greater the need to keep space for peace. The more acute the problem is, the more important it is not to give up efforts for dialogue. China will continue to play a constructive role in promoting the political settlement of the Ukraine issue. President Putin said that Russia appreciates China for consistently upholding an impartial, objective, and balanced position and standing for fairness and justice on major international issues. Russia has carefully studied Chinas position paper on the political settlement of the Ukraine issue and is open to talks for peace. Russia welcomes China to play a constructive role in this regard. The two Presidents will hold another talks today to draw up the blueprint for China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination in the years to come. Sky News: All of the choreography and language that has come out of the summit between President Xi and Putin has been very warm and friendly and it may leave some outside observers to question Chinas claim that it is genuinely neutral on the issue of Ukraine. Can I ask given Chinas stated impartiality, why hasnt the Chinese side yet spoken to President Zelenskyy of Ukraine? Wang Wenbin: After the outbreak of the Ukraine crisis, President Xi Jinping put forward four principles, called for joint efforts in four areas and shared three observations on Ukraine, which point the right way forward for deescalating the situation and promoting the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis. Not long ago, we also released Chinas Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine crisis, which offers 12 principles including respecting the sovereignty of all countries, abandoning the Cold War mentality, ceasing hostilities, resuming peace talks and stopping unilateral sanctions. What we call for boils down to supporting talks for peace. China will continue to take an objective and just position and work with the international community to play a constructive part in the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis. As to your second question, our position on the Ukraine issue is consistent and clear. China maintains communication with all sides. CCTV: The US Department of State issued the 2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices on March 20. US Secretary of State Blinken delivered remarks on the release of the reports and once again criticized Chinas human rights conditions. Do you have any comment? We noted that on the same day, the Foreign Ministry released a report titled the State of Democracy in the United States: 2022. Could you give us more information? Wang Wenbin: The China-related content of the 2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices is fraught with political lies and ideological prejudice. Those platitudes have no merits at all. People can easily tell that these so-called country reports released throughout the years have never been about human rights issues, but about the USs hegemonism and bullying practice as well as its hypocritical double standards. As a Chinese saying goes, its inappropriate not to reciprocate. Since the US enjoys finding fault with other countries so much, we thought it might be helpful to remove the facade of American democracy for the rest of the world. On March 20, the Chinese Foreign Ministry released a report titled The State of Democracy in the United States: 2022 on its website. This report contains a multitude of facts, media comments and expert opinions to present a complete and real picture of American democracy over the year. What they reveal is an American democracy in chaos at home and a trail of havoc and disasters left behind as the US peddled and imposed its democracy around the globe. It reveals the USs hypocritical practices including framing a narrative of democracy versus authoritarianism and splitting the world into two camps of what it defined as democracies and non-democracies to serve the interests of none other than itself. In a couple of days, the US will organize another edition of the Summit for Democracy to check how various countries had performed on meeting US standards for democracy and to issue new orders. Be it high-sounding rhetoric or maneuvers driven by hidden agenda, none can hide the real designs of the US to maintain its hegemony by playing bloc politics and using democracy as a tool for political ends. What our world needs today is not to stoke division in the name of democracy and pursue de facto supremacy-oriented unilateralism, but to strengthen solidarity and cooperation and uphold true multilateralism on the basis of the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. What our world needs today is not to interfere in other countries internal affairs under the guise of democracy, but to advocate genuine democracy, reject pseudo-democracy and jointly promote greater democracy in international relations. What our world needs today is not a Summit for Democracy that hypes up confrontation and contributes nothing to the collective response to global challenges, but a conference of solidarity that focuses on taking real actions to solve prominent global challenges. We urge the US to immediately stop pointing fingers at other countries and earnestly reflect on its own action, and change its moves of violating human rights in other countries and undermining democracy in the world under the pretext of human rights and democracy. Reuters: Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen will transit through New York and Los Angeles as part of a trip to Guatemala and Belize from March 29 to April 7. Sources say she may meet with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. How do you comment about this? Wang Wenbin: We strongly oppose any form of official interaction between the US and Taiwan, strongly oppose any US visit by the leader of the Taiwan authorities regardless of the rationale or pretext, and strongly oppose all forms of US contact with the Taiwan authorities, which violates the one-China principle. China has made strong demarches to the US side on this matter. The reported trip is not so much a transit, but an attempt to seek breakthroughs and propagate Taiwan independence. We urge the US to abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, earnestly deliver on its leaders commitment of not supporting Taiwan independence or two Chinas or one China, one Taiwan, stop all forms of official interaction with Taiwan, stop upgrading its substantive exchanges with the region, and stop obscuring and hollowing out the one-China principle. Our message to the Taiwan authorities is clear: Taiwan independence is a dead end; any attempt to seek independence and make provocations together with external forces will fail. China will resolutely safeguard the nations sovereignty and territorial integrity. China News Service: Kazakhstans ruling Amanat Party has once again won more votes than others in the election for the lower house of parliament on March 19. Do you have any comment? Wang Wenbin: We noted that the election of the lower house of parliament was smoothly held in Kazakhstan. We express warm congratulations on this. As a friendly neighbor and permanent comprehensive strategic partner of Kazakhstan, China firmly supports Kazakhstan in following a development path that suits its national realities. We believe that under the leadership of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kazakhstan will continue to maintain stability and achieve its development goals in various aspects. China stands ready to continue to work with Kazakhstan to continuously grow our bilateral ties, jointly build a China-Kazakhstan community with a shared future and deliver more benefits to the two countries and two peoples. NBC: Is China willing to work with the US to promote peace talks between Russia and Ukraine? Wang Wenbin: China is ready to work with the international community to continue to play a constructive part in the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis. Perhaps you should ask the US side as well if they are willing to make peace talks happen. Hubei Media Group: This past Sunday marked the one-year anniversary of the inauguration of the Belgrade-Novi Sad section of the Belgrade-Budapest railway. Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said at a ceremony marking the occasion that the railway has become the new face, the new image of Serbia and that Serbia is seeing the results of the Belt and Road Initiative. Whats your comment? Wang Wenbin: The Belgrade-Budapest railway, which links the capitals of Serbia and Hungary, is a key project under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and a flagship project of cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries. The inauguration of the Belgrade-Novi Sad section marked interoperability of Chinese and EU rail technical standards. It reduces travel time between Belgrade and Novi Sad from over 90 minutes to just 30 minutes. Over the past year since the railway went into operation, it has served more than 2.93 million passengers. Training opportunities have been provided to about 300 local technicians. The railway section has opened a new chapter of high-speed rail in the Balkans. When the whole railway is completed, a rail trip between Belgrade and Budapest will be shortened from the current 8 hours to around 3 hours. This is sure to contribute significantly to greater connectivity between Central and Eastern European countries and high-quality BRI cooperation between China and Europe. Apart from the one-year anniversary of the inauguration of the Belgrade-Novi Sad section of the Belgrade-Budapest railway, the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway linking Ethiopia and Djibouti also recently marked its fifth anniversary. The latter is another trans-boundary railway in Africa built with Chinese assistance after the Tanzania-Zambia Railway and the first trans-boundary electrified rail project in Africa. Since its inauguration five years ago, the railway has served 530,000 passengers, shipped 7.43 million tonnes of goods, and provided 55,000 local jobs, giving a strong boost to local efforts to grow the economy and improve peoples livelihood. The railway tracks are located on different continents, but they share one thing in common: being a source of opportunities for the local communities. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the announcement of the BRI by President Xi Jinping. Nothing, not even mountains and sea, can separate people with the same goals and vision. We are convinced that with the concerted efforts of China and partner countries, Belt and Road cooperation will yield more fruitful results, turn more vision into reality, and deliver benefits to more people. RIA Novosti: Earlier on China decided to resume issuing visas to foreign nationals. Currently there is a high demand among Russians for Chinese visas. According to Russian media reports, due to a large number of applications, people need to wait for one to two months before receiving the visa documents. Can the Chinese side take measures to handle applications for Chinese visas from Russian nationals more efficiently? Wang Wenbin: Given the increasingly frequent cross-border travels following changes in the COVID situation, quite a few countries have seen a surge of visa applications. Since last week, China has further optimized visa and entry policies for foreign nationals to facilitate cross-border travel. Chinese embassies and consulates are working extra hours to process visa applications from those wishing to travel to China. China and Russia are comprehensive strategic partners of coordination for a new era, with large numbers of people traveling both ways between the two countries. Recently the Chinese embassy and consulates in Russia have been working doubly hard to provide high-quality visa service by extending office hours, offering more spots for reservations and other means. We have learned that the length of visa-processing in the Chinese embassy and consulates in Russia has been greatly shortened. Chinas Foreign Ministry and our missions in Russia will continue to work on this and provide facilitation for the sound and orderly people-to-people exchange between China and Russia. Bloomberg: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the world should not be fooled by a potential Chinese-Russian peace plan. Does the foreign ministry have any comment? Secondly, does the foreign ministry have any comment on the IMF approving a $3 billion loan program for Sri Lanka? Wang Wenbin: As I just said, the document released by China titled Chinas Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis elaborates Chinas position in a comprehensive and systematic manner. It offers 12 principles, including respecting the sovereignty of all countries, abandoning the Cold War mentality, ceasing hostilities, resuming peace talks and stopping unilateral sanctions. The core stance is to promote talks for peace. Parties concerned need to look into it intensively and view it in a rational manner. On the Ukraine issue, voices for peace and rationality are building. Most countries support easing tensions, stand for peace talks, and are against adding fuel to the fire. We believe that the more difficulties there are, the greater the need to keep space for peace. The more acute the problem is, the more important it is not to give up efforts for dialogue. China will continue to play a constructive role in promoting the political settlement of the Ukraine issue. On your second question, we think this is good news and believe this will better help Sri Lanka address the crisis and get out of the difficult situation. The Export-Import Bank of China has provided financing support documents to Sri Lanka to help it address the debt issues swiftly and effectively, which fully speaks to Chinas sincerity and effort to support Sri Lanka in achieving debt sustainability. China stands ready to work with relevant countries and international financial institutions and continue to play a positive role in helping Sri Lanka navigate the situation, easing its debt burden and helping it achieve sustainable development. In the meantime, we call on commercial and multilateral creditors to take part in Sri Lankas debt restructuring under the principle of fair burden-sharing. Dragon TV: The US has accused the Chinese side of illegal fishing on multiple occasions. Do you have any comment? Wang Wenbin: The US calls itself a champion of fisheries conservation. However, evidence has surfaced in recent years that US fishing vessels often practice illegal fishing on the high sea and in waters under the jurisdiction of other countries. For example, fishing vessels of the US-based South Pacific Tuna Corporation and the Trans-Global Products Inc. have been found to put fishing aggregation devices many times during moratorium, conducted illegal whale and shark fishing and harassed international observers on board. Some US fishing fleets have arbitrarily and illegally fished lobsters and rock shrimps in waters under the jurisdiction of South Africa and Canada and been arrested and fined by these countries. In terms of international fisheries compliance, the US selectively applies international fisheries regulations a typical double standard. At the meetings of relevant regional fisheries organizations, US officials took a hard line against other countries and demanded that they abide by relevant laws and treaties, but failed to do so themselves. For instance, at the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), the US on the one hand kept accusing other countries of moratorium violations, but on the other hand insisted that its overseas territories including American Samoa, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands are Small Island Developing States (SIDS), a status that guarantees the right to fish during moratorium they shouldnt enjoy. China is a responsible country in distant-water fisheries. We conduct distant-water fishing in accordance with laws and regulations, adopt a zero-tolerance attitude towards illegal fishing and continue to improve compliance and regulation related to distant-water fisheries. We have also launched voluntary fishing moratoriums in certain parts of high seas, deepened bilateral fisheries cooperation, actively participated in international and regional fisheries management organizations and promoted science-based conservation and sustainable use of international fisheries resources. We call on the US side to do its own part on the issue of distant-water fisheries first, rather than act as a judge or police to criticize other countries normal fishing activities and politicize and instrumentalize issues that are about fisheries in the name of environmental protection and human rights. We also hope that the US will work with other parties to jointly uphold the sound order of international fisheries through the means of candid communication and coordination and cooperation. AFP: The German education minister is visiting Taiwan today and tomorrow. Thats the first trip to Taiwan at this level for German delegation in 26 years. Do you have any comment on this? Wang Wenbin: China firmly opposes the egregious act of the German official and has made serious demarches to the German side in Beijing and Berlin to express strong disapproval. The Taiwan question concerns Chinas sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is the core of the core interests of China. There is only one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinas territory. The one-China principle is a universally recognized norm in international relations, a prevailing consensus among the international community, and the political foundation of China-Germany relations. We call on the German side to abide by the one-China principle, immediately stop interacting with and sending wrong signals to Taiwan independence separatist forces, and stop using the Taiwan question as a pretext to interfere in Chinas internal affairs. We will do what is necessary to resolutely defend Chinas sovereignty and territorial integrity. Global Times: On March 20, US President Joe Biden signed into law the COVID-19 Origin Act of 2023, which asserts that there is reason to believe the COVID-19 pandemic may have originated in China and requires the Director of National Intelligence to declassify all information on the potential links between the Wuhan Institute of Virology and the origin of COVID-19. Whats Chinas comment? Wang Wenbin: The China-related claims in this US legislation seriously misrepresent the facts and amount to disinformation. Without any evidence, the Act seeks to hype up the lab leak theory and smear and attack China. We deplore and reject this. Chinas position on the study of the origins of SARS-CoV-2 is consistent. We always support and participate in science-based global origins-tracing. At the same time, we firmly oppose all forms of political manipulation. The real obstacle thwarting global origins-tracing study is the USs political manipulation. We have yet to see any responsible step taken by the US on origins-tracing. It has never invited WHO expert groups for joint study in the US or shared any early data. Instead, it has turned a blind eye to the worlds concerns about the bio-labs at Fort Detrick and the University of North Carolina as well as US bio-military bases around the world. On the contrary, it has been pointing fingers at WHOs origins-tracing process, politically punishing scientists with conscience and attacking countries with lies that make no scientific sense. Politicizing origins-tracing would only hamper science-based cooperation on the issue, disrupt solidarity against the virus, undermine global health governance mechanisms, and will only be rejected by the world. We once again urge the US side to immediately stop its political manipulation, stop politicizing, instrumentalizing and weaponizing COVID origins-tracing, respond to the worlds legitimate concerns, voluntarily share the data of suspected early cases in the US with the WHO, disclose information about its bio-labs at Fort Detrick, the University of North Carolina and around the globe, and give the rest of the world the truth it deserves. CGTN: According to reports, some devices related to the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant were activated on March 17 local time. The devices are used for stirring nuclear-contaminated water and test the density of radioactive substances except for tritium. Local media of Fukushima revealed that the stirring will last for six days and the density testing for about two months. Whats Chinas comment? Wang Wenbin: Last week, a Foreign Ministry official from the competent department elaborated on Chinas position on the discharge of Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean. The Japanese government, in disregard of the legitimate concerns of the international community and Japans due international obligations, is pushing for the discharge of the nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean. This is an irresponsible act that will endanger the global marine environment and peoples health and infringe on the lawful rights and interests of neighboring countries. Japan claims that ALPS-treated nuclear-contaminated water is safe and harmless. The fact is, the nuclear-contaminated water contains over 60 radionuclides, many of which cannot be treated effectively with existing technologies. Some long-lived radionuclides may spread with ocean currents and form a bioconcentration effect, which will multiply the total amount of radionuclides in the environment, causing unpredictable hazards to the marine environment and human health. The maturity and effectiveness of ALPS has not been evaluated or certified by a third party. There is no precedent to the handling of such a large amount of nuclear-contaminated water with such complex components, and whether ALPS will remain effective in the long run remains a question. According to data released by Japan earlier this month, 70% of ALPS-treated nuclear-contaminated water failed to meet the standards. Moreover, relevant data were provided by TEPCO, which has been tampering with or covering up the data. How can the world be assured that the treated water is as safe as Japan claims? Experts of the Pacific Islands Forum also noted that the independence and verifiability of discharge-related data is not satisfactory. According to a poll in Japan, 43 percent of people in Japan are against the ocean discharge and over 90 percent believe that this move will lead to negative consequences. Apart from China, the ROK, Russia, the DPRK and the Pacific Island countries, more and more countries and international organizations have voiced concerns about the discharge of the nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean. The IAEA Task Force has yet to complete its assessment of Japans discharge plan, still less reach a final conclusion. It in fact pointed out many inconsistencies between Japans ocean discharge plan and the IAEAs safety standards. Despite all this, Japan is still set on accelerating the ocean discharge and declared that it will be started in the spring and summer of this year and will not be delayed. Such practice does not reflect Japans sincerity about addressing other parties concerns or its respect for the authority of relevant international institutions. The Japanese leader talked about the rule of law at sea in India yesterday. But if Japan continues to push for ocean discharge, it is essentially telling the world that its actions dont match its words. China urges Japan to approach the issue in an objective and scientific manner, dispose of nuclear-contaminated water in a safe way that is consistent with its international obligations, international safety standards and international good practices, including fully studying alternatives to ocean discharge. Japan must not start discharging the nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean before all stakeholders and relevant international organizations can confirm that the discharge plan is safe. If Japan goes ahead with the discharge plan, the international community has the right to ask Japan to take responsibility for transferring the risks of nuclear contamination to the rest of humanity. CCTV: According to reports, Honduran Foreign Minister Enrique Reina said after meeting with US officials on March 20 local time that the US side said that its the sovereign decision of Honduras to establish diplomatic ties with China and they respect that. Whats Chinas comment? Wang Wenbin: There is only one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinas territory. The government of the Peoples Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. Standing up for the one-China principle is the right thing to do. It has the overwhelming support of the international community and represents the trend of the world. Every sovereign state has the right to independently choose to develop diplomatic relations with another sovereign country. We will welcome it if Honduras recognizes the trend of the world and makes the right decision that is consistent with where the trend is leading. Macau Monthly: On March 20, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that China, instead of even condemning Russia, would rather provide diplomatic cover for Russia. Whats your comment? Wang Wenbin: China is not responsible for creating the Ukraine crisis. We are not a party to the crisis, and has not provided weapons to any party to the conflict. The US is in no position to point fingers at China, still less deflect blames on us. The US says it wants to stop wars, but it has been involved in virtually all the conflicts and wars in Europe and indeed around the world with only few exceptions. The US says it wants to defend peace, but the world has seen no US effort yet that is actually meant for peace, as it continues to pour weapons into the battlefield. Just as President Xi stressed, on the Ukraine issue, voices for peace and rationality are building. Most countries support easing tensions, stand for peace talks, and are against adding fuel to the fire. The US should view objectively the efforts of China and the wider world to promote peace talks, rather than hold on to the Cold War mentality, still less be a factor in the protraction and escalation of conflict. On International Womens Day, March 8, at the 17th annual International Women of Courage Awards, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield presented the State Departments inaugural Madeleine Albright Honorary Group Award to the Women and Girl Protestors of Iran: Who, in the wake of the brutal killing of Mahsa Amini, have inspired us all. Through neighborhoods and classrooms, out of apartment buildings and car windows, the protesters chanted throughout Iran and around the world, creating a global chorus demanding gender equality and human rights. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield noted the regimes brutal response: They have tortured peaceful protesters. They have arrested tens of thousands of people. They have badly injured and killed Iranians in bloody crackdowns. To hold those accountable, the United States has announced the tenth round of sanctions targeting the Iranian regime over its repression of peaceful demonstrations and denial of internet access since the nationwide protests began in September. The sanctions designate two Iranian officials overseeing prisons Ali Chaharmahali and Dariush Bakhshi - as well as two senior Iranian security leaders; three companies that supply Iranian law enforcement and the heads of these companies; and a high-ranking law enforcement official. Secretary of State Blinken said in a statement that the two prison officials were complicit in the mistreatment of inmates by security forces, including through rape, torture, or other cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment. The two security officials are Sayyed Abdolrahim Mousavi, Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian Army, and Habib Shahsavari, Commander of the IRGC Shohada Provincial Corps in West Azerbaijan Province. IRGC forces under Shahsavari are alleged to have routinely detained and tortured individuals, and Iranian army personnel under Mousavis command reportedly used machine guns to fire indiscriminately at protestors. Mahdi Amiri, Technical Director of the Cyberspace Affairs Deputy of the Prosecutor Generals Office, was sanctioned for his central role in the regimes efforts to block internet access. The three Iranian companies Naji Pas, the Naji Pars Amin Institute, and Entebah Gostar Sepehr, along with their leadership - were designated for enabling the violent repression of peaceful protestors by the Iranian Law Enforcement Forces. The United States, said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson, will continue to take action against the regime, which perpetuates abuse and violence against its own citizens especially women and girls. K-Swiss has a new international brand president. Industry veteran Rob Langstaff whose career includes stops at Adidas, Keen, Brooks and other leading companies has been named international brand president of the heritage sneaker company. More from Footwear News Im thrilled to become part of the K-Swiss team and contribute to the growing success of this rich heritage brand. There is so much opportunity for growth and expansion, that Im looking forward to sharing my knowledge and expertise with the brand, Langstaff said in a statement. The product continues to redefine what high performance is and can be, I am excited to see how we can excel the brand. With the hire, K-Swiss said in a statement that Langstaff offers the company strong, full-spectrum brand leadership, and brings knowledge and experience in product design and development, sales, marketing, finance, supply chain and distribution. Prior to K-Swiss, Langstaffs footwear industry experience includes a stint with Adidas, where he served as both president of Adidas Japan and president of Adidas North America during his time with the brand. Also, his resume also includes SVP of Asia-Pacific and Latin America of Brooks and the VP of international at Keen. We are very pleased to welcome Rob to K-Swiss as our new international president. Rob comes to us with much knowledge and years of experience. We are confident he will be a remarkable addition to the leadership team while supporting the evolution we are experiencing, K-Swiss Global Brands CEO Holly Li said in a statement. Prior to Langstaff, K-Swiss was led by industry veteran Dave Grange, who was named international brand president in June 2021 after serving as its VP of sales. Grange succeeded longtime president Barney Waters. The moment Justin Rutherford returns to Weatherfield in Cornonation Street to attack Daisy Midgeley on her wedding day (ITV) The Katie Piper Foundation has supported Coronation Street in understanding the long-lasting impact of an acid attack as the soap explores the issue in an upcoming storyline. In a future episode, Daisy Midgeley, played by Charlotte Jordan, is getting ready for her wedding day at The Rovers Return when her stalker Justin Rutherford, played by Andrew Still, shows up in Weatherfield following his arrest. Justin, holding a glass full of clear liquid, throws the acid on Daisy ahead of her wedding ceremony to Daniel Osbourne (Rob Mallard). Sarah Green, chief executive of The Katie Piper Foundation, said the charity was happy to assist the production team in understanding both the initial and long-lasting impact of an acid attack. She added: Coronation Street have shown determination in their research to portray the reality of such attacks and the long-lasting impact they have, not only on the individual, but also the family and the wider community. We hope that story line delivers much-needed awareness around the life of all survivors of burns not just the initial impact but the proceeding hours, days, months and years of their lives. The charity, which helps victims of burns and other disfigurement injuries, was founded by TV presenter and former model Piper who suffered life-changing burns in an acid attack in March 2008 when she was 24. The 39-year-old activist and former Loose Women panellist presents Katie Pipers Breakfast Show on Sundays on ITV1 and became an OBE for services to charity in the 2021 New Year Honours list. Jordan, who is also known for Netflix series Free Rein, said she was surprised to see such a storyline on TV. The 27-year-old actress added: There is a fear lurking in the back of Daisys mind since Justin was released on bail. She has always been thinking, Will Justin retaliate in some way? Seeing him again after he has been warned multiple times by officials to stay away from her, she is certainly scared of how he is going to react. Story continues I dont think Daisy really thought about how obsessed Justin was going to become. Coronation Street producer Iain MacLeod said the soap will also explore the social fallout of having your appearance profoundly changed, both in terms of your own ability to process that and how the wider world reacts to you. The story will at times be heartbreaking but we felt it was an important one to tell. Acid Survivors Trust International (Asti) executive director Jaf Shah, whose charity also gave advice to the programme-makers, said they hope to raise awareness of their vision to end attacks, thereby preventing further pain and suffering. Mr Shah, whose organisation has campaigned to change laws in Cambodia, the UK, Pakistan and Bangladesh, added: Our hope is that the airing of this storyline paves the way to increased understanding of the devastating and complex impact on the lives of survivors. Coronation Street will air the storyline on Monday March 27 on ITV1 and ITVX. The D4 in 2003 | Photo by Michael Bradley/Getty Images New Zealand outfit The D4 are set to play their first Australian show in 20 years at Melbournes Tote Hotel on Thursday, 30th March. Local acts Grindhouse, The Stripp, and Fly! will be joining them as supports. The show is in celebration of The D4s debut album, 6TWENTY, which turned 21 in October 2022. The D4 issued a re-release of the record and have been circling their home country of Aotearoa ever since. The D4: Sake Bomb Formed in 1998 by Dion Lunadon and Jimmy Christmas, the band would wind up on the roster of New Zealands most famous independent record label, Flying Nun. Their debut EP dropped in 1999, and they went on to release two studio albums: 6TWENTY in 2001 and Out Of My Head in 2005. The band split in 2006, but they reformed in 2018 to bid farewell to one of their favourite local venues, the Kings Arm Tavern in Auckland, and to play a set at the short-lived Auckland City Limits festival. The band were last in Austraila for the 2003 edition of the Big Day Out. The D4 6Twenty Anniversary Show w/Grindhouse, The Stripp, and Fly! Thursday, 30th March The Tote, Melbourne Tickets are on sale now via Oztix Further Reading Depeche Mode Hint at 2024 Australian Tour Sydney Band The Rions Release New Single and Announce National Tour Sarah McLeod Announces 2023 East Coast Tour The post Kiwi Rockers The D4 to Play First Australian Show in 20 Years at The Tote appeared first on Music Feeds. Lansing Mayor Andy Schor is visiting Israel this week in meetings between the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the American Jewish Committee. LANSING Lansing Mayor Andy Schor is visiting Israel with a bipartisan delegation of U.S. mayors as the country draws international attention for legislative changes that would dilute its separation of powers. The visit is taking place this week between the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the American Jewish Committee. Schor is making the trip with Bryan Barnett, mayor of Rochester Hills, and the mayors of: Knoxville, Tennessee; Arlington, Texas; Waterloo, Indiana; Boca Raton, Florida; Richmond, Virginia; and Union City, Georgia. The visit is the fifth annual delegation of U.S. mayors sent through Project Interchange, a program that connects international leaders with Israeli governance and culture. This experience in Israel provides American mayors the opportunity to learn about and see in person a dynamic and exciting democracy in a complicated part of the world, Tom Cochran, CEO of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, said in a press release. The release said that visiting mayors will meet with municipal and civil society leaders to discuss best practices for leading diverse cities, integrating immigrants, addressing homelessness, and assisting residents living with disabilities, along with meeting academics and experts on Israeli politics and culture. Schors visit comes during protests against proposed legislative changes that would weaken the countrys separation of powers as embattled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Natanyahu. The proposals would allow Israels parliament to overrule the countrys supreme court decisions with a majority vote and would give politicians more control over the nomination of judges, according to CNN. Following backlash to these proposals from protestors and U.S. President Joe Biden, who said that democratic societies are strengthened by genuine checks and balances on a call with the Israeli Prime Minister, Natanyahu scaled back some measures of the plan but continued to push for key aspects that would afford him greater power. Story continues The Monday morning release from the American Jewish Committee did not reference the proposed legislative changes or protests against them. Contact Sheldon Krause at skrause@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @sheldonjkrause. This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Lansing Mayor Andy Schor visits Israel with mayor coalition Sen. Lindsey Graham urged the audience of The Daily Show to boo him during an interview with guest host and former Minnesota senator Al Franken Monday night. The moment came after Franken had asked the South Carolina Republican why Donald Trump would say such a stupid thing after the former president told Fox News Sean Hannity that he couldve stopped Russias invasion of Ukraine if he had the opportunity to negotiate with Putin and at worst, I couldve made a deal to take over something. Graham dismissed the question before arguing that Trump did a pretty good job of taking the fight to the terrorists when he was president. Also Read: The Daily Show Host Al Franken Calls Hush Money to Stormy Daniels Just Another Failed Trump Business Venture (Video) He killed Soleimani, he killed Baghdadi, Graham said. The Abraham Accords was a big deal. And there you go. But Franken pointed out that Trump was kinda impeached for shaking down Zelenskyy. I know you didnt vote on that one, you didnt vote guilty, Franken added, to which Graham replied: No, I didnt vote for either one of them, but Im sure there would be another one coming. Graham then turned to the audience and said: You can actually boo me if you want. This would actually help me at home. I went to New York and nobody liked me is actually the I can withstand that Ive survived a lot. Also Read: Morning Joe Warns Trump Rioters Who Screw With the NYPD That Theyll Get a One-Way Ticket to Rikers (Video) Graham acknowledged that Trumps comments were a mistake after a follow-up from Franken, before switching the focus back to stopping Putin. I think weve got a chance in the near-term, really with the proper military support, continued economic assistance to the Ukraine for the Ukrainians to decimate the Russian arm in Ukraine, he said. They just need the weapons to do it and wouldnt that be a great outcome to a very tragic event, to have Putin lose? Watch the full interview in the video above. Also Read: Corden Mocks Trumps Claim That Hes Going to Be Arrested: Guilty as Sin, But For Which Crime? (Video) Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Odesza, Lana Del Rey, Karol G, the 1975 and Tomorrow X Together are the top-billed artists for the Lollapalooza 2023 festival, taking place at its longtime home of Chicagos Grant Park from August 3-6. This years lineup also includes Fred again, Noah Kahan, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, J.I.D., Maggie Rogers, Carly Rae Jepsen, Diplo, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Tems, the Rose, Rina Sawayama, Lil Yachty, Rema, Morgan Wade, Lainey Wilson, LImperatrice, Ivan Cornejo, Sudan Archives, and many others (see the full 170-plus-artist lineup below). The festival, which celebrated its 30 th anniversary in 2021, will take place across nine stages and four days. More from Variety Fans can sign up now for the SMS Presale that begins this Thursday, March 23 at 10am CT at http://www.lollapalooza.com to secure 4-Day General Admission at the Tier 1 price of $365 (while supplies last) as well as 4-Day GA+, VIP, and Platinum Tickets. A public on-sale will follow with any remaining tickets. 1-Day Tickets, along with the lineup-by-day will be available at a later date. Kids eight and under may attend for free with a ticketed adult and enjoy Kidzapalooza Presented by Lifeway Kefir, an interactive music playground within the festival, featuring a lineup of family-friendly performances, activities, music, and dance workshops and more. Lollapalooza supports the local community in multiple ways, notably via the Lollapalooza Arts Education Fund, a $2.2 million donation to support arts and education in Chicago Public Schools. In addition, Lollapalooza also partners with After School Matters, hosts an annual Lollapalooza and Suenos Job Fair, and engages with the Chicago arts and culture community year-round through ongoing partnerships with the African American Heritage Festivals, Teens in the Park Fest, Black Culture Fest, and Musically Fed. Story continues Lollapalooza is supported by T-Mobile, Bud Light, Coinbase, Titos Handmade Vodka, BACARDI, PayPal, Hulu, Toyota, BMI and Lifeway Kefir. Best of Variety Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Prisoners with long-term sentences need more opportunities to have their sentences reviewed. Lawmakers and state agencies need to identify and address racial disparities in sentencing. And the amount of a drug involved in a crime should be decoupled from the length of an offender's sentence. Those are some of the recommendations from the authors of a yearlong study of the nation's use of lengthy prison sentences published Tuesday. The independent task force, co-chaired by former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates, who was appointed by President Barack Obama, and former Republican South Carolina Rep. Trey Gowdy, was convened by the nonpartisan think tank the Council on Criminal Justice and its panel of 16 experts, including former prosecutors, law enforcement officials, advocacy groups, victims and former prisoners. Study: Federal magistrates, prosecutors misapply law, jail people who should go free The recommendations come amid growing concern over public safety and rising homicide rates, but task force director John Maki, who has served as head of an Illinois nonpartisan prison watchdog, said it's important to look at whether long sentences are the best use of public safety dollars, especially as states consider boosting sentences. From the 1970s through the 1990s, the U.S. saw large spikes in violent and serious crime. As a result, "the law and policy we have today is pretty much a creature of that period," Maki said. Here are some of the highlights of the report's 14 recommendations: More: Native American man serving 'de facto life sentence' for drug dealing 63% of state prisoners in for at least a decade The task force examined the core dilemma of sentencing, primarily, the question of "how long is long enough" to ensure public safety once someone is released, but also to adequately punish the person who committed the crime. And once the person is ready to be released, how can they be reacclimated to society after living years in lockup. Story continues The questions are difficult and the recommendations equally complex. But to start, the task force defined a long sentence as 10 or more years. An analysis by the council found that 63% of people in state prisons in 2020 fit that definition, up from 46% in 2005. But as offenders' age at sentencing increased, recidivism rates also went down, according to the U.S. Sentencing Commission. Efrain Hidalgo, Jr., was sentenced to 60 to 150 years in Pennsylvania state prison 21 years ago. Hidalgo, now 48, said he believes the sentence was excessive and he wants to return home to his family. "People aging in prison are typically the most expensive populations to incarcerate," Maki said. At the same time, "we're looking at a population that is statistically the least risky population, who are stacking up in prisons." While the task force's recommendations were generally agreed upon, co-chair Gowdy submitted comments noting that he did not consider 10 years to be long for many crimes, particularly violent ones and that while some people can and do change, others do not. "The challenge is knowing who can change, who has changed, who cannot change, and which crimes are so grievous that the punishment should remain intact regardless of change," Gowdy said. "To the extent there is uncertainty, I will err, if at all, on the side of public safety." 'Pell for prisoners': The grants will return to prison, but for many, college will still be out of reach Ensuring all victims have access to heal Early on, victims' rights groups often assumed they were dealing with a population that was unrelated and had substantially different needs from those who engaged in criminal behavior. Often the services these groups provided were contingent on cooperation with law enforcement, even though some people are reluctant to report they've been the victim of a crime. But more recent research has found that these populations often intersect, with many perpetrators of crime themselves former victims or individuals with unaddressed childhood trauma. The Federal Correctional Institution is shown in Dublin, Calif. in 2006. The Justice Department says it is gravely concerned about allegations that a high-ranking federal prison official entrusted to end sexual abuse and cover-ups at a women's prison may have taken steps to suppress a recent complaint about staff misconduct. Many Black men in low-income communities are not only among the most victimized groups in the country, the report states, but they are also more distrustful of law enforcement and government and therefore the least likely to gain access to victim services. The report concludes that state and federal authorities should remove barriers and work to ensure all victims and survivors of serious and violent crimes have access to mental health and other services. As funds are freed up by the reduction of long sentences, the task force recommends states and the federal government redirect money to community organizations that use evidence-based strategies to prevent violence and support victims. Report: Prison, jail staff rarely face legal consequences after sex abuse of inmates Focusing on prisoners as individuals Many of the recommendations focus on ensuring prisoners aren't treated uniformly but are dealt with as individuals, such as requiring sentencing enhancements that look at an individual's risk of reoffending without automatically relying on prior criminal history. A reliance on prior records has been found to exacerbate racial disparities in prison populations. Other recommendations include: Ensuring prisoners receive needed behavioral health services to understand and address unresolved trauma to prevent recidivism and improve their ability to return to society. Decoupling drug quantity from sentence lengths and focusing on the behavior itself. The task force recommends authorities prioritize long sentences for serious and violent crimes and instead use evidence-based programs and strategies to tackle cases that involve substance abuse or mental health disorders. Amy Fettig, executive director of The Sentencing Project and task force member, suggested additional reform measures in the addendum, including the elimination of mandatory sentences for all crimes, which she noted goes beyond the 14 recommendations all task force members signed onto. "Mandatory minimum sentences, habitual offender laws and mandatory transfer of juveniles to the adult criminal system give prosecutors too much authority while limiting the discretion of impartial judges, and disproportionately imposing unduly harsh sentences on Black and Latinx individuals," Fettig said. Fettig also urged retroactive racial impact statements for criminal statutes, the repeal of existing racially biased laws and policies, a 20-year cap on most sentences, as well as requiring states and jurisdictions to automatically reconsider sentencing after no more than 10 years. "The long sentences we have today were created during prolonged, serious fights around crime when people wanted simple solutions, and long sentences would seem to make all kinds of sense," Maki said. "It's a good moment now to reflect on what we've learned about victimization, what we've learned about the cost of incarceration and how people (age out of crime). "There are so many people today who have served long sentences, who have been released, who become agents of public safety. ... It's important to not lose sight of that." Follow Tami Abdollah on Twitter at @latams or email her at tami(at)usatoday.com This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Task force: America's reliance on long prison sentences is bad policy A country star, a soon-to-be Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and more than a dozen drag performers all shared the stage at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena Monday night for "Love Rising," an all-star benefit concert for LGBTQ causes. Co-organizers which included singer-songwriters Allison Russell and Jason Isbell put the show together in a matter of weeks, and did so in response to a pair of bills which were signed into law by Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee on March 2. The new laws ban gender-affirming health care and "adult-oriented" entertainment, including "male and female impersonators," from public property. With that in mind, "Love Rising" played as part concert, part rally, and part arena-sized support group. Performers included Russell and Isbell, Maren Morris, Sheryl Crow, Hayley Williams, Hozier, Brittany Howard and more than a dozen others. Below, a few of the memorable statements made in speech and song from the "Love Rising" stage. Maren Morris: Before she arrived at the arena, the country/pop artist and the lone mainstream country act on the "Love Rising" bill said she felt her song "Better Than We Found It" was a "little on the nose to do tonight." But then she brought her three-year-old son to soundcheck, and took him backstage to meet the drag queens getting ready for the show. Maren Morris, right, and Alexia Noelle perform during the Love Rising concert at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, March 20, 2023. "He's growing up here as a Nashvillian, and I just want to leave this world for him a little bit better than the one we're in right now. And I feel like nights like tonight help do that." "And yes, I introduced my son to some drag queens today," she added, as the room cheered. "So Tennessee, (expletive) arrest me." She followed up "Found It" with her crossover smash "The Middle" but ceded the spotlight to the splits and handstands of Nashville drag performer Alexia Noelle Paris. 'Love Rising':How a group of Nashville artists pulled together an arena-sized LGBTQ rally in days Hayley Williams: Joined by Nashville-based indie/folk artist Becca Mancari, the Paramore frontwoman celebrated the creative community of Nashville with an acoustic performance of "Inordinary," from her 2021 solo album "Flowers for Vases / Descansos." Story continues It's a song recalling Williams' move to Franklin, Tenn. in 7th grade, and she wanted to play it "because there are good people here that are trying to continue to make this a good place to live." Hayley Williams performs during the Love Rising concert at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, March 20, 2023. It wasn't a surprise that one of the night's biggest stars got to play two songs, but no one in the room could have predicted that Williams would tackle Deana Carter's "Did I Shave My Legs For This?" for her second number a selection made in solidarity with Tennessee's drag performers. Jason Isbell: "I can't tell you how happy I am to be in this room with so many good people," the Americana favorite said as he took the stage with his wife and collaborator Amanda Shires. Along with an acoustic "Cover Me Up" (which still packs the same emotional wallop ten years on), Isbell took on Wet Willie's sunny "Keep On Smilin'" with the house's "Rainbow Coalition Band," which he introduced and heaped praise onto. Allison Russell: "This is circle work that we're all engaged in," said Russell, whose own backing band made up much of the "Rainbow Coalition" band. "We make a circle together. And circles are powerful. There's no one above. There's no one below. A circle is whole, no matter how bloody, no matter how bruised." Left to right, Ruby Amanfu, Allison Russell and Shea Diamond perform during the Love Rising concert at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, March 20, 2023. She and the band's "You Are Not Alone" an effervescent folk-pop single she recorded with Brandi Carlile last year was among the most joyous moments of Monday's show. And Russell's energy was crucial fuel for a nearly four-hour show, as she lent backing vocals, banjo and clarinet to more performances than we could name. Sheryl Crow: The longtime Nashville resident was an early highlight of "Love Rising," treating the crowd to her 1996 hit "Everyday Is A Winding Road." "This song is like 30 years old, and it's strange how it just kind of rewrites its meaning, all the time." Her next tune was from that same year, far less recognizable, and handpicked for the evening: "Hard to Make a Stand." In part, it was inspired by a person who frequented a coffee shop Crow went to: "a 75 year old man who was dressed as a woman." Sheryl Crow performs during the Love Rising concert at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, March 20, 2023. "She was very lovely, she would hand out flowers, and everyone was afraid of her," she said. Crow said the person was asked to keep away from the shop after other patrons complained. "The next morning, she slipped a note under the door that said, 'If I'm not here, you're not here,' And signed it 'Miscreation.'" Left to right, Jason Isbell, Allison Russell, Maren Morris, Joy Oladokun and Amanda Shires perform during the Love Rising concert at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, March 20, 2023. The (new) Highwomen: Russell and Joy Oladokun stepped in for Brandi Carlile and Natalie Hemby to sing the supergroup's inclusivity anthem "Crowded Table," flanked by a stage full of drag performers. Mya Byrne and Swan Real: The partners and collaborators capped off their duet of "Easy to Love" with an onstage kiss. "Trans people are easy to love," Real said afterwards. "Trans children are easy to love." Mya Byrne performs during the Love Rising concert at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, March 20, 2023. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: 'Love Rising': Moments from Nashville's all-star LGBTQ benefit concert Sarkodie and Ludacris Reunited, and it feels so good. After 11 years since their last meetup, Ludacris recently took a flight from America to Ghana to link with Sarkodie, and from the looks of an online video, something musical is coming fans way. Last night (March 20), short clips and pictures of the pair together began swirling around on Twitter. In one of the soundless films, Ludacris and the 37-year-old Ghanaian rapper are both bobbing their heads as they listen to what appeared to be music coming from a speaker. Eleven years later. Thank God, we still here. Ludacris, one of the worlds greatest, Sarkodie captioned his Instagram post. View this post on Instagram A post shared by TheHighest (@sarkodie) Sarkodie hasnt reached his prime yet There is more to come from kabutey Him and Ludacris last night pic.twitter.com/JK7Pn040iq Sage Kenny (@Donsarkcess) March 21, 2023 In 2012, Sarkodie hopped on the remix of Ludacris 2010 single How Low from his Battle of the Sexes album. The rapper shared the song with listeners in September of that year when Ludacris headlined Vodafones 020 Live Concert in Ghana. At the time, he performed some new and old music before introducing the remixed single. The auditorium went wild when one of its citizens rapped on the beat. Afterward, Ludacris said on the mic, Ghana, I love yall, man. I love yall from the bottom of my heart. This aint the last time Ill be here. Im coming back. And although the Atlanta native has returned since, last night was his first musical meetup with Sarkodie in 11 years. Neither has yet to confirm what they were recently working on. But, when Ludacris isnt working on music, hes going hard in other business ventures. The 45-year-old is also a record exec, actor, and producer behind the Netflix series Karmas World with his 21-year-old daughter, Karma Bridges. The animated show premiered on the streaming platform in 2021 and has been going strong for four seasons. In a previous report, REVOLT shared that the father and daughter duo partnered to launch their Karmas World Satin Sleep Collection for little girls and tweens. We immediately recognized how closely aligned Karmas World is to Firstlines values for Camryns BFF, Joni A. Odum, owner of the manufacturer behind the hair accessories, shared. What I love about this partnership is the opportunity to combine our expertise in developing elevated haircare accessories and tools with Karmas lovable and confident personality. Trending Stories A Missouri man who told a federal judge that I take full responsibility for breaching the Capitol in the early minutes of the Jan. 6 riot was sentenced Tuesday to 14 days in prison and fined $500. Joshua Dressel, 33, of Jefferson County, also must pay $500 restitution for the nearly $2.9 million in losses the government said were sustained in the riot. The sentence, which did not include probation, was handed down by Judge Christopher R. Cooper in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Dressel pleaded guilty in August to parading, demonstrating or picketing in the Capitol building. He faced a maximum penalty of six months in prison and a $5,000 fine. The government had asked for a sentence of 45 days of incarceration followed by three years probation, 60 hours of community service and $500 restitution. In a letter to the judge filed last week, Dressel apologized for his actions. Im aware of the gravity of this day, my actions, and implications it will have on our country, he wrote. I was there that day to protest and have my voice heard on election integrity and a hopeful investigation on any irregularities. In hindsight my entrance in the capitol building was regretful, as it wasnt conducive to change that I was protesting for. I do not feel morally justified and I take full accountability for those actions and my involvement. I was not coerced into going into the capitol and I did not get caught up in the moment. I take full responsibility for the charge against me and all the decisions I made that day. Dressel is the 15th Missouri resident to be sentenced of the 25 who have been charged in connection with the Capitol riot. Prosecutors said Dressel, from eastern Missouri, traveled to Washington, D.C., in early January 2021 to protest Congress certification of the Electoral College vote. After attending former President Donald Trumps Stop the Steal rally on Jan. 6, the government said, Dressel and others gathered on the west side of the Capitol. Story continues Dressel witnessed the chaos and violence against police officers on the West Plaza of the Capitol grounds and watched other rioters topple barricades, climb scaffolding, scale walls and struggle with police, the government said in its sentencing memorandum filed with the court. He then climbed up overturned metal bike racks to the top of a 10-foot high banister along a staircase that led to the Upper West Terrace and the Capitol building and directed and assisted other rioters in scaling the banister, the document said. After that, he climbed the stairs to the Upper West Terrace outside the Senate Wing Doors, entering about 2:15 p.m. two minutes after the doors had been breached. Dressel was in the first wave of protesters who entered the Crypt and clashed with police there, the government said. He walked around for about 20 minutes in a variety of different areas within the Capitol, and then he ultimately exited through a broken door about 20 minutes after his initial entry into it. Dressel remained on the Capitol grounds until about 4 p.m., the governments memorandum said. He later deleted videos of the Capitol attack from his cellphone and Facebook account, downplayed his illegal conduct during an interview with FBI agents and has not sincerely expressed genuine remorse for his conduct on January 6, the filing said. Records obtained through a search warrant of Dressels Facebook account showed that he had told someone on Facebook Messenger about being in the Capitol that day, the charging documents said. In one message, posted at 5:45 p.m. on Jan. 6, Dressel said, First 20 or so to break into the Capitol. The recipient responded, telling Dressel that You guys are true patriots!!!! and that they should be (expletive deleted) proud of yourselves. The two then discussed a video Dressel had posted on Facebook that showed him in the Capitol, the document said. Just went to show the wife the video of you guys in the capitol, the person wrote. I see ya deleted it. Smart move lol. Dressel responded: Lol Im proud to say I was a voice of reason in there trying to stop the crazy (expletive deleted) and calm things down. Dressel was arrested in July 2021 and charged with entering and remaining in a restricted building and grounds; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building and grounds; violent entry and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building; and parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building. All of the charges were misdemeanors. The government agreed to drop three of the charges in exchange for his guilty plea to the parading count. Dressels sentencing memorandum filed with the court said his time in the Capitol was brief and that while inside, he did not engage in any destructive or violent activity. During that time, the document said, Not only did Dressel attempt to clean up some of the debris left on the floor in the Capitol but he took steps to affirmatively hold parts of the crowd back to protect police officers inside the Crypt area and return a stolen police shield to police officers. The memorandum included a series of screenshots from Capitol surveillance footage that he says show him picking up discarded water bottles and standing between rioters and police. These affirmative acts by Dressel, together with the fact that his presence in the Capitol was brief, evidence the fact that Dressels participation in entering the Capitol was a major misstep and one he sought to correct by protecting and assisting the police and by promptly leaving the Capitol building, the document said. In his letter to the judge, Dressel said the events and aftermath of Jan. 6 have dramatically changed my life. I do NOT believe that Im a victim and I feel disingenuous to speak on how this case and my actions have affected me, he wrote. Instead, he said, he wanted to focus on how his actions had affected others. Unfortunately, the impact of that day and my involvement has left my family, wife, and kids, in a vulnerable spot, he said. ...My Family has been exposed to the struggles, embarrassment and conflict that has followed. His actions have affected friends and those he works with as well, he said. The consequences have been felt down to colleagues and mentors that have felt unfair pressure from the situation, he said. My clients and contractors have been subject to all the mess that has occurred and the changes that needed to be made to deal with repercussions of those events. Dressel said he owns a small company that cannot run without me and is the sole provider for his family. A jail sentence, he said, would most undoubtedly hinder me providing for my four kids and wife. The most unfortunate and personally the hardest issue to reflect on, Dressel wrote, is the American people. In our current political landscape, Jan. 6 has done nothing but divide both sides of the (aisle) even more (media and propaganda on both sides didnt help), he said. Not to mention January 6th will more than likely lead to more oversight to American Citizens and possibly loss of liberties. My name is attached to that day and it weighs on me, I do not want to be associated with division and strife. He said he worked hard to be a decent man. Unfortunately, decency and hard work doesnt save the soul, or keep me from bad judgments, errors, or wrongs, he wrote. Im flawed, I need grace and forgiveness (much more than the next guy) and Im thankful through Christ Jesus that I have that. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently announced nearly $26 million in additional humanitarian assistance for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and the region. It will provide help for those people in Burma affected by ongoing violence, and for communities hosting refugees from Burma. With this new funding, U.S. total assistance for those affected by the Rakhine State and Rohingya crisis has reached nearly $2.1 billion since August 2017, when over 740,000 Rohingya were forced to flee to safety in Coxs Bazar, Bangladesh. This new funding allows our humanitarian partners to continue providing lifesaving assistance to affected communities on both sides of the Burma-Bangladesh border, said State Department spokesperson Ned Price: Including nearly 980,000 Rohingya refugees hosted by Bangladesh, some 740,000 of whom arrived in the months following August 2017 when they were forced to flee genocide, crimes against humanity, ethnic cleansing, and other horrific atrocities and abuses perpetrated by Burmas military in Rakhine State. This funding will also provide assistance to nearly 540,000 Bangladeshi host community members and to others affected by ongoing violence in Burma. Secretary Blinken in a statement urge(d) other donors to contribute robustly to the humanitarian response and increase support to those driven from and affected by violence in Burma. The United States appreciates the generosity of the Government of Bangladesh and other nations and the hospitality of the Bangladeshi people in hosting Rohingya refugees, especially now that we are in the sixth year of this protracted crisis, said spokesperson Price: We remain committed to working towards durable solutions to the crisis, and well continue to partner with the Government of Bangladesh, the Rohingya community, host communities, and people inside Burma to ensure a coordinated and well-supported response to this humanitarian crisis. The international community must remain steadfast in our commitment to alleviating the suffering of the worlds most vulnerable people, including through the Rohingya crisis response. The United States supports the safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable return and reintegration of displaced Rohingya when conditions in Burma allow. An essential step in ending this crisis is ending the military regimes brutal repression of its people and agreeing to a pathway to an inclusive multiparty democracy, declared Secretary Blinken. Until then, the United States commends its humanitarian partners for the lifesaving work they continue to do every day. Last year, we asked our community to T-Up for OKCPS when it was just a concept. The Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation borrowed the idea from colleagues at the Ed Fund in Philadelphia, which has been successfully Dressing Down for Philly Schools for several years. This year, weve launched our second annual T-Up for OKCPS after a successful first year raising $75,000 and selling thousands of T-shirts. All funds raised will benefit programs of the foundation. The Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation's T-Up for OKCPS fundraiser shows support for Oklahoma City Public Schools and benefits the Foundation's programs. The concept is simple: Were asking all members of the community, including the business community, alumni and anyone wanting to show support for Oklahoma City Public Schools to purchase a $25 special-edition OKCPS Champion T-shirt (in English or Spanish) and wear it in a show of solidarity on May 4. The May 4 date is intentional. It coincides with the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundations annual Stars of Education event, when the OKCPS Teacher of the Year is announced and the Sam and Charolet Shirley Outstanding Principal Award winners and other special honorees who do the day-to-day work of supporting our students are celebrated. The shirts are designed and produced by local operators at the Oklahoma Shirt Co. Thirty-two organizations already have stepped up as sponsors and will be listed on the back of the shirts. Influencers from throughout the metro area, including the mayor, several area legislators and community/business leaders will be seen promoting the shirts on social media. They got their shirts early to help spread the word, while the online store is open through April 17. Why does it matter to let our students know that we are their champions? Why does it matter to let the hard-working professionals who have dedicated their lives to educating and caring for our kids know that we are their champions? Because schools cant do it alone. Our schools are asked to do a lot more than educate our children, who come to school each day with many needs. Our educators are there to welcome them with open arms and oftentimes with very little thanks, especially during the turbulent politicized environment were currently in. Showing up on May 4 in OKCPS T-Shirts is a small thing that will make a big statement when outside forces are frequently more negative than positive. Story continues Why does it matter? Because many of our families are struggling. In fact, 90% of Oklahoma City Public Schools' families live at or below the poverty line. Whether it is to help families with coats for their kids, or with books for home libraries, or building diversity in our teacher and leader workforce, the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation is here to help fill some of the gaps to directly support our 34,000 kids, their families and each of our 63 schools. Why does it matter? Because, if we, as a community, dont step in as OKCPS Champions, who will? To learn more about T-Up for OKCPS and to order shirts, go to www.okckids.com/t-up. Mary Melon Mary Melon-Tully is president and CEO of the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma City can help fill gaps for its public school students BRANCH COUNTY When Zoom, the golden retriever, starts work at the Branch County Courthouse, he wont be a pet. Prosecutor Zack Stempien will bring the dog into his office as a certified service dog, a therapy canine. Golden retriever therapy dog Several Michigan counties have such animals to work with child victims of sexual assault to lessen the stress and trauma that can result from confronting their abusers. Michigan law allows us to use these canines in child abuse cases, sexual assault cases, and things of that nature," Stempien wrote in a memo to county commissioners. "The statute cited in the agreement says that the court has to allow me to have the canine in the courtroom if we wish to do so." Last week, the prosecutor brought in three children to testify in ongoing sexual assault or child abuse cases. Stempien said the dog could go to the child advocacy center, opened now in Branch County on Michigan Avenue. Investigators interviewed between 70 and 80 children last year in that facility. We're working with them as well to take the canine over to that center as well to be available for them to use over there. The main idea is that you bring the canine in when you have children or vulnerable adult victims," Stempien said. "They help relax the child or the vulnerable adult, and they help them be able to testify or explain what happened to them. Stempien will purchase the dog for $6,500 from Magnum K-9. Owner Scott LaRoe trains K-9 dogs for area law enforcement. Money for purchase, maintenance and feeding the dog will come from local court forfeiture funds seized in criminal cases, meaning there is no cost to Branch County. Zoom, once trained, will live with Stempien and his family. He admitted I am not a dog person, but will get training from LaRoe. Like other therapy dogs, Zoom will come to the office to work. Stempien explained use of his service dog to county commission. The prosecutor talked to other offices who use therapy dogs. None reported any issues. This dog will be a very highly trained dog, be trained to stay on its cot when it's not interacting with the children. It's not going to be wandering around the courthouse. Story continues Stempien will place a sign in his office warning there is a therapy dog. Whenever somebody interacts with the dog, it's a completely consensual interaction. The agreement the prosecutor prepared for the county looks at the possibility he might not be re-elected next year or leave the job. Thats not my intention, he said. Subscribe: Follow this story. Subscribe to the Daily Reporter. Since the dog is trained with him, he would buy the dog at a price based on a seven-year depreciation. Most police and service dogs are retired after seven years, but some serve longer. There are there is a lot of research that I won't go into, that does show that this is a very effective way to utilize the dog. I think it'll be very beneficial for victims and overall, for the cases, Stempien said. Contact Don Reid: dReid@Gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter: @DReidTDR. This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Meet Zoom, the new therapy canine in Branch County's prosecutor's office The Metro Detroit Black Business Alliance has announced it will receive $800,000 in grant funding over the next three years. A panel discussion about the state of Black businesses took place during the event March 20, 2023. From left to right: Anika Goss, CEO of Detroit Future City; Kai Bowman, CEO of MDBBA; Wafa Dinaro, executive director of the New Economy Initiative; and Charity Dean, president and CEO of MDBBA. The Metro Detroit Black Business Alliance announced Monday that it is receiving two grants totaling $800,000 that the organization will use to support Black small businesses. The alliance, which focuses its efforts on closing the racial wealth gap, said it will receive $600,000 from the Gilbert Family Foundation over the next three years and $200,000 from JP Morgan Chase over two years. This will enable them to expand their reach and impact even more for entrepreneurs in our city, Darnell Adams, director of Detroit Community Initiatives at the Gilbert Family Foundation, said during the announcement. The partnership aims to address the racial wealth gap as we all are focused on that has hindered the growth and prosperity of communities of color in our city, which is the Blackest city in America. These grants will support the organizations Capital Connect program, which connects small businesses with funding opportunities. "The way that were able to do our work is that we have partners that help fund the program, so this will allow us to serve more Black-owned businesses through our Capital Connect program, said Charity Dean, president and CEO of the alliance. The Capital Connect program is really intense. Its hands-on, but not only that we connect our businesses to technical assistance partners. More:Michigan Women Forward launches $10M business microloan program with partners More:Detroit sisters ready to take over family businesses after learning everything from dad Capital Connect is serving its fifth cohort and a portion of the funding already has been added into daily operations. When owners of small businesses in the program need assistance with tax returns or credit counseling, the organization steps in to pay for those needs, which is covered by its partners. The funding also covers the staffing to run the program. The announcement was made at an event Monday to celebrate the alliance's two-year anniversary of working to close the racial wealth gap. The event featured a panel discussion about the state of Black businesses, which featured Dean as the moderator; Kai Bowman, CEO of MDBBA; Anika Goss, CEO of Detroit Future City, and Wafa Dinaro, executive director of the New Economy Initiative. Story continues I think theres two missing pieces, Dinaro said about the growth rate for small businesses in Detroit. One is policy change, but its also practical assistance to these businesses. We could provide all of the funding for capital, but we need to make sure they are ready. She said a business owner may not know how to keep the books, but with practical assistance and enough resources on how to run a business, this can be solved. As far as the future of the program, Dean sees continued growth toward bridging the racial wealth gap. I want every organization, every entity, every person, to look at what is happening in our region and understand that they their organization or corporation are critical components of closing the racial wealth gap, Dean said. None of this work happens by accident; you absolutely need intentional partners. The Gilbert Family Foundation has also granted $500,000 to Black Leaders Detroit, also a small business support organization, according to Adams. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Metro Detroit Black Business Alliance gets $800K in grants for program The GOP-controlled Missouri Senate early on Tuesday advanced a pair of bills that would ban most gender-affirming care for minors and bar transgender people from competing in womens sports. The first bill, filed by state Sen. Mike Moon, an Ash Grove Republican, would ban all gender transition procedures for people under 18. However, a new version of the bill, which passed 27-9, would allow minors to continue hormone therapy or puberty blockers if they were already prescribed them. The other bill, filed by state Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder, a Sikeston Republican, would ban transgender girls and women from competing in womens sports, including at private schools and colleges. Rehders legislation passed on a voice vote. Both bills, which have been a priority for Missouri Senate Republicans, will need one more vote before they are sent to the House. That final vote could happen later this week. Missouri Democrats filibustered versions of the legislation for more than 13 hours prior to Tuesdays early morning votes, arguing that the bills were an attack on the transgender community. Democrats had successfully delayed a vote on the gender-affirming care ban earlier this month. Theyre using kids as political pawns and that burns me up, state Sen. Greg Razer, a Kansas City Democrat, said on the floor early Tuesday morning. Razer is Missouris only openly gay state senator. Missouri Republicans have argued that minors should not be able to undergo gender-affirming care until they turn 18. While they have framed the sports ban as an issue of fairness to ensure athletes assigned female at birth are not at a physical disadvantage, only a small number of transgender athletes compete in Missouri. This is about protecting kids, state Sen. Denny Hoskins, a Warrensburg Republican, said on the floor on Monday. The Missouri bills are part of an onslaught of legislation nationally that target procedures that assist minors in transitioning genders and ban transgender girls from womens sports. LGBTQ rights advocates have said the legislation targets both transgender kids and doctors. They say Republicans have embarked on a sustained attack on the LGBTQ community. Story continues There are probably about 2,500 trans kids in the entire state who are being tortured by their government, being treated like cannon fodder for their war, Daniel Bogard, a St. Louis rabbi and father of a young transgender boy, previously told The Star. A group of anti-transgender protesters visited the Missouri Capitol on Monday to urge lawmakers to pass a bill that would ban gender-affirming care for minors. The debate in the Missouri Senate played out as anti-transgender protesters descended on the Missouri Capitol to urge Republicans to pass both pieces of legislation. Earlier on Monday, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced his office plans to file a set of emergency rules aimed at restricting how doctors provide gender-affirming care to minors. The rules include strict psychological therapy requirements for doctors providing care as well as banning care until all of a patients other mental health issues have been treated and resolved. Doctors and LGBTQ advocates told The Star that Baileys rules would be difficult to enforce but may create a chilling effect for both patients and doctors providing care. With this announcement, I think youll see that very few clinicians are willing to risk direct, retaliatory, legal action and or risk to their professional license, said Brandon Barthel, a Kansas City-based endocrinologist who provides care for transgender adults. Wouldnt surprise me if this effectively halts any gender affirming care on minors in the state of Missouri. DANIEL HERNANZ RAMOS/GETTY IMAGES By KNXV Staff GILA COUNTY, Arizona (KNXV) Gila County Animal Care & Control Officers are investigating after a 64-year-old man was reportedly attacked by a mountain lion near the Salt River. Officials say on Thursday, a group of rafters was camped on the edge of the river when a mountain lion approached the group and attacked the man. According to reports, the rafters used their paddles to try and fight off the mountain lion. Eventually, the lion was kept at bay and the group used their rafts to get to safety. The mountain lion is still at large in this area, and hunters with hound dogs are currently looking for the animal. Gila County officials have not said the severity of the mans injuries. The Gila County Animal Care & Control Officers, San Carlos Game and Fish, White Mountain Apache Tribe, and Arizona Game and Fish are responding to the incident and have increased surveillance in the area. Authorities are asking people to take extra precautions, and reminding those that do go out to avoid wildlife due to the possible exposure of rabies. If you see an animal acting abnormally in this area, Gila County Animal Care & Control asks that you call them at (928)-425-5882. The-CNN-Wire & 2023 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved. Human remains found in southeastern Ohio woods have been identified as a man missing for more than two years, investigators say. An outdoorsman looking for shed deer antlers in Gallia County stumbled across the remains on March 11, the Gallia County Sheriffs Office said in a March 20 news release. Investigators gathered evidence at the scene and analyzed the remains. Dental records matched Koby Roush, a Perry County man who vanished on July 6, 2020, the sheriffs office said. Roush, who was 24 years old at the time of his disappearance, was last seen in Jackson, a small town roughly 75 miles south of downtown Columbus. Investigators found Roushs car on a rural road in Gallia County six days after he went missing, but they couldnt find Roush, according to the release. Officials didnt say if the recently discovered remains were near where Roushs car had been abandoned almost three years earlier. My hope is that this identification brings a measure of closure to Kobys loved ones, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said in the release. I am grateful for the (Bureau of Criminal Investigation) agents and analysts who work diligently to bring the missing home. While its not clear why Roush went missing, records obtained by TV station WCMH suggest he may have been a victim of a homicide. Shortly after Roushs car was found, deputies in neighboring Ross and Pike counties launched an investigation into a man, following a tip from someone who knew him, the station reported. The tipster said the man admitted to killing Roush and another person. Deputies began searching for the man but quickly hit a wall, WXIX reported. A day after his alleged involvement was brought to light, authorities found him dead of a drug overdose. Anyone with information regarding Roushs disappearance is asked to contact the state Attorney Generals Bureau of Criminal Investigation at 855-224-6446. Former rugby star found dead a year after he vanished, West Virginia police say Story continues Man searching for deer antlers discovers human skeletal remains, Kansas officials say Family dog kept coming home with bones, then brought back a human skull, Texas cops say Family found hunter dead in Michigan woods four years ago, cops say. Now two arrested Illinois March for Life rally at the State capitol Tuesday March 21, 2023. Thousands of anti-abortion and abortion access advocates descended upon Springfield Tuesday, marking the first Illinois March for Life in the post-Roe era. Out-of-state demand for Illinois reproductive health services skyrocketed following the U.S. Supreme Court's Dobbs decision last year as states such as Indiana and Wisconsin enacted bans or restricted access. Related:Illinois advocates take abortion access fight to the skies for out-of-state clients The day included multiple events at the University of Illinois-Springfield, Trinity Lutheran Church and on the state Capitol grounds. Advocates on both sides of the issues made plans to meet with lawmakers amid a busy week of floor action in the 103rd General Assembly. Bishop of Springfield Thomas John Paprocki speaks during the march for life mass at the University of Illinois Springfield Tuesday, March 21, 2023. Prior to scheduled rallies and a march around the Capitol grounds, a Roman Catholic mass service was held at Sangamon Auditorium. Springfield Bishop Thomas J. Paprocki led the service before a crowd of families and high school religious groups from across the state. Groups traveled to the Capitol from Chicago and Rockford and other parts of the state. Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin senior Blake Troyer attended the mass after hearing from multiple anti-abortion presenters this school year. Although not Catholic, Troyer said he has heard Paprocki speak several times and welcomed the bishop's remarks on abortion. "It's always great to hear from the bishop," he said. "He's a strong voice for our state." Paprocki, renowned for his anti-abortion stance, endorsed the nation's highest court decision for "rightfully" making the legality of abortion a question for states to decide. The bishop pushed for a resurged effort to change laws in states like Illinois where abortion is protected. Illinois has also removed provisions such as parental notification if a person seeking an abortion is a minor and recently passed legislation protecting healthcare professionals who provide abortions and out-of-state travelers who seek the procedure. Story continues Paprocki said mothers dealing with unexpected pregnancies face uncertainty when it comes to how they will provide a good life for their newborn, which he believes begins at conception. This is when parishioners need to step up and provide a helping hand, he said. "Fear and anxiety can push women to believe that abortion is their only option," he said. "As Catholics, we know that abortion is never the answer for a woman in need." Springfield based activist Heather Dykes, left, attends an abortion rights rally that took place at the corner of Monroe and 2nd Street Tuesday, March 21, 2023. While organizers for the March for Life set up in front of the Capitol, a group of pro-choice activists gathered across the street on the corner of Monroe and Second Streets for a counter rally. Several organizations, including the Chicago chapter of the National Organization for Women, three chapters of Indivisible, Chicago for Abortion Rights and the Gay Liberation Network, were taking part in the rally. Their aim was to send a message of support to those fighting for abortion rights in Illinois and other states with restrictions and bans. Springfield activist Heather Dykes was one of the leaders of the event and said that people should have the ability to make choices about their own bodies without interference from the government. "We are advocating that people have autonomy over their own bodies, whether that is to have children in a loving, supportive environment or not to have children," Dykes said. "Sadly, our government has been bending to the will of a small subset of our population, rather than acting as a true democracy." Among those who came down from Chicago to protest included Ivy, an activist who said that they wanted other states to have the same kinds of rights those in Illinois have in terms of reproductive rights. "I'm a millennial, so my generation is one of the first to always be born with the right to an abortion," Ivy said. "I want to keep that right for all future generations. I don't want that to be gained and lost in one generation." Chris Kulfan, another Chicago-based activist, said that the situation in other states reminded him of his parents' home in Poland, which re-criminalized abortion in the early 1990s. He pointed out that with the precarious nature of abortion rights in other states, they couldn't take Illinois' status as a safe haven for granted. "It's good to show opposition to what we're seeing in front of us and at the same time, not to normalize it," Kulfan said. "I'm a straight, white male, so does it directly (affect) me? No, it doesn't, but I've known a lot of people who've had abortions. I've known a lot of people who've come from fundamentalist families who had to get abortions (in) secret from their families or who would have kids even if they didn't want to. A lot of the policies (former President Donald) Trump enacted wouldn't affect me directly, but I don't want to live in a country like that." Also Tuesday, standing in front of the Lincoln statue, a dozen-plus GOP legislators announced their opposition to a new bill working its way through committee. Benjamin Huber, 10, of Effingham holds up a sign as he sits on the shoulders of his cousin Virgil Jansen, also of Effingham, during the Illinois March for Life rally at the State capitol Tuesday March 21, 2023. Senate Bill 1909 from state Sen. Celina Villanueva, D-Chicago, creates the Deceptive Practices of Limited Services Pregnancy Centers Act, which permits the Illinois Attorney General to legally investigate limited services pregnancy centers suspected of misleading or interfering with an individuals attempt to seek an abortion. The bill, assigned to the Senate Executive Committee, would allow the AG to temporarily or permanently close operations and to issue up to a $50,000 civil penalty. The proposal has until Friday to advance out of committee. State Rep. Bill Hauter, R-Morton, spoke to the crowd spilling out to Second Street and Capitol Avenue. He said the other side of the aisles position on the bill was wrong due to the services these centers provide and called it unconstitutional. Hauter, a practicing physician, took particular issue with the fine structure where the attorney general could issue the fine, receive the fine and use it to finance operations within the office. We all know how good they are at deciding what is disinformation, he said. This information, unfortunately, found out during COVID, is any information they do not agree with. State Journal-Register reporter Zach Roth contributed to this story. Contact Patrick Keck: (312) 549-9340, pkeck@gannett.com, twitter.com/@pkeckreporter. This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Groups on both sids of abortion debate hold Springfield rallies LOS ANGELES - JUNE 4: Singer Fuzzy Haskins of the funk band Parliament-Funkadelic performs onstage at the Coliseum on June 4, 1977 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Clarence "Fuzzy" Haskins Parliament-Funkadelic's former vocalist Clarence "Fuzzy" Haskins has died. He was 81. "We are saddened to announce the passing of an original Parliament Funkadelic member Clarence Eugene 'Fuzzy' Haskins," read an Instagram post from the band and co-founder George Clinton on Saturday, shared alongside several photos of the musician. While his cause of death is currently unknown, Haskins reportedly suffered a stroke last year. Born June 8, 1941 in Elkins, West Virginia, Haskins first gained recognition in the music scene as a member of the Gel-Airs. In 1960, he joined Clinton's doo-wop group the Parliaments, which evolved into Parliament-Funkadelic in 1968, as one of its original members. LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 1971: (L-R) Fuzzy Haskins, Tawl Ross, Bernie Worrell, Tiki Fulwood, Grady Thomas, George Clinton, Ray Davis, Calvin Simon and seated Eddie Hazel and Billy "Bass" Nelson of the funk band Parliament-Funkadelic pose for a portrait in May 1971 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Parliament-Funkadelic Haskins lyrically, vocally and instrumentally contributed to many of Parliament-Funkadelic's songs, including "I Got a Thing," "I Wanna Know If It's Good to You" and "Can You Get to That," as well as the 1972 album America Eats Its Young, according to his bio on Clinton's website. RELATED: Calvin Simon, Parliament-Funkadelic Co-Founder, Dies at 79: 'Heaven Just Got a Bit Funkier' "He was known, during live P-Funk shows, to don skin-tight bodysuits and gyrate against the microphone pole as he whipped the crowd into a frenzy, especially when they performed 'Standing on the Verge of Getting it On,'" continues the bio. The musician left Parliament-Funkadelic in 1976 due to rifts with fellow members and released his debut solo album A Whole Nother Thang the same year. He rejoined the group one year later for the P-Funk Live Earth Tour before exiting once again. In 1978, Haskins released his second solo album Radio Active. "By this time, he claimed he was through with singing all the ole dirty songs and began studying the Lord's Word," reads his bio. In 1980, he joined forces with two other original Parliaments members, Calvin Simon and Gene "Grady" Thomas, for the album Connections and Disconnections. Released under the band name Funkadelic, the record featured no contributions from Clinton and later led the trio into a court case over rights to the name. Story continues RELATED: Funk Legend George Clinton Jokes He Went on 'The Masked Singer' to 'Be Relevant Again' Haskins then spent time as a preacher before reuniting with Simon, Thomas and another P-Funk alum Ray Davis to form Original P in the 1990s. The band went on tour, performing Parliament-Funkadelic's hits as well as original songs. CIRCA 1974: (Top row, L-R) Ray Davis, Cavin Simon, Grady Thomas, Fuzzy Haskins, Tawl Ross, Bernie Worrell, (bottom row L-R) Tiki Fulwood, Eddie Hazel, George Clinton, Billy "Bass" Nelson of the funk band Parliament-Funkadelic pose for a portrait in circa 1974. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Parliament-Funkadelic The multi-talented performer was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside Parliament-Funkadelic in 1997. "Funk is a force that tore the roof off the sucker that is modern music," said the late Prince at the induction. Following the announcement of Haskins' death, multiple musicians took to social media and expressed their condolences. "Rest In Funkentelechy my brother," wrote Questlove on Instagram. "Prayer's going out to Clarence 'Fuzzys' Haskins family & friends. We lost his frequency today," tweeted P-Funk member Bootsy Collins. "We will miss u my friend, bandmate & Soul brother! Thx u for ur guidance in my pup years." In the immortal words of Snoop Dogg, you gotta pay the cost to be the boss. Or in Rick Ross case, you gotta make sure your cattle behave-or youll be a bad neighbor. In case you missed the news earlier this week, some folks who live near Ross massive spread in Fayetteville, Georgia complained that a few of the buffalos in his Bawse herd had wandered off the property. Related Rick Ross Rick Ross, Lil Jon, Big Boi, MC Lyte & More Set for Rock the Bells Cruise in Honor of Hip-Hops 03/21/2023 03/21/2023 One even shared footage with TMZ of two animals who moseyed onto her property twice last week. In the clip, you can see the animals who can weigh up to 2,000 pounds walking through her front yard and grazing on grass near her driveway. The woman said she worried that they might hurt her children. But Ross who was reportedly gifted the two animals by partners in his clothing company last year said in an Instagram Story that everyone needs to chill and just reach into the crisper. More from Billboard Everybody thats wanting a statement and a response for my bulls, my cows, a couple of buffaloes that got away in the community, this is my response, Ross said in the Story. I always return stray animals. Make sure you always keep a collar on your animal. And mine dont have a collar cause you know its mines. That seemed fair. After all, what other rich forever rappers in the area have massive livestock roaming across their 235-acre, 109-room house estate? To ease tensions, Ross suggested that if you see something, feed something. So when you see my buffalo, give it a carrot. Give it a apple, he said. They so kind, they so peaceful. Thank everybody for watching. Thank everybody for making sure all of my animals got back into the Promise Land. All my neighbors, Fayetteville, yall the best. Story continues Check out the Fayette County Sheriffs Office report on the incident below. Best of Billboard Click here to read the full article. RENO Elko High School senior Ashlee Sandoval will represent Nevada at the National Poetry Out Loud in Washington, D.C., next month. Sandoval competed against five other students on March 11 at the Pioneer Center for Performing Arts in Reno to win the 18th Nevada Poetry Out Loud Competition. She was among the final three finalists with runner-up Grace Hwang of Ed W. Clark High School in Las Vegas and third place winner Farrah Bader of Yerington High School. Sandoval recited Poem Toward People by Ariel Yelen, Superstition by Ashley August and Where did the handsome beloved go? by Jalal al-Din Rumi. The competition started with a field of more than 1,885 Nevada high school students at the local level during the fall school year and followed with district competitions in recent weeks. It is designed to teach poetry, stage presence, and confidence. On Jan. 17, Sandoval advanced to the state finals, after besting seven other Elko County contestants. State finalists included Clark County senior Grace Hwang of Ed W. Clark High School; Eureka County freshman Selene Contreras of Eureka County High School; Lyon County senior Farrah Bader of Yerington High School; Storey County sophomore Michael Rees of Virginia City High School; and Washoe County sophomore Rayann Hijaz of Coral Academy of Science in Reno. Nevada Poetry Out Loud is a program of the Nevada Arts Council, presented in partnership with National Endowment for the Arts, The Poetry Foundation, Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nevada Department of Education, and Nevada school districts. To learn more about the Nevada Poetry Out Loud contest, contact the Nevada Arts Council or visit www.nvartscouncil.org/programs/arts-learning/pol/. Michigan State Police have attributed the fatal shootings of three rap artists, whose corpses were found in a vacant Detroit apartment in early February, to gang violence. Armani Kelly of Oscoda, 27, was reported missing on Jan. 23, two days after he failed to show up at Lounge 31 on the city's east side for a birthday party gig, according to ABC 7 Chicago. The families of his friends, Dante Wicker of Melvindale, 31, and Montoya Givens of Detroit, 31, quickly followed suit. RELATED: Family Loyalty Leads To Double Murder In Rural South Carolina Town Investigators discovered their bodies in the Northcourse Apartments building on the border of Highland Park beneath old construction equipment around 6 p.m. on Feb. 2. Each died of multiple gunshot wounds, police said. State police told The Detroit News that the building's "very poor condition," its population of squatters and a rat-infestation slowed down their investigation. The "extreme cold" slowed down the postmortem examination of their bodies, according to MSP Public Information Officer 1st Lieutenant Mike Shaw. Montoya Givens, Armani Kelly and Dante Wicker Montoya Givens, Armani Kelly and Dante Wicker Photo: Missing in Michigan/Detroit Police Department Darnell Williams, owner of Lounge 31, told the Detroit Free Press in February that the event had been cancelled due to "technical issues from the club's DJ." Kelly's fiancee told outlets that he and the other two men planned to look around for local open mic events after their plans fell through. But a man claiming to be one of the three rapper's brothers told WJBK that the Lounge 31 event was a "set up" and that one of the men was an intended target. Last Friday, the agency attributed the killings to gang violence in a series of tweets, urging anyone with relevant information to come forward. We know there are a lot of media/social media rumors about this investigation, the agency said. While we have to keep some things private, we know a couple of things: There is no one in custody for this homicide. This homicide was not random and had nothing to do with music or a performance. Story continues Police Tape Catina Fogle, Givens' mother, told Detroit-based NBC affiliate WDIV-TV that she "felt numb" and didn't understand why someone would target her son. He had been trying to get his life on track after his release from prison for a carjacking, she said. I have not been watching no news, and I have not been on social media, she told the station. What everybody is saying that its gang-related, I dont know if its gang-related or not." Kelly, who used the stage name Marley Whoop, was also on parole at the time of his disappearance, according to the Associated Press. He, Givens and Wicker who performed using the name B12 all met during their time in prison. Kelly's mother, Lorrie Kemp, told WJBK that she felt guilty because her son had picked up his two friends to take them to the event. Oxy App The car used, a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox, was found abandoned in Warren, about 20 miles north of Detroit, according to NBC News. Nothing about the vehicle's condition or contents suggested foul play, Warren Police Commissioner William Dwyer told the outlet. There was no blood or anything of a nature that would lead us to believe they were either transported or murdered in that particular vehicle, Dwyer stated. The vehicle reportedly moved once after the men disappeared. A 15-year-old who was in possession of the vehicle was taken into custody. Dwyer told the Detroit News the arrest was "significant" to the investigation. Corey Taylor, the lead singer of Des Moines favorite heavy metal band Slipknot, returns to his hometown on May 9 when he plays a solo gig at the Horizon Events Center, 2100 NW 100th St., Clive. Some of his biggest hits include Black Eyes Blue, CMFT Must Be Stopped, Im Not Jesus, Samanthas Gone and Hwy. 666. Taylor was born in Des Moines, grew up in Waterloo and later returned to Des Moines. Taylor also serves as the front man for Stone Sour, whose biggest song, Through Glass, racked up 89 million YouTube video views and went platinum in the U.S. Taylor formed Stone Sour in 1992 in Des Moines. Slipknot came together in Des Moines in 1995. Back in 2020, Taylor told Metal Injection that his favorite Slipknot song is Scissors. To this day its my favorite Slipknot song. I love it because every time we would play it, the whole second half was improvised. We played at each other, free form, free prose, everything. It was violent and gorgeous. Nothing will ever replace it for me; when we stopped playing it live, I had a hard time enjoying our sets for a very long time, he told the publication. Corey Taylor, front man for Slipknot and StoneSour, poses for a portrait at Jay's CD in Des Moines in 2017. More:New Kids on the Block return to Des Moines this summer, playing the Iowa State Fair During his European tour last year, Taylor performed a number of Stone Sour songs such as Through Glass and Bother as well as covers of the SpongeBob SquarePants theme song and Lunatic Fringe from Red Rider. Taylor kicks off his 2023 tour in Aura, Maine, on April 28. Cherry Bombs opens. Presale tickets are available on Thursday, March 23, at 10 a.m. while all tickets go on sale on Friday at 10 a.m. Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor at The Des Moines Register. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Corey Taylor of Slipknot and Stone Sour returns to Des Moines in May If you have seasonal allergies, a South Carolina city may be one of the nations worst places to be around this time of year. The Greenville area ranks No. 10 on a list of places that are most challenging for those who suffer sneezing, itchy eyes and other miserable symptoms as plants release their pollen. The region was named one of the nations allergy capitals after a nonprofit called Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America said it studied 100 of the most populated U.S. metropolitan areas. Using 2022 data from a health care database and other resources, the nonprofit scored each place for pollen levels, over-the-counter medication use and the presence of doctors who specialize in allergy care. Greenville earned a top spot on the list after it ranked high for grass and weed pollen counts. It also scored worse than average in the medication category, according to results published Thursday, March 16. But the Greenville area isnt the only place where South Carolinians with allergies might experience discomfort. The Columbia metro landed at No. 33 and Charleston at No. 51 on the national list, both earning average scores. Despite the latest ranking, the Greenville area has earned spots on several best-of lists. Recently, the Upstate city was named one of the Souths best-kept secrets, and Greenville County ranked as South Carolinas top place to call home, The State and McClatchy News reported. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of Americas list was published ahead of spring, which is one of the times when plants release pollen. That may trigger seasonal allergies, which have symptoms that can include sneezing, runny nose and itchy or watery eyes, according to the National Library of Medicine. While it is best to avoid pollen allergy triggers, that may not always be possible, as this report makes clear, Dr. Neeta Ogden, an allergist and spokesperson for the foundation, wrote in a news release. Working with a specialist can offer you solutions to improve your quality of life. Story continues Overall, the nations worst-ranking place for allergies was Wichita, Kansas. Rounding out the top five: Dallas, Texas Scranton, Pennsylvania Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Tulsa, Oklahoma Meanwhile, the least challenging region for people with allergies is near Buffalo, New York, results show. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America said a lack of data for Alaska and Hawaii, 19 days of missing pollen counts and the focus on non-prescription allergy and sinus medicines are among its reports limitations. Is it COVID or just seasonal allergies? How to tell the difference as spring nears In an effort to support teachers, a small school district outside Cincinnati has become the first in the state to go to a four-day week for in-person learning, the district superintendent said. The North College Hill City Schools District Board of Education voted unanimously last week to adopt the blended learning model. Beginning Aug. 15, students will attend school in person Tuesday through Friday. On Mondays, those students will have schoolwork to complete, but that work will be self-directed. Students will not attend classes or lectures online on Mondays, though some of the schoolwork may need to be completed online, and parents are not being asked to provide any direct instruction. Teachers will be in school on Mondays to plan their week, review data and pursue professional development. The district joins a growing movement toward shorter school weeks across the country. Brookings Institute research shows theyve grown in popularity over the past two decades. An analysis published shortly before the pandemic found at least 662 districts across two dozen states with four-day weeks. More: More schools are opting for four-day weeks. Here's what you need to know 'They're just tired' In Ohio, he district superintendent, Eugene Blalock, said this past school year has been toughest of his career when it comes to his staff. "You look in their eyes and they're just tired," he said. Bordering Cincinnati, the city of North College Hill has a population of just under 10,000. The school district has about 1,400 students in pre-K through 12th grade and 150 teachers. Blalock said his staff is suffering from burnout like many other teaching staffs around the country. There aren't enough substitute teachers, so staff teachers are constantly covering for one another, which leaves them no time to plan or prepare. "We know our teachers are underpaid and undervalued," the superintendent said. "We've assumed for the past 200 or 300 years that this is how education is. The pandemic showed us we can do things differently." Story continues Addressing the barriers Eugene Blalock, superintendent of North College Hill school district in Ohio, on July 31, 2019. Blalock said parents, community members and teachers were all surveyed and a majority were either in favor of the decision or neutral about it. He said he is not ignoring the barriers for some families. He is working to provide some limited childcare support for younger students on Mondays and plans to send home food for students that need it. But Blalock emphasized that he expects this change to benefit students as well. Now, many of them are not getting the full benefit of a teacher who is well-prepared and well-supported, he said, adding that the blended model will give students teachers who are working at 100%. He said older students will also have a chance to pursue opportunities outside of school. Blalock said he is working to create job-shadowing programs and eventually internship opportunities students can take advantage of on Mondays. Change won't save much money, but could 'save' teachers Blalock said he expects this change to be a "wash" financially. He said if North College Hill were a bigger district with more facilities and buses, there could be some serious savings, but North College Hill is a walking district. He said the district might save some money it would have spent hiring substitute teachers. But the goal, Blalock said, is increasing teacher retention and recruitment. North College Hill cannot compete with wealthier districts on pay, he said, so he hopes the schedule will help attract new talent. Learn more: How much time do kids spend in school? It depends on where they live. "It was not about saving money, it was more about saving teachers and saving the profession and doing something different to help students," he said. When surveyed, North College Hill teachers reported they wanted more time and a better work-life balance. "Time trumped money," Blalock said. What is blended learning? The Ohio Department of Education has guidelines for blended learning. According to Ohio law, the model means students are instructed both in-person outside of the home and online in a way where the student has some control over the path and pace of learning. File photo: elementary school classroom. Blended learning models differ from remote learning models, which include teacher instruction via online conferencing systems. Districts must declare they are using a blended model before the school year begins. The Ohio Department of Education lists dozens of schools that have declared the use of a blended model. Many online and virtual school options offered by districts fall under this category, but Blalock says he's excited for his district to pilot this new approach. He said there are some districts in the Western United States that are operating this way, and that he has already heard from multiple administrators around the state who told him they would be watching closely. Contributing: USA TODAY reporter Alia Wong This article originally appeared on USA TODAY NETWORK: Ohio school district goes to 4-day week to 'save' burned out teachers Courtesy of Fashion Trust U.S. The Fashion Trust US Awards's inaugural ceremony will take place tonight in Los Angeles. Launched just five months ago in November, the non-profit aims to discover and fund young designers. In a few hours, the winners in the ready-to-wear, jewelry, graduate, sustainability, and inclusivity categories will be announced. All 15 finalists were selected by the FTUS board, which includes Harper's Bazaar editor-in-chief Samira Nasr along with Tania Fares, Laura Brown, Anne Crawford, Tan France, Karla Welch, and representatives from Google. Luxury knitwear brand St. John Knits is the Silver Sponsor of the 2023 FTUS Prize, and will be celebrating the ready-to-wear category winner with a grant, a collaboration opportunity with its design team, and business development mentorship from St. John Knits Global CEO Andy Lew. The finalists in the St. John Knits ready-to-wear category are Aisling Camps, Agbobly, Christian Juul Nielsen of AKNVAS, Elena Velez, and Puppets and Puppets. The Jewelry Award will also provide grants and mentorship opportunities from the FTUS Advisory Board. The finalists in the jewelry category are Jameel Mohammed of KHIRY, Lauren Harwell Godfrey of Harwell Godfrey, Kristin Essel of Third Crown, Jason Crantz & Marcela Ponce of Demarson, and Soull and Dynasty Ogun of LEnchanteur. While both the ready-to-wear and jewelry categories acknowledge brands that have been in business for at least three years, the Graduate Award seeks to support an exceptional designer who is either a senior in college or a recent graduate from 2020 to 2022. Google will provide the winner a grant and a professional mentorship from Google. Finalists are Margarita and Cristina Ng Ng, Max1111, Qiuyi Luo, Taku Yhim, and Papa Oppong. Google is also the Platinum sponsor of the 2023 FTUS Prize, meaning the company will work with FTUS to further advance the diversity, talent, and culture of American design. All 15 finalists from the ready-to-wear, jewelry, and graduate categories will be considered for the Inclusivity Award sponsored by Google and the Sustainability Award provided by FTUS. The financial grant for each winner will vary based on the size of their business, and luxury e-commerce shopping destination FARFETCH will feature the winning collections on its platform. Story continues By the end of the night, three winners will be provided the kind of resources that can easily transform their labels into thriving global brands. But it feels safe to say the other 12 finalists, hand-picked by some of the most influential voices in fashion, are also already well on their way. You Might Also Like Donald Trump launched an especially below-the-belt swipe at Ron DeSantis on Monday after the Florida governor gave a somewhat muted response to the possible indictment of the former president. In reference to the Stormy Daniels hush money case, Mr DeSantis told reporters that he doesnt know what goes into paying hush money to a porn star to secure silence over some type of alleged affair I cant speak to that. The governor did accuse Soros-funded prosecutors of weaponsing their office to impose a political agenda on society at the expense of the rule of law and public safety. Clearly furious at the lack of support from Mr DeSantis, the former president took to Truth Social, posting: Ron DeSanctimonious will probably find out about FALSE ACCUSATIONS & FAKE STORIES sometime in the future, as he gets older, wiser, and better known, when hes unfairly and illegally attacked by a woman, even classmates that are underage (or possibly a man!). Im sure he will want to fight these misfits just like I do! The post included a blurry and unverified picture of a man resembling Mr DeSantis allegedly partying with underage girls at a party with alcohol when he taught at a school in Georgia. The lewd, homophobic attack on the Florida governor initially appeared in shorter form without the attached photo but was deleted. For a brief moment, it appeared as if the former president had thought better of it before the new longer version appeared. His campaign then sent the whole post out to the Donald J Trump for President 2024 list of recipients. Both of Mr Trumps eldest sons from his first marriage also joined in, attacking Mr DeSantis for saying he would not get involved in a manufactured circus and had real issues to deal with. This prompted Donald Trump Jr to write: So DeSantis thinks that Dems weaponizing the law to indict President Trump is a manufactured circus & isnt a real issue." So DeSantis thinks that Dems weaponizing the law to indict President Trump is a "manufactured circus" & isn't a "real issue" Pure weakness. Now we know why he was silent all weekend. He's totally owned by Karl Rove, Paul Ryan & his billionaire donors. 100% Controlled Opposition. https://t.co/3fT06rlbH5 Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) March 20, 2023 Pure weakness, he added. Now we know why he was silent all weekend. Hes totally owned by Karl Rove, Paul Ryan & his billionaire donors. 100% Controlled Opposition. Story continues Eric Trump also chipped in, tweeting: Until that day where they do the exact same thing to him, his friends and his family at which time he will neither have the backbone, nor the resources, to fight off the corrupt system. Hes not the guy I [thought] he was Until that day where they do the exact same thing to him, his friends and his family at which time he will neither have the backbone, nor the resources, to fight off the corrupt system. Hes not the guy I though he was https://t.co/VDPPcuMbG7 Eric Trump (@EricTrump) March 20, 2023 Many Trump supporters criticised Mr DeSantis throughout the weekend for not making any comments about what action he would take to ensure Mr Trump, who lives in Palm Beach, would not be extradited to New York were he to be indicted. A unanimous U.S. Supreme Court ruled Tuesday in favor of a 27-year-old Michigan man who is seeking compensatory damages from Sturgis Public Schools for not providing him an appropriate education for more than a decade. The decision, written by Justice Neil Gorsuch, allows Miguel Luna Perez to move forward with his claim in federal court after lower courts had ruled against him, saying the law precluded his case from advancing despite the statute as written by Congress appearing to allow it to do so. "(It) is the not the job of this court to replace the actual text with speculation as to Congresss intent," Gorsuch wrote. Miguel Luna Perez, who is deaf and is pictured here in 2016, has a case before the U.S. Supreme Court saying he should be allowed to sue his school in Sturgis, Michigan, for damages for failing to provide him suitable instruction. More:Deaf Michigan man: I suffered permanent harm after years of inadequate education Luna Perez, according to his complaint, was denied regular access to qualified interpreters for 12 years from the time he was 9 despite a recommendation he be taught American Sign Language. His family said Sturgis assigned him an assistant who didn't know sign language herself and claimed the schools inflated his grades such that his Spanish-speaking parents believed he was progressing when he wasnt. In his final year, his initial claim said, he couldnt read or write but had been listed as an honor roll student for years. We are thrilled with todays decision," said Roman Martinez, the Washington-based lawyer who argued Luna Perez's case before the Supreme Court in January. "The courts ruling vindicates the rights of students with disabilities to obtain full relief when they suffer discrimination. Miguel and his family look forward to pursuing their legal claims." Sturgis Public Schools Superintendent Art Ebert, who joined the district after Luna Perez had left to attend the Michigan School for the Deaf in 2016, responded to the decision, telling the Free Press, "I'm a firm believer that every experience gives us the opportunity to learn and grow. Through this, too, we will gain knowledge, insight and understanding that will help us maximize every student's true potential." Story continues Ebert did not directly address any of the claims made by Luna Perez. The decision was being closely watched by both special education officials across the country who warned a decision for Luna Perez could result in more lawsuits and less cooperation between parents and educators and advocates for deaf people and other disabled students and their parents. At issue was whether, as Sturgis argued, students and parents had to "exhaust" or run through all the procedural hurdles required under one law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) before suing for damages under another law, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for compensatory damages. Luna Perez's lawyers argued that since the IDEA doesn't include damages, his settling one claim under that law as he did with Sturgis in 2018 didn't preclude his filing for damages for the permanent harm he claimed he suffered for years of neglect. "Whether (the law) bars lawsuits like ours holds consequences not just for Mr. Perez but for a great many children with disabilities and their parents," Gorsuch wrote. "Because our colleagues on the courts of appeals have disagreed about how best to read the statute, we agreed to take up the question." Gorsuch wrote that the exhaustion requirement applies only to suits that seek relief also available under the IDEA. "And that condition simply is not met in situations like ours." It was only months before graduation when Luna Perez and his family learned he wouldn't graduate with his class but would instead receive a certificate of completion. A nonprofit group, Disability Rights Michigan, began to advocate for Luna Perez and he and his family filed a lawsuit against the school district. In it, they claimed that Luna Perez went through years where he was only able to communicate with the teaching assistant, who the schools expected to learn Signed English by teaching herself through a book. Eventually, the claim said, the assistant and Luna Perez communicated through an idiosyncratic method of signing but he was still unable to fully participate in classes. As such, the lawyers maintained, he learned little: Even though he took biology, he didnt learn the difference between mammals and reptiles, and even though he took history, he didnt know what slavery was. In the 2018 IDEA settlement, the school district agreed to pay to send Luna Perez, then in his 20s, to the Michigan School for the Deaf. But experts told the Free Press that it was likely in a case like Luna Perez's a deaf person would suffer permanent damage to his cognitive skills by being denied appropriate language interaction for so long. He wants to have a life where he can make his own decisions," one of his lawyers, Mitchell Sickon, told the Free Press some weeks ago. "Miguel does have feelings like you or I and he does want things for himself, he wants to have a job. (But) Hell have injuries and limitations for the rest of his life. He can make up some ground and he has, but these kind of opportunities that you have growing up to internalize a language are sort of limited to windows in time. Contact Todd Spangler: tspangler@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter@tsspangler. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: US Supreme Court rules for deaf Michigan man in case against school The Virginia teacher shot by a 6-year-old student spoke out publicly for the first time this week and described the moment she thought she was dying. In an interview with the Today show that aired Tuesday, first grade teacher Abigail Zwerner described the haunting seconds before her student shot her in January. Theres some things that Ill never forget. And I just will never forget the look on his face that he gave me while he pointed the gun directly at me, she said of the incident at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia. Thats something that I will never forget. Its changed me. Its changed my life. Zwerner told Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie that shes since learned she likely only survived the shooting because she held her hand up to the child, meaning the bullet traveled through her hand before hitting her in the chest. I will never forget the look on his face that he gave me while he pointed the gun directly at me, Abigail Zwerner tells TODAYs @SavannahGuthrie in an exclusive conversation about being shot by her 6-year-old student. pic.twitter.com/1Sr8FS2OYg TODAY (@TODAYshow) March 21, 2023 What happened next is still a blur, Zwerner said, but she remembers shuttling her children out of the classroom and making her way to a school office as she began to lose consciousness, not knowing that her lung had collapsed and she was becoming unable to breathe. I remember I went to the office and I just passed out, she said. I thought I had died. The circumstances around the shooting gained national attention, with gun control advocates pointing to several failures leading up to Zwerners near death. Police have confirmed the gun the child used belonged to his mother, who obtained it legally. Its not clear how the boy gained access to the gun, but Virginia has no laws requiring firearms to be stored in a specific way. His parents have said the gun was secured. Story continues Several teachers also raised concerns about the childs destructive behavior with school administrators, and warned he might have had a gun on him that day, but the school failed to locate and take it from him. Zwerners attorney, Diane Toscano, told Today she plans to file a lawsuit on behalf of her client in the coming weeks. I can tell you there were failures on multiple levels in this case, and there were adults that were in positions of authority that could have prevented this tragedy from happening and did not, Toscano said. Newport News prosecutor said earlier this month that he will not press charges against the child. The boys parents have spoken out in support of Zwerner and praised how she handled the situation. Our heart goes out to our sons teacher and we pray for her healing in the aftermath of such an unimaginable tragedy as she selflessly served our son and the children in the school, the parents said in January. Related... Branch Davidian leader David Koresh is seen in an archival photo featured in the Netflix series Waco: American Apocalypse. (Photo: Courtesy of Netflix) Thirty years ago, America's collective gaze was locked on a small compound in Waco, Tex. where federal agents were locked in a tense stand-off with the Branch Davidians and their enigmatic leader, David Koresh. The stalemate lasted 51 days, starting with the deaths of four ATF agents and six members of the religious sect in an exchange of gunfire on Feb. 28, 1993 and coming to a head on April 19 when the FBI used tear gas to flush the Davidians out of their home, only to watch the compound go up in flames. Seventy-six men, women and children lost their lives that day, and images of the deadly blaze circulated around the globe. Three decades later, Waco remains a flash point in the national conversation, one that's frequently seized up on as evidence to buttress all manner of political arguments. In conservative circles, it's often cited as a textbook case of government overreach stepping on the toes of individual liberties, whereas progressives tend to regard the Davidians as a chilling example of isolated religious cults that place equal emphasis on God and guns. And the unyielding tension between those two sides has resulted in its own stalemate whenever Waco is discussed. "I've always heard about this story in a finger-pointing way," confirms Tiller Russell, the director of Netflix's new three-part docuseries, Waco: American Apocalypse. "It's always like, 'Who is to blame for this?' From my perspective, Waco has never been looked at apart from assigning blame as opposed to describing the humanist experience of it without a political agenda grinding on it." American Apocalypse is one of many Waco-themed histories arriving in time for the 30th anniversary, and it joins an ever-expanding catalogue of books, documentaries and dramatizations that seek to relitigate the events of those 51 days from a plethora of perspectives. The hook to Russell's series is that it features never-before-seen footage from inside the FBI's crisis negotiation unit as well previously unreleased news footage and photographs taken at the scene. Story continues "All of the FBI footage was shot early on, because they assumed it would be over in a day or two," the director says. "We'll blow in there, we'll negotiate, it'll be over and we can use the footage as a teaching tool back at Quantico." But when that timeline failed to materialize, the footage was archived until the American Apocalypse producers unearthed it. Russell says that he was fascinated to watch the "mechanics" of how that unit went about its task. "We have these notions of the lone negotiator on the phone, like that Sam Jackson movie The Negotiator," he says. "But it's actually a very complex group of diverse people that are kind of acting like a hive mind groupthinking what to do. There's a level of empathy and manipulation that's involved where you're looking for the pressure points in people that will cause them to leave. That's the job, and it's arguably noble because you're trying to save lives." The unearthed archival footage is contextualized by some of the federal agents that lived through it. Meanwhile, Russell also spoke with surviving members of the Branch Davidians including Koresh's niece, Heather Jones, who was one of the few children to make it out alive to get their perspectives on what was happening inside the compound. "We found that there was all sorts of [unheard] material that was nominally in the public record," he notes, citing the final call between Jones and her father, David Jones, as one such example. "It had been in the public record, but nobody had heard it because there's thousands of hours of FBI recordings. And I was very cautious about sharing it with her. But she said, 'I absolutely want to hear it it's the last time I spoke with my father.' Even though it's just a little piece of audio, it's intensely emotional. For me, the whole series became about anchoring these personal stories around the larger story." ATF agents outside of the Branch Davidian compound in Waco. (Photo: Courtesy of Netflix) You cover a lot of ground across the three episodes of American Apocalypse, but the unifying idea seems to be that miscommunication was at the root cause of the tragedy. I think there was a profound failure to communicate on all sides: the FBI, the negotiators and the hostage team, the press and the Branch Davidians. It's like that line from Cool Hand Luke: "What we have here is a failure to communicate." That's what animated this entire story from the very beginning: You can look at Waco as the beginning of the "deep state" conspiracy and the overstepping of government or you can look at it as a moment when we started to question foundational American ideas like the right to bear arms and the freedom of religion. To this day, those arguments continue to be weaponized and continue to roil our culture. You make a conscious choice not to overemphasize David Koresh himself in the series. What was your approach to placing him in your telling of the story? Koresh is a very complex character who had many sides to him, and different people had fundamentally different relationships with him. You've got the deeply religious Branch Davidians engaging with him in one way, while the FBI are engaging with him the other way. And then you also have people outside the situation talking about him as a charlatan and a con artist. In a weird way, it's like all of those things can be true. I didn't want to make it reductive and say that he was one simple thing. He was a weird, complex guy who had diverse and divergent relationships with different people, some of them absolutely predatory and horrifying and some of them weirdly inspirational, almost verging on the divine. Making it more than just a one-dimensional "cult of personality" film felt to me like the most compelling way to go. Was it hard to remain objective when you heard some of the former Branch Davidians talk about him in positive terms? There was a profound kind of cognitive dissonance for me all the way through the film in the sense that a lot of what people said was not what I expected them to say. Like the sniper, Chris Whitcomb, who talked about staring through a rifle at Koresh and considered pulling the trigger and murdering him. I didn't expect that guy to deeply engage with his theology and try to understand what he was saying. Or when I'm talking to Kathy Schroeder who was one of Koresh's spiritual wives about what he was like as a lover and she had such a humanist approach to her answer. I was constantly surprised by all of their perspectives, and I found them all very complex. Chris Whitcomb in the Netflix series Waco: American Apocalypse. (Photo: Courtesy of Netflix) Did you find that the law enforcement officers you spoke with were willing to be reflective of the mistakes that were made? We tend to think of institutions like the FBI as monolithic, but they're actually composed of a lot of agents, each of whom has their own biography, personal politics and religious beliefs. So I wanted to make each of them more than just FBI agents I wanted to know who they were as human beings. This is a story that's defining for everyone, and they're all still living with the ghost of it in a very profound way. I found people to be shockingly open about saying, "We blew it here," or "This could have happened here" or "We did our very best." The goal was always to make it as nuanced as possible. As you mentioned, Waco profoundly changed the image of the FBI in a lot of conservative circles and you can see its impact in later incidents, like the Bundy standoff in Oregon. Yes, this is very much a flashpoint for many of these intense cultural conversations that are happening today. There is a direct legacy of the bombing of the federal building in Oklahoma City happening one-to-one because of Waco. You could even potentially tie it to January 6 and what happened there. Many people have used what happened in Waco to justify their political beliefs and ideologies. My hope is that instead of just reaffirming what people already think, maybe by looking at the Waco story again will make them ask how exactly it happened and what was it like to be a human being in that moment watching friends [in law enforcement] die or being a young kid on the compound whose room was getting shot up. Attorney General Janet Reno testifies to a House subcommittee on Capitol Hill in Washington about the 1993 raid on the Branch Davidian compound near Waco, Tex. (Photo: J. David Ake/AFP via Getty Images) You touch on this in the series, but then-Attorney General Janet Reno became a controversial figure in the '90s because of incidents like Waco, the Oklahoma City bombing and the return of Elian Gonzalez to Cuba. What do you think is her legacy now? People become lightning rods like that whenever the story is a lightning rod, because people always read it differently based on what their politics are. Janet Reno kind of stumbled into the middle of the story. She was not the attorney general when it happened: She had just been appointed and then had to deal with this impossible scenario. What I thought was interesting about the way she handled it whether you support her or not is that she owned her decisions and accepted the consequences of them. That's interesting and admirable regardless of what happened. She made the call and was very honest in accepting the admiration and blame. [Reno died in 2016.] One of the questions posed in the documentary is who started the fire that consumed the compound. You offer a lot of different perspectives, but no definitive answer. There are two massive historical questions that will surround this story forever: Who shot first in the beginning and who set the fires at the end? Any reporter who deeply covered the story or any agent of an institution like the FBI will pretty categorically tell you that the Davidians started the fire. I wasn't there, and I didn't live through it so I don't know. It's my job as a storyteller to empower the different voices and perspectives, but I knew it was really important to include audio recordings where the Davidians talk about pouring the fuel. To me, that left it as pretty undeniable. You're hearing the words of the people who set the blaze. It's not fair for me to be the person to say what happened or what didn't happen, but that evidence was pretty profound and overwhelming. You also chose to elide Koresh's final moments: He died from a gunshot wound to the head that was presumably fired by one of his followers. There's a companion podcast that we're releasing at the same time as the series that goes into that in some detail. There's so many riveting aspects to the story, and there's only so much you can fit into a three-episode series. But it is fascinating, because he did die from a bullet to the brain. So the podcast became an interesting place to explore that. Waco survivor Heather Jones is interviewed extensively in Waco: American Apocalypse. (Photo: Courtesy of Netflix) You give the first words and the final words of the series to Heather Jones, one of the children who survived the siege. How does her voice in particular speak to what you wanted to achieve with the series? It's interesting, because there are many other people in the series that speak more than she does. But all politics aside, these children were at the center of this story and the rest of their lives were determined in one way or another by the adults that surrounded them. Putting Heather front and center and let her be a central voice reminds us that the kids were at the beating heart of this. Also, those memories are seared into her consciousness: I know she's spoken about some of them, but never with the kind of depth and detail that she does here. I was very careful about that as well, because you are entering into people's trauma in a direct and real way, and that needs to be done very carefully and consensually by everyone involved. I wanted her to be herself and evoke the most vivid memories for her. David Koresh was her uncle and almost her parent she was born and raised on that compound and it was her entire world. So her story is an important one. The aftermath of the fire that destroyed the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, claiming 76 lives. (Photo: Courtesy of Netflix) Thirty years later, what lessons do you feel we've learned or haven't learned in the aftermath of Waco? Well, the questions about God and guns in America have only continued. They've existed since this country was founded, and they're affecting our would as intensely now as they were back then. There are no simple answer to any of them: They are defining elements of what it means to be American, and we'll forever be wrestling with them. And, frankly, we should be, because they are complicated subjects. But I also think the legacy is the profound failure to communicate on all sides and we're very much in that same spot today only now it's happening via Twitter and other places. People are so polarized and divided and unwilling to listen to divergent perspectives or recognize the humanity in others. By looking at this story and treating everyone involved as individual human beings, hopefully there's a message about remembering that we're more than just vessels of our politics and ideologies. We're human beings and we're trying our best. All we can do is learn from each other and listen to teach other. Waco: American Apocalypse premieres Wednesday, March 22 on Netflix. ELKO Elko County Commissioners have declared a state of emergency for the county because of heavy, continuous winter storms that have led to major snowpack, road damage and Elko County resources now stretched to their limits. Commissioners unanimously approved an amended resolution on March 21 for the severe weather events, and Chairman Rex Steninger said the declaration is mainly a financial emergency. He said the impact has been accumulating since November. While the original proposed resolution was geared to March events, the amended resolution states that beginning in November 2022, and according to current forecasts, the unforeseen atmospheric river conditions will continue to cause a series of storms to impact much of Northern Nevada, including Elko County. The amended declaration also says that the severe weather system has impacted the health, safety and welfare of residents and livestock, damaged roadways and threatens to damage other infrastructure in the affected areas and adds that there is damage which is yet to be determined in the most remote areas of the county. The declaration concludes that commissioners do hereby declare that a state of emergency exists within the County of Elko and all local resources were used to respond to, recover from, and mitigate the effects of the emergency caused by storm events. Elko County Manager Amanda Osborne said the next step is compiling an initial damage assessment that will be forwarded to the state. She said she is sending out forms to the cities, towns and Spring Creek Association for their damage reports, and pictures would be really helpful to us. Jessie Bahr, president and general manager of the Spring Creek Association, told commissioners damage to roads in Spring Creek has been significant, road work has exceeded our overtime budget, and our crews are tired. We are trying different strategies. She said she is hopeful the association can obtain federal funds or funds from somewhere else to help with road repairs. Commissioner Delmo Andreozzi questioned whether the declaration covers potential hay emergencies. He said snowdrifts could affect deliveries of hay to livestock, and with current road conditions you cant drive a good horse down some of these roads, let alone a cattle truck or hay truck. Osborne said the declaration would cover hay emergencies. Nevada Department of Agriculture Director J.J. Goicoechea said in mid-February that heavy snow and low temperatures had already limited livestock operators ability to transport animals or feed, and Nevada, Utah, Wyoming and Colorado have jointly asked the Farm Service Agency for federal assistance. Gov. Joe Lombardo declared an emergency on March 10 and amended it on March 11 to include Elko County. His declaration focused on severe weather beginning on March 9, but commissioners agreed to amend their resolution so it covers more than March. Elko Countys emergency management officer, Lee Cabaniss, had told commissioners on March 15 that the county provided 15,000 sandbags to various locations because of potential flooding and more are on order. Andreozzi asked that the countys website continue to be updated with road conditions and the latest details. The county already is posting road closure details and details for emergency contacts and sandbag locations. The list, which Osborne said was current as of March 21, shows that the ONeill Basin and Twin Bridges roads in the county are closed, and there is standing water on all Osino and Ryndon roads; Spring Valley Parkway and Spring Valley Court, which have orange barrels in place; Spring Creek Parkway; Coal Mine Canyon Road; Last Chance and Burner Basin roads. The list also states that dirt roads around the county are muddy, rutted and holding water in various areas, and includes more roads with standing water: Bullion Road, Lower South Fork Road, Lucky Nugget Road, Lower Lamoille Road, Fort Halleck Road, Old Devils Gate Road, Elburz Road and Kittridge Canyon. Another post provides information on what to do in case of flooding, including warning that floodwaters can be dangerous to peoples health because of potential chemicals or bacteria, or live wires and more. Also, in relation to the bad weather, Commissioner Jon Karr asked that the countys wildlife group come to the next regular commission meeting to talk about mule deer quotas. He said the quotas were just released but dont reflect the winter storms and how that might affect the deer and other wildlife. London Is Calling sweepstakes Get a front-row seat to the coronation celebration of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. PEOPLE has teamed up with Visit London for the London Is Calling All Royal Superfans sweepstakes, where you can enter for a chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Click here to enter to win the trip of a lifetime to London for the Coronation of King Charles III. One lucky winner will win the following prize package, valued at $10,605: Click here to enter to win and read the official rules. Amanda Bynes has been placed on a mental health hold, ABC News has confirmed through a person familiar with the situation. Around 6:40 a.m. on Sunday, Los Angeles law enforcement received a medical call for a female in a Sizzler parking lot on S. Vermont Avenue and West 4th Street, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. MORE: Amanda Bynes' nearly 9-year conservatorship terminated by judge A law enforcement official briefed on the LAPD call for service said that when officers got there, they discovered Bynes. The person familiar with the situation also confirmed to ABC News that it was Bynes. The "Easy A" actress was checked out by Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics who cleared her medically, the law enforcement official told ABC News. A mental health team was called who transported her to a hospital on a mental health hold, known as a 5150 hold. In California, a mental health hold, or a 5150 hold, is typically 72 hours, but it can be extended. The law enforcement official added that "she made no threats during the call," which the person familiar with the situation also confirmed to ABC News. The incident was reported earlier by TMZ, which detailed that Bynes was seen early Sunday morning "without any clothes" and waved a car down, telling the driver that she was "coming down from a psychotic episode." The person familiar with the situation confirmed that information and that Bynes called 911. This incident comes nearly a year after Bynes' conservatorship was terminated by a judge. PHOTO: Amanda Bynes attends the Michael Costello and Style PR Capsule Collection launch party, July 23, 2015, in Los Angeles. (David Livingston/Getty Images) The actress had been under a conservatorship beginning in 2013, when her mother, Lynn Bynes, was appointed as her temporary conservator. The conservatorship was instated after the "All That" alum was hospitalized on an involuntary psychiatric hold after allegedly starting a small fire in the driveway of a residential home in Thousand Oaks, California. MORE: Amanda Bynes Resurfaces to Wish Fans a Happy Holiday In October 2014, Lynn Bynes was appointed as her daughter's conservator again. Story continues Amanda Bynes filed a petition in February 2022 to end the conservatorship of herself and her estate. The petition detailed that Bynes was a student at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, where she is pursuing a bachelor's degree after earning an associate's degree in merchandise product development from the institution. The petition also said that, since 2020, the "She's the Man" star had been living in a "structured community for women" and underwent check-ins and "ongoing random toxicology screenings" in the apartment community she lived in. A statement shared by Lynn Bynes' attorney, Tamar Arminak, said at the time: "Lynn could not be more proud of Amanda for getting through this difficult period in her life." Amanda Bynes placed on mental health hold in Los Angeles originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com WASHINGTON An American humanitarian worker who was kidnapped in the West African nation of Niger has been freed. Jeffery Woodke was freed after six years of captivity, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan announced on Twitter. The U.S. thanks Niger for its help in bringing him home to all who miss & love him, Sullivan wrote. I thank so many across our government whove worked tirelessly toward securing his freedom. No other details of Woodkes release were disclosed. But, "he is safe, and he is in the hands of U.S. government officials," said John Kirby, spokesman for the National Security Council. Woodke remains in Africa but will be reunited with his family after receiving a full medical screening, Kirby said. Woodke kidnapped from home in Niger French journalist Olivier Dubois, freed nearly two years after he was kidnapped in Mali, and American Jeffery Woodke, released after being kidnapped in October 2016 in Niger, arrive at the Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, Niger. A multi-pronged effort spearheaded by the U.S. military and involving law enforcement and the intelligence community, with support from French officials, worked for more than six years to find Woodke and secure his release, Kirby said. Secretary of State Antony Blinken held discussions with leaders about Woodke's captivity when he visited Niger last week, Kirby said. No ransom was paid and no concessions were made to Woodke's captors, Kirby said. No prison swaps were made to secure his release, Kirby said. Woodke was kidnapped from his home in Abalak, Niger, in October 2016 by men who ambushed and killed his guards and forced him at gunpoint into their truck, where he was driven north toward Malis border. Though he was believed to have been abducted by a West African affiliate of the Islamic State group, Woodke was thought to be in Africas vast Sahel region and held by JNIM, a West African affiliate of al-Qaida. Woodke had been doing humanitarian aid work in Niger for more than 30 years. French journalist Olivier Dubois, abducted nearly two years ago, also was freed Monday. The French government did not comment on how his freedom was secured. Story continues Dig deeper Found alive: Louisiana nun kidnapped in Africa reportedly found nearly 5 months later, Catholic Church says Not about race, gender or se: The one unfortunate group that Brittney Griner belongs to now | Opinion Michael Collins covers the White House. Follow him on Twitter @mcollinsNEWS. Contributing: Joey Garrison and The Associated Press This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jeff Woodke, humanitarian worker kidnapped in Niger, has been freed Watch lovers, Geneva is calling. On March 27, the high-end watch industry will descend on the Swiss city for a week of presentations, dinners and networking events centered on Watches and Wonders. Home to 48 brands, from A. Lange & Sohne to Zenith, the show, which takes place at the Palexpo exhibition center adjacent to the citys airport, is the single biggest event on the industrys calendar. And now, for the first time, it will open to the public. For its final two days (Saturday, April 1 and Sunday, April 2), Watches and Wonders will welcome enthusiasts and collectors to the plush salons that have until now been restricted to press and retailers. The expansion includes the shows new In the City focus, which will see boutiques and event spaces around Geneva open their doors to watch enthusiasts in an effort to make the experience more inclusive and attractive to consumers. More from Robb Report When collector Henry Flores, founder of the New York City-based Classic Watch Club, learned of the public offering, he jumped at the chance to see the veil lifted, he says. In December, after a fellow collector suggested they make the pilgrimage to Switzerland, he sent out a survey to Classic Watch Club members asking if they wanted to tag along. He got six takers. Their group of seven is arriving in Geneva on March 30. From their homebase, an Airbnb just over the border in France, theyll explore Watches and Wonders for a day and will use the rest of their time to visit a handful of manufactures in the Vallee de Joux, including Audemars Piguet and a movement-making facility owned by Vacheron Constantin. Were all happy to see these amazing watches in the metal, Flores tells Robb Report. Story continues It was always like we were on the outside looking in, and now it feels like someones opening up the velvet ropes, he adds. For enthusiasts looking for similar in-the-metal experiences, check out the events noted below to make the most out of your time at Watches and Wonders Geneva. The Main Event: Watches and Wonders The Main Event: Watches and Wonders Beyond cruising through the halls of Watches and Wonders on the events two public days, enthusiasts will also be able to participate in educational talks and panel discussions in the Auditorium featuring experts and guest speakers discussing everything from the promises of blockchain technology to how the industry might capitalize on the metaverse. The sessions will also focus on practical topics, such as how to start a vintage watch collection. For example, on Saturday, attendees can sit in on a whats trending product-focused session (at 11 a.m.), a talk on value that will examine what a luxury watch is worth (at 12 p.m.), and a discussion on how digital technologies and Web 3.0 are connecting a traditional, and traditionally analog, industry (at 5 p.m.). On Sunday, topics of discussion include how the circular economy is relevant to the luxury watch industry (at 3 p.m.) and The ABCs of vintage collecting (at 4 p.m.). Adjacent to the salons, the show will host the LAB at Watches and Wonders Geneva, where attendees can experience the latest cutting-edge innovations and new technologies from exhibiting brands, and a special art exhibition by Swiss photographer Karine Bauzin entitled What time is it? One-day tickets to the fair cost 70 Swiss francs (about $77) and can be purchased on the Watches and Wonders site. Watches and Wonders In the City Watches and Wonders In the City From guided tours of Geneva to a deep dive into the history of fine watchmaking at the Patek Philippe Museum, the city portion of the Watches and Wonders agenda offers plenty of free activities sure to thrill watch aficionados. The festivities kick off at 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 30, when Watches and Wonders will take over the Rue Basses, from the Pont de la Machine to the Place Longemalle, where street artists, musicians and dancers will perform for the crowds. The route passes the major watch brand boutiques and stores on Rue du Rhone, which are staying open until 9 p.m. to greet passersby. At 7 p.m., organizers will stage a presentation at the Pont de la Machine, in French, on Geneva, Switzerland and watchmaking. Immediately following the conference, partygoers will be encouraged to make their way to Quai General Guisan, where theyll find street artists, food trucks and, at 8 p.m., a concert by the French house and electro DJ Tristan Casara, known by his stage name The Avener. Throughout the week, consumers wandering through the city center should keep their eyes peeled for watch boutiques that feature WandW display columns. Thats a sign that the shops have surprises in store for consumers who stop by, including historical pieces on display, demonstration workshops and opportunities to meet watchmakers and preview new pieces. The organizers have also added an interactive Watch Rally element to the In the City portion: QR codes scattered along the route will indicate participating boutiques and emblematic sites. Using their mobile phones, enthusiasts will be asked to piece together a secret code that will enable them to enter a prize drawing to receive two tickets to the salon over the weekend, including meals. Anyone looking to gain a broader understanding of Genevas role in the development of high watchmaking can join free guided tours of the citys watchmaking landmarks on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, starting at 12:30 p.m. and again at 4 p.m. On Saturday at 2 p.m., Geneva Tourism is holding its own tour. All tours start at the Pont de la Machine Building on the river, near the Watches and Wonders Geneva Foundation offices. Time to Watches at HEAD Geneve Time to Watches at HEAD Geneve For the second year running, the Time to Watches event will open to the public from March 28 to April 1 at Le Cube, an event space on the campus of the Geneva School of Art and Design (accessible via a free shuttle service to and from Geneva Airport). Home to some 30 brands, including Frederic Jouvenot, ID Geneve and Perrelet, the show offers an opportunity to discover independent watchmakers in a creative, cool setting. Executive director Christian Wipfli says he conceived the event as a place to discover new independent makers, vintage watches, fashion brands, certified pre-owned timepieces (look for the ReLuxury Pop-Up offering certified pre-owned watches for sale), even connected watches. Ive always had a passion for watchmaking, and as someone who lives in Geneva and frequents the watch scene, I realized that we needed a complementary event to Watches and Wonders that would showcase creative independent brands but most importantly that would give the general public all access, Wipfli tells Robb Report. Time To Watches is dedicated to every lover of watchmaking, whether they are collectors, retailers, press or timepiece enthusiasts. On April 1, Time to Watches is planning a Watch & Match experience in which visitors will have access to the participating brands and be able to test, compare and purchase their favorite timepieces. Tickets go on sale on March 15. Best of Robb Report Sign up for Robb Report's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. A woman fought off an attacker in a Phoenix airport parking garage, kicking him in the groin to drive him away, Arizona police reported. Michael Colville, 61, faces a charge of kidnapping in theattack, a March 20 Phoenix Police Department news release said. Colville followed the woman into the parking garage at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport at 12:15 p.m. on Friday, March 17, and shoved her down as she loaded her vehicle, police said. He held her down with his body, repeatedly asking if she wanted to die today, KNXV reported. The woman fought back, kicking him in the groin, police said. Colville eventually gave up and walked away. Investigators used security video and other evidence to identify Colville, who was arrested at his home March 18, the release said. He didnt give a statement to police. We are very concerned about this incident and the welfare of the customer who had this terrible experience, airport officials told KNXV in a statement. Man fires shotgun at police helicopter after ominous 911 call, California cops say Mountain lion attacks rafter before others fight back with paddles, AZ officials say Guards shoot at off-duty deputy trying to crash gate at Navy base, California cops say Distinctive patterns and classic gold-on-blue labels have become Pendleton trademarks. When we first looked at adding vintage blankets to our mix at the gallery, it seemed like a loopy idea. After all, we are in the desert. Why would anyone buy blankets when it was 120 degrees outside? As it turns out, our customers buy blankets every day of the year and it has become one of our bestselling categories. And if there's a single name associated with blankets that people recognize, it is Pendleton. For more than 100 years, Pendleton has been the great American blanket and remains so today. So, curl up on your sofa with one and read on. The company's roots date back to the Civil War when British immigrant Thomas Kay landed in Oregon in 1863. He was an accomplished weaver and taught his family the trade. With its cool weather and plentiful grazing, the region was already a hub for sheep farming and it only made sense that scouring facilities and railroad spurs were established nearby to handle the large quantities of wool that resulted. Nonetheless, in the late 19th century increasing tariffs on shipping wool made such businesses unprofitable, and by century's turn the area's wool trade was struggling. And so it was that the three Bishop brothers, grandsons of Mr. Kay, were able to acquire a broken down mill in 1909 and enter the business. With substantial upgrades to their equipment and after studying the market, the brothers identified regional Indian tribes as their first targets of opportunity. Beginning with the Nez Perce nation located near Pendleton and expanding to other tribes in the southwest, their colorful and highly detailed blankets quickly became popular both as wearing apparel and as a kind of trading currency. On the strength of their blanket business, the company expanded rapidly. In 1912, a weaving mill in Washington was acquired and the production of wool fabric became a line extension for the firm. As that business got underway, the brothers realized that men's work shirts, heretofore characterized by drab color and little styling, could be substantially improved in the same way as their blankets. In 1924, the first virgin wool work shirt by Pendleton was introduced, and within five years an entire line of menswear was being produced. Following WWII, the company again hit a nerve with its introduction of ladies wear and in particular the famous '49er jacket. It turned out that postwar women were just as eager to snap up smartly styled outerwear as men, and Pendleton was right there to meet the demand. Story continues Unlike many other apparel companies in recent years, Pendleton has stuck to the basics and continued to thrive. It is now owned and managed by the sixth generation of Bishops and operates five manufacturing facilities and some 50 retail outlets. Starting at around $200, its factory-new blankets aren't inexpensive but they are among the best money can buy. Vintage Pendleton blankets have become heirlooms in many families, squabbled over by upcoming generations and occasionally found in galleries like ours. Collectors are out there as well, sometimes pushing the price of rare examples up to the stratosphere. Whether you're a connoisseur of fine blankets or just want to stay warm, you can't go wrong with Pendleton. Mike Rivkin and his wife, Linda, are longtime residents of Rancho Mirage. For many years, he was an award-winning catalogue publisher and has authored seven books, along with countless articles. Now, he's the owner of Antique Galleries of Palm Springs. His antiques column appears Sundays in The Desert Sun. Want to send Mike a question about antiques? Drop him a line at info@silverfishpress.com This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Antiques: Staying warm with Pendleton The best spring colognes are guaranteed to put you in a good mood. The right accord can put a little extra pep in your step, even if its a chilly groundhog-seeing-its-shadow type of year. Those green, floral, and citrus notes wake up something in you, stimulating optimism and energy. Those aren't the only notes that can stimulate an olfactive spring awakening, though: The season celebrates lighter scents above all, but youll find plenty of ambrous, musky, and woody aromas in the best spring colognes. If you've already refreshed your wardrobe but not your rotation of smell-goods, we've curated a sensational roster below. Some of them are as crisp and bright as the summer sun, while others are more transitional, think warm musk but not as heavy as the one you'd wear in winter. A few could be candidates for your new signature scent, while others are more of a change of pace. (For starters: consider having a floral fragrance on standby, to embrace a softer side of those first warm weekends.) Acqua di Parma Colonia Acqua di Parma "Colonia" $231.00, Neiman Marcus A century (plus a few more years) later, a couple whiffs of Colonia is all it'll take to transport you to a sun-drenched locale far, far away. Created in 1916, Acqua di Parma's signature scent blends together notes of zesty lemon and bergamot, softened with florals like lavender and rose, and grounded by sandalwood and patchouli. It's rich without being intense, making it the perfect whirlwind of seasons come together for the a transitional scent to carry you from spring cleaning to summer flinging. Diptyque Do Son Diptyque "Do Son" $205.00, Bloomingdales With tuberose as a leading note, Do Son pays homage to Dipyque co-founder Yves Coueslant's childhood spent in Vietnam. The scent is sweet and creamy with a floral freshness that calls to mind winding down in the shade after a long day out in the sun. It's the type of fragrance that will soften throughout the day enveloping into a scented auraand who doesn't want their spiritual energy to smell this good? Story continues Elorea Heaven Elorea "Heaven" $125.00, Elorea This indie darling fell from the skies and onto a bed of roses. It puts a welcome spin on spring with a vanilla-passion-fruit-pink-pepper melange, but more than anything this is a green-floral spritz. I reckon it will attract more masculine-identifying wearers than you might expect from just reading the notes. Parfums de Marly Carlisle Parfums de Marly "Carlisle" $405.00, Nordstrom Woods and spices don't have to take a backseat when winter closes out in fact, the right balance can heat things up even more. Carlisle is an intoxicating blend of vanilla and patchouli that is musky yet crisp thanks to notes of green apple. Whether you're layering on before an evening dinner for two or a much larger night out, this fragrance will leave your companions in a blissful trance. Ermenegildo Zegna "XXX Verdigris" Ermenegildo Zegna "XXX Verdigris" $180.00, Bloomingdales You'd think the metallic, icy, and spicy notes in XXX Verdigris would signal a pure wintry scent. But a through-line of green and floral elements makes it an ideal shoulder-season spritz. Amouage Reflection Amouage "Reflection" $360.00, Bloomingdales What do red pepper leaves, rosemary and bitter orange have in common? They all play a starring role in Amouage's spicy eau de parfum. Regardless if you're one dress yourself up in fragrance or cap it at a couple spritzes, the Omani perfumer has perfected heady blends ranging from springy concoctions to moodier collectives that will last you all dayand leave an impression that'll last much longer. Officine Universelle Buly Triple Fleur d'Oranger Officine Universelle Buly "Triple Fleur d'Oranger" $121.00, Officine Universelle Buly Buly 1803 has been making sure Paris' finest smell like it for more than two hundred years, so you can be rest assured they know a thing or two about mixing together your next signature scent. The Triple Fleur d'Oranger is an explosion of citrusorange blossom, lemon, nerolipaired together with sweet freesia and a delicate white musk. It quite literally smells like spring in a bottle, perfect for a morning pick-me-up or an evening night cap. And thanks to the world wide web you won't have to book a flight to experience the best of what this Parisian apothecary has to offer. Chanel Bleu de Chanel Chanel "Bleu de Chanel" $96.00, Sephora Honestly, Bleu is a year-round type of scent because it simply smells fantastic (hence it's lasting presence in the fragrance sphere). But what makes it particularly well-suited for spring are the fine notes of grapefruit and labdanum mixing together for a buildable scent that is earthy and citrusy, the best of both worlds when you're just starting to shed your thick knits but aren't quite ready to reach for the sangria. Regime des Fleurs Rock River Melody Regime des Fleurs "Rock River Melody" $225.00, Lucky Scent "A muddy ride on horseback in sparkling green Fontainebleau forest," according to Regime des Fleurs. You get sap, you get resin, you get patchouli, you get cedar, you get ivyit's like walking straight from a cold day into an overgrown greenhouse, as if you're emerging from the longest of winter hibernations. Arquiste Peau Arquiste "Peau" $205.00, Arquiste Peau is like a steady trailing off of wintera lingering, ambrous musk that settles on skin like dew. You might swap this out for summer, but it'll be back in rotation from September to May. Originally Appeared on GQ More Great Wellness Stories From GQ PANAMA CITY Gov. Ron DeSantis says the federal government should not have a say in how people spend their money. With more than 100 people in attendance, DeSantis held a press conference on Monday at Gulf Coast State College's Charles Hilton Center. He announced that Florida will not support any efforts by the federal government to create and implement a U.S. Central Bank digital currency. It's the latest issue that puts DeSantis at loggerheads with President Joe Biden. The governor is widely expected to launch a bid for president in the next few months after blasting Biden's policies on COVID-19 and immigration. DeSantis noted Biden last year issued an executive order to explore the creation of a digital currency, which would be directly controlled and issued to consumers by the federal government. DeSantis on TrumpDeSantis blasts Trump prosecutor but indicates he won't help fight extradition "The Order directs the U.S. Government to assess the technological infrastructure and capacity needs for a potential U.S. CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency) in a manner that protects Americans interests," a White House fact sheet about Biden's announcement says. "The Order also encourages the Federal Reserve to continue its research, development, and assessment efforts for a U.S. CBDC, including development of a plan for broader U.S. Government action in support of their work," the fact sheet says. "This effort prioritizes U.S. participation in multi-country experimentation, and ensures U.S. leadership internationally to promote CBDC development that is consistent with U.S. priorities and democratic values." The White House said the Central Bank digital currency study was just one part of a "first ever, whole-of-government approach to addressing the risks and harnessing the potential benefits of digital assets and their underlying technology." But at Monday's press conference, DeSantis expressed concern about the privacy implications of establishing a Central Bank digital currency. He said such a move would give the government a "direct view" into consumers' activities, as well as possibly allow it to limit spending in ways it does not see fit. Story continues 'Shelves have been left barren': Florida teachers sue DeSantis' government over school library regulations Legal ruling: 'Stop Woke Act' enforcement remains blocked "This is something that is being proposed as being environmentally sustainable, (and) a way to increase access to consumers who lack the means to join a traditional bank," DeSantis said. "But as we've come to learn, any way they can get into society to exercise their agenda, they will do it. DeSantis takes heatRaised in Tampa Bay area, Ron DeSantis mocked for writing about Midwest cultural 'upbringing' "So what the central bank digital currency is all about is surveilling Americans and controlling behavior of Americans. How do we know? We've seen this happen in other parts of the world. Look no further than China," the governor said. DeSantis' move also comes after viral videos from conservative commentators, including Infowars founder Alex Jones, connected the recent bank failures to the pursuit of a digital currency. Those claims were debunked in a fact check by Agence France-Presse. Gov. Ron DeSantis at Monday's press conference at Gulf Coast State College's Charles Hilton Center. DeSantis said he believes there is an ongoing effort across the U.S. to approve back door provisions for the use of a centralized digital currency through the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), which provides standard governing laws for commercial transactions across state lines. While legislation to apply recent changes to the UCC have been introduced in about 20 U.S. states, DeSantis said no bill has been introduced in Florida. And if it were to be passed by the state legislature, he would veto it. DeSantis also called on like-minded states to pass similar legislation to oppose a U.S. Central Bank digital currency and what he said was "Chinese influence in worldwide affairs." "Ultimately, cash is king. If you can hold it in your hand, you have power over that," DeSantis continued. "The minute it's all digitized, somebody else is going to have control over that, and it's just a question of (if) they're going to let you live your life, (or) are they going to decide to do things (to) circumvent what you want to do." Gannett Florida contributed to this report This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Gov. Ron DeSantis unhappy with talk of Central Bank digital currency What a sight to see! Seeing sea turtles nesting on the beach or even the little baby sea turtles making their way into the ocean has been on our bucket list forever. And now, we have a feeling others will be adding it to their must-do all thanks to this very informative video from National Geographic Explorer Dr. Vanessa Bezy. In the video which was posted to TikTok account @natgeo, Dr. Bezy explains the sea turtle nesting phenomenon in Costa Rica. This occurrence at Ostional National Wildlife Refuge is special as sea turtles typically nest in solidarity or at night. Just wait until you see this sight! View the original article to see embedded media. Wow! This is seriously so beautiful! We only thought sea turtles nested alone, but shows it in a whole new light. It must be so amazing to see the beach change to be covered with these beautiful animals. "I would love to see this so amazing. Thank you for the knowledge," commented @lesleyhubbard10. This is an essential bucket-list item! "So cool. I'm glad they have this place to nest," wrote @m1chcc. SAME! Not only do they have this wildlife refuge to nest in, but they also have each other. @candacejeanrose added, "These sea turtles know...better together! Love this! Thank you for sharing!" And even the babies have each other to help them get back to the ocean. SO cute! Another TikTok user, @earthcareshow, said, "Baby turtles scurrying to the water will forever be the cutest thing!" RIGHT?! We could watch them scurrying into the water every single day for the rest of our lives. Name something cuter. We'll wait! Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips. READ THE COMMENTS Perched atop one of Lisbon's famous hills, Lumi Rooftop is a gorgeous place to enjoy Portuguese home cooking and delicious cocktails. Courtesy of Bomporto Hotels When chef Joao Silva assumed leadership of Lumi Rooftop, he wanted to do things differently. In Silva's words, "unpretentious and humble kitchen ingredients" are enough to make Portuguese bites, known as petiscos, shine. The Lisbon rooftop has consistently been voted Europe's best (in 2021 and 2023), so during a month-long stay in the city, I visited the restaurant to experience the hype. Nestled in the heart of Bairro Alto at the top of one of Lisbon's notorious seven hills, Lumi Rooftop Restaurant and Bar, a concept by Bomporto Hotels, is a love letter to Portugal. Lumiares Hotel & Spa, which houses Lumi, is known for giving old buildings makeovers, and is also behind the Vintage, another award-winning hotel 15 minutes up the street. Related:7 Essential Portuguese Foods You Need to Try at Least Once Previously a derelict 18th-century palace, the hotel remodel pays homage to the community's colors, patterns, and light. So accustomed to bougie rooftop spectacles, I opted for my fringe leather jacket instead of my cozy jean jacket when venturing to Lumi. I arrived practically covered in sweat after hiking the hill, but surprisingly, I was met with no long lines and an incredibly friendly waitstaff. Ashia Aubourg Lumi bustles with conversations and a faint playlist of neo-soul with a few Portuguese classics. The place is welcoming to families, and small children can order from a kid-friendly menu. (I soon realized that a sweatsuit, rather than a leather jacket, would have sufficed.) A thoughtful yet homey environment, Lumi's interior has a soothing color palette of limes and light yellows. The indoor open-kitchen format leads to stunning outdoor panoramic views of Lisbon and gorgeous surrounding mountains. Hues of terracotta tiles and lush green forestry paint the surrounding picture. Related:What Its Like to Eat at the Worlds Best Pizzeria Story continues While peeking into the kitchen, I found comfort seeing chefs from places like Angola and Cape Verde. It let me know that the chefs experiences expand beyond Lisbon's borders. Born in central Portugal, Silva has worked in a number of Michelin-starred restaurants, and a few of the chefs on his team have worked alongside him over the past decade. Silva tells Food & Wine that he is deeply connected to his team, who fortunately have been there since the beginning. Ashia Aubourg His time working on a local farm, Quinta do Arneiro, proved to be a pivotal moment in his career. "I worked for an organic farm where the menu changed weekly," says Silva. He explained that working with ingredients straight from the dirt humbled him and opened his eyes to a new form of living. "It was a cool and amazing time, and when I came to Lumi, of course, I brought this with me," says Silva, who aims to source everything locally. Related:Why Porto Is the Ideal Getaway for Any Wine Lover All of the chef's dishes connect in some way to Portuguese homestyle cooking. The tender roasted octopus and crisp tuna ceviche, for example, is "from the Algarve." His pica pau, stewed beef in Portuguese beer and pickle juice, is his ode to Portuguese comfort food. More menu highlights include the peixinhos da horta, a dish of fried green beans, as well as roasted bacalhau, a salt-cured cod fish thats abundant on every Lisbon menu. Silva shares that the codfish a bras at Lumi "was invented in Bairro Alto." Courtesy of Bomporto Hotels Lively from sunrise to sundown, Bairro Alto exudes party energy, which makes the more relaxed Lumi somewhat unique in the neighborhood. However, while the rooftop has a wholesome, welcoming vibe, the cocktail menu nods to the community's energetic spirit. Related:Eat Your Way Through Europe on This 15-Day Private Jet 'Grand Tour' The Lumi Negroni, inspired by Madeira honey cake, gets spun up with Portuguese vermouth, infused gin, Madeira wine, sugar cane, honey, and orange zest. The Bairro Alto Twist, a whipped dry shaken cocktail, gets crafted with infused gin, basil syrup, lime juice, and egg whites. Even though it is a buzzy rooftop bar in a neighborhood known for its parties, Lumi is not trying to be yet another ridiculously exclusive, swanky rooftop. Instead, Silva and his team simply want to serve homestyle Portuguese dishes and delicious cocktails with fun twists. When asked how it felt to have Lumi recognized as the best rooftop in Europe over the past few years, Silva says, "It's great to be seen as the best in Europe, but to be honest, even if my mother was telling me this, I would be happy." He adds, "I just want people to come in and have a really good experience and remember the great feeling of being in Portugal." For more Food & Wine news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Food & Wine. Terry Goddard, former Arizona attorney general, speaks during a news conference about "dark money" on Aug. 22, 2022, at the Outlier Center in Phoenix. The forces of darkness really, really, reeeeally want to ensure that never will you ever, ever not EVER get to know who is pulling the strings in Arizonas elections. I know this because theyve now filed not one but two lawsuits hoping to kill Arizonas new dark money disclosure law the one that 72% of the voters ushered into law in November. First came the Arizona Free Enterprise Clubs December lawsuit, challenging the law in Maricopa County Superior Court. The Free Enterprise Club is best known as the dark money front that allowed Arizona Public Service to secretly spend millions on electoral campaigns to pack the Arizona Corporation Commission with friendly faces, ultimately resulting in a nice rate increase for the utility in 2017. Now comes Americans for Prosperity, a national dark money group that on Friday filed a federal lawsuit asking that the new law be declared unconstitutional. Americans for Prosperity is one of the original dark money groups with ties to the conservative Koch Network, one that has funneled money into a web of other dark money operations that in turn have worked to kill earlier voter initiatives, including one to change the way we elect our leaders in this state. 1.7 million Arizonans say they want disclosure And, of course, to kill earlier initiatives to require dark money disclosure. So, you can imagine its operatives arent at all happy that voters finally slipped one by on them in 2022. More than 300,000 Arizona voters signed petitions to put the Voters Right to Know Act on the November ballot. More than 1.7 million voters turned it into a state law. Under that new law, any nonprofit or political party spending $50,000 or more on any combination of statewide races must disclose all donors who contributed $5,000 or more to a campaign, regardless of whether the money was passed through intermediary groups. For local races, the threshold is $25,000. Its a long-awaited burst of sunshine in a state that has long been breeding ground for shadowy operations. Story continues The laughable argument that it squashes speech rights Or, as the dark money guys see it, its an outrageous assault on the First Amendment right of their deep-pocketed donors to spend whatever it takes to get their candidates elected without anybody knowing about it. A law specifying that voters have a right to know who is behind the campaign ads that influence our vote? That, they say, will have a chilling effect on their donors' right to free speech. Arizonas recently enacted statute trammels that right by subjecting countless Americans nationwide to governmental doxxing for doing nothing more than supporting their chosen nonprofit organizations and charities," according to the lawsuit, which lays out 68 pages worth of arguments for the many ways in which their donors are victimized by the new law. Meanwhile, everyday Americans have long been identified when they kick in $100 to a candidates campaign. Somehow, they've survived all that governmental doxing. Voters have finally have had enough of dark money Former Attorney General Terry Goddard scoffed at the notion that anybodys free speech rights are damaged by the Voters' Right to Know Law. Without proof, they argue that having to disclose means they wont contribute at all, that disclosure equals silence, said Goddard, who has led the yearslong effort to get a dark money disclosure law. It hasnt been a bar to participation for decades of political contribution disclosure for regular folks, but thats what they argue. Having to actually own your words, it seems, is just too much to ask from the well heeled who in previous elections could spout whatever nonsense they wanted without being held accountable for what they say in the attack ads that seem to be a specialty of dark money campaigns. For well over a decade, Arizonas leaders have stood by as dark money has run like a river in this state. Now voters have demanded to know who is trying to buy our elections. The nerve of them. All 1,736,496 million of them. Reach Roberts at laurie.roberts@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on Twitter at @LaurieRoberts. Support local journalism: Subscribe to azcentral.com today. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Two money groups now fighting Arizona's new disclosure law. Shocker. Ron DeSantis speaks during an election night watch party at the Convention Center in Tampa, Florida, on November 8, 2022. GIORGIO VIERA/AFP via Getty Images Florida Governor Ron DeSantis proposed legislation banning digital currency from the US central bank. The Fed has been looking into the creation of a digital dollar at the direction of President Biden. DeSantis said a Fed-issued digital coin would promote surveillance and stifle innovation. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is not on board with the potential launch of a central bank digital currency by the Federal Reserve. On Monday, DeSantis proposed legislation that would make Florida the first state in the country to ban the use of digital currencies issued by the Fed or any foreign central bank. The Fed has been studying the feasibility of a CBDC at the direction of President Joe Biden. A CBDC is a digital version of an existing currency that, like its physical fiat counterpart, would be backed by the full faith and credit of the issuing government. Talk of CBDC's heated up during the cryptocurrency boom of 2020 and 2021, which put pressure on governments to explore the potential issuance of their own digital currency. Proponents of CBDCs argue that a digital dollar would enable faster transactions with lower fees, improved efficiency with cross-border exchanges, and improved accessibility to the unbanked population. But according to DeSantis, a digital currency issued by the Fed "is about surveillance and control" and would ultimately hurt innovation. "The Biden administration's efforts to inject a centralized bank digital currency is about surveillance and control. Today's announcement will protect Florida consumers and businesses from the reckless adoption of a 'centralized digital dollar' which will stifle innovation and promote government-sanctioned surveillance," DeSantis said. DeSantis also argued that any digital currency issued by the Fed would diminish the role of community banks, which have come into focus this month amid the ongoing regional banking crisis. "A federally sanctioned CBDC as proposed by the Biden administration would diminish the role of community banks and credit unions in our financial system as CBDC currency would be a direct liability of the Federal government, rather than of a chartered financial institution, shrinking market lending power," DeSantis said. Story continues While there is no official timeline for the launch of a Fed-issued digital dollar, or even confirmation that the Fed will move forward with one, it is set to launch its FedNow Service in July. FedNow Service is a real-time payments system that is meant to eliminate the existing delays for clearing financial transactions between different institutions. Some view the launch of the FedNow Service as a potential precursor to the launch of a CBDC. DeSantis called on likeminded states to "join Florida in adopting similar prohibitions within their respective commercial codes to fight back against this concept nationwide." Read the original article on Business Insider She recognized her instantly. One lucky rescue horse is adjusting to a new life of love, patience, and zero expectations. And it's all thanks to one loving equestrian and her generous community. Meet Saxy-- a former Scarborough Downs racehorse who's making more headlines in retirement than she did during her career. She was rescued by the very same person who trained her when she was a baby, and it's the Happily Ever After we've always dreamed of seeing. Meaghan Martin told News Center Maine that she was scrolling through a Facebook group dedicated to saving horses from euthanasia when she noticed something familiar. She recognized an identification number on one of the horses and quickly made the connection. "That number is actually what saved her," Martin explained. "I recognized that brand and said 'Oh, that's one of the babies that I worked with.'" During her teenage years, Martin worked as a trainer for young horses at a local barn. Saxy, meanwhile, graduated from training to an average career in racing, where she only earned 'a few thousand dollars in winnings.' When her career was over, she was sold to an Amish farm. Although pulling buggies isn't as glamorous as racing, it was just as difficult on the horse's body. Martin suspects that Saxy was sent to the kill pen after suffering injuries and scarring to her neck in a buggy accident. Luckily, it's also what saved Saxy. As one can empathize, Martin immediately felt the need to bring her equine friend home when she saw the condition she was in. Still, she couldn't have rescued the horse by herself. Her friend, Red Lion Farm manager Kendra Gorham, had a lifesaving offer for Meaghan and Saxy when she saw the post, too. "I just remember sending her [Meaghan] a message that said 'I will feed her, and I will board her, and she can stay here,'" Gorham told News Center Maine. "'I will help you pay her bed bills, and I will go with you. We can't leave her there. She has to come home.'" And that's exactly what she did. Story continues After receiving generous donations of money and supplies from the community, Martin and Gorham drove to Pennsylvania to bring the horse home. Now, Saxy is learning to simply 'be a horse,' though Martin hopes she might show interest in becoming a therapy horse someday. Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips. READ THE COMMENTS Gov. Kristi Noem signed a slate of bills Monday dealing with the criminal justice system, including changes to the state's sentencing structure, new definitions for rape and spending authority for new prisons. In HB 1016, nearly $60 million will be spent to build a new 308-bed women's prison in Rapid City. The land was purchased in 2022 and design for the facility was done in the same year. The new men's prison, which will replace the South Dakota State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls that has been in operation since 1881, will be a two-step project. The first step, HB 1017, allows for the purchase of land in the Sioux Falls area and design of the facility to the tune of $52 million. An additional $271 million will be set aside in the incarceration construction fund for the second step of the project, which includes building the facility. It's unknown where the new facility will be. More:Senate approves bills to fund 2 major prison projects in South Dakota "Funding new prisons is a public safety issue, Noem said. Last year, we made the point to legislators that this was necessary. Im glad that just a year later, they have come to agree and appropriately prioritized the security of South Dakotans. HB 1016 and HB 1017 will go into effect immediately. 'Truth in Sentencing' bill approved Noem also approved of Sen. Brent Hoffman's Truth in Sentencing bill, SB 146. In the first-term Sioux Falls Republican's bill, it changes the sentencing guidelines for when someone convicted of a violent crime becomes parole-eligible. In the first section of the bill, anyone convicted of one of 13 high level violent crimes, such as first-degree manslaughter and first-degree human trafficking, would have to serve the full sentence imposed on them by a judge without credits for a shortened term. The inmate would then be eligible for supervised release. In the second section, those convicted of one of 10 other violent crimes, such as aggravated assault or second-degree manslaughter, could receive credits that could be applied toward shortening their sentence. However, they must serve at least 85% of their sentence before becoming parole eligible. Story continues SB 146 has been applauded by city leaders and law enforcement officials. During the annual Sioux Falls crime statistics briefing on March 7, Mayor Paul TenHaken and Police Chief Jon Thum said the bill could improve safety in the city. More:What will truth in sentencing mean for South Dakota crime victims? Additions to South Dakota's rape statutes Finally, Noem signed two bills, SB 90 and SB 91, that add sex without consent to the state's rape statutes and creates a criminal penalty for the crime. Sex without the victim's consent and that the perpetrator reasonably should've known the victim wasn't consenting, especially in cases where the victim freezes and is unable to fight back, will become a class 3 felony, punishable with up to 15 years in prison. SB 146, SB 90 and SB 91 will go into effect in July. This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Kristi Noem signs bills for new state prisons, rape statute additions Gwyneth Paltrow is seen in Utah court for her ski-crash trial opening statements. Rick Bowmer/AP Gwyneth Paltrow's son will testify at her Utah ski crash trial, her lawyer said. Paltrow was sued over a 2016 ski crash in Utah and was accused of crashing into a man. She is countersuing, claiming he actually crashed into her, and is asking for $1 in damages. Gwyneth Paltrow's 16-year-old son will testify at her Utah ski crash trial, Paltrow's attorney, Steve Owens, said during opening statements Tuesday. Paltrow was sued over a 2016 ski crash at Deer Valley Resort in Utah. Terry Sanderson, a retired optometrist, accused Paltrow of crashing into him on a beginner slope, causing him to break four ribs and sustain a permanent traumatic brain injury. Paltrow is pictured with Moses Martin in April 2013. Paul Hubble/FilmMagic Paltrow countersued, alleging Sanderson ran into her and not the other way around. Sanderson's lawyer said Tuesday that the evidence will show he sustained over $3 million in damages. Paltrow is asking the jury to award her just $1. Sanderson's lawyer said in opening statements that Paltrow was distracted watching her kids ski before the crash happened. Owens said Paltrow's son, Moses Martin, will testify about going over to his mom after the crash and seeing her lying on the ground. According to Owens, Moses, who was 11 at the time, witnessed his mom get irate with Sanderson after the fact, saying "What the F-word." Moses said he has never seen his mom like that before, Owens said. It's unclear what day Moses plans to testify. According to Owens, the crash happened on the first trip Paltrow took with her future husband Brad Falchuk, and their respective children from their prior relationships. Paltrow was married to Coldplay frontman Chris Martin from 2003 to 2016, and they had two children together, daughter Apple, 18, and son Moses, 16. Read the original article on Insider Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Dole Foundation CEO Steve Schwab and honoree Savannah Guthrie attend the Elizabeth Dole Foundation's 10th Anniversary Heroes and History Makers Celebration Shannon Finney/Getty Images Tom Hanks Tom Hanks is heading to Harvard University this spring. On Tuesday, it was announced that Hanks, 66, will be the principal speaker at Harvard's 372nd commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 25 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. "A true master of his craft, Tom Hanks has given life to some of the most compelling, beloved, and iconic characters on the screen," Harvard president Larry Bacow said in a statement. "Over five decades, he has entertained, enlightened, and befriended us. He has made us laugh, cry, question, and think." "In addition to his brilliance as an actor, Tom has demonstrated both an innate empathy and a deep understanding of the human condition," Bacow continued in the statement. "He has contributed to our national culture and expanded our ability to appreciate stories and histories that have been previously unexamined. I very much look forward to his address in May." Hanks, who himself studied theater at Chabot College and later graduated from California State University in Sacramento, Calif., will be awarded an honorary degree as part of his appearance at Harvard's graduation this year, according to a Harvard press release. RELATED: Tom Hanks, Morbius and Ana de Armas' Blonde Voted 'Worst' at 2023 Razzies See Full List of Winners Tom Hanks attends the photocall for "Elvis" during the 75th annual Cannes film festival at Palais des Festivals on May 26, 2022 in Cannes, France. Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Tom Hanks Recent Harvard commencement speakers have included former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Arden, late U.S. politician and legislator John Lewis, Prarie View A&M University president Ruth Simmons and filmmaker Steven Spielberg, whom Hanks has collaborated with on a number of movies, including Saving Private Ryan (1998), Catch Me If You Can (2002) and Bridge of Spies (2015). 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. Hanks, who recently collected two golden raspberry trophies when the 2023 Razzies named his appearance in Elvis among the worst in movies of the last year, said during a January appearance on the The Great Creators with Guy Raz that he has experienced "self-doubt that is pure neurosis" over the course of his career as he explained that he does not like to watch some of his own movies. Story continues "I wrestle with authenticity," the Man Called Otto actor explained. "I wrestle with the difference between lying for a living as an actor and lying to myself as a human being." RELATED VIDEO: Rita Wilson Jokes That Tom Hanks Wears the "Woody Cowboy Hat" When They Go Out in Nashville Hanks went on to say shortly after that he doesn't watch some of his own films, including his "big hits," because he sees "the falsehood in them. I see the loss. I see that one time, 'Oh, man, I missed that opportunity.' " "And it's not because, at the moment, I chose not to it's because, after it was done, I realized I didn't go far enough. I didn't go to the place that I could have gone," he said. Hanks is next scheduled to appear in Wes Anderson's upcoming film Asteroid City. Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab arriving in Downing Street, London, for a Cabinet meeting (Stefan Rousseau/PA) (PA Wire) Justice ministers from around the world will gather in London to support the International Criminal Courts investigations into war crimes in Ukraine. The move comes after the ICC issued a warrant for Russian leader Vladimir Putins arrest, accusing him of bearing personal responsibility for the abduction of children from Ukraine. The UK is boosting its financial support for the court, based in The Hague in the Netherlands, to 1 million this year and other countries are also expected to commit to financial and practical assistance. Statement by Prosecutor #KarimAAKhanKC on the issuance of arrest warrants against President Vladimir Putin and Ms Maria Lvova-Belova Read more https://t.co/qGNPQrBV5O #Ukraine Int'l Criminal Court (@IntlCrimCourt) March 17, 2023 More than 40 nations will be represented at the meeting hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab, and Dutch justice minister Dilan Yesilgoz-Zegerius, at Lancaster House. Justice Secretary Mr Raab said: We are gathering in London today united by one cause to hold war criminals to account for the atrocities committed in Ukraine during this unjust, unprovoked and unlawful invasion. The UK, alongside the international community, will continue to provide the International Criminal Court with the funding, people and expertise to ensure justice is served. Ahead of the conference, the UK Government offered new support and funding for psychological help for victims and witnesses of crimes, more UK experts to work for the ICC and training for investigators to use digital evidence to bring war criminals to justice. The conference will be opened with speeches from Ukraines justice minister Denys Maliuska, and prosecutor general Andriy Kostin, along with the ICCs prosecutor Karim Khan KC. Story continues The ICCs arrest warrant for Mr Putin was the first issued against a leader of one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council. The court also issued a warrant for the arrest of Maria Lvova-Belova, Russias commissioner for childrens rights. The Kremlin dismissed the move against Mr Putin as outrageous and unacceptable. In one swift action, MSNBCs Lawrence ODonnell on Monday showed exactly what he thought of a letter co-authored by Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) that condemned the expected indictment of former President Donald Trump. ODonnell ripped it up. If Nancy Pelosi had gotten this letter this is what she would do with it, ODonnell said, before tearing it live on air. That would get the Pelosi rip faster than any paper she has handled since the Trump State of the Union address. In the letter to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, the GOP chairs of the House committees on judiciary (Jordan), oversight (Kentucky Rep. James Comer) and administration (Wisconsin Rep. Bryan Steil) slammed the investigation of Trump over a hush money payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels, calling it politically motivated. You are reportedly about to engage in an unprecedented abuse of prosecutorial authority: the indictment of a former President of the United States and current declared candidate for that office, the letter read. ODonnell had some advice for viewers. Please do not worry about a single word in this joke of a letter, authored by the chief Republican buffoon on the House Judiciary Committee, Jim Jordan, and co-signed by two other equally buffoonish chairman. Watch the video here: Related... The invasion toppled a "brutal dictator" but "sparked 20 years of instability in Iraq, and damaged America's standing in the world," says Axios. Two decades after the United States invaded Iraq, 61 percent of Americans do not believe the country made the right decision by invading Iraq, according to a new Axios/Ipsos poll. "The chaos and destruction that followed the invasion have made a generation of Americans and their leaders more skeptical of the use of military force overseas, in particular in the Middle East," said an Axios report of the poll published last week. The invasion toppled a "brutal dictator" but "sparked 20 years of instability in Iraq, and damaged America's standing in the world," it noted. On March 17, 2003, then U.S. President George W. Bush issued an ultimatum that the United States would take military action if Iraqi President Saddam Hussein did not leave Iraq within 48 hours. On March 19, bombs began to fall on Baghdad. On March 20, the ground invasion commenced. The invasion was extremely controversial overseas, but highly popular then in the United States. A Pew poll in February 2003 found that 66 percent of Americans approved of the military action and only 26 percent disapproved. However, the Bush administration had justified the invasion on the grounds that Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction, which were never found. Fifty seven percent of Americans at the time also believed, falsely, that Saddam Hussein had played a role in the 9/11 attacks, per Pew. Chris Radburn/Reuters Prince Andrew paid a substantial amount of money to settle the sex abuse case brought against him by Virginia Giuffre. David Boies, the famed attorney who represented Giuffre, made the comment in a wide ranging discussion about the case with the Daily Mail. He also said that Andrew went from stonewalling to settling the civil sex abuse lawsuit in which Giuffre accused him of raping her three times, in less than a week, so desperate was the prince to get out. Boies also commented on reports that Andrew wants to overturn the settlement, saying: If they want to get out of the settlement all they have to do is call me and let me take Andrews deposition and go to trial. The case was settled just a week before Andrew was due to be deposed. Boies told the Mail: From our side we said there had to be a substantial amount of money and there had to be an acceptable statement from Prince Andrew. Those were really the two initial stumbling blocks and they were resolved within a few hours of each other. Boies said: Prince Andrew just wanted out. He was realistic enough not to have any demands. He just wanted to pay not very much money and didnt want to acknowledge Virginia or what hed done his position was that Virginia had made all this up and wasnt really a victim. Prince Andrew Is Ready to Reveal All in a Memoir, Sources Say Giuffre has long alleged that Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell forced her to become their teenage sex slave and trafficked her to powerful men. Boies told the Mail that Andrew claimed he didnt know anything about Epsteins sex trafficking and had nothing to apologize for. The lawyer said of Andrews dramatic decision to settle with Giuffre: I cant think of a turnaround that changed as dramatically in such a short a time as this one did. I have a sense that Andrew probably had mixed emotions. I suspect there was a substantial amount of relief but also a substantial amount of discomfort as to what he had to acknowledge and the amount of money he had to pay. Story continues Boies declined to comment on the financial terms of the settlement. Boies said a memoir by Andrew might help his reputation, depending on what it said. He said: I believe both as a matter of religious faith and human compassion in the possibility of redemption. I would not put Prince Andrew or any other child of God beyond the possibility of redemption but redemption has to begin with the admission of sin and thus far he has been disinclined to do that. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Dozens of Iowa school districts reported that fake threats of active shooters had been called in against their school buildings Tuesday morning, prompting a huge law enforcement response and, in at least one instance, a medical helicopter prepared to treat potential victims. As reports poured in, families received texts from their children that their schools were on lockdown and many were sheltered inside locked classrooms. Among them was father of four Terence Rice, whose two daughters attend Boone High School. At 9:30 a.m. about five minutes after the lockdown began Rice received a text from his daughter in 11th grade that said: "The school is on lockdown." I literally wanted to cry because when you hear the schools are going on lockdown the first thought was There's a shooting," he said. Like in instances across the state, Boone officers and first responders from across the county responded as trained and found the call was a hoax, said police chief John Wiebold. Initial reports show the fake calls were made to schools in Cedar Rapids, North Liberty, Iowa City, Clinton, Davenport, Muscatine, Creston, Cerro Gordo County, Lee County, Story County and Polk County, including Des Moines Public Schools. More:See what Iowa communities got school shooting swatting calls Tuesday In all, the Iowa Department of Public Safety had received tips involving about 30 locations across the state, said commissioner Stephan Bayens, who addressed the threats at a news conference with Gov. Kim Reynolds on Tuesday. A full list of locations was expected to be released late Tuesday. "At this point in time we dont believe there are any active threats to any schools in Iowa," Bayens said Tuesday morning. "This appears to be an orchestrated swatting incident that is making its way across the state." "Swatting" is a term used to describe a prank call to emergency services that results in a large emergency response. Police responded to Fort Madison High School at about 10 a.m. Tuesday on reports of an active shooter that turned out to be false. Local law enforcement monitored the school until just past noon before an all-clear was given. The so-called swatting calls were made to about 30 schools across the state. Bayens said there are indications that the same person or people were behind the calls, which began in Clinton at about 8 a.m. He said the male voice appeared to be from the same person, who spoke with an accent, and that the caller was making his way through school districts from east to west across the state. Story continues Other states have experienced similar calls in recent months, including Colorado, Minnesota and Illinois, Bayens said. Reynolds said her staff told her about the incidents when she arrived at her office in the morning. She said she was glad to learn the calls were swatting incidents and that there was no danger. "Its what no governor, its what no parent or anybody superintendent, teachers, kids want to hear," Reynolds said. "And were grateful, just so thankful that thats what it was." Reynolds' news conference Tuesday originally was intended to launch an app called Safe+Sound, which allows students and teachers to anonymously report potential school threats. The swatting calls highlight the need for schools to be vigilant, she said. More:New Iowa app allows anonymous reports to curb school threats, violence 24/7 "We want to make sure that were doing everything possible to give these schools and school districts, the administrators and the teachers and the kids the knowledge to report or respond and get in front of it," she said. Bayens said his department is working with local, state and federal law enforcement to investigate the calls. But he said he suspects they may have come from outside the United States. He praised local law enforcement for responding quickly and taking the threat seriously. "It is a challenge but unfortunately its one that we have to take seriously," Bayens said. "The one moment you kind of brush it aside as a hoax or an inconvenience is the one that you dont want to let slip through your fingers." Parents: 'You don't know how to react' Despite the calls being fake, parents of Iowa students said the situation felt very real. Rice said he and his 19-year-old son drove over to the school after his daughter's texts came in. The roads around the high school were blocked with emergency vehicles, and officers, some visibly armed with rifles, were patrolling outside the building, he said. For Rice, his daughter's texts took him back to the fatal shooting at Cornerstone Church in Ames in June, when he was in the back cleaning a grill. His children were in the church when shots were fired outside. It was emergency personnel's demeanor outside the school Tuesday that calmed him. "We stuck around for about five minutes and then as we saw cops talking and just being leisurely," he said. "They weren't scrambling. As soon as I saw that, I was like, 'Well, things must be OK.'" Fort Madison parent Brian Wright said he received a text from his daughter, a senior at Fort Madison High School, about the lockdown. She said she believed there was a gunman in the building, police were outside and they were locked in a classroom. Wright, who was at work, said he could only pray and trust that staff and law enforcement would keep students safe. "It's just something you don't expect to happen and you don't know how to react," he said. "You put it all in the hands of the individuals and the authorities to make sure that this is taken care of." Schools across the state react to the swatting calls The string of calls started just after 8 a.m. in Clinton, an eastern Iowa city on the Mississippi River. High school staff did not even know there was a problem until emergency personnel arrived at the school around 8:08 a.m., said Clinton Superintendent Gary DeLacy. School starts at 8:30 a.m. Officials at Clinton High School initially posted on Facebook that someone had called 911 and said there were shots fired at the high school. The school canceled classes for the day and said some students were sheltered in place while Clinton police combed the building. You had a SWAT crew coming in with guns raised, DeLacy said. So, I can imagine the trauma and the raised blood pressures of that experience and it was so unnecessary. Later, the school posted that "there is no evidence of any shooting at Clinton High School. Several large schools in eastern Iowa have also received 911 reports of active shooters." Two 911 calls to the Johnson County Joint Emergency Communications Center give a clearer picture of what law enforcement across the state were dealing with. The caller said there was an active shooter in area schools and provided details including an address and classroom number, according to audio recordings released to the Iowa City Press-Citizen. In the case of Clear Creek Amana in Tiffin, the caller said there were three students injured. During both calls, the caller sounded as if he were out of breath before the call abruptly ended after about 2 minutes. Iowa City Police wrote on Twitter that they were in communication with the Iowa City Community School District regarding swatting calls that referenced active shooters in the schools. "These calls are not credible and there is no reason for concern at this time," the department said on Twitter. ICPD is in communication with the Iowa City Community School District regarding "swatting calls" being made across the country, including ICCSD, referencing active shooter situations in the schools. These calls are not credible and there is no reason for concern at this time. Iowa City Public Safety (@ICPublicSafety) March 21, 2023 Muscatine superintendent Clint Christopher and police chief Tony Kies said a fake threat also was called in to the Muscatine Police Department on Tuesday morning. "Muscatine Police responded accordingly, swept the entire building, and once they informed us there was no credible threat, we could resume the school day," the two posted on Facebook. "While this is certainly a disruption to the day, we will do our best to resume school as normal at Muscatine High School." The Des Moines Police Department received a swatting call around 9 a.m. from a non-local number claiming that a student was shot at Roosevelt High School, said Phil Roeder, Des Moines Public Schools spokesperson. The police department and the districts public safety team responded, but the call was found not to be legitimate, Roeder said. Classes were not disrupted because Tuesday was a staff professional development day, he said. Nevada Community School District Superintendent Steve Gray said there was also a call about his district. Gray said law enforcement inspected the middle and high school campus as a precaution but determined emergency protocols were not necessary, and normal school operations were not interrupted. Creston Community School District's swatting incident triggered a brief lockdown. Calls familiar across the U.S. Swatting is a nationwide problem. The Nebraska State Patrol reported March 2 it had received information on several false reports of school shootings that had been placed to 911 call centers across the state that morning. Local media in Kansas reported the day before that schools in that state had been targeted by similar calls, and law enforcement responded to schools in South Dakota last October for similar calls there. The Nebraska State Patrol noted swatting calls had been reported in 2023 in states including Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Texas and Vermont. The Anti-Defamation League an organization that seeks to fight hate and bias, particularly antisemitism reported last year that while it appears swatting continues to be a growing problem, the FBI did not yet track it as a unique category of crime, and local police departments often dont document it separately from other false reports. People have been sentenced for federal crimes related to swatting in jurisdictions across the country, revealing that attackers can be located far out of state from their targets including, but by no means limited to, schools and that attackers have included members of hacker collectives or white supremacist groups. George Shillcock contributed to this report. Stephen Gruber-Miller covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. He can be reached by email at sgrubermil@registermedia.com or by phone at 515-284-8169. Follow him on Twitter at @sgrubermiller. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa schools receive fake active shooter calls in 'swatting' incidents French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech in Paris on March 14, 2023. French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech in Paris on March 14, 2023. Credit - Ludovic MarinPool/AFP/Getty Images Steps from the gilded domed tomb of Napoleon, on Pariss Left Bank, about 100 union members gathered at a protest rally on Monday afternoon, to vent their rage once again, over a leader they accuse of ruling with a Napoleonic style of his own: French President Emmanuel Macron. After more than two months of strikes and violent protests that have rocked France, labor activists railed against Macrons determined effort to ram through a law raising the retirement age from 62 to 64a measure they say he has foisted on the country against its will. Macrons image has deteriorated terribly from the beginning of this year, says Patrick Belhadj, an official of the left-wing General Confederation of Labor, who represents railway workers in eastern Paris, hours before the President narrowly won a no-confidence vote in parliament. He just presents decisions, and there is no discussion at all that is possible, adds Belhadj, who says he voted for Macrons reelection less than a year ago. That lack of negotiation has pushed France into political turmoil ever since Macron unveiled his unpopular pension reform plan in mid-January. The turmoil reached a fever pitch in recent days, after Macron used the 49.3 constitutional clause to force through the legislation by executive decree, with more than 200 people arrested following spontaneous protests after the French leader survived Mondays no-confidence vote. Uncollected garbage is piled up on a street in Paris during an ongoing strike by sanitation workers, on March 15, 2023. Thomas PadillaAP Over the past two weeks, a strike by garbage workers has left mountains of trash festering on Parisian sidewalks, with growing alarm over a potential rat infestation. Schools have shut numerous times, as teachers have joined the protests. Impromptu demonstrations have exploded at least weekly into pitched battles against riot police, amid volleys of teargas. Had Mondays no-confidence vote succeeded in parliament, it would have forced the ouster of Macrons hand-picked Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, who has been in office for just 10 months, and is responsible for shepherding the Presidents legislative plans through the National Assembly. Story continues I think his mandate is virtually over Macron, a former investment banker and French finance minister, has argued that France can no longer afford its generous retirement benefits, with an ageing population dependent on an ever-smaller proportion of working people. While the official retirement age is 62, many quit work earlier, assured of generous public benefits, including retirement packages that can begin years earlier, depending on ones job. At the union rally on Monday, Laurence Naudin, 63, told TIME she had retired from a postal-service job at 52, and collects a monthly pension of 1,400 ($1,500). Read More: Inside the Radical Effort to Clean Up the Seine Previous attempts to reform pensions have failed, with politicians retreating in the face of fierce protests, and Macron has vowed not to repeat that pattern. The bill to raise the retirement age still faces a review by the Constitutional Council before it becomes law. But while Macron won a narrow victory on Mondaythe no-confidence vote was nine short of the 287 needed to topple the governmenthe is markedly weakened as a leader. (A separate no-confidence vote introduced Monday night by far-right representatives won just 94 votes.) Far-left lawmakers react as they hold papers reading: 64 years. It is no, at the National Assembly in Paris on March 20, 2023. Lewis JolyAP I think his mandate is virtually over, says Philippe Chevrolet-Moreau, a political communications expert at Pariss Sciences Po University. Even within his own party, there is strong doubt that anything of importance will get done, he says. The main fear now is not about retirement, or the pension reform. It is about democracy itself, a reference to Macron wielding the 49.3 clause. Despite a poll on Sunday that showed Macron with just a 28% approval rating, he retains all the enormous powers of a French President: The ability to command troops into battle, pick prime ministers and cabinet members, and set the budget for the worlds seventh-biggest economy. And having won his second five-year term last April, Macron will remain in the Elysee Palace, and on the world stage, until 2027. This is all leading to Marine Le Pen being elected Yet Macrons approach to the unrest could add to the French leaders recent difficulties. Broader legislative dockets, like immigration, investment, assistance for Ukraine, and climate, could all run into a wall of anger among lawmakers, many of whose own voters abhor Macrons pension reform; recent polls show about 70% of French reject the change in retirement age. That anger marks a major reversal of fortune for Macron, who swept into power in 2017 as the youngest French leader since Napoleon, obliterating two political parties that had ruled the country for generations. After interviewing him shortly after his stunning victory, TIME proclaimed him on its cover, The Next Leader of Europe with a bolded red asterisk warning: If only he can lead France. In a second TIME interview in 2019, after the explosive Yellow Vest protests, Macron said that he did not mind being vilified. I was elected, Im in charge, and Im the leader, so I take it, he said. I dont care. Protesters hold placards during a demonstration at the Place de la Concorde in Paris on March 16, 2023. Telmo PintoSOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images But union leaders and analysts say that the matter goes beyond Macrons popularityand might have greater long-term implications over who might succeed him in four years time. Many fear that the political upheaval since January has given huge momentum to Macrons arch-enemy, the far-right Marine Le Pen. As head of the National Rally (RN) party, Le Pen lost to Macron in the runoff presidential race last April. But Macrons party lost its parliamentary majority two months later, while Le Pens RN emerged as a major figure with 89 seats. As Macron rolled out his retirement plan, Le Pen seized on the issue, telling the French it was discriminatory to blue-collar workers and women. This is all leading to Marine Le Pen being elected in 2027, Chevrolet-Moreau said on Monday. That is the only way I see. At Mondays rally, Naudin, the retired postal-service employee, said she had voted for Macron in last years runoff round, to make sure Le Pen did not become President. Asked if she would do the same again, however, she hesitated. If the election were held today, Marine Le Pen would win, unfortunately, she says. Macron has ruled without negotiations, without dialogue. And that has angered a lot of French. I thought we believed in a patient-doctor relationship. So why is the government stepping in and telling these doctors that they cant do that (administer drugs they believe are effective) to their patients? asked Sen. Tammy Nichols at the Idaho Freedom Foundations Capitol Clarity event on Thursday. Thats a decent argument. It just sounds a little strange coming from the mouth of a lawmaker who is in the midst of promoting a bill that would jail doctors, nurses and pharmacists who administer most brands of COVID-19 vaccines. But Nichols was talking about ivermectin, an anti-parasite medication that has repeatedly shown no efficacy in treating COVID-19, not vaccines, which have demonstrated a high degree of efficacy in preventing severe disease and death. Along with cosponsor Rep. Judy Boyle, R-Midvale, Nichols was promoting House Bill 307. The bill and its predecessor have both been printed by the House Health and Welfare Committee, but neither has been granted a hearing. The purpose of the Freedom Foundations Capitol Clarity event was to try to get supporters to contact their lawmakers and get it moving. With the bill, Nichols and Boyle are seeking to place the government the police specifically right in the middle of the doctor-patient relationship. The bill would make it a misdemeanor to administer vaccines that use mRNA technology, like the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, punishable by up to a year in jail. On top of the jail time, theres a bonus for charging doctors with a misdemeanor, Nichols told the gathered audience of around 30 people. Theyll lose their license after they get out. The bill has already been rewritten once. The first draft would have banned mRNA vaccines for both humans and other mammals, but the agricultural sector had objections. So it was rewritten so that a vet could give a cow an mRNA vaccine, but a doctor would go to jail for giving one to you. Speaking of veterinary medicine many ivermectin advocates get angry if you refer to it as horse paste. True, it is available as a paste for treating horse parasites, but it also comes as a pill, long FDA-approved for humans and stocked at many pharmacies, they like to point out. Story continues After the presentation on Nichols and Boyles bill, participants at Capitol Clarity discussed various means of obtaining ivermectin: a sympathetic local compounding pharmacy, a mail-order chemist in India, etc. And then there are other methods. Theres nothing wrong with taking the horse paste, said one older man in the audience. Boyle and Nichols met this with solemn nods. The length of Thursdays Capitol Clarity event was like this: hilarious but tinged with a shade of sadness, as are all gatherings of the easily duped. A recent immigrant from California complained that his wife had vaccinated and indoctrinated their children against him. A woman described a desperate race to get a hospitalized friend at serious risk of dying a dose of ivermectin. And it always seems that more sinister figures are lurking around the periphery, not just the kind who easily buy into silly conspiracy theories, but the kind who mean to harm innocent people. As the Southern Poverty Law Center noted in a recent article, Nichols in a February Twitter post promoted a racist YouTuber who goes by the name Blonde in the Belly of the Beast. Rebecca Crockett, whom Nichols seems to have met up with at the Kootenai County GOPs Lincoln Day dinner, has featured recent sympathetic interviews with white nationalists including Jared Taylor, a leading intellectual in the movement, and Paul Miller, a race-war-promoting Florida neo-Nazi just released from a prison stint for a weapons conviction. Many of her videos also feature anti-vaxxers. As for Boyle, she was one of the lawmakers along with Reps. Heather Scott and Sage Dixon who decided to ditch the legislative session to stick up for extremists affiliated with Ammon Bundy during their 2016 takeover of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Bundy went on to become the most belligerent of Idahos anti-mask and anti-vaccine protesters. So here we have Idaho, at least the Idaho that the Freedom Foundation envisions. A land where the doctors are in jail and the cattle have the vaccines meant for you. But you can have all the literal horse paste you can eat, and here and there, the odd Nazi or armed fanatic sprinkled in to keep things lively. This is what they believe freedom means. Bryan Clark is an opinion writer with the Idaho Statesman based in eastern Idaho. The bloodsucking lore of the chupacabra is getting the CGI treatment and rebranding itself into a cute and cuddly creature. Netflix's "Chupa" (streaming now) the adventure-fantasy film directed by Mexican filmmaker Jonas Cuaron, co-writer of the Oscar-winning film "Gravity" and son of "Roma" director Alfonso Cuaron follows a shy 13-year-old Alex (Evan Whitten) who travels from Kansas City to Mexico to meet his grandfather Chava (Demian Bichir). On his grandfather's ranch, Alex meets a new furry, mythical friend and the two embark on a whirlwind adventure. Cuaron tells USA TODAY that working on "Chupa" was not only exciting but a "very personal story for me." Growing up in Mexico in the '90s, and being around the same age as Alex in the film, Cuaron pulled from his memory of the first time he heard of the legend of the chupacabra. "As a kid, those things were exciting," he says. Ever heard of the chupacabra? In Netflix's "Chupa," the legend is reimagined into a family-friendly film starring Demian Bichir and Christian Slater. The adventure-fantasy will stream on Netflix April 7. The trailer for "Chupa" starring Bichir, Whitten and Christian Slater shows a nervous Alex, still mourning the death of his father, being sent to Mexico by his mother amid sightings of the chupacabra dominating broadcast news. "He'll be our little secret," Chava tells Alex upon meeting the Chupa, who also warns him of "bad people out there" (scientist Richard Quinn, played by Slater) hunting the misunderstood creature to try and harness his powers. What is Netflix's 'Chupa' based on? The chupacabra, which translates to goat-sucker in English, was reportedly first spotted in the early '90s in Puerto Rico. As the story goes, sightings then spread across Latin America with people believing the creature attacked and drank the blood of livestock, including goats. "There was a frightening element about it but there's also so much curiosity and excitement about something magical being around you," Cuaron says. "It's fascinating how Latin American culture works and how easy prey we are," Bichir adds. "That creature never existed, are you kidding me? That's exactly why I think it's brilliant, that we took that crazy time of our history and converted it into a beautiful fantasy." Story continues A chupacabra?: Texas zoo seeks help identifying 'strange' creature captured on camera 'Chupa' is about 'trusting your family' and 'magic in the world' As oral historians, grandparents use their gift of storytelling to keep traditions alive, bestow unforgettable life lessons, and retell the folklore of their times. "Growing up surrounded by two big Mexican families, I know that grandparents are truly the carriers of the family narrative," Cuaron says. "Everything you need to know about life is right there in our parents and grandparents' experiences," Bichir added. "Alex goes through this interpersonal journey when he goes back to his roots and reconnects with his grandfather and at the same time with his late father." "Chupa" is about the importance of "trusting your family in order to overcome grief and any other growing pains," Bichir says. It's about believing in yourself and reconnecting with your roots. "I don't see this as a Latino or Mexican film," the actor adds. "It's a universal story about how we connect to our family." "It also shows the importance of (basking) in the magic that there is in the world," says Cuaron. 15 must-watch shows starring Latinos: 'Los Espookys,' 'With Love,' 'Superstore,' more 'Chupa' will be the 'cutest thing you've ever seen' Cuaron flips the previously horrific chupacabra folklore on its back and creates what Bichir calls a "loving little creature." Production went through many iterations of the Chupa and based the design on real animals while also "playing with something that is fantastical, which is a creature that's kind of like a mammal but has wings and feathers something we've never seen," says Cuaron. "I want a chupacabra in my room, that little Chupa is the cutest thing you've ever seen," Bichir adds. 50 of the best TV shows to watch on Netflix: 'Wednesday' is for the Addams Family 'He's a flawed superhero': Why 'Luther' is the coolest character Idris Elba will ever play Jonas Cuaron on how 'E.T.' inspired 'Chupa' Jonas Cuaron took inspiration from movies like "E.T." when creating Netflix's "Chupa." Cuaron says it was "impossible not to think about 'E.T.'" when working on "Chupa." "As a filmmaker, you really look at the works that you admired to try to learn from them, and in this genre, there are so many references for me to grab on," Cuaron says. Throughout filming, the director rewatched the sci-fi/adventure classic over 10 times. Cuaron adds that "what would flatter me the most would be to meet someone 20 years from now and tell me that growing up, 'Chupa' really marked them. Because that's what movies like 'E.T.' did for my generation." 'E.T.' turns 40: Steven Spielberg recalls how 6-year-old Drew Barrymore 'stormed' into Gertie role Jonas Cuaron, Demian Bichir want to make movies their children can watch As fathers, Cuaron and Bichir are excited to create a film their children can enjoy. "For the last five years, I've been watching so many kids' movies and trying to see the world of cinema through their eyes," the director father of two says, adding it led him to reconnect with movies from his own childhood including "E.T.", "Gremlins" and "The Goonies." Bichir, who has starred in films including "The Nun," "The Hateful Eight" and "The Grudge," jokes he doesn't "have many films that my daughter can watch." For Bichir it's also important to "connect with new generations, that's always the biggest challenge as an artist. You want to make sure the new generations know your work, and that they can connect with you too." 'Scream VI': How the new Ghostface matches the bloody 'brutality' of New York City Review: Ghostface takes Manhattan in a solid but familiar stab-filled outing This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Netflix's 'Chupa': Demian Bichir, Jonas Cuaron talk chupacabra legend Over a Month Later, PETA Is Still Rescuing Dogs in Turkey (Picture Credit: Mehmet Kacmaz / Getty Images) Over a month since a massive earthquake hit Turkey, PETA continues rescuing dogs and other pets left behind. On February 6th, 2023. A 7.8 magnitude earthquake erupted across Turkey, reaching northwestern Syria. According to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, the earthquake has claimed over 47,000 Turkish lives, and over 5,000 people in Syriaincluding aid workershave also died. For PETA, Dogs in Turkey Are Also Disaster Victims Among the massive humanitarian crisis unfolding,approximately 8.8 million people are within the earthquakes radiusTurkeys animals are also being affected. Thankfully, PETA immediately sent rescue groups to the area to find and rescue abandoned pets. Amazingly, rescue workers are risking their own lives climbing into crumbling buildings to rescue peoples beloved pets. In a video posted on Twitter, PETA UKs Vice President, Mimi Bekhechi relates how grave the scenes on the ground are. I encourage everyone to continue doing everything they can to help the earthquake victimsof all species, said Bekhechi. The Situation for Dogs in Turkey Was Already Hard The thought of dogs suffering even more intensely in Turkey is especially disturbing considering the countrys troubling history with dogs. Historically, the Turkish people have lived amiably among stray dogs. Particularly in Istanbul, communal ownership of street dogs is a tradition stemming from the Ottoman Empire. However, as Turkey began modernizing in the 20th century, these dogs became associated with poverty and destitution. Unfortunately, the governments solution at the time was disastrous for the dogs. The Hayirsizada Dog Massacre is by far one of the worst episodes of violence against dogs by humans. You can read more about the history here, but suffice it to say the event left an indelible mark on the country. Since then, stray dog overpopulation continues to be a divisive political topic in Turkey. Among misinformation, dubiously effective government programs, and a lack of resources, its ultimately the dogs that lose. Story continues Responding, Vice President Bekhechi said, Because companion animal overpopulation was a major issue in the country before the earthquakes, countless cats and dogsnow have no source of food. In addition to arranging food drops in the hardest-hit areas, were helping with sterilization efforts to prevent more animals from being born into a world in which every day is a struggle for survival. Notably, Bekhechi also said that even through the darkest moments, being able to reunite pets with their families continues giving aid workers hope. The post Over a Month Later, PETA Is Still Rescuing Dogs in Turkey appeared first on DogTime. Bears Rescued from Bile Farm AnimalsAsia (2) Five bears are preparing for a brighter tomorrow after escaping the confines of a bile farm. According to AnimalsAsia, the nonprofit learned from authorities in Vietnam that a bear bile farmer in Phung Thuong the country's epicenter of bear bile farming was willing to part with five moon bears living in cages at the farm for at least 20 years. "Bear bile farming is a cruel system designed to extract bile from living bears. Bears are confined permanently to small cages and denied free access to food and water. Here in Vietnam, caged bears are drugged with ketamine before being lassoed to have their bile extracted via a long unsterile needle and electric pump," Thuy Hoang, a sanctuary manager with AnimalsAsia, told PEOPLE. AnimalsAsia and the Vietnamese authorities have been working together for years to eradicate bear bile farming from the country and give the animals stuck at these farms a better life. Like the other bears AnimalsAsia has rescued from bile farms, these five bears were taken to the nonprofit's sanctuary in Vietnam. Before arriving at their new home, the moon bears Dawn, Noon, Midnight, Chronos, and Twilight lived in tiny, damp cages with no enrichment. RELATED: James Cromwell Is Helping an Animal Group Build a Sanctuary to End Bear Bile Farming in Vietnam Bears Rescued from Bile Farm AnimalsAsia Rescuers found the bears showing signs of nervousness and anxiety. "Fortunately, the bears all voluntarily walked from their farm cages to our transport cages. We then loaded them onto two large trucks to transport them to our sanctuary in Tam Dao. The trip took one and a half hours, and during the trip, we stopped to check if the bears were doing well. Ultimately, it was a very smooth operation for our team, and I am very proud of them," Hoang said of the rescue. With the rescue, which took place in late February, complete, the moon bears are now fulfilling a 30-day quarantine at the sanctuary. The sanctuary's staff is closely monitoring the bears' health. And while the animals' overall well-being is improving, their caretakers have noticed signs of psychological stress while bonding with the bears. Story continues RELATED: Bears Held Captive for Their Bile Rescued from Filthy Basement Cages Kept in Complete Darkness "Chronos is very sensitive to noise and sways his head often," Hoang said, adding, "Dawn is a broken bear from her appearance to her behavior." But at AnimalsAsia's sanctuary, no bear is beyond help. The facility's staff looks forward to showing these bears the joy and beauty of life at their expansive sanctuary, which houses over 207 rescue bears. Bears Rescued from Bile Farm AnimalsAsia "It will be a slow start, but once they are ready, we can begin integrating them with the other bears on-site in our sanctuary. We all hope things turn out well with their health, both physical and mental, as soon as possible, so they can begin living a healthy, happy, and confident life with freedom," Hoang shared. AniamlsAsia is dedicated to rescuing every bile-farming bear in Vietnam and estimates that there are still roughly 117 bears stuck in cages at bile farms in Phung Thuong. To help with this mission, the organization is building a second sanctuary since their Tam Dao facility is nearly at capacity. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The new sanctuary will be located in Vietnam's Bach Ma National Park. Once the facility is complete, AnimalsAsia will have enough space to save every bear stuck in Vietnam's bear bile trade. To learn more about AnimalsAsia and support the development of the organization's second sanctuary, visit the nonprofit's website. A train carrying cargo containers from Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) member countries, including Laos, Vietnam and Japan, departed from the Chengtong Trade Port Free Trade Zone in Shenbei New District, Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province, on Saturday morning. The train marks the opening of a new international freight route for RCEP member countries through Shenyang to Europe via entrepot trade. With rich rail resources, the Chengtong Trade Port connects different logistics routes, such as China-Europe freight trains and the China-Laos Railway, which facilitates the collection and transportation of general trade goods, cross-border e-commerce goods, transit goods, and bonded goods at the same venue. Shenbei New District plans to construct a 20,000-square-meter RCEP enterprise service center, expanding its focus from a single logistics channel to a comprehensive industrial layout and supply chain, according to local authorities. There have been no shortage of retellings of Anne Franks iconic book The Diary of a Young Girl. From the time it was first published in 1947 as Het Achterhuis (The Secret Annex) in Dutch in a small edition of 3,036 copies and went on to become one of the most translated books in the world, its been adapted to every medium imaginable from stage to screens big and small, as a musical, as a dance interpretation, even as a 2017 graphic diary. The first play version of The Diary of Anne Frank hit Broadway in 1955 and proved a rousing success, running more than 700 performances and earning its playwrights a Pulitzer Prize. A 1959 theatrical film directed by George Stevens earned eight Academy Award nominations and won three: for Shelley Winters as supporting actress as well as its cinematography and art direction/set decoration. Yet throughout all of the wartime storys many renderings, there have been precious few projects that cast a primary focus on those who helped to hide and protect Anne and the extended Frank and van Pels families. The main one came out 35 years ago: the 1988 made-for-TV movie The Attic: The Hiding of Anne Frank that starred Mary Steenburgen and Paul Scofield. Now comes the fact-based A Small Light, a powerful eight-part limited series from NatGeo that premieres with a pair of installments on May 1 and streams the next day on Disney+. More from GoldDerby SEEEmmys 2023: 10 most anticipated Best Limited Series contenders include Love and Death, White House Plumbers, Great Expectations [PHOTOS] Reaching beyond the tale of Anne Frank, A Small Light is really the story of Miep Gies (played by BAFTA and Indie Spirit Award nominee Bel Powley) and somewhat less her husband Jan (portrayed by Joe Cole). Miep was a secretary in Otto Franks (played here by Liev Schreiber) company in the Netherlands in 1942 when the heat of Nazi occupation during World War II became too great. He asked his employee Miep to hide him and his Jewish family (along with friends the van Pels and dentist Fritz Pfeffer) to escape deportation and persecution. Story continues Thus began a two-year ordeal in which Miep and her husband protected and sustained eight souls in a previously unoccupied area of a home in Amsterdam that came to be known as the Secret Annex. For those many months, the couple dedicated their lives to keeping the Franks (including Otto and Anne), the van Pels and Pfeffer out of sight and fed gathering food and provisions from several locations so as not to raise suspicions and delivering letters. Its in the hiding place where Anne wrote her diary. Interwoven are glimpses of members of the resistance who assisted Miep and Jan. The series illuminates the daily risks taken by the couple and the ways it took over their lives. Screening the first three episodes, Powley and Schreiber are clear Emmy contenders as lead actress/actor in a limited series for their work in this exceptional Holocaust drama. Again, whats particularly interesting in A Small Light is the different way that a story we all think we know so well is told, with Anne herself taking something of a back seat to the tale of her protectors. SEELiev Schreiber (A Small Light) Before those being hidden were discovered and the hiding place was stripped by the Nazi authorities in August 1944, it was Miep Gies who kept Annes diaries and saved them in her desk drawer with the goal of giving them back to Anne once they reunited. Instead, she gave them to her father Otto Frank, the sole survivor of the Secret Annex. He would publish his daughters memories into the book thats still shared around the world. A Small Light gets its title from Gies shunning of calling herself a hero later in life, saying, No one should ever think you have to be special to help others. Even an ordinary secretary or a housewife or a teenager can turn on a small light in a dark room. Gies died in 2010 at 100. The Limited Series categories at this years Emmys are shaping up to be especially stacked and competitive, with A Small Light looking for nomination attention against the likes of Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story (Netflix), Fleishman Is in Trouble (FX on Hulu), Dead Ringers (Prime Video), White House Plumbers (HBO), Daisy Jones & the Six (Prime Video), George & Tammy (Paramount and Showtime), Extrapolations (Apple TV+), Black Bird (Apple TV+), Tiny Beautiful Things (Hulu) and Great Expectations (FX), among many others. PREDICT the 2023 Emmy nominees through July 12 Make your predictions at Gold Derby now. Download our free and easy app for Apple/iPhone devices or Android (Google Play) to compete against legions of other fans plus our experts and editors for best prediction accuracy scores. See our latest prediction champs. Can you top our esteemed leaderboards next? Always remember to keep your predictions updated because they impact our latest racetrack odds, which terrify Hollywood chiefs and stars. Dont miss the fun. Speak up and share your huffy opinions in our famous forums where 5,000 showbiz leaders lurk every day to track latest awards buzz. Everybody wants to know: What do you think? Who do you predict and why? SIGN UP for Gold Derbys free newsletter with latest predictions Best of GoldDerby Sign up for Gold Derby's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Snoop says his new coffee line INDOxyz will "change the industry." JC Olivera / WireImage Has anyone ever seen Snoop Dogg sleep? It doesnt seem possible, when you consider everything that the rap legend is involved in. Within the past few months, hes announced his own namesake breakfast cereal, filed a trademark for Snoop Doggs hot dogs, and rolled out a line of THC-infused onion snacks. And, despite currently being several dates into a European tour, the inexhaustible Doggfather has just co-launched a new coffee brand, too. Snoop has partnered with Indonesian coffee entrepreneur Michael Riady on INDOxyz, which they describe as a lifestyle coffee brand. According to a press release, INDOxyzs coffee beans are sourced from the Indonesian islands of Bali, Java, Sulawesi, and Sumatra. The green beans will be roasted in Los Angeles, before being either packaged as INDOxyzs single-origin whole bean coffee, or brewed and canned. Related:The Best Coffee Shops in Every State My relationship with coffee goes way back, Snoop Dogg said. The many long nights in the studio making hit after hit, coffee provided the fuel which kept us going [...] Indo is going to change the industry, I can promise you that. INDOxyz will launch in California no surprise there before rolling out to Las Vegas and eventually the rest of the country. All of INDOxyz's offerings will be available through the company's website, BevMo, and GoPuff, and at retailers including Albertsons, Amazon, Erewhon, Pavilions, Safeway, Sprouts, and Vons. Each can of cold brew has a suggested price of $5.99, while each bag of roasted whole bean coffee will start at $17.99. "I've always had love in Indonesia, and Michael always took care of us when we were over there," Snoop Dogg told Daily Coffee News. "He showed me the best coffee in the world and we made it happen from there." He might be slightly biased, but Riady says he believes the new coffee is "the best tasting" on the market. Story continues "I want to make coffee fun and cool, and having Snoop as a partner gives us that edge," Riady added. "It's been an incredible journey working with him and building this company, and I think that together we can make an impact in the industry with a brand that resonates with the next generation." That should tide Snoop Dogg over for the next 15 minutes until he's back onstage or has another brand to launch. And maybe INDOxyz is just what we need to try (TRY!) to keep up. For more Food & Wine news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Food & Wine. Joy Maria Kitashima will become the first female force-level sergeant major in the history of the Marine Corps in July A 1994 Bloomington High School South graduate has become the first woman serving in the U. S. Marine Corps to reach the rank of sergeant major the senior enlisted Marine in an overseas assignment. Joy Maria Kitashima, 46, will become the first female force-level sergeant major in the history of the Marine Corps when she takes her post in July at a Marine Expeditionary Force in Okinawa, according to the Marine Corps announcement. Kitashima grew up in Bloomington and attended University Elementary School. After high school she enrolled at Vincennes University and received an associates degree in law enforcement in 1996. She had a civilian law-enforcement career in mind until a Marine Corps recruiter sold her on enlisting, and soon she was enrolled in military police school at Fort McClellan, Alabama. During a 26-year career as a Marine, Kitashima has served at U.S. bases and overseas in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Haiti. According to a report in Stars and Stripes, Kitashima will be joined in the new assignment in Okinawa by her husband, Mark, a retired master gunnery sergeant, and their 11-year-old daughter, Caitlynn. This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Bloomington grad is first female to lead Marine Expeditionary Force Prince Harry, Meghan Markle It's been over two weeks since it was confirmed Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had been invited to King Charles' coronation, but there's still no word on whether they will make it to the historical event. Meanwhile, reports have been popping up claiming that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have a series of requests for the Royal Family and the coronation organizers, which they allegedly want fulfilled in order to attend. These reported requests are: for their son Archie's birthday to be marked in some way (he turns four on the day of the coronation), for Archie and Lilibet to be included in the proceedings, to stay with Princess Eugenie at Frogmore, and to be included on the Buckingham Palace balcony. "It really is a mess, to be honest," commentator Dominique Samuels told Sky News Australia. "First of all, many people were wondering why the King invited them to the coronation in the first place. Secondly, I'm not surprised they have this list of demands, because it seems the King is really prepared to capitulate to all of them." Still, Samuels believes there's one point where Charles could easily meet his youngest son and his wife halfway. "On the bright side, what can happen is a bit of a compromise," she said. "One of the things they have raised is that they want their children to be invited, they want their children to be included. It will be Archie's birthday, I think, at around the time that the coronation is taking place, so at least maybe we could compromise on including the children." The balcony, however, is probably a non-starter. "In terms of them wanting to be on the royal balcony, it's likely that will be reserved for working royals, and they chose to step away so they sort of need to deal with that reality," Samuels said. The Sussexes were not included on the balcony during the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, though it could be different this time around since Harry is Charles' next of kin, and a show of unity could benefit the monarchy's image. Wait and see, people, wait and see. Luis Herrera/Stocksy People with insomnia may be more likely to have a heart attack, compared to people without the sleep disorder, new research shows. Women with insomnia and people with both diabetes and insomnia appear to be at the greatest risk. The new findings suggests insomnia should be considered a risk factor for heart attack. Luis Herrera/Stocksy People who experience insomnia may have a greater risk of having a heart attack, compared to those who dont have the sleep disorder, new research shows. Women with insomnia seem to be at an even greater risk, as are people with both diabetes and insomnia. The findings come from a new study, presented earlier this month at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session Together With the World Congress of Cardiology. The research was also published in the journal Clinical Cardiology in February. Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder, but in many ways its no longer just an illness, its more of a life choice. We just dont prioritize sleep as much as we should, first study author Yomna E. Dean, a medical student at Alexandria University in Alexandria, Egypt, said in a news release. Our study showed that people with insomnia are more likely to have a heart attack regardless of age, and heart attacks occurred more often in women with insomnia. Its estimated that about 30% of adults experience insomniaor trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting good quality sleepand the condition often affects more women than men. Past research has also linked insomnia to other conditions like cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, and the new findings suggest that insomnia should be considered a risk factor for heart attack. Based on our pooled data, insomnia should be considered a risk factor for developing a heart attack, Dean said in the news release, and we need to do a better job of educating people about how dangerous [lack of good sleep] can be. Heres what to know about the link between insomnia and heart attack risk, and how to better prioritize healthier sleep habits. Story continues Related:What Is Revenge Bedtime Procrastination? Insomnia and Risk of Heart Attack For the study, Dean and her research team sought to assess the potential of insomnia being a risk factor for myocardial infarction (MI), known more commonly as a heart attack. To do that, they pooled data from nine studiesoriginating from the U.S., U.K., Norway, Germany, Taiwan and Chinawhich included data from more than one million adults. Of those peoplewho were an average age of 52 years oldalmost 154,000 people had insomnia, which was characterized by having any of the three following symptoms: Difficulty falling asleep Difficulty staying asleep Waking early and not being able to go back to sleep All told, 2,406 people with insomnia had a heart attack during an average of nine years of follow-up; meanwhile, just over 12,000 people in the non-insomnia group had a heart attack during that same time period. Ultimately, people with insomnia were 69% more likely to have a heart attack, compared to those who did not have insomnia. Not surprisingly, people with insomnia who also had high blood pressure, cholesterol or diabetes had an even higher risk of having a heart attack than those who didnt, Dean said in the news release. People with diabetes who also have insomnia had a twofold likelihood of having a heart attack. The specific amount of sleep people reported mattered too: People who said they typically got five or fewer hours of sleep each night were more likely to experience heart attack, compared to people who got six to eight hours of sleep. Heart attack risk was also elevated for people who got nine or more hours of sleep, suggesting that both too little and too much sleep can be detrimental to heart health. Related:Tart Cherry Juice: Can It Really Help You Sleep Better? How Might Sleep Affect Heart Health? There is no question that for many years as cardiologists we have recognized the link between sleep disorders and cardiovascular illness, said Dennis Finkielstein, MD, associate chair of cardiology at Lenox Hill Hospital, who was not involved in the new study. If we think about insomnia and restful sleep, its physiology, Dr. Finkielstein told Health. It is a period of restoration for the body and if thats removed with insomnia, you can imagine that it can invoke a fight or flight response throughout the night. Over the long run, Im not surprised that it can lead to a heart attack. Another potential mechanism is the lack of sleeps impact on cortisol levelswidely known as the bodys stress hormone. Sleep deprivation, a consequence of insomnia, puts the body under stress, triggering cortisol release which could accelerate atherosclerosis, said Dean. Atherosclerosisknown more commonly as plaque buildup in the arteriescan lead to blockages which can cause heart attack among other cardiovascular complications. Still, certain limitations to the study suggest that much more research is needed to prove a link between insomnia and heart health risks. There is a lot of interest in sleep health with relation to cardiovascular disease, said Anais Hausvater, MD, a cardiologist at NYU Langone Health. The study is hypothesis-generating, but I think there have to be more studies to see how much the risk is attributed to insomnia, and how much to other mechanisms. Dr. Hausvater pointed out that measured insomnia through surveys, or self-reported data, which is less trustworthy due to human error. Theres a bias in that measurement because it relies on people to recall how much they have slept, which is quite difficult for some people, said Dr. Hausvater. It would be valuable to have studies that use technology to measure sleep to objectively measure levels of insomnia in relation to a heart attack. Related:The Simple 4-7-8 Breathing Technique Can Help You Relax and Sleep BetterHere's Why How to Prioritize Sleep Quality and Quantity According to Dean, people should prioritize their sleep; getting seven to eight hours of quality sleep each night is preferred. Getting the proper amount of sleep hinges on your sleep hygiene, or the environment and daily tasks that prime you for sleep throughout the day. The room should be dark, quiet and on the cooler side, and put away devices, Dean said in the news release. Do something that is calming to wind down, and if you have tried all these things and still cant sleep or are sleeping less than five hours, talk with your doctor. Additionally, Dr. Finkielstein recommended that people dont nap throughout the day, which can affect sleep at night, and to only use your bed for sleepthat can signal to the brain that when youre in bed its time to sleep. Dont eat or drink alcohol late at night, added Dr. Finkielstein, [and] make sure youre physically active during the day. If your sleep hygiene is up to par, you may want to consider speaking to a healthcare professional who may be able to point you to a specialist. I would say if you have chronic insomnia, which is one month or more of non-restful and non-lengthy sleep, it may be time to see a primary care physician who may refer someone to a sleep medicine specialist, Dr. Finkielstein said. Its also worth noting that just because someone may experience insomnia does not mean they are definitively going to have a heart attackmany other factors can be at play. If the rest of your lifestyle is healthy, meaning youre active and you make time to de-stress, and you have insomnia, you will do better than someone with other factors like smoking, not exercising, eating poorly, and stress in life, Dr. Finkielstein said. A bigger and better second study would be to tease apart the associated factors. The basics are the basics for a reason, added Dr. Finkielstein. Good sleep is one of the basics. Add to that exercise and eating right and taking time to destress. When all of that isnt going well, its not surprising that the outcome may be worse. For more Health news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Health. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak who is set to win Commons backing for new deal on Northern Ireland trading ties (PA Wire) Tory infighting over Brexit reignited on Tuesday as hardline Eurosceptics branded a key part of Rishi Sunaks new deal for Northern Ireland trade ties as practically useless. The Tory European Research Group tore into the Stormont brake in the Windsor Framework which the Prime Minister agreed with Brussels. However, the ERG stopped short of saying yet whether its MPs will vote against the brake on Wednesday after the damning legal claims by its star chamber of lawyers. In a statement, the ERG said: "The star chambers principal findings are: That EU law will still be supreme in Northern Ireland; the rights of its people under the 1800 Act of Union are not restored; the green lane is not really a green lane at all; the Stormont brake is practically useless and the framework itself has no exit, other than through a highly complex legal process." Earlier, a Cabinet minister said the vast majority of Tory MPs will back Mr Sunaks Windsor Framework deal in the Commons vote on Wednesday. The Democratic Unionist Party has vowed to oppose the Government in the vote over the so-called Stormont brake which is part of the pact with the EU for Northern Irelands trading ties. But Transport Secretary Mark Harper dismissed the likelihood of a major revolt by Tory MPs. He told Sky News: I hope that the DUP in time will accept the deal. They obviously are not going to support it this week but I think the vast majority of my colleagues will. Former Business Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg, an arch Eurosceptic, told GB News that the problem with the Northern Ireland Protocol and the Windsor Framework is that it leaves Northern Ireland still subject to a degree of EU interference and rules. DUP Brexit spokesman Sammy Wilson criticised ministers, telling TalkTV: We (the Government) are prepared to split up the union, wreck the internal market of the UK in order to protect the EU single market. Our Government, if it had any backbone and any spine, should be standing up for the UK. Story continues But the Windsor pact will get through the Commons, with the backing of Labour. The deal is designed to ease trade frictions and Unionists fears associated with the Northern Ireland Protocol, which was part of ex-PM Boris Johnsons Brexit agreement. The brake would allow a minority of elected Stormont members to formally flag concerns about the imposition of new EU laws in Northern Ireland - a move that could see the UK Government veto their introduction in the region. The Prime Ministers end goal with the framework is to restore powersharing in Belfast. The DUP, the largest Unionist party in the Northern Ireland Assembly, is currently blocking devolution at Stormont in protest at the terms of the protocol. London, Brussels and Washington are keen for the Stormont institutions to be restored ahead of next months landmark 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. US President Joe Biden is among those set to visit Northern Ireland to mark the deal that established powersharing in Belfast. When you think of life sciences and biotech hubs in the U.S., where do you travel to in your mind? Boston? The Bay Area? Texas? Portal Innovations, a biotech VC firm based in Chicago, is trying to broaden everyones horizons and give opportunities to biotech startups growing out of labs in Chicago, Atlanta, and hopefully beyond. "I founded Portal Innovations really to address emerging needs for life sciences companies, particularly in ecosystems, like Chicago, that don't yet have the infrastructure and community to support a growing life sciences community emerging from our research institutions," Portals CEO, John Flavin, explains. Over the past ten years, universities such as Northwestern, the University of Chicago, and the University of Illinois, have prioritized recruiting innovative faculty into the life sciences ecosystem. Consequently, there is a wealth of investable ideas being cultivated in these labs, but not necessarily anywhere for them to expand without having to look to relocate when they graduate out of the university facilities. Flavin, in turn, knows about the necessity to relocate. He has spent his career as a biotech entrepreneur, in which time hes built and taken public three biotechnology companies. The most recent startup, Pyxis Oncology, was spun out of the University of Chicago. Without the necessary lab space in Chicago, it was forced to head to Boston. It continues to grow there, but Flavin saw the need to encourage and support growth elsewhere. Momentum and an ecosystem is really important. A couple of years ago we had a lot of innovative people in the marketplace, but they really had only one option and that was to go to other markets to build their companies," explains Flavin. "By investing locally, by developing the right ecosystem, were in a sense bringing Kendall Square to Main Street. That's essentially what Portals doing. Story continues Portal offers specialized and fully supported lab space to startups that would otherwise struggle to fund it. The infrastructure is very specialized wet lab space so you can do chemistry and biology, says Flavin. This involves chemical fume hoods, equipment to facilitate cell and tissue culture work. It gives founders the ability to work across a range of different therapeutic modalities ranging from small molecules, polymers and biomaterials in synthetic biology, but also cell therapy, gene therapy mRNA. We support a range of those modalities, with the infrastructure that we build, and the instruments that go into those labs. Two researchers in a lab Science in action. Image Credits: Portal Innovations If youre wondering how much this sort of lab space costs, youre looking at upward of $1,000 per square foot to build, according to the Portal team. Its not just about a building with lab benches. Its a building that requires permits, with special ventilation systems, equipment on and behind those benches, and the lab technicians to support it. Its not a commercial office space, Flavin points out. It comes with all of the safety and operational tax, if you will. It's not like we have three scientists in the lab running experiments on behalf of companies. We're providing the backend support, hazardous waste permitting, lab maintenance and support. Portals labs are a capital-intensive space that a startup could not necessarily afford to fund, even with a beefy seed round. The Portal model is essentially a part of its investment strategy. Our core focus is selecting companies based on a venture model. So we're doing deep diligence to ultimately arrive at an investment decision with conviction around companies that we're bringing into the space. And so, we are offering space and in that exchange, we have a membership agreement with those companies and they are paying rent typically for the use of individual benches, and desk or office space that they're able to access on a month-to-month basis, says Flavin. Two years into its operation, the investor says that its lab is at full capacity with 35 companies across its 50,000 square feet of space. It has also made capital investments in 12 of those companies. Portal Innovations is operating a $25 million fund and typically provides $500,000 checks into seed rounds ranging from $5 million to $7 million. For Series A funding, it would typically top up its investments with $1 million to $2 million. The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative recently selected Chicago as its next CZ Biohub outside of San Francisco. Flavin reads this as a validation of University of Chicagos, Northwesterns, and University of Illinois investment in life sciences, and reaffirms the wisdom of Portals commitment to Chicago. [The selection] means that more talent will be drawn to the ecosystem, and it will capitalize on the talent here that already exists," says Flavin. "And there will be more companies that stem from that and at the end of the day, there will be more breakthrough products that help patients." The investor is about to stretch beyond Illinois, standing up a second lab in Atlanta, Georgia. Same characteristics, Flavin says of its Georgia expansion. We believe there's an unmet and underserved market, but all the characteristics that exist in Chicago large numbers of NIH grants that are funding researchers also exist at Georgia Tech, at Emory, Morehouse School of Medicine, at UGA. You've got the CDC there, and a growing population of talent that's being educated there or going there. You have this movement of innovative faculty because of the efforts that have been made at the top of those universities to try to prioritize innovation and recruit those innovative faculty. And now because the researchers and the ecosystem are evolving in Georgia, Portal is betting that there is an opportunity to further shore up the infrastructure. They need the wet labs. They need seed capital. And they need the know-how to build biotechnology companies beyond getting the science right," Flavin concludes. For Portal, it isnt so much a case of build it and they will come, but build it, and they will stay. A Warren County woman was among four people associated with the Oath Keepers convicted Monday of conspiracy and obstruction charges stemming from the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol in the latest trial involving members of the far-right antigovernment group. A jury in federal court in Washington, D.C., found Sandra Parker of Morrow, Ohio, Laura Steele of Thomasville, North Carolina, William Isaacs of Kissimmee, Florida, and Connie Meggs of Dunnellon, Florida, guilty of conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding and other felony charges. Prosecutors said Sandra Parker, wearing military gear, entered the Capitol Building on Jan. 6 while her husband, Bennie Parker, remained outside. Sandra Parkers husband, Bennie Parker, was acquitted of obstruction as well as one conspiracy charge, and a sixth defendant Michael Greene of Indianapolis was acquitted of two conspiracy charges. Jurors said they couldnt reach a verdict on another conspiracy charge for Bennie Parker and the obstruction charge for Greene, so the judge instructed them to keep deliberating. All six defendants were convicted of a misdemeanor trespassing offense. Conspiracy to obstruct Congress and obstruction of Congress both are punishable by up to 20 years in prison. According to court documents, Bennie Parker didn't go inside the Capitol that day but stayed outside where he told a reporter: We had just had a presidential election, and its been stolen from us ... all of these people out here are patriots. And if we need to, itll come to a civil war, and a lot of people are willing to take up their arms." More:Capitol riot arrests: Here are Ohioans who have been charged in connection to the attack Bennie Parkers attorney, Stephen Brennwald, said after the verdict that his client would rather have been convicted of the serious charges, instead of his wife. Its tearing him up, Brennwald said. Attorneys for the other defendants either declined to comment or didnt immediately respond to emails on Monday. Combat gear and tactical helmets According to court documents, Bennie and Sandra Parker checked into an Arlington, Virginia hotel on Jan. 5, 2021, and met with other accused Oath Keepers. Story continues In photos from Jan. 6, the Parkers are seen wearing camouflage combat gear and tactical helmets with "MILITIA" patches on the back. Prosecutors said Sandra Parker, Meggs, Issacs and Steele were part of the group of Oath Keepers who stormed into the Capitol after marching in military-style stack formation up the steps of the building. Sandra Parker was an employee at the University of Cincinnati's Blue Ash campus from 1982 until 2015, working as a claims analyst, software application developer and ultimately director of institutional research. Bennie Parker worked for the Hamilton County Juvenile Court for many years before retiring in 2016. Two people outside the Capitol Building Jan. 6 wore helmets with the Ohio state flag and "MILITIA" patches. Court documents identify them as Sandra and Bennie Parker. The Parkers and their co-defendants were the third group of Oath Keepers members and associates to be tried on serious charges in the riot that temporarily halted the certification of President Joe Bidens victory and left dozens of police officers injured. Unlike other Oath Keepers, they were not charged with seditious conspiracy the most serious offense prosecutors have levied so far in the attack. In November, Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes and Kelly Meggs who led the Oath Keepers Florida chapter were convicted of seditious conspiracy. Three other Oath Keepers were cleared of the charge in that case but were found guilty of other serious crimes. After a second trial, four additional Oath Keepers were convicted of seditious conspiracy in January. Seditious conspiracy calls for up to 20 years in prison. None of the Oath Keepers have been sentenced yet. Connie Meggs, who was convicted Monday, is the wife of Kelly Meggs. Oath Keepers denied there was plot The Oath Keepers have denied there was any plot to storm the Capitol or stop the certification. Defense lawyers have argued that their clients came to Washington only to watch then-President Donald Trump speak or provide security for speakers at events prior to the riot and that those who entered the Capitol did so spontaneously. Greene, the man acquitted of two conspiracy charges, took the stand during Rhodes trial in November and said he never heard anyone discussing plans to storm the Capitol. Rhodes told jurors during that case that he tapped Greene as an operation leader for Jan. 6 after meeting Greene in 2017, when they helped with disaster relief after Hurricane Harvey. Greene said he wasnt a dues-paying member of the Oath Keepers but worked essentially as a contractor, providing security services, and was asked to come to Washington to help with security operations for events around the Capitol before the riot. More than half of the roughly 1,000 people have been charged with Capitol riot-related federal crimes have pleaded guilty, including more than 130 who pleaded guilty to felony crimes. Of the 400 who have been sentenced, more than half have gotten terms of imprisonment ranging from seven days to 10 years, according to an Associated Press tally. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Warren County woman convicted in Oath Keepers Jan. 6 trial FBI agents have arrested a suspect in the 2002 murder of 39-year-old Sharon Van Gilder and three violent rapes more than a decade after Pierce County cold-case investigators identified the man and asked federal agents to bring him back from outside the country to face local charges. Miguel Angel Urbano-Vazquez, 46, reportedly fled to Mexico shortly after the killing of Van Gilder in spring 2002, according to the Pierce County Sheriffs Department. His escape left investigators with no DNA profile to compare until detectives assigned to the cold case unit created in 2012 learned he was a suspect in two rapes from the same time period. A Pierce County judge issued a warrant to arrest Urbano-Vazquez for aggravated murder and two rape charges in June 2012 but his whereabouts in Mexico remained unknown until federal agents located him in 2019, according to The News Tribune archives and Sheriffs Department. They arrested him March 14. Van Gilder, a mother of two who grew up with several siblings in Enumclaw, was found dead on the 15600 block of 74th Avenue East in Spanaway shortly after midnight on March 21, according to prior news coverage and the Sheriffs Department. The Tacoma woman had been strangled but had no marks on her body. Detectives believed shed been killed elsewhere. Detectives identified Van Gilder from her fingerprints and learned she was last seen leaving Tacomas El Gallo de Oro tavern with Urbano-Vazquez and another man between 10 and 11:30 p.m., according to prior news coverage and court documents. Investigators submitted DNA from the murder to the Washington State Patrol crime lab but didnt have samples from Urbano-Vazquez to compare. A fresh look at the case by now-retired detective Sgt. Tim Kobel in 2012 showed Urbano-Vazquez was a suspect in two rapes after Van Gilders killing, according to prior news coverage and the Sheriffs Department. A woman reported in June that she was hit over the head with a wrench and raped in a Lincoln District garage. About two months later a second woman reported she was violently raped in the same garage and then escaped down an alley. Story continues Urbano-Vazquez was identified as a suspect, and the owner of the garage, whom Urbano-Vazquez lived with, confirmed the man had access, according to The News Tribune archives and court documents. Tacoma detectives interviewed Urbano-Vazquez about the first rape in July 2003 and he told them he heard someone had been killed in the garage. He admitted to paying a woman for sex in the garage once before. Court documents indicate Tacoma investigators were unaware of Urbano-Vazquezs connection to Van Gilders killing at the time and did not submit DNA from the two rape exams to the state crime lab for comparison to its database. Its unclear when he fled to Mexico. In late April 2012, DNA from each of the three crime scenes came back as matches, The News Tribune reported. Another males DNA was recovered from the second of the two rapes. Several months after that, detectives connected Urbano-Vazquez to a fourth rape committed from October 2002, according to court documents. The victim told Tacoma police she got into a car with two people who offered her drugs but then raped her at knifepoint after she declined to have sex with them for money. DNA samples matched the two earlier rapes and murder of Van Gilder. Our Cold Case Detective Sergeant, Lynelle Anderson, has spent years waiting for Urbano-Vazquez to be located, the Sheriffs Department wrote in a news release. In 2019, the FBI told Anderson that Urbano-Vazquez had been found in Mexico, and she began the process of filing to extradite him to the United States, according to the Sheriffs Department. Spokesperson Sgt. Darren Moss told The News Tribune the paperwork had to be resubmitted multiple times for Mexican authorities and the FBI to arrest him. The News Tribune was not immediately able to contact a member of Van Gilders family. This was a long process and there is still more time before he is brought back to Pierce County, the Sheriffs Department wrote in a statement. We have taken a big step in a direction towards getting justice for Sharon and her family. The University of Wisconsin-Madison will be able to continue its efforts to combat the teacher storage in Wisconsin thanks to a generous donation. In fall 2020, the UW-Madison School of Education started its Wisconsin Teacher Pledge program, which pays the equivalent of in-state tuition and fees, testing and licensing costs for students studying to become teachers. In exchange, graduates pledge to teach for three to four years at a pre-K through 12th-grade school in Wisconsin. Because of a $5 million gift from authors Susan and James Patterson, the donor-funded program will be extended another few years, according to a news release from the university. School of Education Dean Diana Hess told USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin that the gift from the Pattersons is significant. It will cause literally hundreds of students who want to be teachers to get support that they otherwise wouldnt get, she said. Since the Teacher Pledge program started, it has raised $26 million. Heres a closer look at the Teacher Pledge and what this new donation means for its future. More:Five things to know about the teacher shortage in Wisconsin What's the connection between the Pattersons and UW? A bestselling co-author of childrens books, Susan Patterson is an alumna of the School of Education, earning both bachelors and masters degrees with the Art Department. James is not only one of the worlds bestselling authors, but according to the news release, describes himself as an honorary Badger. The couple not only shares an interest in reading and writing books, but they also both care about supporting education. What will the donation from the Pattersons do for the program? Their donation will ensure the program can continue through the 2026-27 school year and support the goal of making the program available through the 2027-28 school year. Teachers have never been more important than they are right now in America, Susan Patterson said in the release. My mother was a professor of nursing at Wisconsin and Jims mom was a middle school teacher. Were proud to help support this amazing Teacher Pledge program. Story continues Has the program helped the teaching workforce in Wisconsin so far? So far, Teacher Pledge is exceeding expectations, Hess said. More than 550 Wisconsin teacher education students have taken the pledge since the program started, according to information shared by UW-Madison in the news release. And more than 200 of them are currently teaching in 65 public school districts and 11 private schools throughout the state. How does Teacher Pledge combat Wisconsin's teacher shortage? School districts statewide have found it difficult to fill open positions over the past few years. A recent report from the state Department of Public Instruction shows fewer people are studying to become teachers compared to 2008, and many of them are leaving within the first five years of their career. The Wisconsin Policy Forum released a report this month showing a spike in emergency teacher licenses. From 2012-13 to 2021-22, emergency licenses almost tripled, from 1,125 to nearly 3,200. The teacher shortage is a real problem and a significant one especially in rural areas and in particular subject areas, like special education and STEM fields, Hess said in the release. There is no simple fix, but we think our Teacher Pledge holds the potential to inspire more people to enter the profession, to keep them teaching longer and to help deliver some solutions. UWMadison Professor Nick Hillman is leading research on how well the Teacher Pledge program is working to address potential causes of the teacher shortage. Hess said she hopes the research will show whether programs like Teacher Pledge can be a model for addressing the problem. And while she's grateful for private donations, Hess said eventually solving the teacher shortage long term is the responsibility of the state, not private donors. Teacher Pledge provides 'financial cushion' An example of someone who has benefited from Teacher Pledge is Maddy Rauls, who teaches fourth grade at Arboretum Elementary in Waunakee. She graduated from UW-Madison in spring 2021 with a degree in elementary education. Rauls knew for most of her life that she wanted to be a teacher, so when she was asked about participating in the Teacher Pledge program her senior year, she said it was a no-brainer. While the financial compensation isnt normally what draws people to teaching, Rauls said, participating in Teacher Pledge gave her a financial cushion for her senior year and first few years in the classroom. Having expenses covered her senior year was especially helpful since she was student teaching, making it hard to fit in another paying job. Hess echoed this benefit of relieving financial stress for students even before they graduate. When the program was designed, she said, the intention was to lower financial stress after graduation, but students are feeling the benefits of having tuition paid for even before they finish school. Im excited for the students that will get the opportunity to access and use the Teacher Pledge in the future, Rauls said. More:Concordia University Wisconsin closed its Appleton, Madison and Milwaukee centers. Here's why. Reach AnnMarie Hilton at ahilton@gannett.com or 920-370-8045. Follow her on Twitter at @hilton_annmarie. This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Susan and James Patterson donate $5M to UW-Madison School of Education Jimmie Vaughan plays guitar in a scene from the music documentary, "Brothers in Blues." Austin will never let the guitar greatness of Jimmie and Stevie Ray Vaughan slip from memory. Although the brothers grew up and cut their musical teeth in the Oak Cliff area of Dallas, they made Austin home for much of their adult careers and lives. To many who resided here during the 1970s and '80s, the music of their acts primarily the Fabulous Thunderbirds (Jimmie) and Double Trouble (Stevie Ray) provided an essential soundtrack for the city's laid-back lifestyle. More:Tales of the City: Thank you, Stevie Ray Vaughan, for bringing me to Austin Sadly, many Austinites can remember where they were in 1990 the day after Stevie Ray Vaughan died in a nighttime helicopter crash after an outdoor concert in Wisconsin. Even those who have arrived here since that tragedy can identify his iconic statue on Lady Bird Lake. Much has been written about Stevie Ray Vaughan in subsequent years, but rarely with the active cooperation of his brother. Now those memories will flood back, as "Brothers in Blues: Jimmie and Stevie Ray Vaughan," a feature length documentary written, produced, narrated and directed by Kirby F. Warnock and featuring an extensive interview with Jimmie Vaughan will make its Austin premiere March 22 at the Paramount Theatre. It will also be released this week for streaming on several platforms. More:Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble shine in sweet Rock Hall moment How the documentary came about Warnock, who lives on a West Texas ranch, spent 37 years in the blue-collar Oak Cliff neighborhood, where he first encountered the Vaughan brothers in 1977. His documentary, which runs about 145 minutes, is authorized by the Vaughan estate, and is blessed by the active participation of Jimmie Vaughan, who appears throughout the movie. "I was inspired to do this because of all the books and films I saw, none of them had Jimmie's input," Warnock says, "and I felt that was important, because he knew Stevie better than anyone. I had a sense of urgency because everyone who knew this story intimately was getting older and I felt a race against time." Story continues Although it includes cool historical photos and video clips as well as telling interviews with Billy Gibbons, Eric Clapton and Jackson Browne, as well as other musicians and music industry types, like key producer Nile Rogers this is a no-frills documentary. More:Gone 20 years, Stevie Ray Vaughan stands forever tall in Austin It is about the close brothers, their searing music and their unforgettable times. It does not attempt to draw larger conclusions. Clearly Warnock, like many Austinites, remains in awe of the Vaughan brothers' magic. Lou Ann Barton, who once shared an act with Stevie Ray, summed up their improbable careers in the blues: "They came from nowhere and went everywhere." "Brothers in Blues" is a music documentary about JImmie and Stevie Ray Vaughan. How the Vaughans learned to play guitar Warnock knows the distinct culture of Oak Cliff and its post-World War II tract homes, parks and schools that produced musicians such as Michael Martin Murphey and T-Bone Walker, actress and dancer Yvonne Craig, and writer Terry Southern. He paints a minute picture of the Vaughan family and the precocious, competitive brothers. In their early teens, they were playing sock hops, churches, country clubs and nightclubs. Dallas was full of live music, although it was not generally recognized on the coasts, or even in Memphis or Nashville, where the recording industry clustered. Clubs lined the Trinity River where blues and hillbilly sounds flourished. KLIF, a Top 40 radio station with a vast broadcasting reach across the state, kept the kids current with rock, R&B and other cultural trends. More:Remember music legend Stevie Ray Vaughan in new Bullock Museum exhibit Outside informal YMCA classes, however, boys like the Vaughans would not have found the kind of musical training available to youngsters today. They learned by trial and error, by listening religiously to recordings or live shows, or by picking up licks from their friends. Jimmie's father encouraged him by buying him better guitars. Stevie Ray followed everything his idolized brother did and practiced furiously to compete with him. Both parents drove the boys to gigs. How the Vaughan brothers developed their own styles At age 14, Jimmie joined the Chessmen, the hottest band in Dallas, which opened for Jimmie Hendrix in that city. He got to know the Houston scene as well, where he hung out with Billy Gibbons, who played with the Moving Sidewalks, but soon took off nationally as part of ZZ Top. Before long the movie is not always exact about ages or dates Jimmie was making $300-$350 a week "That was big money in mid-60s," Jimmie says in the movie. "More than my dad made. ... All I had to do is play guitar." So he took off from home and landed his own apartment, which made the Vaughan parents clamp down harder on younger Stevie Ray. More:Jimmie Vaughan talks the joy of the blues At 14, Stevie Ray joined the band Cast of Thousands as a bassist, but switched to guitar once the other guys heard him play it. The brothers picked up different styles: Jimmie more stripped down, so that every note counted, Stevie Ray showier and blisteringly dexterous. Their output exemplified what was called "Texas roadhouse blues." The brothers, first Jimmie then Stevie Ray, took their music from Dallas to Austin, which was cheaper, more tolerant and already musically fertile. Stevie Ray Vaughan performs at the Centrum November 8, 1989. Classic Austin in the 1970s Rome Inn, Antone's, One Knite Lounge classic clubs of the late '70s make essential appearances in the movie. Here the brothers established regular blues nights for their own bands, while they opened for or sat in with the blues greats. More:Jimmie Vaughan and Joe Ely named Texas State Musicians for 2015 and 2016 Social scenes grew up around their regular appearances. Both brothers fell into alcohol and drugs, but Stevie Ray took it further than his brother. He was directed to a sober life by Eric Clapton after Vaughan collapsed during a European tour. Jimmie followed his brother's example a few years later. Meanwhile, Jimmie had his breakout album with "Girls Go Wild," and Stevie Ray with "Texas Flood." Jimmie collaborated with Carlos Santana, Stevie Ray with David Bowie, after the superstar saw him play at the Montreux Jazz Festival. The movie records many more ups and downs, but you get the picture. It is a clear-eyed, respectful and enlightening documentary. Seeing the movie "Brothers in Blues" makes it Austin premiere at 8 p.m., March 22 (doors at 7 p.m.), at the Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave. Afterward, Jimmie Vaughan will participate in a Q&A. $20. tickets.austintheatre.org. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: 'Brothers in Blues' documents lives of Jimmie and Stevie Ray Vaughan A decision on possible charges in an investigation of former President Donald Trump could be imminent. Chinese leader Xi Jinping visits Russia for the first time since the invasion of Ukraine. And the massive snowfall totals in California are the biggest seen in decades. Hello! It's Julius here with Monday's news. But first: It's a girl! A rare, critically endangered eastern bongo was recently born at Michigan zoo. The Short List is a snappy USA TODAY news roundup. Subscribe to the newsletter here. What's the weather up to in your neck of the woods? Check your local forecast here. What we know about the Trump investigation in New York With a decision on possible charges in the Manhattan district attorney's investigation of Trump now believed to be imminent, public information indicates that the heart of the investigation remains focused on a hush-money payment the former president made to a porn actress. District Attorney Alvin Bragg hasn't explained his strategy and Trump hasn't been charged. But the payment could potentially be used to build a case for falsifying business records and violating campaign finance law. Here's what we know about the investigation. Former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event on March 13 in Davenport, Iowa. China's Xi visits Russia for talks with Putin Chinese leader Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow on Monday for two days of talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Xi's first visit since Russia invaded Ukraine would appear to show support for Putin, who needs trade deals and bullets as he faces pressure from economic sanctions and reports that his military is running low on equipment. China has called for a cease-fire and peace talks, a plan praised by Moscow but rejected by Kyiv since it would keep Russian troops in occupied territory. Follow the latest updates on Russia and Ukraine. Story continues China's President Xi Jinping, accompanied by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, walks past guards during a welcoming ceremony at Moscow's Vnukovo airport on Monday. What everyone's talking about The Short List is free, but several stories we link to are subscriber-only. Consider supporting our journalism and become a USA TODAY digital subscriber today. President Biden issues his first veto President Joe Biden issued his first veto Monday after Congress voted to block a Labor Department rule allowing retirement plans to weigh the long-term impacts of social factors and climate change on investments a move Republicans say is a "woke" policy that hurts retirees' pockets. In comparison, Trump vetoed 10 bills, while President Barack Obama vetoed 12 bills. The policy Congress voted against is environmental, social and governance, which is an investing strategy that takes into account businesses environmental and social risks as part of a wider financial analysis. Read more about Biden's veto. President Joe Biden issued the first veto of his presidency on Monday. More than 56 feet of snow recorded in California A whopping 677 inches of snow has fallen at the Central Sierra Snow Laboratory, a University of California, Berkeley research station in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The latest total taken during the "water year," Oct. 1 through Sept. 30 is the most in more than 70 years. And since late February, areas with snowfall surpassing 50 feet in California have expanded. "We have seen a four-fold increase in total area of snowfall greater than 50 feet in recent weeks," said Shawn Carter, a scientist at the National Water Center. Check out a visual look at the state's snowfall. A home is covered in snow on March 3 in Twin Bridges, Calif. A break from the news This is a compilation of stories from across the USA TODAY Network. Want this news roundup in your inbox every night? Subscribe to the newsletter here. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump investigation, Xi Jinping visits Russia, Biden veto: Monday's news Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen is speaking out for the first time following a violent attack on March 13 in South Florida. Related Story Def Leppard Drummer Rick Allen Suffers Head Injury In Florida Sneak Attack By Teenager Related Story Motley Crue & Def Leppard Stadium Tour Rescheduled For Summer After Covid Delays Update Related Story 'Parachute' Review: Life After Rehab In Brittany Snow's Directing Debut SXSW Thank you everyone for your overwhelming support. Your love and prayers are truly helping. My wife Lauren [Monroe] was thankfully not with me at the time of the incident. We are together now, and working on recovering in a safe space, a statement released on behalf of Allen to ABC News reads. More from Deadline The statement continues, We ask you to join us in our effort to move from confusion and shock to compassion and empathy. We understand this act of violence can be triggering for so many people. To all of the fans, veterans, and first responders in our global community, we are thinking of you all. Together with love, we can all get through these difficult times. Allen was reportedly attacked by Max Edward Hartley outside the Four Seasons Hotel in Fort Lauderdale Beach, FL last week, a day after Def Leppard performed in the area. According to a Fort Lauderdale Police report, the 59-year-old Allen was smoking a cigarette outside the hotel when Hartley, whod been hiding behind a pole, charged toward Allen at a full run and knocked him backward to the ground. Allen struck his head on the pavement in the fall. The teen and the musician appear to not have been previously acquainted. Hartley, 19, an Ohio resident visiting the Sunshine State reportedly for spring break, was arrested and charged with two counts of battery, four counts of criminal mischief, and abusing an elderly or disabled adult. Story continues Allen lost his arm as a result of a 1984 automobile accident. He subsequently re-taught himself to play drums with just his right arm and both feet, using a custom-built kit. Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. ASHEVILLE - The defendant in an Asheville homicide from 2020 has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, according to Buncombe County District Attorney Todd Williams office. Todd Housel, 58, pleaded guilty to the charge on March 20, according to a tweet from Williams office. The Citizen Times previously reported that Asheville police arrested Housel in June 2020 and charged him with first-degree murder in the stabbing death of 66-year-old Michael Eugene Hirt. More:Records: Mother charged with murdering toddler in Asheville believed he was possessed More:Buncombe County murder case of Candler woman who shot boyfriend ends in mistrial When Housel was arrested, then-APD spokesperson Christina Hallingse said police found Hirt with multiple stab wounds at his home, and that he later died at Mission Hospital. The stabbing happened outside the home, she said at the time. Housel was sentenced to an active term of 240-300 months in NC prisons and ordered to pay restitution of $1870 for costs associated with burial of the victim, according to the DAs office. More:40 murder defendants waiting to be prosecuted; 'stretched' Buncombe DA asks AG for help In early March of this year, the Citizen Times reported that the District Attorneys Office had yet to reach a disposition for dozens of murder defendants 41 in late January, according to Williams. Over the last few years, murder cases in the county have reached dispositions relatively quickly, according to data from the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts. But the backlog has grown. Williams has attributed it to the stall that COVID-19 put on the legal system, inaction from the General Assembly in funding positions for new assistant district attorneys and the inherent complexities of murder cases. 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. Please support local, daily journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times. This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Defendant in Asheville murder case pleads guilty, DA says Three North Carolina organizations have joined federal lawsuits that could provide relief for immigrant victims of crime following a backlog of visa applications. More than 150 immigrant victims of crime are being represented by the Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy, the North Carolina Justice Center and the Legal Aid of North Carolina in two lawsuits filed in January and February against the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The agency is responsible for U visa applications for immigrant victims of crime, but protracted delays have left thousands without the protections they would typically be afforded, advocates say. Right now we are seeing action on cases filed five years ago, said Anna Cushman, attorney with the Battered Immigrant Project at Legal Aid of North Carolina. It appears its going to get worse. First launched in 2000, Congress established the U visa program for non-citizens who were victims of crimes such as trafficking, domestic violence and sexual assault. Over 171,000 applications were pending as of last year, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Representatives from the agency declined to comment to The Charlotte Observer about the lawsuits. Only 10,000 people can qualify annually for a U visa, Cushman said. The program allows victims who are cooperative with law enforcement to stay in the country. Extended delays could place victims in danger. The litigation argues the delays violate the Administrative Procedure Act. Without a U visa, domestic violence survivors who are immigrants and cooperating with police would be left without a pathway to a permanent residence, Cushman said. The delays also impact victims ability to work as they await work permits, she added. Its more stark the suffering, the isolation, the vulnerability that will continue when you have a cooperative victim who doesnt have the work permit they need, Cushman said. Sharon Dove, Immigrant Justice Program Director at the Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy, said when she first started assisting applicants in 2009, her clients received decisions in six months. But now it could take five years for clients just to get a work permit, only one of the steps in the process. Story continues Dove said the lawsuit would not be able to lift the cap on applications processed annually. But it could address the timeliness of whats called a bona fide determination. In 2021, the Biden administration started the process to allow qualifying victims to receive employment authorization and deferred action as they await a decision for their U visa. There was some hope that these claims would result in quicker work permits for applicants, Dove said. But that hasnt turned out to be the case. We brought this to their backyard. Earlier this year, the two lawsuits were filed in Nebraska and Vermont. These states have the only two USCIS centers where applications are processed. A decision in either state could pave the way for future lawsuits for U visa applicants, Cushman said. We brought this to their backyard, Cushman said, adding a win could push government to change its behavior. A court decision could also help immigrant victims as they face the risk of deportation, according to Dove. Weve had a number of our clients receive removal orders while waiting for the adjudication for their u visa by US Citizenship and Immigration services, Dove said. The advocacy center filed appeals for their clients, she said. But those without legal representation will not be as fortunate. Your hands are tied and theres nothing you can do to speed up the adjudication of your U visa, Dove said. And the immigration courts are interested in seeing the regular processing of their cases. Cushman said as immigrant victims already face an incredible amount of trauma, being afforded the protections they rightfully deserve is important. The U visa can provide them protection and even give validation, she said. Having this tool in their hand confirms that we all recognize they have been through an incredible ordeal and our country is here to support them through this next chapter, Cushman said. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) called for Google and other major technology companies to be broken up at a closed-door event in 2021, according to video obtained by ProPublica. I do think companies like Google should be broken up, DeSantis said at an invite-only retreat for the conservative Teneo Network. Theyre just too big; they have too much power. I think theyre exercising a more negative influence on our society than the trusts that got broken up at the early 20th century, he continued. In the conversation with conservative entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who has since launched a 2024 bid for president, DeSantis claimed that the tech companies are ruining our country. I think theyre a very negative influence. And so, I think you need to be strong about it, the Florida Republican said. DeSantis has previously taken aim at major tech companies, signing a bill in 2021 that sought to prohibit tech companies from banning users or moderating content based on political views. However, the law remains tied up in the courts amid First Amendment challenges. Protecting the rights of folks to participate in political speech, I think, is an absolutely appropriate role of government, DeSantis argued at the 2021 event. The Florida governor, who is also widely considered a potential contender for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, proposed legislation last month that would ban TikTok from state government devices. The bill would also block government employees from coordinating with Big Tech companies to censor protected speech. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Nicky Clark, the executive director of Elevate Omaha, is the USA TODAY Women of the Year honoree from Nebraska. Nicky Clark is one of USA TODAYs Women of the Year, a recognition of women who have made a significant impact in their communities and across the country. The program launched in 2022 as a continuation of Women of the Century, which commemorated the 100th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote. Meet this years honorees at womenoftheyear.usatoday.com. When Nicky Clark was a little girl, she once complained to her Grandma Shirley about another child being mean to her. She was looking for empathy. But Grandma Shirley, in all her wisdom, told her granddaughter something thats stuck with Clark for nearly 30 years: You never know what someone else has been through and how thats shaped their interactions with the world. Now 38 and the executive director of Elevate Omaha, a nonprofit focused on shifting power to young people and helping them become better leaders and advocates, Clark often reflects on Grandma Shirleys words. Her telling me that really helped reframe everything, Clark told USA TODAY. And it sparked in Clark a deep desire to understand where everyone was coming from. Later, that grew into a passion for advocacy. A longtime social worker, Clarks had a front-row seat to the foundational inequity throughout America and shes committed to building a better system by empowering young leaders, convinced that young people have the answers, they have the solutions. Its just that they often arent valued in the same way. For her dedication to consistently elevating young voices, Clark has been selected as the Nebraska honoree for USA TODAYs Women of the Year. This conversation has been edited for length and clarity. Who paved the way for you? I had a supervisor when I first got into social work, Joanna Lindberg, who brought me along to everything. She involved me when we did the budgets. When we were meeting with people who entry-level people like me wouldnt usually meet with, she invited me in. That helped me quickly gain skills and see how systems were working. Story continues That was huge for me. People listened to my ideas because of her. I always credit her for sharing power. I think very few people understand how important that is and I try to do that now for the young people I work with. Do you have a proudest moment? Graduating from college with my undergraduate degree in psychology and Spanish from University of Nebraska at Kearney in 2008. I was one of the first people in my family to do that. College was really hard. I didnt have a lot of people to guide me or even explain how it worked. I remember sitting down with the librarian from my high school, and she explained majors and minors, because I didnt know what those were. I didnt do the FAFSA my first year because I didnt know I was supposed to and when I got hit with my tuition bill, I thought I could just go to the financial aid office. I get there and they said, Oh no, you should have done this already. But nobody told me that. Throughout college there were multiple times I thought, I dont know how Im going to do this, I dont know how Im going to graduate, how I can pay for my books, how Im supposed to work and also go to school. Its a system that wasnt built for me so when I graduated, I remember my parents were there, and I was proud because they were so proud. Do you have a lowest moment? When we first brought on a lot of young adult staff at Elevate Omaha, they really challenged me to look at things differently. That was so hard. I remember questioning myself and understanding, Im not truly equitable. I had to do a ton of self-reflection and be open to what people were saying. Now reflecting is more of a daily routine and I know myself so much better because of it but I had to question a lot of my own work: should I be in this space or that space, should I take up space, when do I need to step back? Im still working through it. Equity work in particular requires so much self-reflection. Do you have a guiding principle or mantra? My main value in life is respect. That really guides me in how I interact with people. Especially in my work and in self-reflection, when someone comes to me, instead of immediately getting defensive of my work I think, In what way could they be right? That really changes your perspective. How do you overcome adversity? Its the self-reflection piece, and reframing your experience. And this is not something I do naturally, Ive had to learn being flexible and able to pivot. Theres a book, Emergent Strategy, that talks about never a failure, always a lesson. Thats super helpful to frame things when youre like, ugh, I really screwed that up. No, it's, what can I learn from this? What advice would you give your younger self? I was such a perfectionist when I was young, and once I was able to understand how that was holding me back and that it was actually super debilitating, I was able to take more risks and my career really opened up. I became a happier person as an individual and I was able to experience joy in a way I hadnt before. So just that idea that perfectionism is debilitating, I would tell her that. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Elevate Omaha executive director receives Women of the Year honor FRANKFORT, Ky. Suppose you threw an impeachment hearing the first in the Kentucky Senate in 135 years and the most important guest did not show up. That is what happened Tuesday when a Senate impeachment panel held a hearing on whether to recommend the conviction of former prosecutor Ronnie Goldy Jr. to the full Senate and neither he nor his lawyer showed up to mount a defense. Goldy has already been suspended from practicing law after The Courier Journal reported on messages that suggested he had traded court favors with a defendant in exchange for nude images of her. And the House impeached him by a 97-0 vote in February, despite him announcing the previous day that he would resign from his position at the end of that month. Now the Senate impeachment panel the first since state Treasurer Honest Dick Tate was convicted in 1888 for fleeing the country with nearly $200,000 of state money is deciding whether to recommend his conviction on articles of impeachment approved by the House. If convicted by the full Senate, it would permanently bar him from holding any public office. Three members of the House impeachment committee delivered an opening statement denouncing the conduct of Goldy, who was commonwealths attorney for Bath, Menifee, Montgomery and Rowan counties. Rep. Jason Nemes told the Senate panel Goldys misconduct was as bad as it gets, short of murder. Prosecutor Brian Wright, the commonwealths attorney for Adair and Casey counties, testified that Goldy repeatedly talked to the defendant without her defense lawyer present, a clear violation of ethics rules. Rep. Daniel Elliott, who chaired the House impeachment committee, told his Senate counterparts Goldys conduct was egregious and the textbook definition of a quid pro quo, in which he continued court dates and pulled warrants for the woman in exchange for nude images. But when Senate impeachment panel Chairman Brandon Storm, R-London, asked if Goldy or his lawyer wanted to deliver his own opening statement or mount a defense there was silence. Neither Goldy nor Louisville attorney Timothy Denison, who has represented him, was present. Denison did not respond to an email or phone message asking why they skipped the hearing. Story continues The Senate committee members went into closed session to review the voluminous record on Goldy compiled in the House, but Storm asked the House panel to submit written findings, which it said it could not do until Monday. No additional meetings of the Senate committee were scheduled, and it was unclear when the matter might be resolved. Goldy has been embroiled in scandal since July, when The Courier Journal first reported on hundreds of Facebook messages he exchanged with the woman. The Kentucky Commonwealth's Attorneys' Association removed him from the organization and the Kentucky Supreme Court suspended him from practicing law, though they could not remove him from office an action that could only be taken by the Kentucky General Assembly through impeachment. More:From taxes to an anti-trans onslaught: Key takeaways from the Kentucky legislature Reporter Andrew Wolfson can be reached at awolfson@courier-journal.com. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky prosecutor Ronnie Goldy Jr. skips impeachment hearing United Nations A group of experts found that Finland remains the happiest country in the world, according to a report released Monday in conjunction with the U.N.'s International Day of Happiness. The World Happiness Report ranked the Nordic state first for the sixth consecutive year. According to the report, which used data from Gallup, the top 10 happiest countries are: Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Israel, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Luxembourg and New Zealand. The U.S. was ranked 15th on the list. The report uses several factors to evaluate each country, including physical and mental health, lack of corruption and effective government, among others. "The ultimate goal of politics and ethics should be human well-being," said one of the report's authors, Jeffrey Sachs, director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University. Ice hockey fans and revelers crowd Kauppatori square in Helsinki on May 29, 2022, to celebrate Finland winning the Ice Hockey World Championship over Canada. / Credit: Alessandro Rampazzo/AFP via Getty Images "The happiness movement shows that well-being is not a 'soft' and 'vague' idea but rather focuses on areas of life of critical importance: material conditions, mental and physical wealth, personal virtues, and good citizenship," Sachs said. "We need to turn this wisdom into practical results to achieve more peace, prosperity, trust, civility and yes, happiness in our societies." Another author of the report, professor John Helliwell of the Vancouver School of Economics at the University of British Columbia, said that the average level of happiness around the world has been remarkably stable during the COVID-19 pandemic. "Even during these difficult years, positive emotions have remained twice as prevalent as negative ones, and feelings of positive social support twice as strong as those of loneliness," Helliwell said. Russia's war in Ukraine has taken a toll on the eastern European nation. However, while the country's well-being has fallen amid the devastation, the report found that Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 affected it more. "This is thanks in part to the extraordinary rise in fellow feeling across Ukraine as picked up in data on helping strangers and donations the Russian invasion has forged Ukraine into a nation," said co-author Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, director of the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford. Story continues The good news? There was a globe-spanning surge of benevolence. The report found it's about 25% more common than before the pandemic. Cast of "Ted Lasso" visits White House to discuss importance of mental health The challenges of in-vitro fertilization Reflecting on 20 years since the invasion of Iraq Fox News Fox News hosts fretted Monday over the potential indictment of Donald Trump for a $130,000 hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign. They better not put my president in prison, an upset Jesse Watters said on The Five before clinging to Trumps popular vote count in the 2020 election as some sort of defense. He represents 74 million Americans. And if hes the nominee, youre putting 74 million votes in prison. And thats how I see it. After Watters downplayed Trumps potential crime as a mere bookkeeping charge, he turned his attention to other crimes in New York, specifically violent, antisemitic ones, and accused Manhattan District Attorney Bragg of not seeking harsher sentences in those cases. Hes emptying the prisonwhat, to make room for Trump? Watters exclaimed. No one else is getting charged with anything. Watters wasnt done there. Bragg, he continued, has political motivations for bringing a case. The guy wants to make a name for himself, obviously, because he wants to bethe first prosecutor to throw cuffs on Trump, Watters said. Thatll get you elected pretty much governor in the state of New York. Thats what hes after. People are Already Making Deepfake Videos of Trumps Arrest And as far as security measures underway in Manhattan in advance of a potential Trump court appearance, Watters contended that its all part of an attempt to trigger another January 6. Lets put up a bunch of cops with a bunch of bars around this place, Watters mimicked before instructing supporters of the former president: Dont fall for it. For his part, Greg Gutfeld said he didnt want to live in a world where paying porn actresses hush money is considered a crime. He continued: Thats sexist. You pay for the sex and you pay for them not to talk about it. Gutfeld argued Bragg was waiting for the right time for a possible indictment, in order to guarantee that Trump gets the nomination. Story continues Since Morning Joe and CNN arent giving Trump the free media which effectively drowned out all of his competition [in 2016], this will have the same outcome, he claimed. Gutfeld followed up by saying that he believes Trump himself may in fact welcome an indictment more than anyone on the left given how the 2016 election turned out. And then this is happening at the same time that they are announcing that they are going to arrest 1,000 more people [for] January 6, Gutfeld continued, referencing how the Department of Justice reportedly told a Washington, D.C., federal court last late year to be prepared for another 700 to 1,200 prosecutions relating to the Jan. 6 insurrection. What does that sound like to you? he said. It sounds like they are going after Donald Trump, Trump supporters, Trump votersthe 77 million people that they hate. And if you are a New Yorker and youre ambivalent about politics and dont even care about Trump, he added, you should be pissed because [Bragg] is downgrading crimes that ruined your city while spending all this time upgrading one crime as a full-time vocation. Tucker Carlson is now saying that if Trump is indicted, "voters will never again determine the outcome of a presidential election": pic.twitter.com/MWR0c9grGc Kat Abu (@abughazalehkat) March 21, 2023 Later Monday night on Fox News, Tucker Carlson reacted to the situation by giving his audience some primetime fear-mongering. A Trump indictment would be the result of the abuse of law enforcement power and would mean that voters will never again determine the outcome of a presidential election, he said, noting that Trump holds frontrunner status in the GOP primary. Its remarkable, when you think about it, he added. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. BEIJING, March 20 (Xinhua) -- In 1937, Angela Latham, a British journalist, published an article in the Illustrated London News about her visit to Fahai Temple in the western suburbs of Beijing. Fahai Temple was first built in 1439, the fourth year of the reign of Zhengtong in China's Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It is noted for its frescoes, known as the "three major frescoes in China" together with the murals found in Dunhuang and Yongle Palace. "To me, as a fresco painter, the technique of these Ming paintings seems to be superb, in every way comparable to that of the greatest masters," she said. "Since people who undertake that kind of work are seldom themselves fresco painters and do not understand the medium, or lack of one, with which they are dealing, it is preferable that the paintings should be left as they are, in the custody of monks, who do not appreciate their value," said Latham, who expressed in her article both her joy at the discovery of the frescoes at Fahai Temple and her concern about the neglect and degradation of the ancient treasures. Fahai Temple was repeatedly damaged or destroyed in the history. After the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, the Chinese government appropriated funds for overhaul four times. The historical appearance of the temple was restored, and its murals have been preserved to this day. Although the frescoes of Fahai Temple, which look resplendent and have the effect of three-dimensional reliefs, are still shining after nearly 600 years, those who want a clearer picture of their original magnificence might not feel enough. According to Tao Jun, deputy director of the repository of cultural relics at Fahai Temple, workers must ensure the ten existing pieces are kept away from light for a long time to protect the frescoes. The Grand Hall, where the frescoes are located, is open to the public on a limited basis every day, and visitors are required to use cold-light flashlights only when watching the murals. Chinese cultural relics conservators have gradually found a balance between protecting and utilizing frescoes at Fahai Temple by strengthening management and preservation measures and applying digital technology to cultural relics. Relying on the new means of protection and presentation generated by the technological updating, the "aging" process of Fahai Temple's frescoes could be delayed, and the temple has a new vitality. An immersive digital art gallery themed on Fahai Temple murals, which revitalized the treasured murals, made its debut to the public in January. At the exhibition of Fahai Temple Mural Art Center, the original scale of mural paintings is presented with a 4K HD display. Each one of the 77 figures is portrayed with immaculate attention to detail by 3D modeling of pixel-level. The facial details of Water-moon Avalokitesvara, one of the most representative figures on the frescoes of Fahai Temple, are hard to make out in dim conditions. However, after 3D modeling, the over 3-meter-high figure's face can be seen clearly on the 4K HD screen at the Mural Hall in the basement of the art center. "The frescoes are particularly striking after digital restoration. The figures, animals, flowers, and birds on the frescoes seem to come from history to reality. I feel the wisdom, ingenuity, and exquisite skills of ancient painters," a visitor surnamed Liu said about the mural exhibits. "The advantage of the digital display is that it can break the limitations of time and space so that the audience has enough time to understand the rich historical and cultural connotations they carry," said Liu Xiaobo, curator of the art center. Liu said it took about two years to complete the construction of the art center. They also spent years preparing for the exhibition, visiting numerous museums and cave mural sites. Amid its efforts to promote high-quality development, China has pledged promoting the digital development of public cultural venues such as libraries and museums. Digitization has become a vital means to inherit, protect and utilize the country's cultural relics. "Advanced digital technology helps us protect, discover, and explore the splendid cultural treasures left by ancient people, and the frescoes of Fahai Temple still have many hidden ideas and artistic codes waiting to be discovered," Liu said. Editor: WXY An attorney in Georgia has been convicted on charges in relation to his involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol. William McCall Calhoun of Americus, Ga., was found guilty in a D.C. court of felony and multiple misdemeanor charges for his role in the Capitol insurrection, according to a Department of Justice news release. Calhoun, 59, is a practicing criminal defense attorney in his home state. According to court documents, local and federal law enforcement began receiving tips on Jan. 6 about Calhouns potential involvement in the Capitol insurrection, saying Calhoun posted on his social media accounts about certification of the Electoral College vote and the importance of physically being in D.C. on that day. Authorities also obtained evidence from Calhouns social media accounts and his cellphone that showed he attended former President Trumps Stop the Steal rally before making his way to the Capitol. Authorities said that Calhoun walked up the west side of the Capitol grounds as smoke rose from the crowd and people were affected by tear gas, approaching the Senate wing door where he stated, This is it. Were storming the Capitol. Calhoun then entered through the broken Senate wing door as the alarm went off, walking through the Capitol and encountering a police line in the Crypt, going back and forth the Rotunda multiple times before ultimately leaving through the east side of the building. A video also shows Calhoun among other rioters who pounded on doors and walls as they passed through lawmakers offices, with Calhoun stating in the video that the rioters were looking for people. The criminal defense attorney also made it outside of Rep. Nancy Pelosis (D-Calif.) office during his time at the Capitol, courts documents said. In a Facebook post later that day, Calhoun wrote that, Today the American People proved we have the power. We physically took control of the Capitol building in a hand to hand hostile takeover. We occupied the Capitol and shut down the Government we shut down their stolen election shenanigans. Story continues Calhoun was arrested by authorities a week later in Macon, Ga. Calhouns guilty verdict comes as authorities have arrested more than 999 people for their involvement in the Capitol insurrection, which resulted in the deaths of five people. More than 320 people have been charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement on that day. Calhoun, whose sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 6, faces a maximum 20-year prison sentence and could also receive potential financial penalties. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Prosecutors in Georgia who are probing the efforts of then-President Trump to overturn the states 2020 election results are asking to speak with a lawyer of his in their investigation. Christina Bobb, an attorney for Trump, has been asked to speak to prosecutors in the case, Bobbs defense attorney confirmed to ABC News on Monday. John Lauro, the defense attorney, told ABC that prosecutors did not specify what information they were hoping to obtain from speaking with Bobb, who may also be implicated in the federal investigation into Trumps handling of classified information. Lauro said Bobb plans to deny the request to speak with investigators. The special grand jury that was seated for eight months to investigate the case dissolved more than two months ago and handed down a recommendation of indictments for witnesses that it believes may have lied during testimony, according to the limited and redacted portions of the grand jurys report that was released. Attorneys for the former president filed a motion Monday attempting to disallow the use of the special grand jurys report in the investigation into Trump. Although the special grand jury can recommend charges, it is up to prosecutors to pursue such a course of action. All the action in Georgia comes amid a backdrop of piling legal problems for Trump, who has started his third run for the White House. Over the weekend, Trump claimed he expected to be arrested this week in connection with a Manhattan investigation into the hush-money payment to Stormy Daniels just before the 2016 election. And multiple news outlets reported on Friday that a separate Trump attorney, Evan Corcoran, had been ordered to testify before a grand jury assembled to review the mishandling of White House records at Mar-a-Lago. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The students had to travel from New Hampshire to New York City. Barr Beacon School Maryland middle schoolers helped their classmate break free from a man later charged with attempted kidnapping. Police arrested a 31-year-old man in connection with the incident on Monday. "Several students who were standing at the bus stop attempted to intervene and the victim was able to break free," police said. A group of Maryland middle schoolers sprung into action to stop someone from attempting to abduct one of their classmates while the group was waiting for the school bus, according to local police and news reports. Several students were standing at their bus stop early Monday morning in when a man grabbed one of the children and pulled them toward an apartment building, the Montgomery County Police Department said in a statement. The incident occurred in Gaithersburg, Maryland, roughly 22 miles from Washington, DC. "Several students who were standing at the bus stop attempted to intervene and the victim was able to break free," police said. "When the school bus arrived, all the students boarded the bus and the incident was reported to school staff." The Redland Middle School community engagement officer soon arrived to respond to the incident, according to authorities. Police arrested a 31-year-old Maryland man, Jamaal Germany, in connection to the incident. He was charged with attempted kidnapping and second-degree assault, according to court records. Both charges are misdemeanors. The MCPD did not immediately return Insider's request for comment on Tuesday. An attorney for Germany was not listed on court records at the time of publication but shows he is represented by the Maryland Office of the Public Defender, which did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. Local news station WJLA obtained a letter from the Montgomery County Public School District that was sent out to parents following the incident. The letter says that an individual tried to "pull" a Redland Middle School Student "into a residence" but the student "was able to get away and board the school bus as it arrived." Story continues The school district increased the presence of district employees and MCPD officers at the affected bus stop after the incident, the outlet reported, citing the district's letter. The school district did not immediately return Insider's request for comment on Tuesday. Three people who live near the bus stop told WJLA that Germany has yelled at them and tried to kick in one of their doors over the past few days. The residents spoke to the station anonymously because they said they feared retaliation. "I have a high school student, and she catches the bus early in the morning, and apparently he was at the bus stop last week doing the same thing," one anonymous neighbor told the outlet. A trial for Germany is scheduled for May, according to court records. According to the FBI, 546,568 people were reported missing to the agency in 2022. The FBI data does not have a record of how many reported missing persons cases were confirmed as actual kidnappings or abductions. On average, the FBI says that fewer than 350 Americans under the age of 21 have been abducted by strangers per year between 2010 and 2017, Reuters previously reported. Read the original article on Insider Earlier this month, Rep. Ron Bryce, a Coffeyville Republican, told the Kansas House colleagues he once responded to a code blue where he found a crying infant that had survived an abortion. It was the late 1980s and Bryce was a medical resident in Fort Worth, Texas. The infant, Bryce said, wasnt receiving care so he transferred him to the hospitals neonatal intensive care unit. The infant died from irreversible brain damage he had sustained due to lack of oxygen. Abortion takes the life of a child but what if the babys too tough to die quickly, Bryce testified to the House Health and Human Services Committee. The experience, Bryce said, drew him to support a bill that requires physicians to provide the same care they would give to a newborn of the same gestational age if an infant is born alive during an abortion. If they dont, they could face criminal penalties. But Bryces decades-old story describes a circumstance that the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and other experts say does not happen in modern abortion care. This is just frankly something that doesnt happen, said Dr. Christina Bourne, medical director at Trust Women Foundation, an abortion provider in Wichita. These bills, which are laughably nonsensical, overtime they keep layering and continue to add to the stigma and confusion of what providing abortion care is. The bill, slated for a Tuesday House debate, is one of two the committee has advanced that would change rules for abortion providers in the state. The other requires providers, pharmacists and the state health agency to notify medication abortion patients that the procedure could be reversible even though that is not proven. In the wake of last years landslide vote to preserve abortion rights in the Kansas Constitution, anti-abortion lawmakers in the state are seeking to regulate along the edges of the law. Rather than craft legislation targeted directly at abortion access, theyre pointing to unproven medical practices to advocate for legislation that creates additional requirements for abortion providers. Story continues Anti-abortion advocates say this ensures full knowledge for patients and accountability for practitioners. But those abortion rights supporters argue it demonizes abortion care and forces doctors to violate their ethical code by giving patients untrue information. The bills come in a series of anti-abortion measures pursued in the wake of the August vote. Lawmakers have also advanced various bills aimed at limiting or banning telemedicine abortion, funding anti-abortion crisis pregnancy centers and changing insurance rules for abortion providers. Republicans promote abortion pill reversal The Kansas House Health and Human Services Committee on Monday approved a bill requiring notification to patients who take mifepristone, one of two medications used in the majority of Kansas abortions, that the effects of it could be reversible if they have not yet taken the second pill. No credible medical study has proved that claim. The Legislature passed a similar bill in 2019, but failed to override a veto from Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly. Mifepristone is also the medication at the center of a federal lawsuit in Texas challenging its FDA authorization, but Rep. Susan Humphries, a Wichita Republican who introduced the bill, said the legislation was important to reach women while litigation is ongoing. Would there be women who have the opportunity to reverse their decision in the meantime, absolutely, Humphries said. Abortion pill reversal is a concept promoted by anti-abortion organizations and offered at several crisis pregnancy centers. The procedure is to give a woman a high dose of progesterone, the hormone that maintains pregnancy, after she has taken mifepristone, which blocks progesterone. However, very few studies have been done on the practice. Proponents of abortion pill reversal, called APR, point to a case review conducted by an anti-abortion California doctor, George Delgado, that considered 754 cases and found 64-68% success rate among women who wanted to continue their pregnancy after taking mifepristone. The study has been steeply criticized for its methodology. Experts have raised concerns about its reliability primarily because it lacked a control group, meaning there is no way to know if the pregnancies that were continued came as a direct result of progesterone or they would have continued anyway if the second pill, misoprostol, was not taken. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology has said the study is not based in science and that mandates related to it are dangerous to womens health as a result A separate study attempted by researchers at the University of California, Davis, was not completed because three women, two in the control group and one who received progesterone, began hemorrhaging. Its not even science, its just junk, Iman Alsaden, Chief Medical Officer at Planned Parenthood Great Plains, said. I just find it so appalling that this is the way the government thinks people should be treated and isnt willing to trust the experts in the field of medicine. If a patient regretted taking mifepristone, Alsaden said, she would refer them to a high risk OBGYN. She noted that this would add to an existing list of things the state requires abortion providers to tell patients, including the disproven claim that abortions can increase a womans risk of cancer. Proponents of the legislation say its important to give notice to women that the treatment is available, even if it is unproven. Ive delivered babies after successful reversal of medication abortion, Dr. Jonathan Scrafford, a Wichita OBGYN, told the House Health and Human Services Committee Monday. Scrafford, who supports the legislation, argued that the best way to test progesterones effectiveness would not be through a controlled group study because of ethical concerns. Rep. John Eplee, an Abilene Republican who is a family physician, compared the use of progesterone to stop an abortion to the use of hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19. Hydroxychloroquines efficacy against COVID-19 was also unproven and lacked rigorous studies when some physicians began prescribing it at the onset of the pandemic. The World Health Organization advised against its use noting that it could cause additional health issues for patients while there was no proof it helped prevent or treat COVID-19. Eplee said it is not uncommon for doctors to use medication for something other than its labeled purpose and that he has used progesterone to stop miscarriages before. When women are very vulnerable, very emotional, sometimes they want to have a hope if they have a sudden change of heart or change of their mind, and this allows them to pursue that, I think legitimately, Eplee said. Granted, its not an approved methodology but it is widely done in many other states. Abortion doctors view it as a mandate that they provide their patients with bad advice, and warn that public policy should not be built off of a study that does not meet traditional scientific standards. Alsaden compared the push to require the notification based on one unproven study to recent pushes against the COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines based on individual cases and non-peer reviewed studies. Extrapolating a case review and then applying it to a whole population is like a wildfire of misinformation and possible morbidity and mortality, she said. You just cant make decisions for a whole population based on a handful of people. Lawmakers push born alive bill Later this month, the Kansas House is expected to Tuesday to debate a bill that creates criminal penalties if a physician doesnt provide the same care to an infant born alive during an abortion as they would any other infant of the same gestational age. Similar legislation has been pursued in other states nationwide. The U.S. House passed a born alive bill earlier this year after Republicans took control of the chamber, but it is not expected to advance in the Democratic-controlled Senate. In Kansas, abortion is illegal at and after 22 weeks, meaning most legal abortions in the state take place before a fetus would be capable of surviving in any condition outside their mothers womb. This is a bill addressing a situation that doesnt really happen, said Usha Ranji, associate director for womens health policy at the Kaiser Family Foundation. Im not sure what it is that theyre trying to prevent here. Proponents of the legislation argue the bill is important to ensure best practices are taken even though they say they know of no contemporary cases in which an infant in Kansas has been born alive during an abortion. Rep. Brenda Landwehr, a Wichita Republican who chairs the House Health and Human Services Committee, said she is skeptical when abortion providers say this doesnt happen. It seems like in the abortion world theres more secrecy that revolves around that procedure than other procedures and we just want to make sure that every baby has an opportunity, Landwher said. Jeanne Gawdun, a lobbyist for Kansans for Life, the states leading anti-abortion group could not name any Kansas during an interview with The Star. She instead pointed to Kermit Gosnell, a Philadelphia abortion doctor who was convicted in 2013 of murder in three cases where he killed an infant that had been born alive during an abortion. The bill would require Kansas providers to report to the state if an infant is born alive during an abortion. The reporting is terrific because its going to help us know whats going on in the state, Gawdun said. Providers argue the legislation is aimed at creating an image of abortion that is not accurate, demonizing providers and shaming women out of receiving care. Dr. Kristyn Brandi from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology explained that late term abortions when a pregnancy might be viable are extremely rare usually limited to instances in which a woman could not access care earlier, there is a fatal fetal abnormality or the mothers health is at risk. When they do occur, Brandi said, care is taken to ensure the fetus heartbeat is stopped before administering the abortion. Nevertheless, the hearing held on the bill painted a picture of abortion providers leaving infants to die or outright killing them, though no evidence could show that situation truly occurs. While proponents said the goal would simply be to ensure any infants are treated humanely, Brandi warned of a chilling effect on all abortion and unforeseen consequences on neonatal care. She said the legislation could require doctors to spend time providing useless life saving care to an infant that is certain to die rather than allowing parents the time to spend with that infant if they are born with a fatal abnormality. They are trying to portray abortion care as infanticide, which is not at all how abortion care works, said Dr. Kristyn Brandi from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Unfortunately these laws also create a lot of restrictions around compassionate care, often around palliative neonatal care. Signs from Kansans for Life are held by young anti-abortion activists in front of a statue of Abraham Lincoln during January's March for Life event at the Kansas Statehouse. Kansans for Life and other anti-abortion groups are pushing to redefine abortion in state law. A proposed new legal definition of "abortion" in Kansas pushed by anti-abortion groups would clarify that treatment for ectopic pregnancies and birth control are not abortions. Senate Bill 297 makes the definition of abortion uniform throughout state statute. It largely relies on existing definitions, which already includes an exception for miscarriages and protection for birth control, while adding new exceptions for removal of an ectopic pregnancy and "the prescription, dispensing, administration, sale or use of any method of contraception." "We have seen across the country in the last couple of years, really the last couple of months, abortion statutes being misinterpreted by doctors and by abortion advocates," said Brittany Jones, a lobbyist with Kansas Family Voice. "Some of this is probably unintentional, but we think it's very important in order to protect women and ensure they get the medical care that they desperately need in tragic situations, to ensure that they get that care, to clarify our definition of abortion and clearly lay out what abortion is not." The bill had a rushed hearing Monday in the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee where Sen. Beverly Gossage, R-Eudora and the committee chair, cut short the testimony and didn't allow senators to ask questions. No medical experts testified, nor did anyone who opposed the bill. The committee passed the bill on a voice vote on Tuesday without any further discussion. More:Shrugging off August 2022 abortion vote, Kansas Senate passes two anti-abortion bills Push to redefine abortion comes after Value Them Both failed The supporters of the bill include Kansans for Life, Kansas Family Voice and the Kansas Catholic Conference the three primary groups behind the Value Them Both Coalition. Voters in August overwhelmingly rejected the proposed Value Them Both amendment, which would have removed state constitutional protections for abortion while giving lawmakers the authority to regulate it, potentially including a ban. Story continues The definition of abortion was a point of contention in the leadup to the election. Eleven days before Election Day, with advance voting already underway, then-Attorney General Derek Schmidt issued an advisory opinion that medical treatment for ectopic pregnancies, miscarriage or fetal demise are not abortions under state law. More:Kansas abortion definition doesn't include ectopic pregnancy termination, AG Derek Schmidt opines Schmidt's opinion acknowledged that state law does not specifically address how an ectopic pregnancy is defined. Some definitions in state statute would appear to indicate that treatment for an ectopic pregnancy mirrors an abortion. Under Kansas law, "life begins at fertilization" and is immediately considered an "unborn child." Pregnancy is defined as "having an unborn child in the mother's body" with pregnancy beginning at fertilization not specifically with embryo implantation in the uterus, as federal law and medical officials typically define it. Abortion is defined as the termination of a pregnancy, with some exceptions. "Unfortunately, the abortion industry has intentionally been spreading fear in women by equating treatment for miscarriages and life-threatening ectopic pregnancies with abortion," said Jeanne Gawdun, a lobbyist with Kansans for Life. "While the current definition of abortion does not consider those situations to be abortions, SB 297 provides further clarification by explicitly excluding treatment of ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage management." Ectopic pregnancies are when a fertilized egg implants and grows outside the uterus. They most commonly happen in the fallopian tubes, which is always fatal for the fetus and, if not treated, can be fatal for the mother. More:Unclear abortion laws in some states prompt ER doctors to call lawyers as pregnant people suffer More:Some worry that Missouri abortion trigger law's language could have deadly consequences Some physicians in other states that have banned abortion, such as Missouri, have feared that treating an ectopic pregnancy before the mother's health is in immediate danger could put doctors at legal risk. Last session, Rep. Trevor Jacobs, R-Fort Scott, introduced an abortion ban bill that defined treatment of ectopic pregnancies and miscarriages as abortions. The bill, which died without a hearing, made miscarriage treatment an acceptable form of abortion, while ectopic pregnancy treatment was allowed only once the mother's life was "seriously" threatened and the embryo could not be saved. Bill would add to birth control protections Under existing state law, the use of birth control drugs or devices are already legal, regardless of whether they inhibit ovulation, fertilization or implantation. Birth control is also protected by U.S. Supreme Court precedent, though Justice Clarence Thomas, in a concurring opinion in the Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, called for the high court to take another look at legal protections for contraception. The protection for birth control was not present in model legislation circulated last summer by the National Right to Life Committee, of which Kansans for Life is an affiliate. The NRLC model law did protect ectopic pregnancy treatment. The Kansas bill would further protect contraceptives by clarifying that they are not abortions, which is a point of contention among some anti-abortion groups and lawmakers nationally. Some Republicans in other states have targeted certain forms of birth control, particularly emergency contraceptives, such as Plan B, and intrauterine devices. Some anti-abortion activists liken morning after pills and IUDs to abortion because of the potential to prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterine lining. In Idaho, an attorney for the University of Idaho warned employees not to provide emergency contraception or standard birth control, or else they risk misdemeanor or felony charges and losing their jobs. More:Idaho college says staff could face felony for 'promoting' abortion, providing birth control Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, which contributed to the Value Them Both efforts, has argued that IUDs and morning after pills can facilitate an "early abortion." The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, which includes the dioceses and bishops from Kansas, has likewise argued that emergency contraception drugs "really act as early abortifacients." But the Kansas Catholic Conference, which represents the four Catholic bishops of Kansas, supports the bill. Lucrecia Nold, a lobbyist for the conference, said it provides clarity and ensures the definition of abortion is consistent in the law. "It confirms all Kansans have the same understanding of the definition, which is important in the legislative process and when exercising their right to vote," Nold said. "This clarification is also beneficial to those creating and enforcing Kansas law." This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: New Kansas abortion bill excludes ectopic pregnancy, birth control There's a Wal-Mart in America where you may just catch a glimpse of your favorite celebrities. Kelly Clarkson and the stars of Yellowstone spinoff 1923 frequent the same Montana location of the superstore, and Clarkson spoke about it with Helen Mirren on The Kelly Clarkson Show. While Mirren, 77, spends time in Butte temporarily to film the Paramount+ series, Clarkson lives on a Montana ranch about an hour "higher up in the mountains." "There's one store in Butte, and it's, like, Wal-Mart," said Clarkson, 40. "So I love that Dame Helen has been to Butte." Clarkson added that, though she's about an hour's drive, that's the closest store to her ranch. "That's where I go to get groceries, cause where I live is like super remote. So, that's where I drive to get milk." It turns out, Mirren is no stranger to the very same store, telling the singer and host: "I know that Wal-Mart well. I know it like the back of my hand." RELATED: Helen Mirren Recalls Having a 'Bit of a Meeting with a Bear' While Quarantining in Nevada Helen Mirren at the premiere of "Shazam! Fury of the Gods" ; Kelly Clarkson attends the 12th annual NFL Honors Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images; Ethan Miller/Getty Images For Clarkson, the shared shopping experience was monumental. "I just love that you've walked the aisles of that Wal-Mart," she said with excitement. "It's just out of pocket for me." RELATED: 1923 Review: Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren Head to Yellowstone Country During their conversation, Clarkson also applauded Mirren and 1923 for representing immigration stories in the old western TV series. "Butte has this amazing history, an old mining town, as you know. When you look at the history of Butte, there were people from Moldavia there, there were Welsh guides, there were Scottish people, there were Irish people, people from the Basque region," Mirren said. "So, that's what the West was like all of these different accents and cultures." THE KELLY CLARKSON SHOW -- Episode J132 -- Pictured: (l-r) Dame Helen Mirren, Kelly Clarkson Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal via Getty Images Because of Butte's melting pot history, Mirren plays her character, Cara Dutton, as an Irish woman. Story continues 1923 has one season so far. A second season of the Yellowstone prequel is expected though season 1 just concluded in early 2023. 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. Yellowstone and its 1923 and 1883 spinoffs are all available to stream on Paramount+ now. Kremlin.ru/Handout via Reuters The Kremlin has shifted to damage control mode after Vladimir Putins latest PR stunt was derailed by a public show of disgust for him. The Russian leader made a show of his alleged visit to Ukraines Mariupol over the weekend, in which people identified by the Kremlin as local residents treated him as their savior, thanking him for Russias help and calling their new home a little piece of heaven. In a brief part of the video that had apparently been overlooked by Putins team, however, a woman was heard shouting, Its all untrue, its all for show! just as the Russian leader began reading his lines. Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin could be seen grinning uncomfortably as Putins security team set off to track down the lone protester. Two days after the off-script comments were noticed in the video released by the Kremlin, that version was replaced on the official Kremlin website with a version in which the party crasher had been edited out, the independent outlet Mozhem Obyasnit noted Tuesday. Putins alleged visit to the cityhis first trip to Ukrainian territory since the start of his warwas the closest to the frontline hed ever set foot. And despite the glowing testimonials from supposed local residents broadcast by Russian state television, many locals apparently saw right through the propaganda. Nobody fucking needs us here. Everything is done for a picture on TV, so that people in Russia will watch, one resident wrote in a Telegram channel devoted to local news. Others questioned why Putin didnt visit the parts of the city decimated by his own military. And why take him there, he was only taken to places that were preserved and new buildings. Nobody will show him the empty pits under the foundations of destroyed houses. Anton Gerashchenko, a senior adviser to the Ukrainian government, seemed to suggest on Monday that Putin may have sent a body double to Mariupol. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. The Canadian Space Agency's new logo retains elements from its original 1996 mark but rearranges them to evoke taking flight and a sense of pride as a new era of space exploration begins. When the first Canadian astronaut to launch to the moon lifts off with NASA's next Artemis mission, he or she will do so wearing a new symbol of Canada's efforts in space. The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) on Thursday (March 16) debuted a new logo to represent the growing role of the country's space program. "An exciting era of space exploration is unfolding before us, and the CSA seeks to enter this new chapter with a modern identifying symbol," read a statement from the agency. "The Canadian Space Agency is modernizing its visual identity with a new simplified logo." Related: Everything you need to know about NASA's Artemis program The new mark features two main elements. At top is the maple leaf, Canada's national emblem. According to CSA, the leaf "generates pride and a sense of belonging," in addition to its association with the country, as is known all around the world. The maple leaf also gives the impression of taking flight. It symbolizes "daring invention and our sights set on the future, ready to push the boundaries of ingenuity and innovation," CSA's description read. Trailing the maple leaf are three stars, which at its most basic interpretation are a representation of space. The stars are also meant to convey brilliance, intelligence and expertise, as well as the strength of the community, which includes all those involved in Canada's space program, including industry, scientists, academia and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) organizations. A circular version of the logo also includes the full, spelled-out name of the agency wrapping around the top in English and in French ("Agence Spatiale Canadienne") at the bottom. Canadian Space Agency astronauts Jeremy Hansen, Jenni Sidey-Gibbons, Joshua Kutryk and David Saint-Jacques. One of the four will fly to the moon on NASA's Artemis II mission in 2025. In 2019, CSA entered into a new agreement to help develop the Gateway, a human-tended research and logistics platform in lunar orbit. For its part, CSA and its industry partners are developing a new robotic system that will assist in repairs and maintaining the moon's first mini space station. Story continues Referred to as "Canadarm3," the new arm builds off Canada's legacy of providing the original Canadarm for the space shuttle and Canadarm2, which is still in use at the International Space Station. CSA is also developing the country's first robotic lunar rover, which in collaboration with NASA will help in the international search for water ice in the lunar soil. In return for these contributions, NASA reserved a seat for a CSA astronaut on its first crewed mission to fly around the moon in more than 50 years. The identities of the Artemis 2 crew members will be announced on April 3 during an event held at NASA's Ellington Field, near Johnson Space Center in Houston. "Just over-the-moon proud to see Canada as the one partner flying on this historic first mission with NASA," Joshua Kurtyk, one of CSA's four active astronauts who are eligible for the seat on Artemis 2, wrote in a social media post. "Our unique innovative, exploratory and pioneering spirit at work, and a direct link to Canada's future prosperity and security." The prior Canadian Space Agency logo dates back to 1996. Related stories: Canadian Space Agency: Facts & information Artemis moon rocket looks ready for astronaut missions, NASA says Canada eyes new astronaut flights with Axiom Space CSA's new logo replaces an earlier design that was first introduced on Nov. 4, 1996. The now-retired mark also featured a maple leaf, but instead of leading off the emblem, it was positioned below a stylized horizon with the sun's rays extending from behind and a vector extending to a four-pointed star (of the same style on the new logo). Instead of its full name, the Canadian Space Agency's English and French acronyms ("CSA" and "ASC") appeared in italic below the maple leaf. Follow collectSPACE.com on Facebook and on Twitter at @collectSPACE. Copyright 2023 collectSPACE.com. All rights reserved. Laxman Narasimhan officially took over as Starbucks CEO, replacing Howard Schultz. Narasimhan, 55, has spent his career working at McKinsey, PepsiCo, and Lysol-maker Reckitt. He'll now steer Starbucks through heated negotiations with union leaders at 300 of its stores. Starbucks officially has a new CEO. The Seattle-based coffee chain on Monday announced that Laxman Narasimhan has officially taken the reins as Starbucks chief executive, nearly two weeks earlier than planned. Narasimhan was named CEO last September, succeeding interim CEO Howard Schultz. Narasimhan, 55, is new to the coffee industry, having started his career in the consulting world before joining PepsiCo, and, later, British consumer goods company Reckitt Benckiser. Now, as he takes the helm of Starbucks, he'll be tasked with navigating the company's often contentious relationship with leaders at the nearly 300 of its stores nationwide that have voted to unionize. Here's how Narasimhan got his start and rose to become CEO of the world's biggest coffee chain. Narasimhan built his career in the beverage and consumer-goods industries Laxman Narasimhan at Starbucks Investor Day in September 2022. Stephen Brashear/AP Narasimhan earned a mechanical-engineering degree from India's Pune University before moving to the US in the early 1990s to study at the University of Pennsylvania. He completed a master's in German and international studies as well as an MBA from Penn's Wharton School, The Telegraph reports. Narasimhan's career began at consulting firm McKinsey & Company, where he focused on the retail, consumer goods, and healthcare industries over the course of nearly two decades. He spent time living and working around the globe, including in Cleveland, Ohio; Toronto; Silicon Valley; Tokyo; and New Delhi, according to The Telegraph. He joined PepsiCo in 2012, working in multiple roles during his seven years at the food and beverage firm, including CEO of its Latin America business and later, global chief commercial officer. Narasimhan speaks six languages: English, German, three Indian languages, and conversational Spanish. He currently serves as a trustee of the Brookings Institution and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, the UK's Build Back Better Council, and Verizon's board of directors, according to Starbucks. Story continues He left Lysol-maker Reckitt to join Starbucks Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, in the background, and incoming CEO Laxman Narasimhan. Melina Mara/The Washington Post via Getty Images In 2019, Narasimhan was tapped to lead Reckitt, the owner of brands like Lysol, Durex, Enfamil, and Mucinex. He's credited with steering the company through skyrocketing demand driven by the pandemic and executing a successful turnaround of the business. His departure from Reckitt, announced in September 2022, came as a surprise to investors, who said the brand was just "getting its mojo back." Reckitt said at the time that Narasimhan was moving back to the US he and his family previously lived in Connecticut during his tenure with PepsiCo as he was approached with a new opportunity. The same day, Starbucks announced that Narasimhan would be its next CEO. Starbucks said at the time that Narasimhan would begin as CEO on April 1, taking over for interim CEO Schultz. The longtime Starbucks leader built the brand into a coffee empire before stepping down in 2018 ahead of a presidential bid. Schultz returned to the company in March 2022 following CEO Kevin Johnson's retirement. Starbucks said Monday that Narasimhan spent the last five months participating in "a unique immersion experience" that included working alongside employees at over 30 stores, manufacturing plants, and support centers worldwide and learning how to be a Starbucks barista. According to the company, his favorite drink is a doppio espresso macchiato with hot skim milk on the side. The new CEO must tackle union-busting criticism Starbucks workers carry signs during strike outside Starbucks location Starbucks workers in Biddeford participate in November's Red Cup Rebellion, a nationwide strike demanding the company fully staff union stores and bargain in good faith.Derek Davis/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images Narasimhan takes over the reins at Starbucks as the chain faces increased scrutiny over the company's conduct with union leaders. Of the 365 Starbucks stores that have held votes to unionize, 292 have voted to form a union. But bargaining hasn't gone well, with Starbucks being accused of union-busting, and both sides accusing each other of stalling or not bargaining in good faith. Both sides have filed dozens of complaints with the National Labor Relations Act. Taking center stage in the union battle is Narasimhan's predecessor, Schultz. He is set to testify next week at a US Senate hearing about the chain's handling of union activity. It's unclear what Narasimhan's position will be when it comes to the ongoing union movement at Starbucks. In a previous statement, Starbucks said Narasimhan is expected to "reaffirm our long-standing efforts to create opportunity for all partners and the communities we call home." Read the original article on Business Insider The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has appointed Oleksandr Kamyshin to the post of Minister for Strategic Industries of Ukraine. The adoption of relevant draft resolution No. 9132 was supported by 312 MPs at a plenary session on Tuesday, a member of the European Solidarity faction Oleksiy Honcharenko said. "The former head of Ukrzaliznytsia Oleksandr Kamyshin has become new Minister for Strategic Industries of Ukraine," the parliamentarian said on his Telegram channel. Kamyshin is former chairman of the board of Ukrzaliznytsia (April 1, 2022 to February 27, 2023), since August 11, 2021 he has been acting Chairman of the Board of Ukrzaliznytsia. Before heading Ukrzaliznytsia, he was a manager at Dragon Capital and SCM. In 2021, he worked as an adviser to Minister of Infrastructure Oleksandr Kubrakov. In February 2023, he resigned from the position of head of the board of Ukrzaliznytsia, announcing his plans to head the office for European integration of Ukrzaliznytsia in Europe. On March 3, 2023, he was appointed Advisor to the President of Ukraine (out of state). As reported, on March 20, the parliament supported the resignation of Pavlo Riabikin from the post of Minister for Strategic Industries of Ukraine. Officials are calling off the search for a pilot after an extensive two-week effort produced no trace of the missing Washington man or his plane, authorities announced Monday. Rod Collen, of Tacoma, and his 2006 Cessna Turbo T182 Skylane disappeared off radar March 6 a few minutes after he took off from the Tacoma Narrows Airport at 5:35 p.m., according to the Washington State Department of Transportation. There has been no sign of him since, the agency said. Collens daughter, Audrey Collen, said in a Facebook post that her dad left behind his phone, work laptop, and flight bag and did not tell anyone where he was going. This is not the outcome searchers and the many partners had hoped for and our thoughts are with both the family and everyone who worked to try and locate the aircraft, WSDOT said in a statement. The family has been kept informed of search activities and has been briefed about this decision. Maryland highway accident: Six construction workers killed after car veers into highway work zone, police say 'It's a miracle that we walked away': New York lawmaker makes emergency plane landing on beach A volunteer search aircraft helps the Washington State Department of Transportation look for Rod Collen in the forests of Queets, Washington. Radar forensics specialists determined that the aircraft made a rapid descent toward the ground within a 36-square mile section of forest near Queets and Lake Quinault, roughly a two and half hour drive west of Seattle, officials said. Flight paths published by officials showed search planes covered substantial portions of the search area. Officials were still asking the public to report any leads to the state emergency operations center by calling 800-258-5990. The number on the planes tail is N24289, officials said. Despite the call-off of the search by state officials, Collens family continued to organize volunteers to continue its own search efforts. I've been praying so hard every day that he comes back soon so I can give him a big hug, Audrey Collen wrote in a Facebook post on March 13. I love him so much. He's the coolest dad ever. I'm not ready to let him go. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Search for missing Tacoma, Washington pilot called off Former President Obama urged Wisconsin voters to cast their ballots early in the states Supreme Court election on Tuesday, as majority control of the bench hangs in the balance. Today is the first day of early voting in the Wisconsin Supreme Court election, Obama tweeted. Its going to be close, so dont wait until April 4th. Make a plan to vote today and encourage your family and friends to do the same. Obama also linked out to a website for people to volunteer with Wisconsins Democratic Party. Former state Supreme Court Justice Dan Kelly, a conservative, is facing off against liberal Milwaukee County Judge Janet Protasiewicz to fill the seventh seat on the panel, which is split 3-3 along partisan lines with conservative Justice Patience Roggensacks retirement. The court is likely to take on key political issues, including the states controversial 1849 abortion ban. The 19th century law, which made it a felony to perform abortions except to save the life of the mother, has become a key issue in the wake of the Supreme Courts decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Protasiewicz has been outspoken about her support for abortion access throughout the race, while Kelly has received support from several prominent anti-abortion groups. However, neither candidate has specified how they would rule on the abortion law if a case were to come before them. The gun safety advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund launched a $500,000 ad campaign on Monday targeting Kelly over abortion and gun safety. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Oklahoma Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that the state constitution includes "an inherent right of a pregnant woman to terminate a pregnancy when necessary to save her life." The court struck down one law passed by the Legislature to criminalize abortions but left another in place and took no position on the broader question of whether there is a right to elective abortions, effectively upholding strict antiabortion measures in place since last year. "We make no ruling on whether the Oklahoma Constitution provides a right to an elective termination of a pregnancy, i.e. one made outside of preserving the life of the pregnant woman as we have defined herein," the court's majority opinion stated. Abortion-rights supporters display signs June 25, 2022, at the Engage the Rage rally at the Oklahoma Capitol in Oklahoma City. Five justices formed the majority: Yvonne Kauger; James R. Winchester; James E. Edmondson; Douglas L. Combs; and Noma Gurich. Dissenting were Chief Justice M. John Kane IV and Vice Chief Justice Dustin P. Rowe, along with Justices Richard Darby and Dana Kuehn. The case was brought by abortion providers and reproductive rights groups, led by Oklahoma Call for Reproductive Justice. It challenged laws approved by the Oklahoma Legislature to ban most abortions in the wake of last years U.S. Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization striking down its precedents that legalized most abortions. A sign is displayed Jan. 22, 2022, during the March for Life, an anti-abortion, faith-based march from the Capitol to Midtown. The state Supreme Court was asked by the reproductive rights groups to find that the Oklahoma Constitution protected a womans right to terminate her pregnancy. The court stopped well short of that, ruling only on the narrow question of whether abortion was protected to save a woman's life. The majority opinion pointed to the constitutional provision that states: All persons have the inherent right to life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and the enjoyment of the gains of their own industry. That section, the court said, stands as the basis for protecting a womans right to terminate a pregnancy in order to save her life. Story continues The court said it would definite the inherent right to mean: a woman has an inherent right to choose to terminate her pregnancy if at any point in the pregnancy, the womans physician has determined to a reasonable degree of medical certainty or probability that the continuation of the pregnancy will endanger the womans life due to the pregnancy itself or due to a medical condition that the woman is either currently suffering from or likely to suffer from during the pregnancy. Demonstrators gather May 3, 2022, at the Oklahoma Capitol to protest as the U.S. Supreme Court appeared poised to overturn longstanding abortion protections and Oklahoma governor signs Texas-style abortion ban. Absolute certainty is not required, however, mere possibility or speculation is insufficient. The court struck down a law that prevented an abortion to save a woman's life unless she was in a "medical emergency." The court stated, "We read this section of law to require a woman to be in actual and present danger in order for her to obtain a medically necessary abortion. We know of no other law that requires one to wait until there is an actual medical emergency in order to receive treatment when the harmful condition is known or probable to occur in the future." A concurring opinion written by Kauger and joined by Combs and Edmondson sketches the history of discrimination against women and says women had the right throughout that discrimination to terminate a pregnancy to save their own lives. Although the Oklahoma Legislature is considering several bills which address termination, and there may be an initiative petition or referendum, this is the cause before us. We need to do our jobs, uphold our oaths of office, and address the issues without delay rather than speculate about what might be. For some women, the draconian law which allows no exception, in the absence of a medical emergency, to preserve the life of the mother, may be a death sentence. In some instances, women may have fewer rights than a convicted murderer on death row. These women may be subject to a death sentence without being afforded due process or any provision for clemency or pardon. Imagine that. "Imagine that" is an apparent reference to the state's branding motto at the state Tourism and Recreation Department. Kane wrote a dissenting opinion saying the majority of justices had engaged in legal contortions to protect pregnant women who are in medical peril by fashioning Oklahoma Constitution precepts of abortion law that simply do not exist. Sidney Barnett and her grandmother, Connie Barnett, hold signs May 3, 2022, as demonstrators gathered at the Oklahoma Capitol to protest as the U.S. Supreme Court appeared poised to overturn longstanding abortion protections and Oklahoma governor signs Texas-style abortion ban. There is no expressed or implied right to abortion enshrined in the Oklahoma Constitution. In interpreting our Constitution, this court must guard against the innate human temptation to confuse what is provided in the Oklahoma Constitution with what one wishes were provided. Winchester was the only justice appointed by a Republican governor to join the majority. More:Why programs like paid family leave might be getting more Oklahoma Republican support All four justices dissenting were appointed by Republicans. Three, including Kane, were appointed by Gov. Kevin Stitt, who vowed to appoint only anti-abortion justices to the court. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, whose office defended the strict abortion prohibitions that were challenged by the reproductive rights groups, said Tuesday, We respect the Courts ruling and are pleased the justices acknowledged the exception for cases in which the life of the mother is at risk. Father Alexander Kroll walks with hundreds Jan. 21 as they march from downtown Oklahoma City to the Oklahoma Capitol as part of the Oklahoma March for Life. Emily Wales, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, said, "Todays decision is the first step in what will be a long journey to restore real, meaningful rights of Oklahomans over their own bodies. But make no mistake: This is a small step. The Oklahoma Supreme Court recognized one fundamental truth: Patients must be permitted to access critical care to save their lives. But the right recognized today is so limited that most people who need abortion will not be able to access it." This ruling will have severe repercussions for the health and well-being of Oklahomans. So many people who need care have been left behind by this court. Health care providers hands are still tied by an abortion ban that would make them criminals for providing essential care. With abortion access functionally eliminated in the state, Planned Parenthood Great Plains will continue doing everything we can to be here for people who need us, just as we have been for decades. Stitt criticized the majority decision, saying "an activist majority" had made a policy decision that belongs to the people. The Oklahoma Judicial Center, pictured on July 23, 2019, is the headquarters of the Oklahoma Supreme Court, the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals, and the Judiciary of Oklahoma. "Furthermore, in their 20 page opinion, not once was there any mention of the unborn," Stitt said. "From the moment life begins at conception, we have a responsibility to do everything we can to protect that baby's life and the life of the mother. That is what I believe and that is what the majority of Oklahomans believe which is why the Legislature has passed, and I have signed, numerous laws banning abortion in Oklahoma." This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma Supreme Court finds 'limited right' to abortion Marines kneel and pray as the 2nd Battalion, 8th Regiment prepares to leave Camp Shoup, north of Kuwait City near the Iraqi border, on March 20, 2003, to start their advance into southern Iraq. (Cris Bouroncle/AFP via Getty Images) This week marks the 20th anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. Then-President George W. Bush and his British counterpart, Prime Minister Tony Blair, signed off on a war based on the myth that the Iraqi dictator, Saddam Hussein, harbored weapons of mass destruction. In less than a month, Hussein's government would be overthrown and the country would be plunged into a state of chaos that has lasted decades. Between 2003 and 2019, an estimated 275,000 Iraqi civilians were killed by direct violence stemming from the invasion. On March 17, 2003, Bush ordered Hussein and his sons to leave Iraq within 48 hours, or the country would be invaded. Two days later, on March 19, Bush declared war with Iraq, stating that it would be a broad and concerted campaign. A long U.S. military convoy moves through southern Iraq on 21 March, 2003. (Romeo Gacad/AFP via Getty Images) Operation Iraqi Freedom began with an aerial bombardment, in a bid to topple the Iraqi leadership and allow for a ground invasion. The next day, 150,000 troops from the U.S.-led coalition, composed of American, British, Australian and Polish soldiers, marched over the border from Kuwait into Iraq. The same day, Hussein called on the people of Iraq to take action against the criminal junior Bush. His criminal act comes from and the act of those who helped him, and his followers, Hussein said in a public address. This is added to the series of their shameful crimes against Iraq and humanity. U.S. Army 3rd Infantry Division 3-7 infantry squads take a brief break as they proceed into Iraqi territory March 21, 2003. (Scott Nelson/Getty Images) The battle of Nasiriyah began on March 23, as U.S.-led forces pushed towards Baghdad, and it continued until April 2, when the Iraqi resistance was defeated. By April 9, coalition troops had successfully occupied Baghdad, forcing Hussein into hiding. Images of American soldiers toppling Husseins statue in Firdos Square were broadcast around the world. Then-Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld described the scene at the time as breathtaking. One year later, then-UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan would call the war in Iraq illegal, stating that the invasion was not sanctioned by the Security Council. Story continues From our point of view and from the charter point of view, it was illegal, Annan told the BBC at the time. The war in Iraq would continue for another seven years. On to Baghdad U.S. soldiers keep their rifles ready as they prepare to search surrendered Iraqi soldiers near the southern border city of Safwan on March 21, 2003. (Laurent Rebours/AP) U.S. Marine Maj. Bull Gurfein pulls down a poster of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein on March 21, 2003 in Safwan. (Chris Hondros/Getty Images) The bombing of Baghdad on March 21, 2003. (Mike Moore /Mirrorpix via Getty Images) A British Royal Marine from 42 Commando fires a Milan wire-guided missile at an Iraqi position on the al-Faw peninsula in southern Iraq on March 21, 2003. (Jon Mills/Pool via AP) Soldiers attached to Britain's 3 Army Air Corps patrol the desert around the oil fields of north Rumaila during a sandstorm, March 25, 2003. (Ian Jones/Pool via Reuters) U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Robert Dominguez, of Mathis, Texas, stands guard next to a burning oil well at the Rumaila oil fields near the Kuwaiti border on March 27, 2003 in Rumaila, Iraq. (Mario Tama/Getty Images) British tank crews wait on the front line at Basra, Iraq, on March 27, 2003. (Dan Chung/Pool via AP) U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman HM1 Richard Barnett, assigned to the 1st Marine Division, holds an Iraqi child in central Iraq on March 29, 2003. (Damir Sagolj/Reuters) A U.S. Army soldier walks toward a burning oil well in Iraq's vast southern Rumaila oilfields, March 30, 2003. (Yannis Behrakis/Reuters) An Iraqi woman carries her young child on the outskirts of Basra as she flees with others from the southern Iraqi town on March 30, 2003. (Anja Niedringhaus/AP) U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Chad Touchett, center, relaxes with comrades from A Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, after a search of one of Saddam Hussein's palaces in Baghdad damaged by a shelling on April 7, 2003. (John Moore/AP) An Iraqi man, bottom right, watches Cpl. Edward Chin of the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines Regiment, cover the face of a statue of Saddam Hussein with an American flag before toppling the statue in downtown Baghdad on April 9, 2003. (Jerome Delay/AP) A U.S. soldier watches as a statue of Iraq's President Saddam Hussein falls in central Baghdad on April 9, 2003. Youths had placed a noose around the statue's neck and attached the rope to a U.S. armored recovery vehicle. (Goran Tomasevic/Reuters) Ron DeSantis, governor of Florida, speaks during the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Orlando, Florida, U.S., on Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022. Tristan Wheelock/Bloomberg via Getty Ron DeSantis Social media users are mocking Ron DeSantis after the Florida governor wrote in his book that he was "geographically raised in Tampa Bay," but "culturally" in the midwest. "I was geographically raised in Tampa Bay," DeSantis writes in his new memoir, The Courage to Be Free, per NBC News, "but culturally my upbringing reflected the working-class communities in western Pennsylvania and northeast Ohio from weekly church attendance to the expectation that one would earn his keep. This made me God-fearing, hard-working and America-loving." RELATED: Who Is Running for President in 2024? Confirmed and Rumored Republican and Democratic Candidates DeSantis was born and raised in Florida though his parents are from Pennsylvania and Ohio, as noted in his book. But critics of the governor called the remark "pandering," with some social media users suggesting he was merely trying to court voters outside of Florida, ahead of a widely rumored presidential run. "I was geographically raised in Tampa Bay, but culturally my upbringing reflected the royal court at Versailles, with outstanding wigs, elegant discourse, and utter disregard for the seething class oppression necessary to sustain it," The Lincoln Project co-founder Rick Wilson tweeted of DeSantis' claim. "I was geographically raised in Tampa Bay, but culturally my upbringing reflected the royal court at Versailles, with outstanding wigs, elegant discourse, and utter disregard for the seething class oppression necessary to sustain it." Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) March 19, 2023 Florida Democratic Rep. Anna V. Eskamani echoed those remarks, writing: "I was geographically raised in Orlando with a cultural perspective that allows me to easily detect BS when I see it." I was geographically raised in Orlando with a cultural perspective that allows me to easily detect BS when I see it. https://t.co/gihVkrrs3R Rep. Anna V. Eskamani (@AnnaForFlorida) March 19, 2023 Some critics decried DeSantis' allusion to being born one thing but identifying as something elseparticularly as he has waged culture wars with the transgender community. Story continues Others noted the seeming coincidence of DeSantis being "culturally" raised in two of the most important swing states in the countryparticularly as the publication of his new book appears to be the latest sign that he is mulling a 2024 presidential campaign. RELATED: Ron DeSantis Avoids Criticizing Donald Trump in New Book Ahead of Expected 2024 Presidential Rivalry A DeSantis presidential campaign would pit him directly against former President Donald Trump, who announced his candidacy last year. Trump has said in recent weeks that DeSantis then a member of the House of Representatives came to him and "begged" for an endorsement for governor, with "tears coming down from his eyes." 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. But in his own telling of the events, DeSantis writes that he simply asked Trump for the endorsement, but "was not holding my breath." NEW BRUNSWICK A 29-year-old city woman charged with using fake documents to enroll as a New Brunswick High School student earlier this year is hoping to avoid jail in a pre-trial intervention program. Hyejeong Shin, a 2019 graduate of Rutgers University, appeared before a Middlesex County judge Monday, ABC New York reported. Shin was charged in January with one count of providing a false government document to the New Brunswick Board of Education to enroll in New Brunswick High School as a teenage student. She allegedly provided the school district with a false birth certificate and was issued a summons for the third-degree offense and released pending the court appearance. At that time police said nothing was revealed to indicate Shin's intentions for enrolling at the high school was to bring harm or violence to students, staff or faculty. Her attorney, Darren Gelber of the Wilentz firm, said his client, a native of South Korea, came to the U.S. alone at age 16 to attend a boarding school and missed the friendships she had in high school and was hoping to recreate those friendships at New Brunswick High School, ABC New York reported. Gelber told ABC New York no other students were in danger from his client's actions, and she plans to return to South Korea once the case is resolved. Shin gained access to New Brunswick High School as a student the week of Jan. 16 and attended classes for less than a week. After staff discovered the deception, she was barred from district property, according to the superintendent of schools. 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: Rutgers grad who enrolled in New Brunswick High 'missed friendships' A woman was found strangled to death in her bedroom after she missed work in Delaware in 2021. Prior to the death, New Castle County Police learned Nicole Crawford had called 911 about someone peering into her windows and walking around her home, according to the Delaware Department of Justice. Crawfords neighbors had also called 911 to report an individual lurking near her property, officials said. Now, Crawfords ex-boyfriend Justin Chaffier, 36, has been convicted in her murder, officials announced in a March 21 news release. He was also found guilty of stalking Crawford, prosecutors said. Chaffier, whose actions were called truly monstrous by state Attorney General Kathy Jennings, was charged in Crawfords murder in August 2021, according to the release. Nothing can bring back the innocent life that was taken but I hope that this conviction will bring the Crawford family some peace as they continue to heal, Jennings said in a statement. Charges against Chaffier came after he was extradited from Pennsylvania, where he was convicted of rape in a separate case, officials said. Evidence from Ring camera security footage, phone records and DNA tests proved Chaffier strangled and stalked Crawford, according to the release. On Feb. 26, 2021, Crawfords remains were found in her room after her mother had gone to check on her when her boss informed her she hadnt shown up at work, an August 2021 news release said. Chaffier is due in court for a sentencing hearing in June, prosecutors said. 24-year-old with a heart so pure found dead. Her ex is arrested, California cops say Outdoorsman looking for deer antlers finds remains of missing Ohio man, officials say Officers find family of 3 dead after going to apartment for welfare check, TX cops say Dana Woodson leads a line of little people to the blue carpet in the next room. They plop down, some sitting crisscross applesauce while others extend their legs and point their small shoes toward the ceiling. They gaze up at Woodson, curious about what they'll do next. More:A closer look at Erie's child care 'crisis,' and how state officials, others are trying to fix it Woodson leads the class of 16 3- and 4-year-old students in a singing of the "days of the week" song, then asks them to describe what the weather was like on this Wednesday morning, and finally asks them to count aloud with her the number of boys and girls among the group. "You're right," Woodson says with glee to the boys and girls. "There are 16 friends today. Sixteen. Woo." It's a typical morning inside the Learning Ladder Early Child Care Center, 2502 Peach St., a Black-owned business that began taking shape a decade ago in Kenya and Sean Johnson's basement. The couple started the center "out of necessity" in 2013 when Sean, 40, and Kenya, 39, who was in graduate school at the time, were regularly caring for a half-dozen nieces and nephews. Dana Woodson reviews the days of the week with a class of 16, 3- and 4-year-old students at the Learning Ladder Early Child Care Center, 2502 Peach St., on Jan. 4, 2023. Woodson is the lead teacher for the center's pre-kindergarten program. 'Very hard days' Kenya, who was also pregnant at the time, wanted a source of income. Sean, who had been working as a home health aide and who had launched a real estate business with the purchase of his first rental property coming in 2007, pitched the idea of starting her own business. More:Erie childcare centers share $11.3 million in COVID funding. Find your center on the list "He had mentioned (the idea) a few times because we knew another childcare provider that had just started," said Kenya, who received a bachelor's degree in psychology in 2005 from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. "Around that time I went back for my master's and he kept saying, 'why don't you just do child care?'" "It was not easy, for sure," Sean said. "There were some hard days, very hard days, but I wouldn't change anything about it." Within two years, Kenya was caring for eight children. It was time to expand. Sean and Kenya began leasing first-floor space at the former concert venue Forward Hall, which at the time was partially occupied by McLane Church. Story continues That's when they took a risk and put faith in themselves: They invested $70,000 to make improvements to a building they didn't own, taking out a second mortgage on their home to do so. Sean Johnson, 40, and his wife Kenya Johnson, 39, who own the Learning Ladder Early Child Care Center at 2502 Peach St., talk about the growth of the business since its founding in 2013 and the challenges facing child care providers like themselves. "We used every dime of it," Sean said. Coming to a crossroads They started the Learning Ladder, officially, in 2015 with the eight children Kenya was watching at home. Within two months they had 27 kids enrolled. And by the end of the year, the business was at capacity with an enrollment of about 60 kids. "Kenya really cares about their education, teaching them, and instilling in the kids what we instill in our own children," Sean said. But then they found themselves at what Sean called a crossroads. The building's owner was anxious to sell, but the couple didn't have the $165,000 to buy it. Even though Sean had slowly expanded the couple's real estate portfolio today they own 25 units on 15 properties they had difficulty acquiring a bank loan. Two local banks denied their applications. "We had a rude awakening," Sean said. "I had real estate. We had 50, 60 kids enrolled. Kenya was making income and I think two of the local banks denied us. It was at the point where we could have lost our center. We could have truly lost our center. And the little bit of money that we used to remodel in here, the guy could have just took it and sold the building out from under us." Sean and Kenya Johnson believed they had hit a color barrier with prospective lenders. "These banks, it isn't black-and-white what they write on these papers. There is a lot of gray," he said. "Whoever's making that decision ... they hold your life in their hands." That's when Bridgeway Capital stepped in with funding that helped the couple grow their business. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Bridgeway Capital is a community development financial institution, which, unlike a bank, is a private, nonprofit entity that provides low-interest loans to low-income, low-wealth and other disadvantaged people who otherwise might not qualify for traditional bank loans. It opened its Erie office in 2012. At the time, Bridgeway Capital was working with two other businesses in the neighborhood, Dapper Don's Styling Lounge and French Maids. The Johnsons worked with then-Erie Region Director T.J. King of Bridgeway Capital. "It was the best thing that ever happened to us," Sean said. "He worked us through the loan process so easily. We only had to end up putting 5% down on the $165,000 and then he gave us historical credit for the two years that we were paying rent. We only had to come up with maybe like $7,000." Bridgeway Capital, Sean said, is integral to the Black, Indigenous and People of Color community and anyone struggling to start or grow a business in the area. Making changes Most of the children enrolled at the Learning Ladder receive a subsidy for their care through the state's Child Care Works program. Parents pay a small copay. The United Way of Erie County picks up the tab through a scholarship for other children to get care at the Learning Ladder those who might not otherwise qualify for the state subsidy. In addition to the pre-kindergarten program for 3- and 4-year-old children, Kenya Johnson also has an after-school program for kids up to age 12. They can work on school assignments inside the facility's classrooms or get exercise in the gymnasium. In August, however, Kenya made the difficult decision of ending the Learning Ladder's program for toddlers and infants. Kenya said the industrywide shortage of childcare workers, especially through the COVID-19 pandemic, has made it difficult to keep up with the child-to-staff member ratios required by the state for infants and toddlers. "When I first started I had infants to (age) 12, but infant and toddlers require more staff and they require much more attention," she explained. "I was only operating with just enough staff , and if somebody called off, if somebody needed some time off, then it kind of put us in a bind of ratio issues and not being in compliance with state regulations." Calculated risks Sean and Kenya Johnson say they've learned a lot along the way. Here are recommendations that they have for other minority business owners. "Start with the education side," Sean said. "You have to learn some of these things, whatever field you're trying to be in. If I want to do real estate, I'm going to figure out how these loan officers work. I'm going to figure out how property managers work. I'm going to figure out how accountants work. I don't need to know everything that they need to know, but I need to have an understanding of what they're doing." People need to "immerse" themselves in whatever field they're trying to break into, he added. "At the beginning when I started, it was mixed with a little luck, but as we were starting to make income and things started growing, I needed to know how to control this monster that we're creating," he said. "I started to submerge myself in the books and podcasts and anything that I could get my hands on." Kenya said it's also important to "get uncomfortable." "I know for me, I was shy, even starting a business," she said. "I didn't like want to talk to the newspaper, didn't want to do interviews. I was very uncomfortable. And I'm still adjusting to that, talking in front of people. I know sometimes people don't want to go into unfamiliar places, but there is always somebody who was better than you, who knows more than you. So if you don't put yourself in those places, you'll be stagnant. You won't grow, so just get uncomfortable." Sean also said aspiring entrepreneurs need to believe in themselves and take risks. "It may be more calculated risks," he said, "but believe in yourself and believe in your dream." Kenya Johnson said she's proud of the quality of care that she and her 11 staff members provide the children. They've received a four-star rating from the state as a result. "I go by those standards and I go above and beyond," she said. "It's a joy and a rewarding feeling when parents come to me, even when I don't have space, and they say 'can you put me on the waiting list? I'll wait as long as I can to get in.' They always hear good things about us. That fuels my fire." Matthew Rink can be reached at mrink@timesnews.com or on Twitter at @ETNRink. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: How a Black-owned Erie PA childcare business evolved and succeeded LGBTQ activist and advocate Meta Ellis in Montgomery, Ala. on Wednesday November 16, 2022. Meta Ellis is one of USA TODAYs Women of the Year, a recognition of women who have made a significant impact in their communities and across the country. The program launched in 2022 as a continuation of Women of the Century, which commemorated the 100th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote. Meet this years honorees at womenoftheyear.usatoday.com. Meta Ellis attended her first protest when she was 3 years old. Her parents were activists in their own right. During the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the Ku Klux Klan bombed her house twice. Even at just a few years old, she knew what was going on around her. She said that being born during the Montgomery Bus Boycott gives you an awareness. Now, shes the director of Montgomery Pride United and co-founder of the Bayard Rustin Community Center and Thrift Store. She and her wife, Emma McDaniel-Ellis, sit outside the Alabama Statehouse to protest the laws that target marginalized groups. McDaniel-Ellis joked that they had their own bench. In 2015, they founded the community center, where they offer lunches to those in need. McDaniels-Ellis even provided a bus pass to a man who needed one while she was being interviewed for this story. In the backroom, theres a lending library, which they said may have the largest collection of LGBTQ+ literature in Alabama. LGBTQ activist and advocate Meta Ellis, left, with her wife Emma McDaniel Ellis are seen in Montgomery, Ala. on Wednesday November 16, 2022. Montgomery Pride United was founded in hopes of bringing organizations together: Equal Justice Initiative, American Civil Liberties Union and more. She said theres a lot of need in the area. When she spoke in the interview, she continued that hope and wanted to call attention to more groups doing good work across Alabama. She named Magic City Acceptance Center, an LGBTQ+ affirming space in Birmingham. She credited TKO Society, an organization dedicated to TLGB+ Black people in the south. In the past year, Ellis has been present at protests for the laws targeting LGBT+, especially transgender youth, in Alabama and the Dobbs decision, which made abortion illegal in Alabama. These issues are ones shes been protesting for decades and shes not surprised that shes still protesting them. Story continues She said that nothing that lawmakers do surprises her anymore. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Who paved the way for you? First of all, my parents, and I've had a lot of good mentors along the way, and most of them were much older than myself. I've had some awesome teachers over the years; went to a lot of different schools and a lot of different places. But I had a really awesome teacher named Paul Parody, who taught stage and I'll never forget him. He just was somebody that really cared about young people. And, you could feel it from him. But one of my best mentors was a Cherokee and Irish woman named Mellowryexxx. And, I learned the most about activism and caring for the earth and old medicine ways and things like that. I'd have to say she was probably, other than my parents, the most important mentor of my life. What is your proudest moment? Having wonderful children. It's one way of teaching somebody closely your values and all of that. Very proud. I have two daughters. Do you have a lowest moment? In the past, my lowest moment was when I lost my brother and my closest friend who was ill and my grandfather and a few other friends all in a few months time. What is your definition of courage? Not giving up. Staying the course even when its rough. Meta Ellis speaks during an abortion rights rally on the grounds of the Alabama Archives building followed by a march on the Alabama Capitol Building in Montgomery, Ala., on Sunday June 26, 2022. Over 150 protestors showed up to protest the overturning of Roe v Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court. It seems like you do that when you wait outside the statehouse during the legislative session. Oh, yeah. Is there a guiding principle or mantra you tell yourself? One of the things I always try to do is to clear my pathway. Take care of the old business, so that you can attend to what is most important for the day. And, then, I look for the light. Embrace the light and what is good in a situation. What light have you found in the past? Mostly through inspiring people. And, when you're looking for that in folks, it shows up. When you're expecting it, when you're seeking it out, it definitely shows up sometimes in situations, a lot of times in people that you run into it's inspiring people. Who did or do you look up to? I have a great deal of respect for Michelle Browder [Alabama's Women of the Year honoree in 2022]. I want to put some kudos out there for her. I have a great deal of respect for her. And, there's so many people here that we were talking about: Lydia Pickett, who works with [Mid-Alabama Coalition for the Homeless], and JaTaune [Bosby] with the ACLU. She does an awesome job. We have we have great team of workers here [the center], too. Travis Jackson. Mia Raven, at the P.O.W.E.R. [People Organizing for Womens Empowerment & Rights] House, is part of our team. So, we are surrounded by really awesome people. How do you overcome adversity? First of all, you have to allow yourself to be disappointed and to feel those feelings. Allow yourself to have the feelings and then just toughing it up and then go back out there for the day's battle. What advice would you give your younger self? There's a a lot of things I would tell my younger self. First of all, to value yourself. I'm still not there, OK, I'll be 70 soon. I think that's the thing that I would most want to tell my younger self: to place more value in and not be so down on who you're not. And, just one physical thing I probably would have done, but to tell myself not to enjoy smoking, just on a practical course. But other than that, I don't think telling somebody something when they're that young really sets in, you almost have to find out things the hard way to really learn them. And, I did have to learn a lot of things the hard way. What keeps you going? Pure stubbornness. And, if you ever met my mother, youd know where I got it from. This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Activist born during Montgomery Bus Boycott honored by USA TODAY On today's episode of the 5 Things podcast: Swiss banking giant UBS to buy Credit Suisse Swiss banking giant UBS is set to buy rival Credit Suisse. Plus, Russian President Vladimir Putin makes a surprise visit to Ukraine, the family of a South Carolina teenager found dead near the Murdaugh estate in 2015 wants answers, USA TODAY Money and Personal Finance Reporter Medora Lee looks at the cost of diabetes, and USA TODAY Criminal Justice Reporter Grace Hauck says road rage shootings are on the rise. Podcasts: True crime, in-depth interviews and more USA TODAY podcasts right here. Hit play on the player above to hear the podcast and follow along with the transcript below. This transcript was automatically generated, and then edited for clarity in its current form. There may be some differences between the audio and the text. Taylor Wilson: Good morning. I'm Taylor Wilson and this is 5 Things you need to know Monday, the 20th of March 2023. Today, another chapter in this month's banking drama, this time in Switzerland. Plus, Putin makes a surprise visit to occupied Ukraine and road rage shootings are on the rise. Banking giant UBS is buying its smaller rival Credit Suisse for $3.2 billion. The deal caps a volatile week for Credit Suisse, including when its shares plunged on Wednesday. That happened after its largest investor, the Saudi National Bank, said it wouldn't invest any more in the bank to avoid regulations if its stake rose above 10%. Credit Suisse also reported this week that it identified material weaknesses in the bank's internal controls on financial reporting. The Swiss government said it would provide more than $9 billion to reduce risks for UBS in the deal. Yesterday's announcement comes after the collapse of two US banks last week. Still, many of Credit Suisse's problems are unique, and don't overlap with Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank. And financial experts continue to stress that these hectic few weeks don't necessarily signal the start of a financial crisis similar to 2008. Story continues Russian President, Vladimir Putin made a surprise visit to Mariupol, Ukraine over the weekend. There he inspected reconstruction work and visited the home of at least one local resident, according to the Kremlin. The port city has been under Russian control since May and was illegally annexed by Moscow in September. The trip comes the same week that the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, an official in his office responsible for children's rights. The court cites their alleged involvement in the unlawful deportation of children from occupied areas of Ukraine to Russia. The family of a South Carolina teenager who was found dead in 2015 is making a new push to find the truth and the years long cold case. Stephen Smith's mother says funds have been raised for his remains to be exhumed for an independent autopsy. Smith was a 19-year-old nursing student when he was found lying in the middle of a rural road in Hampton County, South Carolina. The location is not far from property belonging to Alex Murdaugh, the disgraced lawyer who is convicted this month of killing his wife and son. At first, officials ruled Smith's death a hit-and-run, but investigators later considered it a homicide based on evidence at the scene. For years, rumors swirled in the small-town community that the case was connected to the Murdaugh family. The name appeared dozens of times in witness statements to police, but the case grew cold and there have been no arrests to this day. Diabetes can be costly. Millions of Americans with the disease recently cheered on price reductions to the life-saving medication insulin, but that's far from the only cost associated with diabetes. USA TODAY Money and Personal Finance Reporter Medora Lee explains. Hi, Medora. Medora Lee: Hi, how are you? Taylor Wilson: Well, thanks. Thanks for coming back on the podcast, talking the cost of diabetes. I'm curious, Medora, so if insulin isn't usually the highest cost associated with diabetes, what is? Medora Lee: So, you might be surprised to find out, but it is actually the supplies that you need to manage your diabetes that are very expensive. So, think glucose monitoring systems, lancets, alcohol swabs or prep pads, all of that can really add up. Testing strips. Sometimes people might have to test their sugar levels six to eight times a day. All of this really adds up and it can cost anywhere between hundreds of extra dollars a month, or maybe even almost a thousand depending on your insurance and where you live. Taylor Wilson: So, Medora, who exactly is affected by these costs? Are we talking about everyone with diabetes? Medora Lee: It is, and that's what the big kicker is. It's everyone who has diabetes might have to... Not every single person is going to have to always test daily and several times a day. Some people don't have to test that often, but everybody does have to watch their glucose levels. So, there are 37 million Americans who have diabetes, about 8 million use insulin. But all of those people have to test their sugar levels or watch them, and then add to that another a hundred million people who might be pre-diabetic who may need test supplies as well. So that's a lot of people. Taylor Wilson: Wow. I mean that's like one in three Americans almost that's a huge, huge number. Medora Lee: Yeah. Taylor Wilson: So, Medora, how can people go about cutting the cost of diabetes supplies? Medora Lee: So, there are a lot of different organizations that might provide you with either free or discounted supplies for seniors. There's something called benefitscheckup.org, and they can maybe point you to a location in your neighborhood. You can do a search by zip code to see what organizations might help with your medicines and your healthcare needs. Needymeds.org connects people with programs that help pay for medicines and supplies, too. And then a lot of manufacturers also provide coupons, or discounts for people who can't afford their supplies. So, there are a lot of different ways to go about it, but it's going to take a little time TO just research. But if you come to USA TODAY, we have a little list with some links. Taylor Wilson: All right. Medora Lee, thanks so much. Medora Lee: Okay, thanks so much. Bye-bye. Taylor Wilson: Road rage shootings are on the rise. I spoke with USA TODAY Criminal Justice Reporter Grace Hauck to learn more. Grace, thanks for hopping on 5 Things. Grace Hauck: Thanks for having me. Taylor Wilson: So, what did the numbers say about road rage in America? Grace Hauck: Yeah, so there is a new report out from gun safety advocacy group, Everytown for Gun Safety. They've done this report before. And this new report finds that road rage shootings are rising. They've been rising since at least 2018. And in fact, have doubled from 2018 to 2022. That is based on data that is publicly sourced from the gun violence archive. That's a non-profit database. And they use that data just because there isn't really any other good federal data on this topic. And even at the state and local level, road rage shootings aren't really characterized in that specific way. Usually, it's a gun assault or some other category of crime. And so, to be able to look at road rage shootings as an issue, and as a trend nationwide, this gun violence archive data set is really the best that we've got. That data set shows that in 2018, there were about 70 road rage shooting fatalities, and less than 200 injuries, but in 2022, that about doubled. There were about 141 road rage shooting deaths and more than 400 injuries. So, this is clearly an increasing problem in the country. Taylor Wilson: So, what's causing this rise in road rage? Grace Hauck: The data that Everytown researchers went through, they're not able to say definitively yet. They offer a few different theories, gun violence surge during the COVID-19 pandemic. It could be the rising firearm sales that we've seen in recent years, and just the prevalence of firearms in our everyday lives a lot more. I think further research is needed. The authors also cautioned that a Supreme Court ruling last summer that made it easier to be able to carry a firearm in public will also have an effect potentially on road rage shootings. It's a bit too early to be able to say that definitively, but that's something that they're just cautioning to be on the watch for in the future. One other interesting point from the study was that they found the five states with the highest rate of people shot and road rage shootings were New Mexico, Arizona, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. Those states make up about 8% of the US population, but they account for about 20% of road rage, shooting victims. Taylor Wilson: All right. USA TODAY Criminal Justice Reporter Grace Hauck, thanks so much. Grace Hauck: Thanks for having me. Taylor Wilson: Thanks for listening to 5 Things. You can find us every day of the week right here, wherever you get your podcasts. I'm back tomorrow with more of 5 Things from USA TODAY. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: UBS to buy rival Credit Suisse, Putin visits Ukraine: 5 Things podcast NEWS PROVIDED BY Catholic League March 21, 2023 NEW YORK, March 21, 2023 /Standard Newswire/ -- Catholic League president Bill Donohue (photo) comments on how China and Nicaragua are attacking Catholicism: Virtually every privately funded and publicly funded report on Christian persecution finds that communist and Muslim-run nations are the worst offenders. Conditions in the Middle East remain dire, and communist nations such as North Korea are just as vicious, but what is currently happening in China and Nicaragua commands out immediate attention. North Korea makes plain that Christians have no rights, but, as Thomas D. Williams explains in his new book, The Coming Christian Persecution, matters are more insidious in China. It "offers a veneer of religious freedom but only on the communist party's terms, and the state employs advanced surveillance methods to be sure that the content of Christian worship coheres with the ideology of Maoist socialism. Children under the age of 18 are not allowed in church for any reason." Williams does not exaggerate. They have a "Smart Religion" app that requires the faithful to register with the government as a condition of attending services. In other words, church attendance is not a private affair--it is the business of the communist government. Surveillance is ubiquitous. According to China watcher Gordon Chang, the government is "moving in the direction where there will be no religious ceremonies or services ever permitted in China, because Beijing does not want religion in any place in China, even if it's controlled religion." President Xi, the Chinese dictator, has instituted "Sinicization," a policy where the government seeks to bring religious entities under his control, mandating eventual assimilation under the communist party's rule. Those who are seen as resisting this forced compliance are punished. In fact, Christians are told they must display "enthusiasm, fervor and love for the party." They must abide by what the Communist Party mandates, "Love the Party, Love the Country, Love Socialism." Xi chose to single out Cardinal Joseph Zen, the 91-year old former archbishop of Hong Kong, for a public display of his iron rule. Zen was arrested last year on trumped up charges of "colluding with foreign powers." Zen's layman counterpart in Hong Kong, Jimmy Lai, was sentenced to jail before Christmas last year for challenging the increasingly tyrannical rule; it is a reflection of Hong Kong's subordinate status vis-a-vis China. Nicaraguan dictator Daniel Ortega has been cracking down on the Catholic Church for the past five years. Priests have been arrested, missionaries expelled, and Catholic institutions have been shut down. A human rights organization, Nicaraguan Nunca Mas, estimates that dozens of religious leaders have fled since 2018, and that Church personnel have been deported. In 2019, the regime blocked entry of international donations. Bishop Roland Alvarez was sentenced to 26 years in prison last month and stripped of his citizenship. He was falsely charged with treason and undermining the regime. Pope Francis blasted his imprisonment, comparing what Ortega did to the Bolsheviks in 1917 and Hitler in the 1930s. In response, Ortega closed two Catholic universities and Caritas Nicaragua, the Church's aid organization. More important, Nicaragua has recently suspended relations with the Holy See, and on March 18 the Vatican's diplomatic headquarters in Nicaragua was forced to close. All totalitarian regimes fear internal threats to their power. Old-fashioned authoritarian regimes, such as Franco in Spain or the Czars in Russia, didn't care what anyone believed in, just so long as they were in control. They are examples of political dictatorships. Totalitarian regimes are political, economic, social and cultural dictatorships, and as such they are very much concerned about what its people think. Thought control is their signature. Religion and the family stand in the way of totalitarian rule, and that is why they must be crushed. China and Nicaragua are nervous about Christianity, and Catholicism, in particular, because they divert allegiance of the people away from the government. Hence, the move to force fidelity to the state. For reasons not completely understood, Pope Francis has taken a hard stance against Nicaragua and a soft stance against China. Catholics living in both countries deserve the strongest possible rebuke from every nation-state, and that includes the Holy See. Ukraine on Tuesday received EUR 1.5 billion of the second tranche of EU macro-financial assistance, Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko said on Twitter. "I'm grateful to the EU Commission and its Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis for the unwavering support in preserving Ukrainian financial stability," he said on Twitter. As reported, in December last year, the Council of the European Union approved a decision on macro-financial assistance to Ukraine for 2023 in the amount of EUR 18 billion. The loan was provided with a 10-year grace period. In January, Kyiv received the first tranche of EUR 3 billion. Subsequent monthly payments of EUR 1.5 billion are expected from March. Wahlburgers, founded by actor Mark Wahlberg and his brothers Paul and Donnie, has permanently closed its downtown Cincinnati location. A restaurant chain established by famous actor Mark Wahlberg has closed its downtown Cincinnati location. Wahlburgers, founded by Mark and his brothers Paul and Donnie, has permanently closed in Cincinnati, Leslie MacDonald, an executive assistant for the company, confirmed to The Enquirer. She said the decision to close the location, which opened in the AT580 building at Sixth and Main streets in January 2018, was made solely by franchise owner Jason Bennett. The Enquirer reached out to Bennett, AT580 owner Anthony Birkla and property management company Cushman & Wakefield for a comment but has not yet received a response. Reheated Eats:Which local restaurant has the best leftover tacos? We put 5 to the test Dining:Red Leprechaun Irish Pub coming soon to The Banks Mark Wahlberg attended a red-carpet event for the downtown Cincinnati opening in 2018. The first Wahlburgers location opened in Hingham, Massachusetts, just outside Boston, in 2011. The restaurant began expanding in 2014, and the downtown Cincinnati restaurant opened four years later, becoming the chain's second location in Ohio. Wahlburgers' Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton and Youngstown locations remain open, per its website. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Wahlburgers closes downtown Cincinnati restaurant after 5 years Nearly 30 years after her brother died of a blood disease while waiting for a bone marrow transplant, a Corpus Christi activist received an opportunity to meet the man who gave her a second chance at life. Ticia Hanisch, a 76-year-old Corpus Christi resident, was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome in September 2018. She was referred to M.D. Anderson in Houston, and her disease soon developed into acute myeloid leukemia. Hanisch, a mother of two, had a survival rate of less than 30% and would need a bone marrow transplant. Dominik Bradenburg, 37, of Germany, and Ticia Hanisch, 76, of Corpus Christi, meet for the first time on Thursday, March 9, 2023. Bradenburg is a blood stem cell donor who provided a life-saving donation to Hanish, who was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome in September 2018. Hanisch has been involved with several community volunteer groups, including the local American Cancer Society, Christus Spohn hospitals, the local Catholic community and other organizations. I was stunned, Hanisch said. In my fantasy world, since I lost so many family members to cancer, I thought I might elude it. From the get-go, there was no turning back. I firmly believe that being positive and being scared are not mutually exclusive. Hanischs brother died of cancer in the 1990s when there were very few donors in the world donor registry. I remember him in bed saying him finding a donor would be like winning the lottery, Hanisch said. Dominik Bradenburg, 37, of Germany, and Ticia Hanisch, 76, of Corpus Christi, meet for the first time on Thursday, March 9, 2023. Bradenburg is a blood stem cell donor who provided a life-saving donation to Hanish, who was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome in September 2018. After Hanisch learned her family members would not be a match for a transplant, her DNA was placed on DKMS, an international donor registry and nonprofit organization fighting blood-related illnesses such as leukemia. More:Corpus Christi activist is in need of a bone marrow donor A month later, "I learned I had three matches, Hanisch said. Whats amazing, if you think about it, is your genetic twin is out there. Its confusing, exciting and miraculous at the same time. Dominik Bradenburg, 37, from Essen, Germany, said he'd always wanted to donate his blood stem cells. He finally decided to sign up along with his boss in May 2018. There are so many things they have to test for, so I didnt know that my match would be a real match, Bradenburg said. They asked me to give the blood stem cells, and then it became real. Its an amazing feeling to know you can help another person across the world have a second chance at life. Story continues The two began talking and video-chatting shortly after finding out they were a match. When they decided to meet in person, the COVID-19 pandemic changed their plans. Bradenburg met Hanisch in person for the first time at her home in Corpus Christi earlier this month. It was no big deal for me to give the stem cells, Bradenburg said. It was nothing from me, and to see such a lovely person with lovely friends, neighbors and family was unbelievable. Hanisch said they are already planning to meet again. Me and my husband feel like we have a new member of our family, she said. Dominik Bradenburg, 37, of Germany, and Ticia Hanisch, 76, of Corpus Christi, hug after meeting for the first time on Thursday, March 9, 2023. Bradenburg is a blood stem cell donor who provided a life-saving donation to Hanish, who was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome in September 2018. Now, Hanisch hopes to pay back her miracle by encouraging others to donate and diversify the donor registry. As a white patient, Hanisch had a 77% chance of finding a perfect match. According to DKMS, that chance decreases to 57% for American Indians, 46% for Hispanics/Latinos, 41% for Asians and Pacific Islanders, and 23% for Black or African Americans. Its really important to diversify our donor registry, Hanisch said. We need more people of different ethnicities to donate. My hope is to encourage donors who dont necessarily look like me. There are more than 100,000 patients waiting for a donor like I was. One of those people out there could be their match. Anyone in good health between the ages of 18 and 55 can register to donate. For more information on how to become a stem cell donor, visit dkms.org. More news Draft city-port agreement on desalination splits council, draws claims of backdoor dealing Here are two food truck festivals in March to attend in Corpus Christi Jim Lago, former Corpus Christi conservative radio host, dies This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Corpus Christi activist meets German bone marrow donor 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. Business Reporter Joel Donofrio is the business reporter for the Yakima Herald. He was born and raised in the Chicago area, but he and his wife, Cathy, fell in love with the beauty (and low humidity) of the West and moved here in 2009, eventually relocating to Yakima in September 2021. They have two young adult children, Anthony and Joanna, and a dog, Molly. When he is not taking photos of construction sites, tracking down new and relocating businesses or catching up on agricultural trends, Joel enjoys playing guitar, singing, listening to music and playing and watching sports. Yakima County Government, Lower Valley Reporter Hi, Im Phil Ferolito, longtime reporter with the Yakima Herald-Republic, where I have gained an array of experience from covering small city governments and school districts to big-picture issues concerning county government, crime and the Yakama Nation, a federally recognized tribe with important historical and cultural ties to the land. I began with the Herald-Republic in Oct. 2000 as a copy editor, designing pages, writing headlines and proof-reading stories. Over the years I have covered four Lower Valley municipalities, Granger, Toppenish, Wapato and Harrah, and the Yakama Nation. My goal always has been to shine a light in dark places and bring readers closer to concerning issues, important people, and other events in our community. How to Find Your Unclaimed Money for Free (It Takes 30 Seconds) If you are sending a Letter To the Editor, please be sure to follow these rules: Letters have a firm 200-word limit and will be edited for grammar, clarity and accuracy. The person who signs the letter must be the author. Anonymous letters will not be considered. Letters must address the editor, not a third party. We will not print form letters, libelous letters, business promotions or personal disputes, poetry, open letters, letters espousing religious views without reference to a current issue, or letters considered in poor taste. 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. The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has increased national budget expenditures for 2023 by UAH 537 billion, of which UAH 518.2 million is to be allocated to the national security and defense sector, MP Roksolana Pidlasa (from the Servant of the People faction) has said. In turn, a member of the Holos faction Yaroslav Zhelezniak said the adoption of relevant bill No. 9105 as a basis and in general was supported by 325 MPs at the plenary session on Tuesday. "The law stipulates an increase in national budget expenditures by UAH 537.2 billion, of which 96.5% are directed to the national security and defense sector. In particular, UAH 518 billion is allocated to the needs of the troops (monetary support for the military, food, production and purchase of special equipment UAH 19 billion is directed to replenish the reserve fund of the national budget, which is used for unforeseen and urgent measures," Pidlasa said on her Facebook page. She also said the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Budget Affairs added to the bill a provision stating that the funds of the reserve fund should be used, in particular, for the payment of one-time financial assistance to the families of fallen servicemen (at least UAH 3 billion in 2023) and for construction of fortifications (at least UAH 2 billion). According to the parliamentarian, the law will come into force after the signature by the president. Soon agricultural associations will prepare reasoned proposals and present specific versions of the norms on the procedure for determining bottom export prices, the introduction of which is provided for by the law on the application of the export security regime for the period of martial law (No. 2881-IX dated January 12, 2023). As the Ministry of Agrarian Policy reported on its website on Tuesday, this decision was made following an online meeting held on March 20 at the initiative of agricultural associations, the purpose of which was to discuss the order in which the Cabinet of Ministers should determine and calculate bottom export prices. After the preparation of the proposals by market participants, the Ministry of Agrarian Policy, the Ministry of Economy, the National Bank of Ukraine, and the Tax Committee of the Rada will work on them and reduce them to the optimal one. "Together with exporters, we want to reach a consensus on the basis of what sources of information and how exactly the bottom price will be determined. With what frequency and for how long bottom prices are set. How will the bottom price be determined if the contract is signed several months before exports," advisor to the Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Mykhailo Sokolov is quoted in the report. According to him, during the discussion, representatives of the associations insisted that it is a mistake in Ukrainian realities to use quotes from world exchanges when determining bottom prices, and it is more correct to take information from relevant analytical agencies, including state ones, at export prices in Ukrainian ports or other border crossing points. In particular, UCAB representatives proposed that the bottom price is determined by taking the average market price under the terms of CIF-port without VAT at the NBU rate and reducing it by 40%, when reviewed at least once a month. The Ministry of Agrarian Policy recalled that the above law provides for amendments to the Tax Code and some other legislative acts. However, in order for this mechanism to work, it is also necessary to adopt amendments to the Customs Code, which are being prepared for submission to the Rada by the secretariat of the Tax Committee. Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business. The development project implemented through the upgrade of metro M3 is not only meant for the people of Budapest, and does not only serve the interests of the people of the capital city, Minister for Regional Development and EU Funds Tibor Navracsics said on Monday as he reopened the renovated line at the Arany Janos utca station. He emphasised that the metro upgrade was implemented through the co-operation of the government, the city and the EU. The final cost of the renovation was Ft 225 billion, of which Ft 178 billion came from the EU, Ft 40 billion as a supplementary subsidy from the cabinet and Ft 7 billion from the city, Navracsics recalled, adding that the EU money had been put to good use. Some 500,000 passengers travel on the line daily, and 3,500 people worked on the upgrade. Mayor Gergely Karacsony welcomed the completion of the project as gratifying for Budapest and the entire country. He thanked the previous city leadership and former mayor Istvan Tarlos, the Budapest Transport Company (BKV), the Budapest Transport Centre (BKK) and the builders, and expressed gratitude to the people of Budapest for their patience. Opposition-leaning commentators are fiercely critical of both the governments perennial conflicts with the European Union and the plight of the press, while a pro-government weekly quotes statistics to prove the existence of vibrant and diverse media. In his Jelen editorial, Zoltan Lakner describes the Hungarian media landscape as a straitjacket. He admits that Hungary is not the worst country in matters of press freedom, as no journalists are sent to jail for political reasons, unlike in Turkey; nor are they ever killed, unlike in Russia or even Malta and Slovakia, for investigating links between the mafia and the government. They are, on the other hand frequently targeted by propagandists. He wrote his remarks on the occasion of 15 March, the 125th anniversary of the 1848 revolution, whose protagonists demanded a free press and the abolition of censorship for the first time in Hungarian history. Demokratas Peter Bandy suggests, on the other hand, that empirical data prove the existence of a colourful and multifaceted media landscape in Hungary. As far as TV channels are concerned, virtually all households have access to the most popular RTL club TV station which is often critical of the government. Virtually all households have broadband Internet connection and 80% regularly follow government-critical outlets, while somewhat less, 75% switch to government-friendly sources. 14% are only interested in the critics of the government, while a mere 6% use only government-friendly news sources. Over the past 13 years, the number of government-critical outlets has increased by 50% and most are profitable. On the basis of these facts, Bandy dismisses the alleged absence of press freedom as pure fabrication. Magyar Hang is the only weekly which held back a page in print until the celebrations to mark the anniversary of the 1948 revolution ended on Wednesday. In an article on Prime Minister Orbans speech in Kiskoros, the authors not that he unusually avoided politically contentious issues and was milder than usual on Brussels. Quoting political analyst Gergely Rajnai, Magyar Hang believes that the government is trying to tune down its rhetoric vis-a-vis the European Union and suggests that the new approach may be related to a change in the governments evaluation of the prospects of the war in Ukraine. That is why, the expert believes, pro-government pundits have begun making somewhat more critical remarks about Russia. Heti Vilaggazdasag publishes a report by the Median polling company showing that the overwhelming majority of Hungarys population is in favour of continued EU membership. 84% are strongly or rather favourable, while even 76% of government supporters favour Hungarys membership in the European Union. In case a referendum were held about Hungary leaving the European Union, 76 percent of respondents would vote against it. Heti Vilaggazdasag finds it telling for the future that the ratio is even higher (84%) among people under 30 years of age. This opinion does not necessarily represent the views of XpatLoop.com or the publisher. Your opinions are welcome too - for editorial review before possible publication online. Click here to Share Your Story President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday addressed the participants of the conference of European justice ministers and called on them to support all elements of international efforts "so that the aggressor is accurately punished." In a video address on Monday, Zelenskyy said the meeting discussed "the creation of the Special Tribunal and 'our joint work with the International Criminal Court." According to Zelenskyy, "the circle of partners willing to work together to punish Russia for its aggression is inevitably expanding, making the prospect of punishment more and more realistic." "It is not enough to bring to justice those responsible for crimes caused by aggression. It is also necessary to punish quite fairly and legally the original crime that gave rise to all the other crimes of this war. This is exactly what the Special Tribunal will provide. Every day we bring its creation closer," he said. The number of cyber scams is on the increase, and people must be equipped against the dangers of cyberspace, the justice ministry state secretary, Robert Repassy, told a press conference. The ministry is joining a campaign dubbed CyberShield Education Programme launched by the Hungarian Banking Association, the National Media and Infocommunications Authority (NMHH), the National Cyber Security Centre and the National Police Headquarters (ORFK) at the end of last year. He said the justice ministry had an important responsibility in the fight against online risks, assisting in victim support, consumer protection, prevention, and educating people about online dangers. The best protection against cybercrime is prevention, which requires legislation as well as education, he said. Teenagers aged 14-18 and people above the age of 65 are the most vulnerable to identity theft, online harassment, abuse of financial data, and financial scams, he added. Victim support centres are run under the ministrys supervision, offering legal advice and mental health assistance, as well as support for implementing security measures that can prevent people from becoming the victim of scams, Repassy said. NEAR BENEDICT Olivia Nyberg, a stylish young lady, is a valued member of the boots-on-the-ground crew at McLean Beef. The company has farming operations to support the expansive complex of feedlots near Benedict on Hwy 81 and farther north at the T intersection where Hwy 81 joins Hwy 92. Nyberg is a pen rider who spends her workday roving among the labyrinth of fence panels and gates, monitoring welfare of the animals. She and the McLean feedlot team cut out any beef that appear to need attention, drive them to a protected pen adjacent to the barn where the horses and tack are located, load them into the chute and treat whatever ails them. Nyberg, a lifelong Stromsburg resident whose parents live not far away from her in town, attended Nebraska Christian and Cross County high schools, obtaining her diploma at the latter. In an interesting twist, while in school she delivered the ADvantage, a publication of the York News-Times, weekly in her town. Always passionate about horses but not yet certain how to make them part of her life, one morning she delivered the paper to neighbor Steve Ludemann as he left for work at the McLean feed yards. She saw him all cowboyd up in his boots, hat, belt, scarf - the whole shebang - and said to herself, I want to be him when I grow up. The then-high school student sought work with Ludemanns employer and was hired on part-time. The McLean family and crew were glad to give her a shot. We watched her grow up in high school, says Max McLean and her mother said she really likes animals and livestock. Thats kind of how it came about. I said she could come out and ride with Lonnie (head of animal health Lonnie Brown). When I see a kid who wants to learn something, especially in our industry, its a positive to give her a chance." Working the McLean pens mostly weekends her senior year, then full-time the summer following graduation, Nyberg went on to Curtis and the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture that next fall. Dual credits that transferred directly from Cross County to NCTA allowed her to obtain a normal two-year associates degree in Animal Science in just a year and a half. Then it was off to a job not far from Curtis where she sunk her boots into the mounted side of the cattle feeding business in earnest. When that job proved not to be a good fit for her, a phone rang at McLeans. McLean said the family and staff were happy to welcome her back. I was glad to see her try another place first, however, so she could learn how they do things. Nyberg has worked on horseback as a wrangler and riding instructor at Timberlake Ranch Camp near Marquette. Shes also helped use horses for special needs therapy, but now its full speed ahead at McLean Beef. It was kind of my love of horses, that brought her to the McLean operation at the outset. I did not know the right people to get into the horse industry so I talked to Max and set a course for a career in beef with a heavy equestrian presence. On this day she arrived to work accompanied in her truck by Newton, her 1-year-old blue heeler-Aussie herd dog. Newtons skills arent on a par with hers yet, so for now he stays behind when she saddles up and rides out to the pens. Also, she said with a grin, Newton is a rambunctious kid who gets into everything. Everything at a cattle feeding operation includes substances she is not anxious for Newton to bring home to her white carpets. Her chosen partner for the day, the gentle and reliable Ernie, will be departing soon to help train ropers elsewhere. That will put her aboard Vegas, a much younger horse that can, she said, be a handful. In all, McLeans provides five pen riding horses. So hows it going? Im satisfied with where Im at right now, she answered, adding she finds doctoring the animals to be fascinating. Cripples, lames, foot root, illness and more are on her watch list. Beyond those obvious symptoms, if an animal appears all ganted-up in distress or standing off to the side with its head held low and not coming to the bunk at feeding time she will bring it to the chute for doctoring and usually pull a temp at the same time. It could be anything to ail the animal, she said. I find it interesting to figure out what. Nyberg credits Brown most of all as an amazing teacher and mentor who willingly and generously shares all he has learned during a lifetime working with cattle. Why does he do it? Brown said its simple; You dont find 20-year-olds (actually, shes 21 now Lonnie) with a passion and want-to like hers who works hard in all conditions and wants to soak up all the knowledge and experience she possibly can. How about it, Lonnie, is Olivia a top hand by now? Not yet, he said, a chuckle leaking from beneath the brim his jumbo hat, but Ill get her there. YORK At this years York Dental Day, York Elementary School students walked away with big smiles. The health service was offered to students kindergarten through fourth grade by the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry in conjunction with York Dental Associates. The first initial screening was conducted by York Dental Associates in December. Dental hygienist Ashley Prochaska said York Dental Associates collaborated with YES school nurse Atley Henderson to identify students with possible dental issues. Henderson then arranges examinations with York Dental Associates. At the examinations, x-rays are taken and a preliminary diagnosis and treatment plan is developed. Prochaska, Dr. Perry Rosenau and Dr. Miles Berg looked at 500 students at the initial screening. Prochaska said, Of those 500, 75 students were selected to receive extended treatment at the office. The number was narrowed down to 32 students whose families said they would like to receive the treatment. This year was the first year York Dental Associates has held the event since COVID. Prochaska said they saw a huge spike in children needing dental care. The event is a great opportunity for families who dont have access to dental care, said Prochaska. Families are not expected to have Medicaid or insurance to cover their dental work. When they come in, there are no charges, said Prochaska. The doctors are volunteering their time and providing their resources for the kids in the community. After a treatment plan is prepared, the children will be going to Childrens Dental Day on April 14 at the UNMC College of Dentistry. YPS will be providing transportation for students who need restorative work. Childrens Dental Day began in 2001. Over 6,000 children have been treated since then and over $3 million in free dental services have been provided thanks to generous donors. UNMC director Erin Wirth said, For some of these children, this will be their first visit to a dentist. Untreated, oral health conditions can have serious consequences, including needless pain and suffering, difficulty chewing, difficulty speaking and lost days in school. By providing the dental care these children need, the College of Dentistry continues to play a critical role in improving oral health throughout Nebraska. About 200 children are scheduled for procedures ranging from cleaning to restorations, extractions, pulpotomies, stainless steel crowns and root canal therapy. Emergency care is provided and children can take part in the educational activities designed to increase their awareness of the importance of taking care of their teeth. A second Childrens Dental Day will be held in June in the Nebraska Panhandle. The college will transport students, faculty, staff and portable equipment to sites in Sidney, Alliance, Chadron and Gordon. About 200 children will be seen among the four locations. Wirth said, We have great partnerships with individuals and organizations across the state, including York Public Schools and York Dental Associates. We greatly appreciate all the work they do to prescreen children and send them to the college to receive care. YORK A convicted felon from Lincoln, who was caught with methamphetamine while in York County, has been sentenced to prison. Pedro Morales, 24, was taken into custody by a trooper with the Nebraska State Patrol after a traffic stop on Highway 34 in York County. According to the affidavit filed with the court, the trooper stopped a vehicle, in which Morales was a passenger, for speeding. While Morales was being searched, he told the trooper there was an open container of Captain Morgan and a BB gun in the passenger door, as well as a bong under the seat. Morales also said due to his ankle monitor, he needed to be back in Lincoln by midnight. The trooper also found a bag, in which contained (along with Morales wallet and identification) K2, methamphetamine, marijuana, THC wax and small empty baggies. A criminal history check, according to court documents, showed Morales was on parole through the Omaha Correctional Center. It also showed he has a history of possession of cocaine and methamphetamine, possession with the intent to deliver, possession of marijuana and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person/defaced firearm. He pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance and was facing a possible maximum sentence of two years in prison. This past week, Judge James Stecker sentenced Morales to a term of 1-2 years in prison with credit for two days already served in the York County Jail. OMAHA A Nebraska educator is being honored for his dedication to tribal college students and will receive a $1,200 gift for his work. Michael Oltrogge, president of Nebraska Indian Community College in Macy, was named the 2022-23 Tribal College and University Honoree of the Year by the American Indian College Fund on Thursday. The fund has been the largest charity in the U.S. to support Native higher education for more than 30 years, according to its website. Cheryl Crazy Bull, president and CEO of the fund, said the organization was honored to recognize Oltrogge for his years of service to the college and to the tribal college movement. "We often hear of people who are dedicated, but I can personally attest that Dr. Oltrogges heart is focused on the well-being of students and their families," she said in a news release. "His perseverance and creative approach to educational success and access makes it possible for tribal citizens to take full advantage of their college." Oltrogge has been with the college since he was a first-generation student there in 1995. He has been president since 2004 and has focused on making sure students graduate without debt; fostering partnerships with local school districts; and increasing resources for the Santee Nation and Omaha Nation reservations. Oltrogge said in a statement that "working with students was and is the most fun part of my job." Photos: New skate park opens on Omaha Nation Reservation 103022-owh-new-skateparkgallery1.JPG 103022-owh-new-skateparkgallery5.JPG 103022-owh-new-skateparkgallery6.JPG 103022-owh-new-skateparkgallery7.JPG 103022-owh-new-skateparkgallery8.JPG 103022-owh-new-skateparkgallery10.JPG 103022-owh-new-skateparkgallery11.JPG 103022-owh-new-skateparkgallery14.JPG 103022-owh-new-skateparkgallery15.JPG 103022-owh-new-skateparkgallery17.JPG 103022-owh-new-skateparkgallery18.JPG 103022-owh-new-skateparkgallery19.JPG 103022-owh-new-skateparkgallery21.JPG 103022-owh-new-skateparkgallery22.JPG 103022-owh-new-skateparkgallery23.JPG 103022-owh-new-skateparkgallery24.JPG 103022-owh-new-skateparkgallery25.JPG 103022-owh-new-skateparkgallery26.JPG 103022-owh-new-skateparkgallery27.JPG YORK Bart Beutler, 47, of York, has pleaded not guilty in a case where he is accused of killing his wife, Stacie, 46, on Jan. 30. His arraignment proceedings in York County District Court were held Tuesday morning. He is currently being held in the York County Jail with no bond. Beutler is accused of shooting the victim at their home at 84 South Platte Avenue. Court documents indicate Beutler called 911 to report the situation, allegedly saying he shot the victim and she was deceased. Investigators say he then ran to a different residence in the 400 Block of North Iowa Avenue and was taken into custody by the York Police Department at that location, without incident. Investigators with the York Police Department allege he admitted to the homicide while in custody, as indicated in court documents. Beutler has an extensive criminal history, which includes a conviction of second degree murder in Maricopa County, Arizona. During Tuesday mornings arraignment proceedings, Judge James Stecker informed Beutler of the charges against him, which began with three felonies and are now up to seven. He has been charged with the following: First degree murder, a Class 1A felony which carries the possibility of life in prison. Use of a firearm to commit a felony, a Class 1C felony that carries a possible maximum sentence of 5-50 years in prison upon conviction. Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a Class 1D felony that carries a possible maximum sentence of 3-50 years in prison upon conviction. The illegal firearm is a .40-caliber Smith and Wesson pistol. This was the firearm that was allegedly used in the homicide. Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. This charge was added after a search of the residence where investigators found a Smith and Wesson SD40VE pistol. Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. This charge was added as well, after investigators found him in possession of an AR-15 style rifle. Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. This charge was also added after a 12 GA semi-automatic shotgun was found in his possession. Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. This charge was also added after another AR-15 rifle was found in his possession. He is being prosecuted by the York County Attorneys office and the Nebraska Attorney Generals office. His court-appointed defense is being provided by the Nebraska Public Advocacy Commission. His case has been assigned to the York County jury term starting on July 25. The much-awaited 2023 Hyundai Verna has been launched in India today, on March 21, 2023 at an introductory starting price of Rs 10.90 lakh (ex-showroom). The mid-size sedan from the house of India's second largest carmaker gets a new design, added features, new engine options among other changes. The sixth-gen Verna comes in 10 variants, across two engine options and three gearbox options. The top spec Hyundai Verna is priced at Rs 17.38 lakh (ex-showroom). While the regular 1.5-litre Hyundai Verna is offered in 6 variants, 4 manual and 2 automatic, the turbo version is offered in 4 variants, 2 each for manual and DCT. 2023 Hyundai Verna: Full Price List The highlight of the new Hyundai Verna is a new design language, that takes inspiration from the Elantra, as the sedan gets a full LED light bar on the nose, which separates the bonnet and bumper. Around the sides, the silhouette of the new-gen Verna looks appealing in the design sketches revealed and gets larger dual-tone alloy wheels. At the rear, it gets connected tail lights and a sharp design. The Hyundai Verna in its new-gen avatar will be 4,535 mm long and will be the widest car in its segment at 1,765 mm, and with a height of 1,475 mm, it will be the lowest. The wheelbase at 2,670 mm is the best in the class, like the 528-litre trunk volume. The Hyundai Verna gets a modern Mercedes-Benz inspired dual-display on the dashboard, with a single glass pane housing two 10.25-inch touchscreen. There's a two-spoke steering wheel, neatly-integrated AC vents and a high-set centre console. Feature wise, it gets BlueLink connected car system, wireless phone charger, automatic climate control, 8-speaker Bose sound system, ambient lighting, electric sunroof, and Level-2 ADAS technology. 2023 Hyundai Verna India Launch LIVE Updates: Price, Mileage, Design And More The new Hyundai Verna will be offered in two petrol engine choices - 1.5-litre petrol and 1.5-litre turbo-petrol. The former develops 115 PS and 140 Nm, and it is available with either a 6-speed MT or a CVT. The new turbo-petrol unit will push out 160 PS and 253 Nm, and it will be offered with either a 6-speed MT or a 7-speed DCT. It gets a mileage of more than 20 kmpl for turbo engine and more than 19 kmpl for NA engine. The all-new Hyundai Verna competes in the C-segment sedan market with cars like the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Honda City, Volkswagen Virtus, and Skoda Slavia. BSEB 2023 Result: BSEB Commerce Toppers 2023BSEB Commerce Toppers 2023Bihar Board 12th Result is released today, March 21. BSEB Inter Result 2023 link is issued on the official website. Bihar Board 12th result was announced today via press conference. Anand Kishor, the chairman of the BSEB, was present when the Bihar Education Minister revealed the outcome. Bihar Board Inter Toppers 2023 are also disclosed along with the . Ayushi Nandan, Mohak, and Saumya have so won the Bihar board intermediate test. Ayushi Nandan topped the BSEB 12th result 2023 in science stream. Bihar education minister Chandrashekar said that the top three girl students will receive Rs 1 lakh cash prize, 1 kindle and one laptop. The overall pass percentage of arts stream is 84.33%, commerce at 96.39%, science at 86.98%. The overall pass percentage of vocational stream stood at 85.5%. 13,04,586 students including 6,36,432 female students and 6,81,795 male students appeared in the exam held from February 1 to February 11. Students will be able to check by entering their roll code, roll number, captcha on the BSEB official website. They will also be able to download Bihar Board results 2023 for Class 12 from secondary.biharboardonline.com. BSEB 12th Toppers List 2023: Science Stream Heres the stream-wise Bihar Board Exam 2023 Class 12 toppers list and marks secured. Science Toppers Marks secured Ayushi Nandan 474 marks (94.8%) Himanshu Kumar, Shubham Chaurasiya 472 marks (94.4%) Aditi Kumari 471 marks (94.2%) Bihar Board Arts Toppers 2023 Arts Toppers Marks secured Mohaddesa 475 marks (95%) Kumari Pragya 470 marks (94%) Saurabh Kumar 469 marks (93.8%) Bihar Board Commerce Toppers 2023 Commerce Toppers Marks Soumya Sharma, Rajnish Kumar Pathak 475 (95%) Bhumi Kumari, Tanuja Singh, Komal Kumari 474 (94.8%) Payal Kumari 472 marks (94.4%) New York: Indian-origin executive Laxman Narasimhan on Monday officially assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer of global coffee giant Starbucks, joining the growing cohort of business leaders originally hailing from India at the helm of global corporations. In September last year, Starbucks had announced that Narasimhan would become the company's next chief executive officer and a member of the Starbucks Board of Directors. Following the global search for the new leader of Starbucks to succeed company founder and now former CEO, Howard Schultz, Narasimhan joined Starbucks as incoming CEO on October 1, 2022 after relocating from London to the Seattle area. Effective Monday, Laxman Narasimhan has assumed the role of chief executive officer and will join the company's board of directors,? Starbucks said in a statement. Narasimhan will lead Starbucks Annual Shareholder Meeting on March 23. As he ascends into the role, Narasimhan will continue engaging the leadership team, sharing his early learnings and insights and assessing opportunities for the company as they chart a path forward, the company said. Narasimhan, the former CEO of UK-based consumer health, hygiene and nutrition multinational Reckitt Benckiser, brings to Starbucks nearly 30 years of experience leading global consumer goods businesses and advising retail, grocery, restaurant and e-commerce companies. The company said that over the past five months, he has embarked on a unique immersion experience, traveling to work with employees in over 30 stores, manufacturing plants and in support centers around the world, earning his barista certification? along the way. I am humbled to officially step into my role as Starbucks chief executive officer, leading our incredible team of more than 450,000 green apron partners around the world, the company statement quoted Narasimhan as saying. He said the foundation laid by Schultz building from scratch an iconic global brand fuelled by a lasting passion to uplift humanity is truly remarkable, "and I am honoured to have the opportunity to build on this deep heritage. "As a human connection business, we have limitless possibilities to deliver for our partners, our customers, our investors and our communities through every cup and every connection. I am excited to work alongside our partners worldwide to unlock the limitless future of Starbucks. With his appointment, Narasimhan joined the growing list of Indian-origin CEOs at the helm of global giants, including Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai and IBM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Arvind Krishna. Indra Nooyi had served as PepsiCo's CEO for 12 years before stepping down in 2018. Former Mastercard CEO Ajay Banga was last month nominated by US President Joe Biden to lead the World Bank. Narasimhan holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the College of Engineering, University of Pune, India. He also has a Master of Arts in German and International Studies from The Lauder Institute at The University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Business Administration in Finance from The Wharton School of The University of Pennsylvania. Starbucks said that it has unveiled a company-wide reinvention strategy and continues to deliver on more than USD 1 billion in investments in retail partners and stores for prioritized areas such as increased pay and sick time accrual, new financial well-being benefits, modernized training and collaboration, store innovation and equipment and the celebration of coffee. Independent Starbucks Board of Directors chair Mellody Hobson said in the statement that Narasimhan's ?intensive immersion into the business coupled with his extensive experience as a proven brand builder, innovator and operator have uniquely prepared him to lead Starbucks into its next phase of growth. This immersion has deepened Laxman's understanding of Starbucks culture and values. In this time of learning and listening, he has already won the hearts and minds of our partners around the world, Hobson said. Previously, Narasimhan has served as an executive in various leadership roles at PepsiCo, including as global chief commercial officer, where he was responsible for the company's long-term growth strategy and commercial capabilities. Prior to PepsiCo, he spent 19 years at McKinsey & Company, where he advised companies across the retail, consumer goods, and healthcare industries in the US, Asia, and India. He is a trustee of the Brookings Institution, a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, a member of the UK Prime Minister's Build Back Better Council and a member of Verizon's Board of Directors, according to the Starbucks website. Ramadan 2023 Calendar and Timings in India: Ramadan or Ramzan is an auspicious and holy month for Muslims all over the world, the entire month is full of celebrations and devotion. For Muslims around the world, Ramadan is of particular significance since it is a time when they express their devotion to the Lord and seek a sense of humility and spiritual peace. The ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar is Ramadan, which is often regarded as the lucky quarter of the year. People observe Roza (fast from dawn to dusk, without even drinking water for 30 days). The festival of Ramadan is celebrated with friends, family, as well as other relatives during the month of Ramadan. In Saudi Arabia, Ramadan is anticipated to start on March 23, with Eid-ul-Fitr falling on April 21. The holy month of Ramazan begins with the moon sighting. Key Ramadan 2023: Dates Ramadan start on Wednesday 22 March 2023, will last for complete 30 days and ends on Friday, 21 April. Laylat al-Qadr will be on Monday, 17 April 2023 Eid al-Fitr is on Saturday 22 April 2023. Ramadan 2023: Moon Sighting The new moon for Ramadan will commence on March 21 at 17:23 GMT (8:23 PM Mecca time), and no sightings of any kind are anticipated that night, according to Al Jazeera. The new moon should be easily visible throughout most of the Middle East, North Africa, Western Europe, and America on March 22. So, March 23 is expected to be the first fasting day in these nations, it said, adding that if the sky is clear in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Iran, Pakistan, and South Africa, the new moon may be visible without the use of an optical device. If the moon is visible in those nations, March 23 will also mark the start of Ramadan as per Al Jazeera. Here are the Ramadan 2023 Sehr-o-Iftar City-wise timings for India: Ramadan Fasting: Ritual One of the five pillars of Islam is fasting known as Roza, and Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, engaging in evil behavior, and having marital relations from sunrise until dusk. Muslims fast during the holy month of Ramadan as a sign of respect for Muhammad's receiving the Quran for the first time, as per Islamic belief. In order to purify their souls and ask Allah, the Almighty, for forgiveness, individuals fast during this month which lasts from dawn till dusk every day. As a result of an explosion in the temporarily occupied town of Dzhankoy in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Kalibr-NK cruise missiles of Russian invaders have been destroyed, the Main Intelligence Agency of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry said. "An explosion in the town of Dzhankoy in the north of the temporarily occupied Crimea destroyed Russian Kalibr-NK cruise missiles while they were being transported by rail," the agency said in the Telegram channel on Monday evening. It is noted that Kalibr-NK missiles are designed for launches from surface ships of the Russian Black Sea Fleet. The range of destruction of such missiles is more than 2,500 kilometers for ground targets and more than 375 kilometers for sea targets. "The mysterious cotton' continues the process of demilitarization of Russia and prepares the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea for de-occupation," the agency said. NEW DELHI: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him not to stop the Budget presentation in the assembly a day after Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena raised certain concerns of administrative nature on the budget proposal. In his letter to the PM, the Delhi Chief Minister said, It is the first time in the country's 75-year history that a state budget has been stopped. Why are you angry with the people of Delhi? The people of Delhi are pleading with folded hands, please pass our Budget." It may be noted that the Delhi Chief Minister had on Monday announced that the Delhi Budget would not be presented on Tuesday and blamed the Centre, calling it "hooliganism". On Monday, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) requested the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Delhi government to resubmit the Budget addressing L-Gs concerns regarding fiscal interest. The reply from the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi is awaited for the last four days, said the MHA. According to the MHA statement, the Annual Financial Statement (Budget) for the year 2023-23 and the second and last batch of Supplementary Demands for the year 2022-23 was received in the Ministry of Home Affairs, under the provisions of Section 27(1) and Section 30(1) of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991 for the previous sanction of the President of India for laying it before the Legislative Assembly of Delhi. "The Lieutenant Governor, Delhi, had raised certain concerns of administrative nature on the proposed Budget, keeping in view the fiscal interest of the National Capital Territory on which MHA vide its letter dated March 17, 2023, has requested GNCTD to resubmit the Budget addressing these concerns for taking further action. The reply from GNCTD is awaited for last four days," read the MHA statement. For the benefit of the people of Delhi, the Delhi government should submit the reply immediately, said the Union Home Ministry. The Centre and the Kejriwal government in Delhi which have been at loggerheads on various issues, has now again entered into a new tussle after the Aam Aadmi Party alleged on Monday that the Ministry of Home Affairs stalled the government`s Budget 2023-24 which was scheduled to be presented on Tuesday in the Delhi Assembly. However, the Home Ministry sources dismissed the allegations, adding that the MHA has instead sought clarification from the Delhi government as its budget allocation was focussed on advertisement rather than the infrastructure sector. Responding to the MHA`s point, the Delhi government said that the allocation for the advertisement has not been increased in this year`s budget. "MHA is lying. The total budget of Delhi is Rs 78,800 crores. Out of this, Rs 22,000 crores are for infrastructure, while only Rs 550 crores will be spent on advertisement. Last year also the budget for advertisement was the same. There is no increase in the advertising budget," Delhi`s Finance Minister Kailash Gahlot said. The Delhi LG office said that VK Saxena had approved the Annual Financial Statement 2023-2024 with certain observations on March 9, and sent the file to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. "Delhi Government thereafter sought the approval of President Droupadi Murmu by sending a letter to the Home Ministry. The Home Ministry conveyed its observations to the Delhi Government on March 17. The Budget was to be presented on March 21," the LG Office said. The LG Office further said that it is yet waiting for the file to be sent to it from the Delhi Chief Minister. Notably, Delhi`s Budget goes to the Home Ministry for approval. Only when the MHA approves the Budget, it is presented in the Delhi Assembly. New Delhi: Unlike the global economy, India would not slow down and maintain the pace of expansion achieved in 2022-23, an RBI article said on Tuesday. "We remain optimistic about India, whatever the odds," said the article on the state of the economy published in the March edition of the Reserve Bank bulletin. The NSO's end-February data release indicates that the Indian economy is intrinsically better positioned than many parts of the world to head into a challenging year ahead, mainly because of its demonstrated resilience and its reliance on domestic drivers, it said. (Also Read: Ahead Of His 5th Marriage, A Look At Rupert Murdoch's Past Relationships - In Pics) Even as global growth is set to slow down or even enter a recession in 2023 as global financial markets wager, India has emerged from the pandemic years stronger than initially thought, with a steady gathering of momentum since the second quarter of the current financial year, it said. (Also Read: IT Layoffs 2023: Sacking Spree Deepens Tech Gloom As 503 Firms Fire 1.5 Lakh Employees Till Date) "Year-on-year growth rates do not reflect this pick-up of pace because by construction they are saddled with statistical base effects, and instead suggest a sequential slowing down through successive quarters of 2022-23 to an unsuspecting reader," said the article. The article has been authored by a team led by RBI Deputy Governor Michael Debabrata Patra. The authors further said India's real GDP can go up from Rs 159.7 lakh crore in 2022-23 to Rs 170.9 lakh crore against the current projection of Rs 169.7 lakh crore in 2023-24. "This is simple arithmetic; hardly a hurray at half-time. Also, unlike the global economy, India would not slow down. It would maintain the pace of expansion achieved in 2022-23. We remain optimistic about India, whatever the odds," the article said. Currently available forecasts of India's real GDP growth for 2023-24, including those of the RBI, settle between 6 and 6.5 percent. The central bank said that the views expressed in the article are those of the authors and do not represent the views of the Reserve Bank of India. BSEB Bihar Intermediate Result 2023 Declared: Bihar School Education Board (BSEB) has declared the BSEB Bihar Board 12th result 2023 today. Students who appeared in the 12th board exams can now check and download Bihar Inter Results 2023 from the official website - biharboardonline.bihar.gov.in. However if the BSEB official website has crashed or not working then students can check their BSEB Bihar 12th Board Result with alternative methods like SMS, DigiLocker and other websites. BSEB Bihar Board 12th Result 2023 Through SMS Students facing problems downloading the BSEB Inter Result 2023 from the official website- biharboardonline.bihar.gov.in can get the Bihar Board 12th Results through SMS. Students are required to type 'BIHAR12' and enter their roll number or registration number and send it to 56263. BSEB Inter Result 2023 DigiLocker Students who are not able to download their BSEB Bihar Board 12th Result 2023 from the official website can also visit DigiLocker to check the Bihar Inter Results following the simple steps given here Step 1: Visit digilocker.gov.in or open the Digilocker app in your mobile phone Step 2: Select the option Bihar board and then select class 12 result 2022 Step 3: Entre your credentials like roll number, date of birth etc Step 4: The BSEB class 12 marksheet 2023 will appear on the screen Step 5: Download the BSEB class 12 marksheet 2023 and save it for further references BSEB Bihar Inter Result 2023 Websites indiaresults.com. seniorsecondary.biharboardonline.com BSEB Bihar Board 12th Result On the Official website Step 1: Visit the official website of BSEB at biharboardonline.bihar.gov.in. Step 2: On the home page, click on the link that reads "BSEB Intermediate Result 2023" Step 3: In the newly opened window, entre your credentials like roll number and DOB Step 4: Submit and your Bihar Board 12th result 2023 will appear on the screen Step 5: Download the BSEB Bihar Intermediate result and save it for future reference Students must note that the Bihar 12th Board Result 2023 marksheets uploaded by the BSEB is provisional and they will be able to collect their original marksheets soon from their respective schools. GATE 2023: GATE scorecard 2023 link was released today, March 21, by Indian University of Technology, IIT Kanpur. Students who took the GATE 2023 exam can check and get their results on the official website, gate.iitk.ac.in. GATE 2023's Twitter handle announced the release of the GATE scorecard. Applicants can download their GATE 2023 scorecard till May 31. GATE 2023 Scorecard can be downloaded from the candidate application portal, reads the official statement. The GATE examination for engineering graduates was held in eight sessions on February 4, 5, 11, and 12, 2023. The GATE answer key was issued on February 21, and candidates had till February 25 to file any concerns to the answer key. The GATE 2023 scorecard will be valid for THREE YEARS after the results are announced. GATE 2023 Scorecards of qualified candidates can be downloaded for free from the GATE 2023 website between March 21st and May 31st, 2023. It is strongly advised that the candidate keep a softcopy of the scorecard for future reference. GATE 2023: Here's how to download Go to the official website-gate.iitk.ac.in On the appeared homepage, click on the GATE GOAPS link A new login page would open Key in your User ID and password Access the GATE login and check the scorecard Now, check and download the GATE 2023 scorecard Take a print out for future references The GATE 2023 scorecard is valid for three years after the GATE result date. According to the GATE information handout, "the GATE 2023 score is valid for THREE YEARS from the date of the results announcement." New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday lauded Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for maintaining the law and order situation in Punjab amid the ongoing hunt against the Khalistani radical Amritpal Singh. While addressing the media persons, Kejriwal said, "I want to congratulate Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann for maintaining the law and order situation in a patient and mature way. "In the last year, Punjab Government has shown that if the intentions are right, then law and order can be maintained very well," he added. International Borders with Nepal, Pakistan among others have been put on alert after the Centre circulated a message to the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) considering the possibility that Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal Singh might escape the country. The MHA has asked the chiefs of both the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) to direct their forces deputed on the International Borders to be on alert amid the ongoing hunt against the Khalistani radical Amritpal Singh whose hunt entered the fourth day on Tuesday, said top government sources. All the key Border Outposts at International Borders with Nepal, Punjab, and Bangladesh and the frontier units of the BSF and the SSB positioned there have been alerted with a message to be on high alert with intelligence input that Amritpal Singh may escape the country to avoid his arrest, said a source, requesting anonymity. Pictures of Amritpal Singh have also been circulated on these key exit points at the International Borders so that the radical self-styled Sikh preacher could not leave the country, said the source. A senior official said the two paramilitary forces had already sent all required inputs to their field units with photographs of Amritpal Singh - with and without a turban.The move came amid a massive crackdown by the Punjab Police against Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal Singh entered the fourth day on Tuesday. The Punjab Police has declared Amritpal Singh a fugitive. While Amritpal Singh`s uncle Harjit Singh and driver Harpreet Singh have surrendered before the Jalandhar police, the radical preacher is still on the run. The Punjab government also extended the suspension of mobile internet and SMS services. The Punjab government on Saturday launched a major crackdown against Amritpal, with the police arresting 78 members of an outfit headed by him. The police action comes a day before the start of Amritpal`s `Khalsa Wahir` - a religious procession - from Muktsar district. The elusive preacher, however, gave the police the slip and escaped their dragnet when his cavalcade was intercepted in Jalandhar district, even as authorities stepped up security at several places in Punjab. An FIR was lodged against Amritpal and his supporters for breaking through a police checkpoint and another related to the recovery of a firearm in the vehicle found in a Jalandhar village. Punjab Inspector General of Police Sukhchain Singh Gill has said they strongly suspect an ISI angle and foreign funding in `Waris Punjab De`.He has also said a total of 114 people have been arrested so far since the crackdown has launched. New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday launched a scathing attack against the BJP a day after Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena halted the Delhi government's budget proposal. Taking a dig at the centre, Kejriwal said they wanted me to bow down. It was their ego. There are uneducated people from top to bottom. "We want to work. We do not want to fight. Fighting serves no one. Delhi would have seen 10 times more progress had there been no tussle," news agency PTI quoted Kejriwal as saying. "Centre 'stopping' Delhi Budget is an attack on Constitution," Kejriwal said while addressing the Delhi Assembly over budget row. Kejriwal said if the prime minister wishes to win Delhi, he will have to win the hearts of the people of the city first. "This is my mantra to him." "You are the elder brother and I am the younger brother. I will reciprocate if you support me. If you want to win the heart of little brother, love him," he said. "The budget had to be presented today. The Centre stopped it. We replied to MHA's query without making any changes to the budget and they have approved it now. They wanted me to bow down. It's their ego and nothing else," he said. Also Read: Delhi Liquor Scam Case: 'Manish Sisodia Not A Flight Risk But Can Destruct Evidence', CBI Tells Court The Centre and the Kejriwal government in Delhi have been at odds on a number of issues, and the Aam Aadmi Party claimed on Monday that the Ministry of Home Affairs stalled the government's Budget 2023-24, which was scheduled to be presented in the Delhi Assembly on Tuesday. On Monday, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) requested the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-which led the Delhi government to resubmit the Budget addressing L-Gs concerns regarding fiscal interest. The reply from the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi is awaited for the last four days, said the MHA. AAP national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday said the Punjab government was not afraid of taking stringent measures to curb criminal activities in the state. His comments came after Punjab Police launched a major crackdown against radical preacher Amritpal Singh and members of his outfit 'Waris Punjab De'. "When we came to power in Punjab, people said they (AAP) can work in the fields of education, health and power, but handling law and order situation will be tough. "The system we inherited from previous governments showed that criminals and gangsters were provided political protection. But our government is an honest one. We are taking strict action against such elements," Kejriwal said. The action taken over the past few days has shown that AAP government is "ready to take strictest step" when it comes to maintaining law-and-order as well as peace in the state. He said the strict action against criminals taken by the Punjab government has shown that the "AAP is a hardcore patriotic party". "After coming at the helm, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led government of AAP began taking actions against several drug mafias and gangsters. "Over the past one year, the AAP dispensation in Punjab has proved that if intentions are good and the government is honest, the law and order can also be very well maintained," Kejriwal said. Kejriwal congratulated Mann for the crackdown and also thanked people for their support. "We are patriots. We love Bharat Mata (mother India). Anyone doing anything against Bharta Mata will not be spared. Anyone trying to destroy peace and tranquility will not be spared. Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government has proved that it is ready to take strictest action in the national interest if need arise," he said. Police in Punjab on Saturday had launched a massive manhunt against Singh and members of his outfit. The preacher, however, gave the police a slip and escaped their dragnet when his cavalcade was intercepted in Jalandhar district. In his reaction to the police action, Mann said he received several calls from people praising his government. "People are telling me, you have done a good job. There should be peace and harmony in Punjab and in this matter, we will support you," he said in a video message. With the Rouse Avenue Courts in the national capital on Tuesday sending Trinamool Congress strongman Anubrata Mondal, the prime accused in the multi-crore cattle smuggling scam in West Bengal, to judicial custody till April 3, the once `Tiger of Birbhum` seems to have become a `petty matter` for his own party. Speaking to mediapersons on the latest development, West Bengal minister Sashi Panja clearly said that the issue involving a district president of Trinamool is a "petty matter". Mondal is Trinamool`s Birbhum district president. Panja also referred to how the party had stripped former Education Minister Partha Chatetrjee of all his ministerial and party posts within a week after his arrest by the ED in connection with the multi-crore teacher recruitment scam. "Trinamool Congress had promptly taken acation against a very important member of the state Cabinet after he was arrested. In comparison to that, a district president is a petty matter. The party leadership never asked anyone to indulge in corrupt practices. Even after that if charges of corruption are levelled against any person, he will have to take the responsibility for that. The party will not take the responsibility of corrupt practices," Panja said. However, she did not specify whether, like Chatetrjee, Mondal will also be removed from the chair of district president and be suspended. Her statements came as a study in contrast to the earlier developments where unlike Chatterjee, Mondal received the full backing of his party, including from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, since his arrest in August last year. At a public meeting then, Banerjee had said that it is the responsibility of the party to ensure that Mondal is brought out from behind the bars with a hero`s reputation. State minister and Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim had described Mondal as the `Tiger of Birbhum` and said that "once the tiger is out of the prison, all the jackals will hide". BJP`s national vice-president and Lok Sabha member Dilip Ghosh said that it is the tradition of Trinamool to distance itself from anyone after utilising him. "Let this be an eye-opener for Mondal, who should reveal all the secrets to the central agency," Ghosh said. Chandigarh: The Punjab Police on Tuesday said that it has arrested four people for helping radical preacher Amritpal Singh escape. "In the preliminary investigation, it was found that they went to Gurudwara Sahib in Nangal Ambian where Amritpal changed his clothes and they escaped on two motorcycles. Teams are working, further investigation is underway," news agency ANI quoted Punjab IGP Sukhchain Singh as saying. The Khalistan sympathiser managed to escape after changing his vehicle on Saturday when police had launched a crackdown against him and his outfit 'Waris Punjab De'. "Manpreet Singh alias Manna, Gurdeep Singh alias Deepa, Harpreet Singh alias Happy and Gurbhej Singh alias Bheja have been apprehended for helping Amritpal Singh escape," Gill said. The Khalistan sympathiser managed to escape after changing his vehicle on Saturday when police had launched a crackdown against him and his outfit 'Waris Punjab De'. The car has been seized, he said, adding that a .315 bore rifle, some swords and a walkie-talkie set were found in it. Police also released four pictures of Amritpal Singh in different attire and appealed to people to help tracing him. #WATCH | 'Waris Punjab De' chief Amritpal Singh was seen escaping in an SUV in Jalandhar on March 18. He is still on the run. (CCTV visuals) pic.twitter.com/QNHty6PgJP ANI (@ANI) March 21, 2023 The IG further said efforts are on to nab the radical preacher. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is monitoring the situation and taking regular feedback from police officers, Gill said. "The law and order situation is under control in Punjab. There is peace and calm in the state," IGP said. Earlier today, an order to detain radical preacher Amritpal Singh under the stringent National Security Act was issued by the Amritsar district magistrate on Saturday, said the affidavit of a police officer which also described how the Waris Punjab De chief gave the cops the slip. "During this operation, one 'naka' (check post) was set up by a police party of Khilchian police station, District Amritsar (Rural). Amritpal Singh and his associates were travelling in a Mercedes car along with a caravan of three more vehicles," it said. "They were directed by the police party to stop at the 'naka', but instead of stopping their vehicles, the cavalcade broke and escaped from the 'naka'. Then all the adjoining police stations and districts were alerted to locate his vehicles," the affidavit said. It said Amritpal and his associates while being on the run were spotted driving rashly and negligently near a government school, village Salema, Mehatpur in Jalandhar in one chocolate-coloured ISUZU Pickup car. "Amritpal was carrying one .315 rifle and brandishing the same with an objective of creating fear amongst the public. He and others abandoned the car and fled from the spot," said the affidavit. New Delhi: Former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia told the Rose Avenue Court in Delhi on Tuesday that he has cooperated with the CBI probe into the excise scam case and that none of the searches has turned up anything incriminating against him, news agency PTI reported. Sisodia's counsel stated during his bail hearing that his custodial questioning was no longer necessary and that he was not a flight risk. "I am a public servant, but two other public servants with graver allegations have not been arrested," his lawyer argued. Reacting to Sisodia's counsel, CBI said to court that ''Sisodia dealt with 'unprecedented' 18 ministries, he may not be flight risk but definitely risk for evidence destruction." The lawyer for Sisodia, who was arrested by the CBI on February 26, also stated that there is no documentary proof of receiving kickbacks against him and that the shift in excise policy is entirely normal. He stated that the shift in excise policy was discussed with the Delhi LG and the finance secretary, among others. Manish Sisodia is currently in Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody in connection with the alleged irregularities in the framing and implementation of the excise policy of the national capital. Sisodia was on Monday produced before the court virtually as presently he is in Custody of the Enforcement Directorate till March 22. The court on Monday extended the judicial custody of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader for further 14 days, in connection with the Delhi Excise Policy case. Special Judge MK Nagpal on Monday extended Sisodia`s Judicial custody till April 3, 2023. Sisodia was recently arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering matter related to alleged irregularities in the framing and implementation of the excise policy of the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD). Rouse Avenue Court earlier while sending Sisodia to CBI remand directed that the interrogation of the accused during the remand period shall be conducted at some place having CCTV coverage in accordance with guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court and the said footage shall be preserved by the CBI. Sisodia was arrested by CBI and ED in an ongoing investigation of a case related to alleged irregularities in the framing and implementation of the excise policy of GNCTD. Earlier, the trial court observed that the accused had joined the investigation of this case on two earlier occasions, but it has also been observed that he has failed to provide satisfactory answers to most of the questions put to him during his examination and interrogation conducted and has thus, failed to legitimately explain the incriminating evidence which has allegedly surfaced against him in the investigation conducted so far. High Representative of the European Union for Foreign and Security Policy Josep Borrell claims that the arrest warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin, issued by the International Criminal Court, puts the latter in a completely different position with respect to the international community. Thus, at a press conference after a joint meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defense of the EU member states in Brussels on Monday, he commented on the reaction to this decision of the ICC against Russia. "Some say that the International Criminal Court is an institution which is unable to make their warrants to be implemented, and since Russia has not signed this international treaty creating the International Criminal Court, they do not have to care. Well, yes, they have to care because with this arrest warrant, President Putin, if he travels to any of the almost 130 states that have signed this treaty, should be immediately arrested. So, it puts President Putin in a completely different position with respect to the international community," Borrell said. The High Representative, calling the decision important, reiterated that "holding Russian leaders to account for the atrocities they are committing in Ukraine" is a "collective priority." "We will continue working on identifying those involved in the deportation of children with the aim of adopting further restrictive measures," Borrell said. New Delhi: The manhunt for 'Waris Punjab De' chief and Khalistan sympathizer Amritpal Singh entered day 4 on Tuesday (March 21, 2023) with the Punjab government lifting the internet ban except in a few sensitive pockets. All mobile internet services, all SMS services (except banking and mobile recharge), and all dongle services provided on mobile networks, except the voice call, will remain suspended in Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Moga, Sangrur, Sub-Division Ainala in Amritsar, areas adjoining YPS chowk and Airport Road both in SAS Nagar till March 23. The mobile internet services in all the remaining areas of the state started functioning normally from 12 pm on Tuesday. Mobile internet services in Punjab were suspended on Saturday till Sunday noon, which was then extended on Monday till 12 pm on Tuesday. "Director General of Police, Punjab has brought to my notice that certain sections of society are holding protests at several places in the State and are likely to threaten public order by incitement to violence as also resorting to widespread violence with an aim to stoke and cause communal tension, obstruction or injury to persons, danger to human life and property, disturbance of public peace and tranquillity thereby threatening public safety and public order in the State of Punjab," the order by Additional Chief Secretary to Government of Punjab, Home Department, read. ALSO READ | 'Won't Let Anyone Disrupt Peace In Punjab, Warns CM Bhagwant Mann Amid Hunt For Amritpal Singh The official said that the Punjab DGP has brought to his notice that these "sections of society" widely use social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc, and also Short Message Service (SMS) for spreading "inflammatory material" and "false rumours", to provoke mobilization of mobs of agitators and demonstrators, mobilize their own manpower and resources for their "anti-national activities". "There is a clear continuation of the potential of threat to public safety, disruption of public utilities, damage to public assets and amenities, and disturbance of public law and order in the State of Punjab on account of misuse of mobile internet services, SMS services, and other dongle services," the Additional Chief Secretary added. "Therefore, in exercise of powers conferred on me, it is directed that all mobile internet services, all SMS services (except banking & mobile recharge) & all dongle services provided on mobile networks, except the voice call, shall continue to remain suspended in the districts Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Moga, Sangrur, Sub-Division Ainala in Amritsar, areas adjoining YPS chowk and Airport Road both in SAS Nagar, till March 23 (12:00 hours)," the order said. The official said that the step has been taken in the "interest of public safety, to prevent any incitement to violence, and to prevent any disturbance of peace and public order". All mobile internet services, all SMS services (except banking & mobile recharge) & all dongle services provided on mobile networks, except the voice call, shall continue to remain suspended in the districts Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Moga, Sangrur, Sub-Division Ainala in Amritsar, https://t.co/0uGJSAZcZL pic.twitter.com/jHgyzcYLoy March 21, 2023 A manhunt is currently on to nab radical Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh. Internet In Punjab Was Suspended Amid Crackdown Against Amritpal Singh The police on Saturday suspended the internet in Punjab after it launched a major crackdown against Amritpal Singh, who escaped its dragnet when his cavalcade was intercepted in the Jalandhar district. Since then, security has been tightened at many places in Punjab with intensive vehicle checking. Earlier last month, Amritpal Singh and his supporters -- some of them brandishing swords and guns -- broke through barricades and barged into the Ajnala Police Station on the outskirts of the Amritsar city, clashing with police for the release of one of Amritpal's aides. After the incident, in which six policemen including a Superintendent of Police rank officer had suffered injuries, the Mann-led government in the state had faced severe flak and was accused of kowtowing to extremists. Dubai-returned Amritpal Singh was last year anointed the head of 'Waris Punjab De', which was founded by actor and activist Deep Sidhu who died in a road accident in February last year. Union minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday accused the Opposition of willfully stalling Parliament with its "irresponsible" comments and "unfounded" allegations to mislead the country amid global recognition of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. Goyal, joined by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, accused the Opposition of repeatedly insulting Rajya Sabha Chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar by refusing to even meet him. Even on Tuesday, some parties including the Congress did not attend the meeting called by him, he said. Though they were present in the meeting called by Speaker Om Birla. The Congress hit back at Goyal, saying this accusation is coming from the Leader of the House who got his MPs to prevent Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge from speaking twice after the Chairman had permitted him. "Piyush Goyal is accusing Oppn of boycotting meeting called by Chairman RS. This is from the Leader of the House who got his MPs to prevent LoP Kharge ji from speaking twice after Chairman had permitted him. Silencing of LoP is also an issue quite apart from the JPC on Adani," Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said on Twitter. In another tweet, Ramesh said, "How can the Oppn demand for a JPC into the PM-linked Adani scam be linked to the BJP's demand for an apology from Rahul Gandhi on totally baseless accusations. The JPC is on a real, documented scam. The apology demand is a hoax being raised to divert attention from the Adani scam." Ramesh said this morning Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Kharge was given permission by the Chairman to speak and got up to do so but was not allowed by sloganeering BJP MPs. "Chairman then adjourned RS. How can the logjam be broken if Modi Government behaves like this," he said. Goyal told reporters that at a time when the Union budget has drawn all-round praise, Modi is being recognised as the most popular leader in the world and the BJP has won polls in northeast states, opposition parties, especially the Congress and its allies, are trying to mislead the country. His attack on the Opposition came after a Business Advisory Committee meeting called by the Rajya Sabha chairperson and an all party meeting called by Lok Sabha speaker failed to offer any breakthrough in breaking the continuing impasse in Parliament's budget session. With Opposition members protesting from the first floor of Parliament complex, Goyal said they were resorting to petty tactics to remain in headlines as they lacked any solid argument. New Delhi: Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida arrived in India on Monday (March 20, 2023) on a two-day visit and tried different Indian snacks including 'golgappas' with PM Narendra Modi. In a video shared by PM Modi on his official social media accounts, his 'friend' Kishida can be seen asking for one more 'golgappa', which is common Indian street food and is known by different names -- 'panipuri', 'fuchka', 'gupchup', 'pani ke patashe' -- across the country. The two leaders also tried 'aam panna', 'lassi' and fried idlis in the lush environs of the Budhha Jayanti Park in the national capital during their discussion to strengthen cultural ties. "My friend PM Kishida enjoyed Indian snacks including golgappas," Modi said on Twitter and Instagram and shared some pictures and a video clip. My friend PM @kishida230 enjoyed Indian snacks including Golgappas. pic.twitter.com/rXtQQdD7Ki Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 20, 2023 The two leaders were also seen sipping tea from an earthen cup sitting on a bench in the park, engrossed in talks. "One of the aspects which connects India and Japan is the teachings of Lord Buddha. PM Kishida and I went to the Buddha Jayanti Park in Delhi. Sharing some glimpses," Modi said on Twitter and shared photographs of their visit to the park located in the Central Ridge Reserve Forest behind the Rashtrapati Bhawan. One of the aspects which connects India and Japan is the teachings of Lord Buddha. PM @kishida230 and I went to the Buddha Jayanti Park in Delhi. Sharing some glimpses. pic.twitter.com/DL64YUQqdg Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 20, 2023 After offering floral tributes at the statue of the Buddha, he also gifted his Japanese counterpart a sapling of the Bal Bodhi tree. PM Modi, his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida hold talks, discuss Ukraine conflict, Indo-Pacific Earlier on Monday, the Ukraine conflict and its implications, the situation in the Indo-Pacific and ways to strengthen ties in key areas as also co-development of military hardware figured prominently during extensive talks between Prime Minister Modi and his Japanese counterpart Kishida. Hours after the talks, Kishida unveiled his government's much-awaited plan for a 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific' and came down heavily on Russia for its aggression against Ukraine saying it triggered a fundamental challenge to defend peace. The Japanese prime minister described India as an "indispensable partner" for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and underlined the importance of preventing coercion and upholding a rules-based international order in the region. According to Japanese officials, the two leaders also discussed the Ukraine conflict as well as its implications. In his media statement, Modi said the India-Japan global partnership is based on shared democratic values and respect for the rule of law and promotes peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Addressing the press meet with PM @kishida230. https://t.co/E1SIY7MlkA Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 20, 2023 In their talks, the two prime ministers largely focused on significantly boosting cooperation in areas of clean energy, semiconductors and co-development of military hardware besides exploring ways to deal with regional security challenges amidst the increasing assertiveness of China. "The India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership is based on our shared democratic values, and respect for the rule of law in the international arena," Modi said in his media statement. "Strengthening this partnership is not only important for both our countries, but it also promotes peace, prosperity and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. In our conversation today, we have reviewed the progress made in our bilateral relations," he added. Modi conveyed to Kishida that one of the areas of very strong cooperation between India and Japan could be co-innovation, co-design co-creation in the defence manufacturing sector, officials said. The two leaders also discussed India's G20 presidency and Japan's G7 presidency and agreed on the importance of including views of the Global South in both processes. Spoke to PM @kishida230 on India's G20 Presidency and how our presidency will give voice to the views of the Global South. We also discussed ways to further peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 20, 2023 The two sides also signed an agreement on the fourth tranche of a loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) worth 300 billion yen (Rs 18,800 crore) for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail. Modi said both sides are "progressing fast" on the project. Delivering a lecture at the Indian Council of World Affairs on Japan's new plan for a 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific' (FOIP), Kishida extensively delved into the challenges being faced by Ukraine and said any change of status quo by force is not acceptable in any part of the world. "Russia's aggression against Ukraine obliges us to face the most fundamental challenge; defending peace. Various challenges related to 'global commons' such as climate and the environment, global health and cyberspace, have become more serious," he said While Japan and India are special strategic and global partners, New Delhi has not been forthcoming in criticising Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine. "The oceans are becoming more important and significant. As we have seen with the aggression against Ukraine, major geopolitical shifts are taking place at the heart of the vast Eurasian Continent. One could say it is a tragedy," Kishida said in his speech at the think tank. Kishida also denounced Russia's invasion of Ukraine. "I reiterate that Japan strongly condemns Russia's aggression against Ukraine and will never recognise it. Prime Minister Modi too expressed to President Putin that 'today's era is not of war'," he said. Japanese officials said India and Japan should not condone any unilateral change of status quo anywhere, including Asia. In his media statement, Modi said he and Kishida exchanged views on defence equipment and technology collaboration, trade, health, and digital partnership. There was also a fruitful discussion on the importance of reliable supply chains in semiconductors and other critical technologies, he said. "Last year, we had set a target of Japanese investment of 5 trillion yen in India in the next 5 years, that is, Rs 3,20,000 crore rupees. It is a matter of satisfaction that there has been good progress in this direction," Modi said. Modi said "fast" progress is being made on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project. "Our meeting today is special for another reason as well. This year India is chairing the G20, and Japan is chairing the G7. And therefore, this is the perfect opportunity to work together on our respective priorities and interests," Modi said, adding he explained in detail to Kishida about India's priorities for its G20 Presidency. In his remarks, Kishida said Tokyo's economic cooperation with New Delhi continues to grow rapidly and it will not only support further development of India but create significant economic opportunities for Japan. BJP MLA Hari Bhushan Thakur on Tuesday said Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is "mentally unfit" and "misleading" 13 crore people of the state by giving "wrong" statements. He demanded that the Bihar government should issue the health card of the chief minister. "Nitish Kumar on Monday claimed that he was the home minister of the country during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. He never became the home minister of the country, still, he is claiming it. Hence, I have urged the authority to check his health status and inform common people of Bihar," Thakur said. "Nitish Kumar may have got mentally disturbed after Tejashwi Yadav on Monday claimed that neither he has a wish to become chief minister nor Nitish Kumar has a wish to become prime minister of the country. I want to say that the Prime Minister`s post is not vacant in the country. Still, these two leaders are dreaming of becoming Chief Minister and Prime Minister," Thakur said. Atal Bihari Vajpayee served as the prime minister of the country thrice -- for 13 days in 1996, 13 months in 1997 to 1998 and five years from 1999 to 2004, and Nitish Kumar served as union railway minister, Surface Transport and Highway Minister and Agriculture Minister of the country but he never became the home minister of the country, Thakur said. New Delhi: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has once again fumed at the use of the English language, this time after seeing directives written on the LED display board of the Bihar Vidhan Parishad in Patna. The JD(U) chief, who was participating in the budget session on Monday (March 20, 2023), got angry when he entered the House and saw a display board on which things were written in English. In a video clip that is now going viral, the septuagenarian can be seen snapping at Chairman Devesh Chandra Thakur, who incidentally belongs to his JD(U), with the remark "I can see words like honourable and speaking time. What is the point? Do you intend to finish off Hindi? (Hindi ko khatam kar dijiyega kya)". "What are the instructions written on the display board?... Ye sab faltu cheej hai (These are useless). Please, rectify it soon. All the instructions should be written in Hindi...," Nitish, who is Bihar's longest-serving chief minister, told the speaker. He further demanded the Speaker the English display board be replaced with the Hindi display board, following which Thakur assured him that it will be done immediately. The exchange took place for less than a minute as the Chairman can be heard pacifying him with the assurance that amends will be made. Not the first time Nitish Kumar has lost temper over use of English It was not the first time that Nitish has lost his temper over the use of the English language. Earlier last month, the Bihar Chief Minister had slammed a state government official for delivering a speech in English during an event. He was seen yelling at the Bihar government officer for "forgetting Hindi" during the 'Kisan Samagam' in the state capital Patna. "What is this? Can you not say 'sarkaari yojana'? I am an engineer by training and my medium of instruction was English. But it is another thing to use the language for academic pursuits. Why must you do so in day-to-day life?" Kumar said. He also told the gathering that they should not forget Hindi, which is their main language. "What has happened to us? During Covid, people were stuck to their screens and after that everything changed, and people have forgotten their language. This is not right. You should use your state's language," Kumar said. "I want to point out to you the incongruity of using so many English words. Is it England? You are working in Bihar, practising agriculture which is the profession of the common folks," Kumar told the official, following which he resumed his speech in Hindi. #WATCH | "Farming is being done by a common man, you are called here to give suggestions but you are speaking in English. Is it England? This is India & it's Bihar...": Bihar CM Nitish Kumar interrupts a farmer while latter was delivering a speech during an event in Patna (21.02) pic.twitter.com/AUhzAlCnfU ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2023 Nitish Kumar has serious psychological illness: BJP after Bihar CM gets angry at English The BJP, which has itself faced accusations of Hindi chauvinism from time to time, used the Monday incident to target Nitish Kumar, who had been their ally till less than a year ago. State BJP spokesperson Nikhil Anand was more explicit in a tweet wherein he alleged that Nitish Kumar's behaviour was like "a bull getting mad at a red piece of cloth" and denoted "psychological illness". "Bihar CM Shri Nitish Kumar ji has a serious psychological illness. Nitishji wanders on hearing English just like a bull gets enraged on seeing a red cloth. Nitishji has become Narcissist, self- proclaimed and self-centric, is blowing own trumpet at the cost of public," Anand wrote on Twitter. Bihar CM Shri @NitishKumar ji has a serious psychological illness. Nitishji wanders on hearing English just like a bull gets enraged on seeing a red cloth. Nitishji has become Narcissist, self- proclaimed and self-centric, is blowing own trumpet at the cost of public. #Bihar Nikhil Anand (@NikhilAnandBJP) March 20, 2023 Another BJP leader, Haribhushan Thakur Bachol, who remains in news for provocative statements, demanded that a "health card" of the chief minister be issued so that people could be assured that the state was in "safe hands". He also cited a slip of tongue by Kumar inside the assembly on Monday when he spoke of having been ?grih Mantri' (Home Minister) in the government of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, despite having never held the portfolio. Bachol was quickly hauled over the coals by RJD MLA and chief spokesperson Bhai Virendra who said the BJP leader "will himself be properly treated (khud unka ilaaj kar diya jaaega) by the chief minister and his deputy Tejashwi Yadav". Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has ordered the initiation of "disciplinary proceedings for major penalty" against former DGP S Chattopadhyaya and two other senior police officers over the security breach during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the state in January last year. Apart from Chattopadhyaya who has since retired, the disciplinary proceedings for major penalty will be initiated against Inderbir Singh, the then deputy inspector general (DIG) of police of Ferozepur range, and Harmandeep Singh Hans, the then senior superintendent of police (SSP) of Ferozepur. Official sources said these officers would be asked to submit their responses. According to the Home Affairs department's communication to the Personnel department issued on Monday, Mann also decided that explanations be sought from Naresh Arora, the then ADGP (Law and Order), G Nageshwara Rao, the then ADGP Cyber Crime, Mukhvinder Singh Chhina, the then IGP Patiala Range, Rakesh Agrawal, the then IG Counter Intelligence and Nodal Officer, Surjeet Singh, the then DIG Faridkot, and Charanjit Singh, the then SSP Moga, as to why disciplinary proceedings should not be initiated against them as recommended in the Supreme Court-constituted inquiry committee report. The move came after the Supreme Court-appointed committee, which probed the security breach during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Punjab in January 2022, had indicted several state officers for lapses. On January 5, 2022, PM Modi's convoy was stranded on a flyover due to a blockade by protesters in Ferozepur after which he returned from Punjab without attending any event, including a rally. The top court had on January 12 last year appointed the committee to probe the breach, saying these questions cannot be left to "one-sided inquiries" as they needed "judicially trained independent minds" to investigate. The Union Home Secretary had last month written to the Punjab chief secretary to submit an action taken report on the matter. A few days ago, Punjab Chief Secretary V K Janjua had said that the state government would send an action taken report to the Centre. The chief secretary had then said that penalties to the erring officials can include stopping increments, demotion and in the worse case dismissal of those still in service. The security breach ahead of the Punjab assembly elections led to a major political controversy. NEW DELHI: Ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday hit out at Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and called him the present-day Mir Jafar of Indian politics and said that he will have to apologize for his alleged anti-India remarks during his recent visit to the United Kingdom. Addressing a press conference in the national capital, BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra said, "Rahul Gandhi will have to apologize in Parliament. He always defames the nation. He is the present-day Mir Jafar of Indian Polity. He insulted the country and urged the foreign powers to intervene in the country. This is a consistent conspiracy by Congress and Rahul Gandhi. His participation is least in the Parliament and yet he says that no one allows him to speak," added Patra. Comparing Rahul Gandhi with Mir Zafar, Patra said, "Mir Zafar did the same thing, he gave 24 Parganas to get help from East India Company and now Rahul Gandhi is playing the same kind of politics." "He is asking for help from foreign countries to become Sahzada in India, Patra added. Highlighting the participation of Rahul Gandhi in Parliamentary debate, Patra said, "Debate is the soul of democracy but Rahul Gandhi had only participated only six times since 2019. He is not participating in the debate." Rahul Gandhi will have to apologize in Parliament. He always defames the nation. He is the present-day Mir Jafar of India Polity. He insulted the country and ask the foreign power to intervene in the country. This is a consistent 'conspiracy' of Congress and Rahul Gandhi. His https://t.co/X2rpqkepeE pic.twitter.com/TK9hAZfHJ0 ANI (@ANI) March 21, 2023 Further, attacking Gandhi on his remarks of saying unfortunately I`m an MP, Patra said, "Rahul Gandhi doesn`t know what to say. He speaks only with the help of Jairam Ramesh. He himself said that unfortunately I am an MP." Rahul Gandhi Cambridge Speech Row Previously, during his 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. The Congress MP 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. BJPs latest attack on Rahul Gandhi came as Parliament remained paralysed for the seventh day in a row due to protests from rival sides. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri had on Monday said that an "unambiguous apology" from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his remarks made in the UK that democracy in India is "under attack" could end the logjam. Several opposition parties, on their part, accused the government that it does not want Parliament to function and is finding ways to divert attention from their demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe (JPC) into allegations against the Adani Group. In a repeat of events since the start of the second leg of the Budget session of Parliament on March 13, both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha have seen adjournments without transacting any business due to the protests by the Treasury benches against Rahul Gandhi for his London remarks and by the Opposition over its demand for a JPC probe into the Gautam Adani issue. Rahul Gandhi has also written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to allow him to speak in the house over his democracy remarks made in the UK. Gandhi met Birla last week after his return from the United Kingdom. Sources said that Gandhi wants to speak in the Lok Sabha to clarify his remarks made in the UK, over which the BJP is demanding an apology from him after accusing the Congress leader of insulting the country and its institutions on foreign soil. Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Puri has demanded that the Gandhi scion unequivocally apologise for his remarks to bring the issue to a closure. Prayagraj: Uttar Pradesh Police recovered Rs 72.37 Lakhs cash and about a dozen illegal weapons from a demolished office of mafia-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed in Chakia area here on Tuesday, news agency ANI quoted officials as saying. 11 pistols and dozens of live cartridges have also been found, news agency IANS reported. On Tuesday, a search was carried out at the site amid a heavy police deployment and a huge amount of cash and about a dozen illegal weapons were found from the former MP's office. They said five people were arrested today in the course of an investigation into the murder of advocate Umesh Pal & two Police personnel. Five people arrested today in the course of an investigation into the murder of advocate Umesh Pal & two Police personnel. The five identified as Niyaz Ahmed, Mohd Sajar, Kaish Ahemd, Rakesh Kumar and Mohd Arshad Khan alias Arshad Katra: Prayagraj Police Commissioner Ramit Sharma pic.twitter.com/1JRPXE8gd0 ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 21, 2023 Here are the ten points from UP Police's crackdown: 1. The five arrested have been identified as Niyaz Ahmed, Mohd Sajar, Kaish Ahemd, Rakesh Kumar and Mohd Arshad Khan alias Arshad Katra, news agency ANI quoted Prayagraj Police Commissioner Ramit Sharma as saying. 2. The police said it has also recovered six mobile phones and Rs 2.25 Lakhs in cash from all the five. 3. Ahmed is the main accused in the 2005 killing of BSP MLA Raju Pal. He was recently booked in connection with the killing of Umesh Pal, the key witness in the Raju Pal murder case. 4. Umesh Pal and his police security guard Sandeep Nishad were shot dead in Dhoomanganj area of Prayagraj on February 24. 5. Based on a complaint by Umesh Pal's wife Jaya Pal, a case was registered at Dhoomanganj police station against Atiq Ahmed, his brother Ashraf, wife Shaista Parveen, two sons, aides Guddu Muslim and Ghulam, and nine others. 6. The reward for anyone providing information leading to the arrest of five accused, including Atiq Ahmed's son Asad, has been increased to Rs 5 lakh from Rs 2.5 lakh, a senior police official had earlier told PTI. 7. Two men allegedly linked to Umesh Pal's murder 'Arbaaz and Vijay Chowdhary alias Usman' were killed in encounters with the police on February 27 and March 6 respectively. Atiq Ahmed is currently lodged in a Gujarat jail. 8. Earlier on Monday, the Prayagraj Development Authority demolished the ancestral home of Mohammad Ghulam, an accused in the Umesh Pal murder case. 9. Mohammad Ghulam's brother Rahil Hasan, former president of the BJP Minority Morcha's Mahanagar unit, claimed that Ghulam had sold off his share in the house and had nothing to do with it. 10. A Prayagraj Development Authority team reached Rasoolabad in the Shivkuti area around noon and vacated the house. Roads on both sides of the house were barricaded before the demolition process began using two bulldozers in the presence of a large police force. Lucknow: A sub-divisional officer (SDO) in Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) has been dismissed from service for allegedly putting up a picture of terrorist Osama bin Laden in his office, a senior official said on Tuesday. UPPCL chairman M Devraj ordered the termination of Ravindra Prakash Gautam after a recommendation to this effect was made following an inquiry. The inquiry found that Gautam used to call the slain Al-Qaeda chief his idol and put up a picture of him in his office, Dakshinanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam MD Amit Kishore told PTI. The SDO was dismissed from service on Monday. According to a senior departmental officer, Gautam had put up the picture when he was posted in Kayamganj subdivision-II of Farrukhabad district in June 2022. After a video clip of his office room went viral, the Dakshinanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam suspended the SDO and initiated an investigation. A report from Farrukhabad quoting electricity department employees stated that Gautam used to idolize Bin Laden as he was an engineer by degree. Patna: Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav on Monday asserted that he was happy discharging his duties and not impatient to replace his boss Nitish Kumar, who was similarly focused on serving the state and not chasing Prime Ministerial ambitions. The young RJD leader made the averment inside the state assembly, with Kumar seated by his side, in an apparent bid to quell speculations of a rift with the JD(U) boss on account of the insolence of many leaders of his own party who seem anxious to see him in the highest seat of power in Bihar. Moreover, there have also been speculations that while entering into an alliance in August last year, a 'deal' was struck whereby Nitish Kumar would give up his chair for his deputy who in turn would back him for the top job in national politics. "Neither he wants to become the Prime Minister nor I want to become the CM. We are happy where we are," Yadav said while replying to the debate on a cut motion on the budget for the road construction department, a portfolio he holds. A cut motion was moved by BJP MLA Sanjay Saraogi but was defeated by a voice vote with the opposition party in absentia. Notably, Yadav's speech was preceded by a walkout staged by BJP MLAs, led by Leader of the Opposition Vijay Kumar Sinha, who had sought the RJD leader's reply over corruption charges which have led to cases lodged by central agencies like CBI and ED. "I am here to reply to all their charges. But they chose to run away. Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition knew that I will remind him that he needs to apologise for raising, on the floor of this House, fake news of attacks on migrants in Tamil Nadu," said Yadav, in opening remarks to his impassioned speech, which lasted for nearly 30 minutes. "Ever since we (JD-U and RJD) joined hands, I knew that the parrot will be set free from the cage," he said, referring to the metaphor to allege the use of central agencies to settle political scores. "These are strange times. Very different even from the era of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Lal Krishna Advani with whom we had ideological differences. Now we see vindictiveness that seems to go beyond political and often becomes personal," alleged Yadav, whose house was raided by the ED a couple of weeks ago and whose parents were grilled by CBI. "The ED spent 15 hours at my residence despite having completed their job in 30 minutes. Whey I asked why, they said they were under instructions to better their record in the case against (former Delhi deputy CM) Manish Sisodia at whose place they had spent 14 hours," claimed the RJD leader. The RJD was among the signatories to a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in protest against hounding out of the Aam Aadmi Party leader. "The ED spoke of recoveries during the raids. I challenge them to show the seizure list. They claim to have recovered Rs one crore in cash. Is it a big deal when you raid at least 25 places. Even the houses of my married sisters were raided. They were made to take off the jewellery they were wearing, including their Mangalsutra which is being shown as recovery," alleged Yadav. "We are expecting our first child and I would love it if we are blessed with a daughter. My wife, on account of her pregnancy, suffers from erratic blood pressure. Her condition worsened when the ED raid left her confined to a spot for so long. Ultimately, we had to take her to a hospital," he said. Yadav, who is the younger son and heir apparent to RJD president Lalu Prasad, said he inherits his father's ideological convictions and his guts. Intimidatory tactics could never cow Prasad down nor would these work in his son's case, Yadav asserted. "What more can I ask for? My parents have both been chief ministers. I have, at such a young age, served as the Leader of the Opposition as well as the Deputy CM," he said. "They (BJP) are scared of facing a rout in 2024 (Lok Sabha polls). They subscribe to an ideology that celebrates the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi," alleged Yadav. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, at the invitation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, will visit Ukraine on March 21 and then leave for the Republic of Poland on March 22, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said. According to a statement on the Foreign Ministry website, Prime Minister Kisida will express his respect to President Zelenskyy for the courage and perseverance of the Ukrainian people standing up to defend their homeland. "Prime Minister Kishida, as Japan and the G7, of which Japan is the Chair, will directly convey our solidarity and unwavering support for Ukraine," the ministry said. Kishida will also resolutely reject Russia's aggression against Ukraine and unilateral changing of the status quo by force, and reconfirm his determination to uphold the international order based on the rule of law. In Poland, the leaders of the countries will confirm their commitment to strengthen the bilateral cooperation as well as that of the international fora, including response to Russia's aggression against Ukraine, based on the strategic partnership with Poland, which is the frontline of military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. Kishida will return to Japan on the morning of March 23. Haridwar: Yoga guru Swami Ramdev has once again targeted the allopathic system of medicine and said that there is no cure for diseases like cancer, hypertension and diabetes in allopathy, whereas through Ayurveda they can be eradicated from the root. The noted yoga guru made these remarks while addressing the closing session of the International Ayurveda Conclave-2023 organised under the joint aegis of Uttarakhand Ayurved University and Deendayal Kamdhenu Gaushala Samiti on Sunday. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Cabinet Minister Satpal Maharaj, and Vice-Chancellor of Ayurveda University Sunil Joshi also attended the event. Noting the importance and medical properties of cow's milk, Ramdev said it increases the body's immunity. It cures many diseases naturally, he said, adding people around the world have it. Ramdev claimed that diseases like cancer have been cured by the combination of cow urine extract and Ayurvedic medicines in his institute. While addressing the students of Ayurveda, the Yoga guru said that there is no cure for diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer in allopaths whereas Ayurveda has remedies for all these illnesses. The Yoga guru has been in controversy with Ramdev in the past for making such statements against allopathic medicine. BHOPAL: Firebrand BJP leader and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Uma Bharti has extended her full support to self-styled godman of Bageshwar Dham Dhirendra Krishna Shastris appeal to convert India into a Hindu Rashtra. The former Union Minister also made a stinging attack on top opposition leaders and said that if India was not a Hindu nation, top leaders like West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee and Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav would have been offering namaz somewhere. l pic.twitter.com/x67qtkUY41 Uma Bharti (@umasribharti) March 20, 2023 Rahul Gandhi Should Join RSS The former Madhya Pradesh chief minister also gave a piece of advice to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and suggested that he should join the RSS to know more about the BJPs parent body and the works done by the Sangh Parivaar. Uma Bharti made these remarks while participating in an event in Balapur during which she replied to a question on the rising demand for a Hindu nation. Hitting out at Rahul Gandhi for his anti-India statement in the United Kingdom that the opposition is not allowed to speak in Parliament, Bharti said that Rahul Gandhis speech is written by people with a Communist mindset who does not believe in India. Religious Conversions In MP The BJP leader, while referring to the recent incident of conversion at a missionary hostel located in Junwani of Dindori district, said that these things are done in a silent manner. However, this will not happen and if it happens by any chance, the state government of Madhya Pradesh will take the strictest action against those behind it. Bharti also warned that those who convert will be forced to move out of Madhya Pradesh and leave the country. The former Union Minister is on a two-day visit to Dindori. As part of his tour, Uma Bharti reached Balapur village to commemorate the martyrdom of Rani Avanti Bai and paid tribute to the heroic Indian Rajput Queen Ruler of Rampur. It may be recalled that self-styled godman Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, who is also known as Bageshwar Dham Sarkar, has given a call to convert India into a Hindu Rashtra very soon. Mired in controversy for delivering 'miracles', the Bageshwar Dham godman has urged his followers to support him if they want a 'Hindu Rashtra.' On alleged religious conversions, Shastri had said, We are making Hindus return to the religion they acquired at birth. Some people are creating a nuisance. They have to be taught a lesson. As long as I am alive, I will make all Sanatani Hindus return to their original faith. 'Godman' Dhirendra Krishna Shastri is the head priest of Bageshwar Dham in Gada village which attracts thousands of followers. Mumbai: The sudden death of Bollywood actor Satish Kaushik has left everyone in shock, especially his close ones. The actor famous for his role as Calendar in Mr India passed away on March 9 in Gurugram after suffering from heart attack. Actor Anupam Kher who was best friends with Satish Kaushik penned another emotional tribute for him. Taking to Instagram, Anupam posted a show-motion reel video from Satish Kaushik`s prayer meet that was held on Monday in Mumbai. In the video, Anupam showered rose petals on Satish`s picture and then the `Kashmir Files` actor wrote in the caption in hindi, "Jaa!!! Tujhe maaf kiya! Mujhe Akela chod kar jane ke liye!! I will surely find you in people`s laughter! But will miss our friendship on a day to day basis!! Alvida mere dost! Tera favourite gana lagaya hain background me! Tu bhi kya yaad karega!!"Anupam added `Do Lafzo ki hai` in the background of the video. Besides Anupam Kher, Boney Kapoor, Gulshan Grover, Vivek Agnihotri, Javed Akhtar, Jackie Shroff, and Vidya Balan and many prominent actors of the film industry attended the prayer meet. Anupam first broke the news of Satish`s demise on social media. Sharing the news, Anupam tweeted in Hindi, "Death is the ultimate truth of this world! But I never thought in my dreams that I would write this thing about my best friend #SatishKaushik while alive. Such a sudden full stop on a friendship of 45 years!! Life will NEVER be the same without you SATISH! Om Shanti!" In an earlier video, Anupam said about Satish, "We dreamt together. We started our lives together at the National School of Drama in July 1975. He went to Bombay before me. We used to fight, quarrel, get jealous of each other, but above all, we used to call each other around 8-8.30 A.M in the morning every day." Satish Kaushik was a versatile actor, writer, director and producer, who made his mark in the Indian film industry with his captivating performances and unique sense of humour. He gained recognition in the 1980s and 1990s for his work in popular films such as `Mr India`, `Saajan Chale Sasural`, and `Judaai`. (With ANI inputs) Los Angeles: Priyanka Chopra's former-stylist Law Roach said that he has nothing to do with the Indian actress' body-shaming incident. More than a week after the 'Baywatch' actress publicly claimed that someone told her she "wasn't sample-sized," the 'Legendary' judge made it clear that he has nothing to do with the hurtful remarks, reports aceshowbiz.com. In an interview with The Cut published on Friday, March 17, the celebrity stylist was asked about how he felt reading the actress' story. In response, he clarified: "It was a little bit hurtful in a way that it ended up in the press, you know? Because that wasn't the real conversation. I've never had that conversation with her, ever." Law, who styled Priyanka for her appearance at the SXSW Film Festival panel, went on to share his thoughts on whom to blame. "So again, it is her gatekeepers, how they presented what I said to her to make her feel that way," he pointed out. "And if that made her feel bad, that wasn't - it was taken out of context." "But I'm sure it was taken outta context to get her to be like, 'Oh, okay, I'm not working with him no more. He's insensitive to my body,'" the longtime stylist of Zendaya Coleman continued. "Which I'm like, 'How is that possible? I've been dressing you for literally pre-pandemic, and it's been nothing but great things.'" Law further shared his candid thoughts on Priyanka's agents. "I think sometimes what it is with them is that they have an agenda and I need to be the bad guy because I'm the one who's dealing with the clothes and the body," he stated. "Like, I need to be the one who says, you know, and I'm not talking about her." "I'm just talking about in general, like, I need to be the one to say, 'Oh, you know, be careful because, you know, the pictures aren't as beautiful because you coming across, you know, a little thicker than you used to be,' " Law went on elaborating. "It is, like, so they'll say that to me or have a discussion with me but then take it back as if I was the lead in the discussion," he continued. "And I'm not saying that's exactly what happened, but that's what feels like happened to me." Despite what happened, the former "America's Next Top Model" judge had no hard feelings towards Priyanka. "But I was really surprised that - I love Priyanka. When you are around her, there's only so many women in this industry that have that thing," he declared. Law went on to shower Priyanka with praises. "I'm constantly inspired by women, and she has this thing that's very Old Hollywood, Sophia Loren, it drives me crazy," he gushed. "She has a twinkle, she has a wiggle, and I love her, like, even as a person." Priyanka made headlines with a body shaming revelation in early March. Taking part in a panel at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival, she confessed that she had a breakdown because of it. "Someone told me yesterday that I wasn't sample-sized. I was hurt and I discussed it with my family, and I cried to my husband, and my team," she revealed. Law himself announced his retirement on March 14 via a since-deleted Instagram post. Alongside a stamp graphic that read "Retired," he wrote, "If this business was just about the clothes I would do it for the rest of my life but unfortunately it's not. The politics, the lies and false narratives finally got me!" When asked about his sudden retirement, Law told The Cut: "I am definitely, 100,000 percent retiring. Nobody can say what's forever and what will happen, but at this moment, and in my mind, I'm definitely retiring from celebrity styling." Still, he stressed, "I'm not retiring from fashion, because I love it so much." New Delhi: As she turned 45 on Tuesday, Rani Mukerji paid a visit to Kamakhya temple in Assam to thank the goddess and to seek her blessing for her film 'Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway'. On the visit, the actress says it is important that on the most important days, one should be closest to who they connect with. About what took her to Kamakhya Temple, Rani told IANS, "It's for my birthday because I think birthday has been very special because out of all the days and months the film (`Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway`) chose to be released on March, which is my birthday month and the kind of love I am receiving on my birthday it feels like a new start in my career again." "Also because after the pandemic time, this is my first proper release." "So, I want to take blessings from Maa Kali, basically say thank you and keep her blessings on (me). How much ever thank you, we say it is never enough," said the actress, who is known to give power-packed performances. It is always important that in our most important days we should be closest to who we connect with." Rani Mukerji said she is accompanied by her family and friends on her special day. "It is great to be praying with them. It is really a good day for me today." New Delhi: Darshan Yewalekar, the celebrated hair designer, known for distinct style statements in films like '83', 'Laal Kaptaan', 'Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani', 'Chaatriwali', 'Padmaavat' and many more, realised his long cherished dream on March 20th. In a big show of support for the man behind his most iconic looks, superstar Ranveer Singh showed up at the newly launched futuristic barber shop 'D Barbershop' in Mumbai. "Even as an apprentice learning the craft of barbering, I always knew, one day, I would have my own barber shop. I genuinely want to bring Indian barbering to an international level where we can set standards for the rest of the world instead of just following world trends. I want to inspire every young apprentice who is just starting out to dream big. This is why at the barber shop, we will also initiate programs to develop skills and organise seminars, and workshops to guide them. We would also want them to give a proper understanding of infrastructure, industry protocols, and hygiene standards," said Darshan. His ultimate goal, he says, is to streamline the structure to learn barbering, train young people, make them industry ready, and give them the dignity and the recognition they so deserve. Adds Darshan, "I genuinely want to be known as a master of my art and I want to also extend whatever I learn to those who are on the same journey. So be it cutting, colouring, extensions, the business aspect of following your passion, running a store, I want to perfect it all and then help others to do the same." According to Darshan, 'D Barbershop' is the perfect blend of old-school craft and new-age technology. Right from ergonomic chairs designed by a 100-year-old Japanese company to a hair vacuum that cleans with minimum human intervention, separate sections for colouring, pedicures, and tried and tested treatments to nourish the scalp and hair, the barber shop has it all and is gender and age inclusive. He adds, "I also want to clarify that barbering is a gender-neutral term and I want to break the myth that girls cannot frequent a place that calls itself, 'D Barbershop."Everyone and anyone is welcome to come in and will be taken care of with equal love and attention by us." Darshan is also working along with art galleries to source art that he will shuffle every few weeks and says, "I am doing this because I believe my profession is very artistic, and showcasing art will also inspire us at the barber shop. We are also sourcing healthy snacks, detox juices, and booster drinks. So we are focused not just on hair but on creating a community that prioritises overall wellness so that when people walk out with a great haircut, they also feel great. They should feel cared for and nurtured at a deep level even though it was a just a great hair-cut that they came for." New Delhi: Actor Sonam Kapoor is currently enjoying family time at her London home with husband Anand Ahuja and son Vayu. The actress also celebrated Mothers Day in the United Kingdom on March 19 with a lavish lunch party and shared some glimpses of the celebrations from her home in Notting Hill. Sonam took to her Instagram handle and gave a sneak peek of her beautiful home and the lunch table which was decorated with yellow taper candles and flowers. She also posted her pictures in a red dress in which she looked gorgeous. "Spending mothering day or (Mother`s Day in the unites kingdom) with my friends and ushering in the new season by decorating the house inspired by the colours of spring," she said. As soon as she shared the photos, fans showered love and blessings with heart and fire emojis. Taking a jibe at one the pictures on her post, Anand wrote, Can I get a tag on slide 7 please not cause I did anything here but cause it says my name. Recently, Sonam`s husband Anand Ahuja took to his Instagram and dedicated a special post to Sonam on the occasion of Mother`s Day. He penned a long heartfelt message that read, "I have to admit, and Sonam can verify, that emotional/social awareness is not really a strength of mine. As a result, it`s really taken me seeing what @sonamkapoor has done over the past 17 months (and actually even longer) in ensuring the best emotional and physical health of herself and our baby to really understand the levels of commitment and selflessness it takes to be a full-time mom." "In an age when we all have been accustomed to immediate reward systems, committing to motherhood really does mean giving endlessly over and above that system. It has also re-emphasized her responsibilities as a daughter, sister and wife (and girlfriend :P) as she navigates making sure our son gets all the love, learnings and blessings he can from our big family as he slowly grows into the most unique individual with the assets of our heritage and also without the burdens of any expectations," he concluded. Sonam and Anand got married on May 8, 2018 after dating for several years and welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Vayu on August 20, 2022, in Mumbai. Meanwhile, on the work front, Sonam will be next seen in the upcoming film `Blind` directed by Shome Makhija, starring Purab Kohli, Vinay Pathak and Lillete Dubey in prominent roles. (With ANI inputs) New Delhi: Vardhan Puri, who made his debut with the thriller film 'Yeh Saali Aashiqui', feels blessed to have had the opportunity of sharing screen space with late actor-director Satish Kaushik twice in his career, including his upcoming and soon-to-release film, Vivek Agnihotri's 'Nautanki'. Vardhan said: "Satishji has not just been a great actor and co-actor, but also a father figure, well-wisher, and someone I considered as family. I still remember when we had approached Satishji to play a very important character in my debut film 'Yeh Saali Aashiqui', he was very excited to do it as he loved the script. But sadly, our dates changed a little and he had some prior commitments, so he couldn't do the film and expressed his unhappiness at not being able to do so." "And then there was another role that was written later which was a pivotal character who was going to introduce my character in the film and we approached Satishji again. He was so kind that he told me that he doesn't want to listen to his role because he mentioned to me that if we have got the role to him, it must be something of value and he agreed to do it within five seconds. It was just a day's shoot but we had the most amazing experience, especially all the words of wisdom he shared with us, which will never be forgotten," Vardhan said. "I remember praying that I want to work with this beautiful human being and marvelous actor again because the experience that I had on the sets of 'Yeh Saali Aashiqui' was beyond phenomenal. And as luck would have it, within a year, filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri signed me for his next film 'Nautanki', which will be out very soon. I had the pleasure of working with the most versatile and accomplished actor Satishji again," Vardhan added. Sharing an interesting anecdote from the sets of 'Nauntaki', Vardhan said: "I remember once calling him Satish sir on sets and he told me, 'Bete, I would prefer if you call me Satish uncle because I am family. Uncle will make it more loving. Sir se woh ek senior wali feeling aati hai. And we are equals as actors on the sets'. He was a man with a heart of gold and the kind of acting advice and performance tips he gave me will always be cherished... We shared such amazing moments... We used to have all our meals together. We used to discuss everything under the sun, not only acting and cinema. "We were shooting for 'Nautanki' in Bhopal. One day, Satishji just called out my name and said, 'Vardhan bete idhar aana. Kal tune Anupam (Kher) ki bahot achhi photo li, meri bhi ek bahot achhi photo le... Mujhe dekhna hai mera get-up kaisa jach raha hai mere pe (Vardhan bete come here. Yesterday you clicked a very nice picture of Anupam. Take a very nice photo of me too... I want to see how my get-up is looking). "I clicked the picture immediately and when he saw it, he said in his unique style, 'Arre yaar, badi achhi photo li hai tune. Mera ek baar photoshoot tu khud apne haathon se zaroor karna. Mazaa aa jayega! Aur saath mein bhi lenge achhi photo jo Instagram pe daalenge' (You clicked a very nice picture. You must do my photoshoot once. It will be fun. We will also take good photos together and post them on Instagram)." "It's a great loss to humanity and our film industry that Satishji is not with us today, but I will always celebrate him through his films. I will keep loving and missing him dearly because I have not only lost a great co-actor, but I lost someone who was as good as family," Vardhan concluded. New Delhi: Bank of Baroda has warned its customers to complete their Central Know your customers (KYC) this week. According to a statement by Bank of Baroda, all of the bank's customers must complete the Central KYC procedure by March 24, 2023. (CKYC). The Bank has further stated that failing to do so might result in the accounts being deactivated. Earlier this week, BOB tweeted "Customers who have recieved Notice/SMS/Calls for CKYC from the Bank, are requested to visit their branch immediately and submit KYC documents at your Branch latest by 24.03.2023. Please ignore if already submitted". What is Central KYC Registry? The goal of the Central KYC Registry is to lessen the burden of producing KYC documents and having them verified each time a customer establishes a new relationship with a financial entity. The Central KYC Registry is a centralised repository of KYC records of customers in the financial sector with uniform KYC norms and inter-usability of the KYC records across the sector. Central KYC application can be accessed by authorised institutions or other notified institutions under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act or rules framed by the Government of India or any Regulator (RBI, SEBI, IRDA, and PFRDA) there under. Norway and 17 EU countries on Monday agreed to the joint purchase of ammunition for Ukraine, according to a press release from the European Defense Agency (EDA). "With today's signature, 18 countries have signed up to aggregate orders and place them together with the industry through the European Defence Agency," according to the document. In addition to Norway, the initiative was joined by Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia and Sweden. EDA said other states plan to become participants in the project soon. The initiative provides an opportunity for 18 countries to acquire 155mm artillery rounds within two years under an accelerated procedure; and also provides for the purchase over the next seven years of various types and calibers of ammunition from 5.56 mm to 155 mm. Earlier on Monday, Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said after the joint meeting of EU foreign ministers and defense ministers that the bloc states were able to reach an agreement to supply Ukraine with 1 million artillery shells over the next 12 months. According to Western media, the plan agreed by the ministers is based on a proposal by EU diplomat Josep Borrell. This is about urgent deliveries of ammunition from the warehouses of the EU countries with the allocation of compensation to them up to EUR 1 billion from the European Peace Facility, about combining the possibilities of member states for joint purchases of ammunition in order to replenish depleted reserves and for further assistance to Kiev, as well as to increase the capacity of the European defense industry in order to be able to meet the demand of the armed forces of both Ukraine and the European Union itself. On Monday, in Brussels, the plan must be approved by the heads of the Foreign and Defense Ministries, in order to then present it to the attention of European leaders on March 23 and 24. New Delhi: Life Insurance Corporation of India, LIC, the platform where native citizens park their money to get good returns. The insurance behemoth offers a slew of policies. Some of them offered a lump-sum amount and some gave a pension as a return. Pradhan Mantri Vandana Vyay Yojana is one such plan of LIC, which offers pensions to investors. But, did you know that the government sets a deadline to invest in the scheme? And the deadline is approaching rapidly! Continue reading to know about the last date to make the investment, the benefits of PM Vandana Vyay Yojana, the return calculator, policy terms, and premium charts along with other details. What is LIC Pradhan Mantri Vandana Vyay yojana (PMVVY)? The scheme is introduced by the government in 2017 and offers older persons financial security and assists them in covering their post-retirement expenses. Natives of 60 years and above can get guaranteed pensions from this scheme. Last Date To Make Investment In LIC Pradhan Mantri Vandana Vyay Yojana (PMVVY) Investors can invest in LIC Pradhan Mantri Vandana Vyay Yojana till March 31, 2023. After this, this scheme will close for investment. Benefits of LIC Pradhan Mantri Vandana Vyay Yojana (PMVVY) The Government of India bears the differential return, or the difference between the return earned by LIC and the assured return per annum, as a subsidy on an annual basis. Pension payments are made at the conclusion of each period during the 10-year policy's life according to the frequency selected by the subscriber at the time of purchase: monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or annually. The increase in the investment threshold from Rs 7.5 lakhs to Rs 15 lakhs received an agreement from the Federal Cabinet in 2018, which is presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. LIC Pradhan Mantri Vandana Vyay Yojana (PMVVY) Return Calculator The pension may vary as per the investment made. For instance, if investors seek pensions worth Rs 12,000 per year and Rs. 1,62,162/- for a minimum pension of Rs. 1000 per month under the scheme, the minimum investment was also raised to Rs. 1,56,658. Seniors can invest a lump sum of money in the PMVVY programme and earn a guaranteed income for ten years. Depending on the form of pension payment selected (monthly, quarterly, 7.45 percent), half-yearly (7.52 percent), or annually), the fixed pension rates under the system range from 7.40 percent to 7.66 percent per annum. Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday warned that his government will take strict action against anyone who tries to disturb the peace and harmony across the state, days after the police launched a major crackdown against pro-Khalistan preacher Amritpal Singh, who is still on the run, and his sympathisers. In a video message to people, CM Mann said that he has received several calls from people praising his government's action against Amritpal Singh and his associates. "People are telling me, you have done a good job. There should be peace and harmony in Punjab. In this matter, we will support you," Mann said in a video message. Mann said Punjab's peace, harmony, and the country's progress were his top priorities. We will not spare any force working against the country, the CM said, adding people have given the responsibility to the AAP by giving it a huge mandate in the elections. I thank 3 crore Punjabis for their cooperation in this operation (against Singh and 'Waris Punjab De'). There was not a single report of any untoward incident from the state. It has boosted my confidence that people want peace and progress," said Mann. Meanwhile, Punjab Police on Saturday launched a major crackdown against Singh and members of his outfit 'Waris Punjab De'. The preacher, however, gave the police a slip and escaped their dragnet when his cavalcade was intercepted in the Jalandhar district. Internet, Mobile Services To Resume In Punjab The Punjab government also Tuesday said that the curbs on mobile and internet services will be lifted from Tuesday, barring a few places. The state government said that mobile internet and SMS services in Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Moga, Sangrur and Amritsar's Ajnala sub-division and a few areas in Mohali will remain suspended till Thursday noon. The curbs on mobile internet and SMS services were imposed by the Punjab government on Saturday as the state's police force launched a major crackdown against radical preacher Amritpal Singh and members of his outfit 'Waris Punjab De'. "All mobile internet services, all SMS services and all dongle services... Shall continue to remain suspended from March 21 (12.00 hours) to March 23 (12.00 hours) only in the districts Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Moga, Sangrur, sub-division Ajnala in Amritsar, areas adjoining YPS chowk and airport road, both in SAS Nagar," the order said. This is being done to "prevent any incitement to violence and to prevent any disturbance of peace and public order", it added. The order clarified that mobile internet services in all the remaining areas of the state should start functioning normally from 12 noon on March 21. ISI Angle In Pro-Khalistan Protests The Punjab Police on Monday flagged a possible "ISI angle" as it invoked the stringent National Security Act against five men linked to the radical preacher, whose uncle and driver surrendered amid the state-wide crackdown. Punjab Inspector General of Police (Headquarters) Sukhchain Singh Gill told reporters that specialised units are involved in the efforts to nab the preacher, who gave police the slip during a car chase in Jalandhar district on Saturday. The Khalistan preacher's uncle Harjit Singh and driver Harpreet Singh surrendered before the police on Sunday night. Harjit Singh, who officials say helped his nephew gain control over the accounts of "Waris Punjab De", is among the five slapped with the NSA, which allows the preventive detention of anyone who could threaten national security or public order. Harjit Singh was shifted to the central jail in Assam's Dibrugarh, where the other four were brought on Sunday. They are Daljit Singh Kalsi, Bhagwant Singh, Gurmeet Singh and 'Pradhanmantri' Bajeka. Gill has indicated that the preacher could also be detained under the NSA. New Delhi: Jeetz Filmworks in association with AA Films presents Chengiz a high-octane, high-energy action entertainer headlined by Bengali superstar Jeet. While the film is highly anticipated in Bengali markets, and amongst Jeets fans on home turf, the Hindi-speaking audience has some good news in store as the film is all set to release in Hindi. This development makes Chengiz the first ever Bengali film to be released in Hindi. While several films from the South have been released in the Hindi language, this makes it a first for the Bengali film industry to make inroads into an entirely different market. Starring Jeet in and as Chengiz, the film also stars Shataf Figar, Susmita Chatterjee and Rohit Bose Roy in key roles and revolves around the underworld fabric of Calcutta from the 70s to the mid-90s. The film captures and chronicles the journey of Chengiz an underworld kingpin who ruled the streets. The superstar dons an entirely different avatar from his gangster avatar to his style and charisma, looking deadly yet chic in this thrilling mass entertainer with universal appeal. Produced by Jeet, Gopal Madnani and Amit Jumrani, Chengiz has been directed by Rajesh Ganguly who has also worked on the dialogues and screenplay. Based on a story by Neeraj Pandey and Rajesh Ganguly, the film is set for an Eid release on the 21st April 2023. New Delhi: Google has suspended the Chinese shopping app Pinduoduo on its app store after malware was discovered in versions of the app from other sources. Google said in a statement Tuesday that it suspended the Pinduoduo app on the Google Play app store out of security concerns and that it was investigating the matter. The suspension of the Pinduoduo app mainly used in China comes amid heightened US-China tensions over Chinese-owned apps such as TikTok, which some US lawmakers say could be a national security threat. They allege that such apps could be used to spy on American users. (Also Read: IT Layoffs 2023: Sacking Spree Deepens Tech Gloom As 503 Firms Fire 1.5 Lakh Employees Till Date) Pinduoduo is a popular e-commerce app in China that often offers discounts if users team up to buy multiple an item. Google warned users Tuesday to uninstall any Pinduoduo app not downloaded from its own Play store. (Also Read: Unlike Global Economy, India Would Not Slow Down: RBI Article) Google Play Protect enforcement has been set to block installation attempts of these identified malicious apps, Google said in its statement. Users that have malicious versions of the app downloaded to their devices are warned and prompted to uninstall the app. It was unclear if there are similar security concerns around the Pinduoduo app for Apple users, and Pinduoduo was still available to download from Apple's iOS store Tuesday. PDD Holdings Inc, which operates Pinduoduo, did not immediately comment. New Delhi: PC and printer major HP on Tuesday launched its latest laptop -- Pavilion Aero 13, powered by AMD Ryzen 7 Processor with Radeon Graphics in India. The new HP Pavilion Aero 13 comes available in Rose Pale Gold, Warm Gold, and Natural Silver colour options at a starting price of Rs 72,999. The new laptop weighs less than 1 kg, making it suitable for a hybrid workstyle, according to the company. (Also Read: Amazon Confirms 2nd Round Of Layoffs, To Sack 9,000 Employees On Top Of 18,000) "We are proud to introduce the new HP Pavilion Aero 13, which is designed to meet the increasing demand for versatile and powerful computing solutions in today's world. (Also Read: Tax-Saving Investment Options: Check out These 5 Schemes With High Return) It offers exceptional performance and mobility, allowing users to stay productive and entertained while on the go," Vickram Bedi, Senior Director, Personal Systems, HP India, said in a statement. The new laptop comes equipped with fast and reliable connectivity with Wi-Fi6 and a battery life of up to 10.5 hours, making it ideal for working, browsing, and streaming from any location. Moreover, it comes with an AI Noise Removal feature to recognise and reduce unwanted background sounds for clear video calls for work or with friends. A wider colour palette with 100 percent sRGB enables viewing of more vibrant images when surfing the web and streaming videos, said the company. Moscow: Vladimir Putin and his "dear friend" Chinese leader Xi Jinping planned more talks on Tuesday after a Kremlin dinner where the isolated Russian president curried favour with his most powerful ally in the face of Western opposition to the war in Ukraine. Coming just days after an international court accused Putin of war crimes, Washington denounced Xi's visit, saying it showed Beijing was providing Moscow with "diplomatic cover" to commit more crimes. Making his first trip abroad since obtaining an unprecedented third term earlier this month, Xi has been trying to portray Beijing as a potential peacemaker in Ukraine, even as he deepens economic ties with his closest ally. Putin and Xi greeted one another as "dear friend" when they met in the Kremlin on Monday, and Russian state news agencies later reported they held informal talks for nearly 4-1/2 hours, with more official talks scheduled for Tuesday. In televised comments, Putin told Xi he viewed China's proposals for the resolution of the Ukraine conflict with respect. Xi, for his part, praised Putin and predicted Russians would re-elect him next year. Ukraine was still awaiting confirmation of whether Xi would be speaking on a call to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to discuss Beijing's peace proposal, Ukraine Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk told Italy's Corriere della Sera newspaper. "That would be an important move. They have things to say to each other," Vereshchuk told the newspaper in an interview published on Tuesday. Moscow has been publicly promoting plans for a visit by Xi for months. But the timing gave the Chinese leader's personal support new meaning, after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant on Friday accusing Putin of war crimes for deporting children from Ukraine. Denying the charges, Moscow said it has taken in orphans to protect them, and it opened a criminal case against the ICC's prosecutor and judges. Beijing said the warrant reflected double standards. "That President Xi is travelling to Russia days after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for President Putin suggests that China feels no responsibility to hold the Kremlin accountable for the atrocities committed in Ukraine," U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said. "Instead of even condemning them, it would rather provide diplomatic cover for Russia to continue to commit those grave crimes. White House spokesman John Kirby said Xi should use his influence to press Putin to withdraw troops from Ukraine, and Washington was concerned that Beijing might instead call for a ceasefire that would let Russian troops stay. China has released a proposal to solve the Ukraine crisis, largely dismissed in the West as a ploy to buy Putin time to regroup his forces and solidify his grip on occupied land. Foreign policy analysts said while Putin would be looking for strong support from Xi over Ukraine, they doubted his Moscow visit would result in any military backing. Washington has said in recent weeks it fears China might arm Russia, which Beijing has denied. Yu Jie, senior research fellow, Asia-Pacific Programme, at Chatham House in London, said Xi's entourage does not include any senior members from the People's Liberation Army. "This may send a clear message that Beijing is unlikely to offer any direct military support to Moscow despite what some pundits have asserted," she said. Kyiv, which says the war cannot end until Russia pulls out its troops, cautiously welcomed Beijing's peace proposal when it was unveiled last month. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has said that China arming Russia could lead to World War Three and has called for Xi to speak to him. New Delhi: In the backdrop of a police crackdown on radical preacher Amritpal Singh and his associates in Punjab, a group of pro-Khalistan protesters on Monday (March 20, 2023) attacked and damaged the Indian Consulate in San Francisco, US. Raising pro-Khalistan slogans, the protesters broke open the makeshift security barriers raised by the city police and installed two so-called Khalistani flags inside the Consulate premises, which were subsequently removed. Soon thereafter, a group of angry protesters also entered the consulate premises and started hitting the door and windows with the iron rods. Reacting to the attack, the US condemned the "vandalism" and said "it's just absolutely unacceptable" "We certainly condemn that that vandalism. It's just absolutely unacceptable. The State Departments Diplomatic Security Service is working with local authorities," John Kirby, the National Security Council coordinator for Strategic Communications at the White House, told reporters at a daily news conference when asked about the incident. Take appropriate measures: India tells US after pro-Khalistan protesters attack Indian Consulate in San Francisco In a meeting with the US Charge dAffaires in New Delhi, India conveyed its "strong protest" at the vandalisation of the property of the Consulate General of India, San Francisco. "The US Government was reminded of its basic obligation to protect and secure diplomatic representation. It was asked to take appropriate measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents," an official statement from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs read. "Our Embassy in Washington DC also conveyed our concerns to the US State Department along similar lines," it added. India lodges strong protest with the US. Press Release https://t.co/cREWIZhQFd pic.twitter.com/AuU6VywHTU Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) March 20, 2023 Meanwhile, the attack also prompted sharp condemnation from Indian Americans who demanded immediate action against those responsible for it. "We are appalled by the complete law and order failure in both in London as well as in SFO where a few radicalised separatists attacked India's diplomatic missions," Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) said. "We would urge law and order institutions like the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the FBI as well as the CIA to ensure that terrorism finds no place and support in the United States of America," FIIDS said. Earlier on Sunday, the tricolour flying atop the Indian High Commission in London was grabbed at by the protesters chanting pro-Khalistani slogans. Watch: How an Indian High commission (in London) official bravely deals with Khalistani extremists, takes back the Indian flag from Khalistani extremists & throws Khalistani flag https://t.co/QmCNQrShpn pic.twitter.com/MzH8Fo6Vtm Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) March 19, 2023 In Canberra as well, Khalistan supporters gathered outside the Australian parliament to protest against the police crackdown on Amritpal Singh. Pakistan's ISI 'instigating' pro-Khalistan elements to organise protests in support of Amritpal Singh Pakistani intelligence agency ISI, which is said to be the "brain" behind the growth of Amritpal Singh, has instigated overseas Khalistan supporters to organise protests and demonstrations abroad in his support, officials said on Monday. They said the overseas protests were the desperate attempt by the ISI to build followership of Amritpal who has been hiding from the Punjab Police for the last three days. All these acts by the pro-Khalistan elements -- in London, San Francisco, and Canberra -- were orchestrated by ISI agents operating in different countries, the officials said. Citing recent incidents in different parts of the world, they said there has been a design by ISI agents to organise protests, and vandalism of places of Indian interests through Khalistani elements exploiting their religious sentiments. Last week, the Honorary Consulate of India in Australia's Brisbane city was also forced to close down due to safety concerns after Khalistan supporters organised an unauthorised gathering and blocked the entry of the office, days after Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese assured India that his government will not tolerate "extreme actions". Several Hindu temples in Melbourne were also vandalised by Khalistan supporters in recent months. Canada has also seen a rise in anti-India activities recently by Khalistani supporters who have vandalised some Hindu temples. Last September, the Ministry of External Affairs had also issued a statement condemning the rise of hate crimes against Indians and anti-India activities in Canada, expressing concern with stern language. Amritpal Singh still on the run, Punjab Police invokes NSA against his associates The Punjab Police on Monday invoked the stringent National Security Act against five men linked to radical preacher Amritpal Singh, whose uncle and driver surrendered amid a state-wide crackdown against his "Waris Punjab De" group. The Khalistan sympathiser's uncle Harjit Singh and driver Harpreet Singh gave themselves up before the police past Sunday midnight. Harjit Singh, who officials say helped his nephew gain control over the accounts of 'Waris Punjab De', is among the five slapped with the NSA, which allows the preventive detention of anyone who could threaten national security or public order. Punjab Inspector General of Police (Headquarters) Sukhchain Singh Gill told reporters that specialised units are involved in the efforts to nab the preacher, who gave police the slip during a car chase in Jalandhar district on Saturday. ALSO READ | Internet In Punjab To Remain Suspended Till March 21 As Manhunt Continues For Amritpal Singh Gill indicated that the preacher, who heads Waris Punjab De, could also be detained under the NSA. The Punjab Police operation began Saturday, weeks after Amritpal Singh and his supporters stormed the Ajnala police station near Amritsar to secure the release of an arrested associate. NEW YORK: Workers erected barricades around a Manhattan courthouse on Monday as New York City braced for a possible indictment of Donald Trump over an alleged hush-money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels during his 2016 campaign. It would be the first-ever criminal case against any U.S. president. On Saturday, Trump urged followers on social media to protest what he said was his looming arrest. In his call for protests, Trump raised concerns for law enforcement that supporters might engage in violence similar to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol in Washington. Fearing a trap, however, several far-right grassroots groups have opted not to heed his call, security analysts said. A grand jury, which heard further testimony on Monday, could bring charges as soon as this week. Trump, who is seeking the Republican nomination for the White House again in 2024, had predicted he would be arrested on Tuesday. On Monday the grand jury heard from a witness, lawyer Robert Costello, who said Trump's former fixer Michael Cohen had handled the hush-money payments without Trump's involvement. "Michael Cohen decided on his own - that's what he told us - on his own, to see if he could take care of this," Costello told reporters after testifying to the grand jury at Trump's lawyers' request. Cohen, who testified twice before the grand jury, has said publicly Trump directed him to make the payments on Trump's behalf. An indictment could hurt Trump's comeback attempt. Some 44% of Republicans say he should drop out of the presidential race if he is indicted, according to a seven-day Reuters/Ipsos poll that concluded on Monday. The investigation by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is one of several legal challenges facing Trump. His office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Cohen pleaded guilty in 2018 to federal campaign finance violations tied to his arranging payments to Daniels, whose legal name is Stephanie Clifford, and another woman in exchange for their silence about affairs they claimed with Trump. Trump has denied that any such affairs took place. The Manhattan District Attorney's office had asked that Cohen be available as a rebuttal witness, but he was told on Monday afternoon that his testimony was not needed, according to his lawyer Lanny Davis. Cohen told MSNBC he had not been asked to return on Wednesday. New York Mayor Eric Adams told reporters police were monitoring social media and keeping an eye out for "inappropriate actions" in the city. The New York Police Department said there were no known credible threats. If charged, Trump would likely have to travel from his Florida home for fingerprinting and other processing. Law enforcement officials met on Monday to discuss the logistics, several media outlets reported. Sources have said Bragg's office was presenting evidence to a grand jury about a $130,000 payment made to Daniels in the final weeks of the 2016 campaign. Trump's fellow Republicans have widely criticized the probe as politically motivated. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Trump's rival for the Republican presidential nomination, said on Monday Bragg was imposing a "political agenda" that compromised the rule of law, but he also took a veiled swipe at Trump. "I don't know what goes into paying hush money to a porn star to secure silence over some type of alleged affair," he told reporters. Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives launched an investigation of Bragg's office with a letter seeking communications, documents and testimony related to the probe. Trump and other Republicans have also said the Manhattan District Attorney's office should focus more on tackling crime. Asked to comment on the letter, a spokesperson for the DA's office, citing statistics that homicides and shootings were down this year, said: "We will not be intimidated by attempts to undermine the justice process, nor will we let baseless accusations deter us from fairly applying the law." Trump was impeached twice by the House during his presidency, once in 2019 over his conduct regarding Ukraine and again in 2021 over the attack on the U.S. Capitol by his supporters. He was acquitted by the Senate both times. Bragg won a conviction last December against Trump's business on tax fraud charges. But legal analysts say the hush-money case may be more difficult. Bragg's office will have to prove that Trump intended to commit a crime, and his lawyers will likely employ a range of counterattacks to try to get the case dismissed, experts say. Trump, meanwhile, has to contend with other legal challenges, raising the possibility he will have to shuttle between campaign stops and courtrooms before the November 2024 election. Trump's lawyers on Monday asked a Georgia court to quash a special grand jury report detailing its investigation into his alleged efforts to overturn his 2020 statewide election defeat. The filing in Fulton County Superior Court also seeks to have the county district attorney, Fani Willis, recused from the case, arguing her media appearances and social media posts demonstrated bias against Trump. Trump is also seeking to delay a civil fraud trial, scheduled for Oct. 2, brought by the New York attorney general that alleges a decade-long scheme to manipulate the value of his assets to win better terms from bankers and insurers. Trump faces two civil trials involving former magazine columnist E. Jean Carroll, who claims that Trump defamed her by denying he raped her. A federal judge on Monday denied a request from both sides to combine the two cases into one. New Delhi: Indians have been protesting in front of the High Commission in London since pro-Khalistani activists recently attacked the consulate. Police have been deployed to regulate the throng and prevent any unwanted incidents. During the protest, a joyful picture of a police officer breaking into a dance and grooving with Indian supporters went viral on social media. The video shows people holding Indian flags in outrage at the incident. The song 'Jai Ho' is then heard in the background as a British cop breaks into a dance. #WATCH | British policeman dances with Indian supporters outside the Indian High Commission in London. Indians have gathered outside Indian High Commission to protest against the Khalistanis and in support of the Indian flag. pic.twitter.com/puQq5Y7kRZ March 21, 2023 British policeman dances with Indian supporters outside the Indian High Commission in London. Indians have gathered outside Indian High Commission to protest against the Khalistanis and in support of the Indian flag, as quoted by ANI. The desecration of the Indian flag this past Sunday sparked an unprecedented support show from Britain's diverse Indian population. On Monday, the Sikh community protested outside the British High Commission in New Delhi in response to the attack on the Indian High Commission in the United Kingdom by pro-Khalistani protesters on March 19. Protesters tried to attack the British High Commission. Members of the Sikh community also raised "Bharat mata ki jai" slogans. The video of the incident has also gone viral on social media. The protests come after a group of pro-Khalistani supporters attacked the Indian High Commission in the United Kingdom and took down the Indian National Flag. The incident happened on March 19. Videos showed men holding the yellow Khalistan flags scaling the High Commission building and taking down the Tricolor. India lodged a strong protest against the attack on High Commission in London. Washington: US President Joe Biden has signed the Covid-19 Origin Act of 2023 Bill that requires the Director of National Intelligence to declassify information related to the origins of the deadly virus and its link to Chinas Wuhan Institute of Virology. The US President in a statement on Monday said, "My Administration will continue to review all classified information relating to COVID-19`s origins, including potential links to the Wuhan Institute of Virology; will declassify & share as much of that information as possible." "Today, I am pleased to sign into law S. 619, the "COVID-19 Origin Act of 2023." I share the Congress`s goal of releasing as much information as possible about the origin of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). In 2021, I directed the Intelligence Community to use every tool at its disposal to investigate the origin of COVID-19, and that work is ongoing," Biden said in a statement released by The White House. US President Joe Biden signed a bill that requires Director of National Intelligence to declassify information related to the origins of COVID-19: Reuters (File Pic) pic.twitter.com/YlJgr7ctud ANI (@ANI) March 20, 2023 "We need to get to the bottom of COVID-19`s origins to help ensure we can better prevent future pandemics. My Administration will continue to review all classified information relating to COVID-19`s origins, including potential links to the Wuhan Institute of Virology. In implementing this legislation, my administration will declassify and share as much of that information as possible, consistent with my constitutional authority to protect against the disclosure of information that would harm national security," the US President further said according to The White House release. "My Administration will continue to review all classified information relating to COVID19s origins, including potential links to the Wuhan Institute of Virology; will declassify & share as much of that information as possible": US President Joe Biden pic.twitter.com/3oxqeXPa0O ANI (@ANI) March 20, 2023 Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation has rebuked Chinese officials for withholding scientific research that may reveal the origin of coronavirus, The New York Times reported. The WHO, on Friday (Local time) also asked the Chinese official about the reasons behind not revealing the data three years ago and why, after it was published online in January, it could not be found now. Before the data got vanished into the internet space, an international team of virus experts downloaded and began analysing the research. The team revealed that the data supports the idea that the pandemic could have begun from the illegally traded raccoon dogs, which infected the humans at China`s Wuhan Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market. But the team couldn`t reach the final result as the gene sequences were removed from a scientific database once the experts offered to collaborate on the analysis with their Chinese counterparts, according to The New York Times. "These data could have -- and should have -- been shared three years ago," Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO`s director general, said. The missing evidence now "needs to be shared with the international community immediately," he said. The United States does not support the idea of achieving peace in Ukraine, which would not provide for the observance of the principle of territorial integrity, Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said on Monday. "The fundamental element of any plan for ending the war in Ukraine and producing a just and durable peace must be upholding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, in accordance with the United Nations Charter," Blinken said at the Department of State. "Calling for a ceasefire that does not include the remowal of Russian forces (...) would enable Russia to further entrench positions in Ukraine," he said. Blinken touched upon the issue of settling the Ukrainian crisis during the presentation of the State Department report on human rights violations in the world, which collected information on almost 200 countries. "The individual reports cover 198 countries and territories, providing factual, objective information based on credible reports of the events that occurred throughout 2022," according to the report, published on the State Department website. This report includes, among others, Russia, Iran and China. Thus, according to the State Department, Russia's aggression against Ukraine has led to serious violations of human rights. The Iranian authorities "responded with brutality and violence to peaceful protests across the country and China violates the human rights of the Uyghurs and members of other ethnic and religious minority groups. Washington also pointed to the violation of human rights in Myanmar, South Sudan and Syria. Last week, U.S. National Security Council Spokesman John Kirby expressed concern that China's proposals to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, according to the United States, can only be beneficial to the Russian side. He said Washington hoped that after the visit to Moscow, Xi Jinping would talk by phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The Chinese President arrived in Moscow on Monday, the visit will last until March 22. A field hospital provided to Ukraine jointly by Estonia, Norway and the Netherlands as part of the third aid package has arrived in Ukraine, according to the Estonian Defence Investment Centre (ECDI) It is noted that Norway and the Netherlands donated EUR 7.8 million to send out the field hospital in order to support Ukraine's medical capacity. "We gave Ukraine half of the existing field hospital of our Defence Forces, consisting of eight specialised medical containers, including surgical, emergency medicine, intensive care, treatment and intermediate modules, a medical storage room, sterilisation module and resource module," field hospital project manager at ECDI Kadi-Kai Kollo said. She said in addition to the usual parts of a hospital complex, storage containers, accommodation module tents and a sanitary module with showers, toilets, and washing machines with dryers were donated to Ukraine. In addition, ten off-road MAN vehicles were donated by the Defence Forces for hospital transportation. The aid package also includes consumables for the hospital and training for the Ukrainian hospital team. According to ECDI, a trained team can set up a hospital in about one hour. The speed of setting up a field hospital provides mobility, which is very important for the relocation of medical aid in a military conflict. Given that approximately 950 medical facilities have been destroyed in Ukraine according to various sources, such help is crucial. Under normal circumstances, approximately 15 people work in a field hospital, and during training it helps nearly 60 people a day. Ukrainian army medics will be working in the donated hospital. To date, the two field hospitals donated before have helped approximately 10,000 wounded. The donated hospital was made by the Estonian company Semetron, who has shaped the field hospital to suit the conditions of Ukraine. For example, the heating and cooling equipment has been modified to suit the Ukrainian climate, and the tunnels connecting the equipment and the containers have been updated. The field hospital project is supported by the Netherlands and Norway with 7.8 million euros (3.5 million and 4.3 million respectively). Training has been two-way we teach them and the Ukrainian medical professionals also teach us. Based on the experience gained from previous donations, we have already made changes to our field hospital training. In addition to technical training, we have added discussions on the possibilities of using the hospital in different configurations, for patients with different profiles, and also the possibilities of quickly integrating specialists from the civilian sector into military hospitals. These lessons have been a great opportunity for the Estonian Defence Forces' medicine department to further develop field hospital infrastructure and review the previous guidelines," Head of the Support and Development Department of the Defence Forces' Centre of War and Disaster Medicine, Lieutenant Hele-Reet Lille said. A ceremony was held on the occasion of sending to combat formations and units of young soldiers, who completed special training courses in the Combined Arms Army, Azernews reports per Defense Ministry. At the beginning of the ceremony, the memory of martyrs was honored and Azerbaijani National Anthem was performed. Speaking at the event, officers, soldiers and parents noted that it is a sacred duty of the youth to serve the Motherland, and wished success to the young soldiers who became professionals in the courses. Then, Maj Gen Mahammad Hasanov conveyed congratulations of the Commander of the Combined Arms Army, Col Gen Kerem Mustafayev on the occasion of Novruz holiday and graduation ceremony, spoke about the significance of the training courses of young soldiers and the conditions created for the organization of service in the military unit. It was noted that in the Combined Arms Army, special attention is paid to the training of young soldiers. In the classes, relevant requirements of the charter and military legislation, as well as standards of drills, physical and fire training are taught. During military service, the youth is formed as exemplary citizens in the spirit of loyalty to national and moral values, and they gain outstanding qualities such as endurance, resilience, and adaptation to various conditions. It is believed that the soldiers who have completed special training courses will successfully apply the knowledge and skills gained in training. During the ceremony, the soldiers, who completed the special training courses, practically performed physical training drills with and without weapons, and incomplete disassembly and reassembly of various small arms while blindfolded. Soldiers also brought mortar launchers into firing and marching positions, laid a minefield and opened passages, ensured the functioning of communications means, and fulfilled various elements of reconnaissance training. The ceremony ended with the solemn march of units in front of the podium. A representative of the Main Intelligence Agency of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine Andriy Yusov said the Ukrainian intelligence has no evidence of a visit to the temporarily occupied Mariupol by incumbent Russian President Vladimir Putin. "Why are you sure that it was Vladimir Putin in Mariupol? We have no evidence that this man was Vladimir Putin," Yusov said on Monday. He said discussions are now underway in the expert community about whether Putin is alive. "But if he is alive, then we usually see Vladimir Putin meeting at a long table at a great distance from living people. He has one hand trembling and many other already characteristic signs that characterize Putin himself well. Among these characteristic signs there are no walks in the evening Mariupol, communication with civilians in the yards," Yusov said. According to him, "this is a good stage direction" and Russian propaganda knows how to make "various staging sessions." "But no evidence that it was Putin who was in Mariupol was provided to us," the agency said. Russia does not stop trying to undermine the Black Sea Grain Initiative, the international community, primarily the countries of Africa and Asia, should not allow Moscow to use food as a weapon, Spokesman for the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry Oleh Nikolenko has said. "Media: 'Vladimir Putin: the Russian Federation insists on the full implementation of the 'grain deal' so that products are not sent to well-fed countries. He also noted that a total of 45% of grains are delivered to European countries and only 3% to Africa. 'Russia does not stop trying to undermine the Black Sea Grain Initiative. The indicated statistics are not true," Nikolenko said on Facebook on Monday. The Foreign Ministry said that since August 1, 2022, Ukraine has exported 25.1 million tonnes of agricultural products through the "grain corridor" to 45 countries of the world: some 2.9 million tonnes (11.6%) to Africa; some 12.1 million tonnes (48.2%) to Asia; some 10.1 million tonnes (40.2%) to Europe. "Russia is well aware that part of the Ukrainian grain purchased by the 'well-fed countries' of Europe is sent as humanitarian re-export to Africa and Asia. Therefore, the real statistics of exports to the African continent is even higher than 11.6%. Not to mention the fact that about 50% of the production goes to support Asian countries," the ministry said. Nikolenko said the "grain corridor" saves millions of people in the world from malnutrition and hunger, and the international community, primarily the countries of Africa and Asia, should not allow Moscow to use food as a weapon. "Ukraine will continue to faithfully adhere to its obligations as one of the guarantors of global food security. We are also grateful to the UN and Turkey, as well as other partners, for their efforts in the context of extending the 'grain agreement' for 120 days," the Foreign Ministry said. Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister for the Reconstruction of Ukraine, Minister for the Development of Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Oleksandr Kubrakov said the "grain deal" had been extended for 120 days. Another 15 Ukrainian children, together with their mothers and legal representatives, have been returned to the government-controlled territory of Ukraine, Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets has said. "We managed to return 15 Ukrainian children to Ukraine together with their mothers and legal representatives. These are children from the cities of Kharkiv and Kherson regions occupied at the beginning of the war," Lubinets said in the Telegram channel on Tuesday. He said, despite all the challenges, Ukraine continues to work so that Ukrainians can see their relatives and be on their own land. "Thus, as of today, according to the National Information Bureau, some 308 children have returned to the territory of Ukraine," he said. The value of assets seized by the decision of the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) from the Russian oligarch Arkady Rotenberg, his son and two other citizens of the Russian Federation is $300 million, the Security Service of Ukraine has reported. "It has been established that Rotenberg is in the inner circle of the top military-political leadership of the Russian Federation. He was directly involved in the construction of the so-called "Crimean Bridge," the press service of the Security Service of Ukraine said on Monday. Rotenberg is also involved in financing the industrial production of ammunition for the occupational groups of the aggressor country that are fighting against Ukraine. "The sanctioned Russian oligarch managed the shares of the Kyiv shopping center through controlled commercial structures in Ukraine and abroad. In this way, he tried to hide his relation to Ukrainian assets," the security service said. In turn, the State Bureau of Investigations reported on Monday that almost 70% of the shares of the Ocean Plaza shopping center (Kyiv), which were confiscated from Russian citizens by decision of the HACC, will be transferred to control of the state. "The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine shall determine the state-owned institution that will manage the Ukrainian assets of the sanctioned oligarch," the Bureau said. They add that law enforcement officers conducted a systematic analysis of information about the intervention of Russian representatives and their impact on the economic and political life of Ukraine. In particular, the involvement in the financing of crimes aimed at changing the boundaries of the territory or the state border of Ukraine and waging an aggressive war against Ukraine of the resident of the Russian Federation, Arkady Rotenberg, who is close to Russian President Vladimir Putin, was proven. As reported, a panel of judges of the HACC on Monday satisfied the lawsuit of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine against Russian oligarch Rotenberg and his son, as well as two other Russian citizens regarding the confiscation of their Ukrainian assets, including shares in the Ocean Plaza shopping mall. Zelenskyy: Liberation of Moshchun is one of turning points of our struggle, beginning of enemys end Liberation of the village of Moshchun by the Armed Forces of Ukraine (Kyiv region) a year ago became one of the turning points in the struggle of Ukrainians and the beginning of the end of the Russian aggressor, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. According to the presidential press service, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took part in a ceremony of honoring the memory of the defenders of Ukraine perished during the defense and liberation of Moshchun village in Kyiv region from Russian invaders. According to the President, the Battle of Moshchun was one of the turning points in the history of modern Ukraine. "I am here with all of you today, at the scene of events of great magnitude and significance that took place a year ago. This is the Battle of Moshchun, a small village that became a place of great courage, a great feat of our great people. Your great relatives and friends. A small village near Kyiv that became its great shield," the Head of State stated. He stressed that the Ukrainian military three times prevented the occupiers from trying to break through to Kyiv. Having retained Moshchun, we defended the capital. We did not fall. Kyiv withstood, and the whole of Ukraine withstood," Zelenskyy emphasized. The defeat of the advancing Russian group in Moshchun was one of the turning points in Ukraine's struggle for freedom and the beginning of the end of the enemy. And March 21, 2022, is an important day that gave us faith and strength, the day when we began to liberate our lands and began to drive the invaders out of Ukraine, the Head of the State added. Zelenskyy reminded that after the victorious battle for Moshchun, a number of other Ukrainian settlements were liberated: Makariv, Irpin, Hostomel, Borodianka, Vorzel, Bucha, Horodnia, Yahidne, Trostianets, Okhtyrka. On April 2, Kyiv and Chernihiv regions were completely liberated from the occupiers, and on April 4, Zhytomyr and Sumy regions were liberated. The Head of State expressed gratitude to the defenders and everyone who helped liberate Ukrainian lands. The participants honored with a moment of silence the memory of those who made the liberation of Kyiv region and other Ukrainian territories possible at the cost of their own lives. Zelenskyy also presented state awards. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who arrived at the invitation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, visited Bucha, Japanese broadcaster NHK reports. "In the afternoon of March 21, Prime Minister Kishida, who is paying a visit to Ukraine, visited Bucha near Kyiv, where many civilians were killed as a result of Russia's military invasion," the media reported. In particular, Kishida visited the church and laid flowers as a sign of mourning for the victims. "The whole world was shocked by the death of Ukrainians in Bucha. On behalf of the Japanese people, I would like to express my sincere condolences and sympathy to those who died and suffered as a result of these cruel actions, the Prime minister said. About half of the convicts recruited six months ago by the private military company Wagner were killed or wounded during military operations in Ukraine, according to a defense intelligence report published on Twitter by the Ministry of Defense of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on Tuesday. At the same time, as noted in the message, the group fulfills its promise to release the survivors from further serving their sentences. In the coming weeks, thousands of Russian convicts who have fought for Wagner Group are likely to be pardoned and released. Wagner prisoner recruitment peaked in autumn 2022, with inmates being offered commutation of their sentences after six months of service The certificates issued to freed Wagner veterans claim to have been endorsed by the decree of President Putin, the report reads. At the same time, the intelligence service notes that since Wagner is now most likely prohibited from recruiting new prisoners, the dismissal of prisoners will aggravate the personnel problems of the PMC. In addition, the sudden influx of often violent offenders with recent and often traumatic combat experience will likely present a significant challenge for Russias war-time society, the message says. The government is launching the transformation of the state concern Ukroboronprom into JSC Ukrainian Defense Industry, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal has said. "Today, the government is starting to transform the state concern Ukroboronprom into joint-stock company Ukrainian Defense Industry. It is not just a change of sign. It is a reform that has been in preparation for a long time even before the start of the full-scale Russian invasion. Today, more than ever, we need efficiency in the defense industry. It is necessary to introduce a corporate management model, and create conditions for attracting investments in the production of weapons, equipment and accouterments," Shmyhal said at a government meeting on Tuesday. According to the prime minister, the relevant changes will also make it possible to strengthen interaction with Western partners. "We want to build in Ukraine one of the most powerful defense industry complexes in the world. It is necessary, first of all, for our security but it will also contribute to economic development and the restoration of the Ukrainian economy," he said. As the representative of the Cabinet of Ministers in the Verkhovna Rada, Taras Melnychuk, said on his Telegram channel, JSC Ukrainian Defense Industry was created with 100% shares belonging to the state and via transforming the state concern Ukroboronprom. The charter of the company and the regulation on the supervisory board were approved. In addition, it was established that the charter capital of the company is UAH 237.071 million formed at the expense of the property of Ukroboronprom. During his visit to Bucha (Kyiv region), which suffered from military aggression, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visited infrastructure facilities that are being restored and repaired by Japanese funds. "Japan has significantly helped Ukrainians survive the winter by providing powerful generators," the Kyiv regional military administration reported on its Telegram channel on Tuesday. "We are very grateful to the government and people of Japan for their comprehensive support at such a difficult time for our country. Now our priorities are to restore everything destroyed by the invaders as soon as possible. We feel the support and assistance of Japan in this. The generators that Kyiv region received from you helped us survive this winter and confidently go through the current heating season," acting head of the Kyiv regional military administration Dmytro Nazarenko is cited in the message. The Japanese delegation, together with Nazarenko and the mayor of Bucha Anatoliy Fedoruk, also visited the territory of the church named after St. Andrew the First-Called. The laying of flowers honored the memory of Ukrainians who died from the invaders in Bucha. Japanese Prime Minister Kishida is in Kyiv on Tuesday at the invitation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. One of the purposes of inflicting fire damage in the temporarily occupied Dzhankoy (Crimea) is a violation of the enemy's logistics, said Colonel Serhiy Baranov, acting head of the Main Directorate of Combat Strike Systems of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. One of the goals of inflicting such a fire defeat was just stopping or hindering the logistical support of those enemy groups that are on our territory, he said at a briefing at the Military Media Center on Tuesday. The General Staff explained that the city of Dzhankoy in the temporarily occupied Crimea is one of the hubs on the branch of the logistics route, which, in particular, goes to Melitopol and Kherson. Turkish Ambassador to Azerbaijan Cahit Bagci expressed his gratitude to the country, Azernews reports. "We thank Azerbaijan, which, as part of the International Donors' Conference organized by the EU Commission after the strong earthquakes in our country and Syria, donated $100 million for the construction of residential buildings, social facilities, and an educational institution, as well as we thank all other countries," the tweet said. The participants of the International Donors' Conference in Brussels collected 7 billion euros for the victims of the earthquake that hit Turkiye and Syria on February 6. At the conference, it was announced that Azerbaijan, as part of its contribution to restoration and construction work in the region, will build residential buildings, social facilities and an educational institution worth $100 million. The powerful earthquake hit southeastern Turkiye on Feb. 6, 2023. The quake occurred at a depth of seven kilometers in the Pazarcik region of Kahramanmaras Province. The provinces of Hatay, Gaziantep, Kilis, Osmaniye, Malatya, Adiyaman, Sanliurfa, Diyarbakir, Adana and Kahramanmaras were subjected to severe destruction. The quakes epicenter was located 26 km away from the city of Gaziantep with a population of about 1.06 million. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) have identified three accomplices of the ex-head of the State Agency of the Reserve of Ukraine for abuse of office and causing a loss of UAH 200 million, SAPO has reported. "On March 20, 2023, SAPO prosecutors and NABU detectives reported suspicions to three accomplices of the former acting head of the State Reserve Agency of Ukraine, who in 2021, abusing his official position and using a deliberately false property valuation report, sold 18,000 tonnes of diesel fuel and caused damage of over UAH 200 million," the prosecutor's office said on its Telegram channel on Tuesday. The SAPO recalled that the actions of the former acting head of the State Reserve Agency are qualified under Part 2 of Article 364, Part 4 of Article 358 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (abuse of power or official position, forgery of documents). As the State Bureau of Investigations reported on August 30, 2022, the ex-head of the State Reserve Agency was notified of suspicion, after which the case materials were transferred to the NABU in accordance with the jurisdiction. Accomplices of the former head of the State Reserve Agency are the former head of the department of the Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Agriculture, a member of the auction committee of the State Reserve Agency (Part 5 of Article 27, Part 2 of Article 364 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine - complicity in abuse of power or official position), director of a limited liability company that assessed the fuel (Part 5 of Article 27, Part 2 of Article 364, Part 1 of Article 366 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine complicity in abuse of power or official position, official forgery), the reviewer of the assessment (Part 5 of Article 27, Part 2 of Article 364, Part 4 of Article 27, Part 1 of Article 366 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine complicity in abuse of power and official forgery). The pretrial investigation is underway. KYIV. March 21 (Interfax-Ukraine) The construction of the Kaniv pumped storage power station (PSPP), which will lead to the destruction of the unique Buchak archaeological complex (the village of Buchak, Cherkasy region), in particular the Kaniv Mountains, should be stopped, Dmytro Ivanov, a researcher at the State Historical and Cultural Reserve Trakhtemirov, has said. "Not a single argument in favor of the construction of the Kaniv PSPP has grounds since we say that this territory is an object of historical, cultural and natural heritage. I appeal to the Prime Minister, Minister of Energy and the head of Ukrhydroenergo concerning that the idea of building the Kaniv PSPP is unacceptable, and this territory must be preserved," Ivanov said at a press conference at Interfax-Ukraine on Tuesday. According to him, the significance of the lands around the village of Buchak and the Kaniv Mountains itself is so great that since 2000, on the initiative of three reserves, work has begun to grant the Kaniv Mountains a UNESCO World Heritage status as a natural and historical site. As the scientist explained, the Kaniv Mountains could become the first Ukrainian mixed object of the cultural and natural heritage of UNESCO among approximately 40 such objects that exist in the world. "It is another argument for the authorities that there can be no construction on this territory, especially destroying the landscape. We need to convince the authorities and explain the need to abandon the Kaniv PSPP," the scientist said, expressing confidence. He added that the territory of the Kaniv Mountains, as a fairly integral ecosystem that has not yet experienced strong anthropogenic influence, has been considered since 2015 as one of the cores of the creation of a national park, and "the construction of a pumped storage power plant cannot in any way coincide with the National Park." Ivanov expressed the opinion that the technology of maneuvering the power system with the help of water, the function of which is performed by a pumped-storage plant, is outdated. It has many alternatives, such as a power storage system. They do not require such large land construction work and do not bear any harm to the environment. For his part, Tymur Bobrovsky, senior researcher at the Sophia Kyiv National Reserve, said that the Buchak archaeological complex is an outstanding attraction even against the background of the entire national Ukrainian archaeological wealth. "We have such an accumulation of sights of different times, testifying to the almost continuous settlement and development of territories in this particular place for at least 2,500 years. These are monuments of exceptional significance. For example, such an accumulation of ancient Russian settlements associated with handicraft activities exists in the Kaniv Dnieper region, there is nowhere on the territory of Ukraine. There are also Cossack monuments, and it was the Cossacks who directly founded the village of Buchak," the scientist said. He also said that these archaeological sites are very connected with the natural landscape formed in this territory. They are integrated into this landscape and contributed to its development. "There are also ramparts of ancient settlements, scarped slopes that were associated with settlements of different times, and traces of ancient roads between ravines or along ravines, caves that have not yet been explored. It is a prospect for future research, and this complex will be replenished with new sights," Bobrovsky said. According to him, to preserve these monuments, they passed state registration. Now, there is a question about their inclusion in the Public Register of Immovable Monuments of Ukraine. "And for sure, it should be entered into the public register as a monument of national importance because there is every reason to consider them as a complex of monuments," the scientist said. Head of the National Ecological Center of Ukraine, Ph.D. in Geological Sciences Ruslan Havryliuk said that an objective public assessment of the impact of the Kaniv PSPP project on the environment has not yet been made. "Kaniv PSPP has a long history [the project started back in Soviet times]. Finally, in 2016 this project was included in the hydropower development program but it was adopted contrary to the legislation and regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers. On this issue, our organization went to court and is still pursuing a lawsuit. The hydropower development program has not passed the strategic environmental assessment," Havryliuk said. According to him, further regulation of the Dnipro River will have extremely negative consequences for the state of the river, which has already deteriorated significantly over the past 40-50 years. "The pumped storage power plant will pump water with all the biodiversity that is in the Dnipro River. It is an additional impact on biodiversity, the ichthyofauna of the Kaniv reservoir and the Dnipro River, which for the most part has not been preserved in its natural state," the scientist said. In addition, he pointed out that the territory where the PSPP construction is planned is a geologically active zone, and its additional load is the huge upper reservoir of the Kaniv PSPP, which should contain 17 million cubic meters of water, will lead to unpredictable consequences. "We will create conditions for the activation of dangerous geological processes that are already taking place in this place," Havryliuk said. At the same time, he added that power engineers are interested in this particular territory since there is the largest height difference in the Dnipro River valley. BTS V Captivates Fans with Stunning Visuals and Insightful Interview in ELLE Magazine (Photo : TheQoo) BTS V's recent photoshoot with ELLE Korea has left fans in awe of his striking visuals and thoughtful reflections on his career and love for his fans, ARMYs. ARMYs React to V's Breathtaking ELLE Magazine Photoshoot On March 20, fans were treated to a series of stunning images featuring V from ELLE Korea's upcoming April issue. V showcased a variety of outfits and hairstyles in the photos, leading to a frenzy among the K-pop community. Advertisement ARMYs were quick to praise V's ability to pull off any hairstyle and commend his aura. Some even compared his vibe to that of Hollywood icon James Dean, noting how well V's facial expressions matched the classic style. Fans shared their excitement in comments such as: "Ah crazy, I can't leave this place." "How does he look good with any hairstyle." "His aura is different. The last picture doesn't even look like V." "I can already picture this as a scene in a movie." "Wow the pictures are all pretty and he has that sad pitiful aura to him which is f**king pretty." "I like the James Dean vibe, like '50s matinee idol type of style. Timeless." V Discusses Career, Variety Show Experiences, and Love for ARMYs In addition to the eye-catching photoshoot, V also took the time to answer several interview questions for the magazine. When asked about his experience on the variety show "Jinny's Kitchen," V shared his growth and development in the show's format: "Isn't it a little different to view a variety show to appearing on the set itself? I was able to join because of my friends' insights since they're also appearing on it." "During the show, I think my hands became a little quick. Even though I felt slow on my body and speech, my hands were really fast when doing the dishes." V also opened up about his career as an idol, sharing that his eagerness keeps him moving forward despite the challenges of song production. When asked about his personal growth, V credited the support of ARMYs, whose uplifting posts and messages have helped him grow tremendously. "When I think about the thing that gives me strength, I'd say it's my eagerness to keep going. It's difficult to finish a song you like, and sometimes I give up for several reasons. However, I just keep moving forward." "In my growth, I'd say ARMYs' posts and messages have helped me improve a lot. It makes me reflect on what I'm doing, which parts of my life I'm happy with, and where I'm working on." What are your thoughts on V's captivating photoshoot and insightful interview in ELLE magazine? The Egyptian Armed Forces urged on Saturday evening for "the safeguarding of the safety and security of Egyptian troops who were in Sudan to conduct joint training with their Sudanese counterparts." For G7 diplomats meeting in the Japanese resort town of Karuizawa, unity was the name of the game on Monday, with ministers lining up to insist there is no daylight between them on China policy. Damage from the catastrophic earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria last month has been estimated at over $100 billion for Turkey alone, the United Nations said Tuesday. "Already it is clear that just the damages alone will amount to more than $100 billion," Louisa Vinton of the UN Development Programme told reporters via video link from Gaziantep in Turkey, adding that the recovery costs "will be on top of that". The 7.8-magnitude earthquake on February 6 struck 11 Turkish provinces at 4:17am local time as people slept in homes not built to withstand powerful tremors killing over 45,000 people in Turkey and thousands more in neighbouring Syria. Turkish officials said 214,000 buildings collapsed following the quake, many of them in Hatay and Kahramanmaras. Teams of workers are still toiling to clear the rubble that now dominates quake-hit cities. The World Health Organization called the quake the "worst natural disaster" in the European region for a century with estimates of 14 million people - one sixth of the country's population - affected by the disaster. One month on, Turkey is facing the daunting task of rebuilding flattened cities, with tens of thousands buried and many survivors barely subsisting in tents or containers. There has been mounting frustration at the government over its handling of the disaster. Opposition media and politicians blamed government institutions including the disaster agency for its slow response. In some provinces, including Adiyaman, anger at the state remains strong. Survivors told AFP they had been left to save loved ones trapped under the rubble with their bare hands because there were no rescue teams, soldiers or police for days after the quake. Some survivors recounted witnessing the death of their relatives because they weren't able to pull them from the rubble due to a lack of equipment needed to drill through slabs of concrete. Erdogan conceded "shortcomings" and asked for "forgiveness" after criticism of his government's response. "It's not possible to be ready for a disaster like this", he said during a visit to the quake region. Search Keywords: Short link: The EU on Monday will host a conference in Brussels aimed at ramping up funds from international donors to help the victims of the devastating earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria. Last month's catastrophic 7.8-magnitude quake flattened entire cities, killing more than 50,000 people across southeastern Turkey and parts of war-torn Syria. Millions were displaced and a preliminary estimate from the United Nations says the damage in Turkey alone could amount to over $100 billion. Flash floods in the region last week only added to the misery, killing 14 people living in temporary shelters. The United Nations Development Programme complained earlier this month about the poor level of response to a call made in mid-February for urgent funding. Aid organisation International Rescue Committee (IRC) urged donors to at least ensure the UN's emergency appeal for $1 billion for Turkey and $397 million for Syria are fully funded. The UN says the appeal for Turkey has so far only been 16 percent fulfilled, while the figure for Syria stands at 72 percent. "Over a month since the earthquake, the situation in affected regions remains desperate," said Tanya Evans, IRC Syria Country Director. "With many homes damaged or destroyed, many people are left with no choice but to sleep in overcrowded and under-resourced collective shelters." The EU -- which is hosting the conference in coordination with Turkey's government -- has said it plans to make a "significant pledge" for further relief, recovery, and reconstruction. It has called on the rest of the international community to commit funds "in line with the scale and magnitude of the damage". Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has admitted shortcomings in the government's initial response as he bids for re-election in May, will call in via video link. Turkey is a key partner for the EU, even if ties are often strained, and the bloc already gives billions in aid to help its eastern neighbour house refugees from Syria's 12-year war. Assad, Russia excluded But the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, sanctioned by the West since the beginning of Syria's civil war, will not be involved. While international rescue teams and aid flowed quickly to Turkey, humanitarian organisations faced major hurdles reaching stricken areas in northern Syria. UN investigators say the area became the "epicentre of neglect" as the warring factions and hesitancy by the international community have held up desperately needed aid. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the disaster had only "further exacerbated the suffering caused by the existing conflict across Syria". "A country at peace would have been much better prepared to face this tragic event, and equipped to address its consequences," he said. Aid has belatedly begun reaching the stricken areas in northern Syria. The EU and United States eased sanctions to try to speed up deliveries, and the Syrian government opened two new border crossings. Assad has been receiving calls and humanitarian aid from Arab leaders in the aftermath of the quake, in a move analysts say could be the start of improved ties. He arrived Sunday for his second visit since the quake to the United Arab Emirates, which has already pledged more than $100 million in assistance. The donor conference in Brussels is open to countries from the Middle East and across the globe, but Assad's key backer Russia is excluded due to its war on Ukraine. Search Keywords: Short link: Russia is coordinating with Syria, Iran and Turkey to set a date for an upcoming meeting between the deputy foreign ministers of the four respective parties, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov told Russian news agency RIA Novosti. The talks were initially scheduled for March 15-16, but were postponed for technical reasons, according to Turkish television. The purpose of the postponed meeting is to prepare for the upcoming talks between the foreign ministers of the four countries, which are aimed at resolving the long-standing crisis in Syria. We proceed from the fact that it should take place the sooner the better. But our colleagues, the Syrians, the Turks, and the Iranians have work schedules. While there is no specific date, we will continue to coordinate, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said. Turkey, a neighbour of Syria, has for more than a decade been the most important political and military backer of the Syrian opposition, and has sent its own troops into swathes of the countrys north. In December 2022, Russia hosted what was considered the first talks between the Turkish and Syrian defense ministers to take place in 11 years. Later, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he might meet his Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad, as part of a process to normalize ties between the two sides. In politics, there are no permanent enemies, Erdogan said. Analysts say Moscow is trying to bridge the divide between its two allies united by a common "enemy" -- Kurdish forces in northern Syria, described as "terrorists" by Ankara. After meeting his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amirabdollahian on 8 March, Cavusoglu said Iran wanted to join the talks between Turkey, Syria and Russia, and Ankara agreed. In a rare visit abroad, al-Assad met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on 15 March. He said he will only meet Erdogan if Turkey withdraws troops from northern Syria, according to an iterview with Russian media. Search Keywords: Short link: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said Tuesday his government will move to restore Japans preferential trade status as he pushes to resolve history and trade disputes with Japan despite domestic opposition. In lengthy, televised comments during a Cabinet Council meeting, Yoon defended his moves, saying that leaving ties with Japan as fraught as they are would be neglecting his duty because greater bilateral cooperation is vital to resolve diverse challenges facing Seoul. I thought it would be like neglecting my duty as president if I had also incited hostile nationalism and anti-Japan sentiments to use them for domestic politics while leaving behind the current, grave international political situation, Yoon said. He said the need to boost ties with Japan has grown because of North Koreas advancing nuclear program, the intensifying U.S.-China strategic rivalry and global supply chain challenges. South Korea and Japan have deep economic and cultural ties and are both key U.S. allies that together host about 80,000 U.S. troops. But their relations have often fluctuated mainly due to issues stemming from Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula. At the center of the recent impasse was the 2018 South Korean court rulings that ordered two Japanese companies to compensate some of their former Korean employees for forced labor during Japanese rule. Japan refused to accept the rulings, saying all compensation issues had already been settled when the two countries normalized ties in 1965. The history disputes spilled over to other issues, with the two countries downgrading each others trade status. Japan also tightened controls on exports to South Korea, while Seoul threatened to terminate a military intelligence-sharing pact with Tokyo. After months of negotiations with Japan, Yoons government earlier this month announced it would use local funds to compensate the forced laborer victims involved in the 2018 lawsuits without requiring contributions from the Japanese companies. Last week, Yoon traveled to Tokyo for a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, during which they agreed to resume regular visits and launch high-level economic security talks. Ahead of the summit, the South Korean government said Japan had agreed to lift export restrictions on materials needed for key South Korean export items like semiconductors and smartphones, and that South Korea would also withdraw its complaint to the World Trade Organization once the curbs are removed. They said the two countries would continue talks on restoring each others trade status as well. The conservative Yoon's push has triggered protests from some of the forced labor victims and liberal opposition politicians, who have demanded direct compensation from the Japanese companies and a direct apology from Tokyo over the forced labor. A public survey suggested about 60% of Koreans opposed Yoon's measures to resolve the forced labor issue. In his Cabinet Council remarks, Yoon said he will order his trade minister to begin taking legal steps necessary to restore Japan on a whitelist of nations receiving preferential fast-track trade status. He said both South Korea and Japan must remove obstacles that hinder the improvement of bilateral ties. If South Korea preemptively eliminates obstacles, Japan will surely reciprocate, he said. Yoon said his government will also strive to help heal the pains of the forced labor victims and their relatives. But he said there are still those in South Korea who attempt to increase their political gains by shouting exclusive nationalism and anti-Japan (slogans). The main liberal opposition Democratic Party responded that Yoon's condemnation of his critics cannot justify his Japan diplomacy that it said hurt South Korea's national pride and interests. Spokesperson Ahn Ho-young said Yoon must apologize and withdraw his third-party reimbursement plan for the forced labor victims. Search Keywords: Short link: Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs and President of UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) Sameh Shoukry reaffirmed the importance of climate finance, especially for developing countries, during the opening session of the Copenhagen Climate Ministerial on Monday. The two-day meeting was co-chaired by Egypt, which held the presidency of COP27, and the UAE, which will hold the presidency of COP28. It was the first high-level political gathering of its kind since COP27 was held in Sharm El-Sheikh in November 2022. The focus of the opening session was on financing climate action. According to a statement issued by the foreign ministry following the meeting, Shoukry emphasised that "climate finance is the main pillar of efforts to confront climate change, especially in developing countries." Thirteen years ago in Copenhagens COP15, advanced economies pledged $100 billion to help developing economies meet climate action goals. The pledge was endorsed by 2015s Paris Agreement and a year later entered into force, with the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. In his speech, Shoukry highlighted the outcomes of COP27, which included a call to fulfill the pledge made at the Copenhagen. It also included the establishment of a fund for losses and damages, the adoption of a new work program to mitigate the impact of climate change, the approval of an action plan for transition to and the expansion of renewable energy sources. He also appealed to financing institutions and international development banks to increase their funding for climate action, facilitate the availability of financial resources and grants and launch several initiatives on climate financing, including a sustainable debt initiative. Shoukry emphasised the need to intensify global climate efforts to achieve greater consensus and progress in meeting climate action goals, with the aim of successfully preparing for the upcoming COP28 climate conference, according to the statement. During his visit, Shoukry held several side meetings, including with the Danish Minister Dan Jorgensen and the President of COP28 Sultan Al Jaber. He also met with the British Minister of Energy Security and Net Zero Graham Stuart to discuss the current situation for implementing climate pledges and following up on the outcomes of COP27. Egypt's top diplomat is scheduled to meet with the crown prince of Denmark, the Danish foreign minister, and the secretary general of the Council of Ministers of the Nordic countries, as well as representatives of the Maersk Group for International Maritime Transport to discuss bilateral cooperation and economic investment opportunities. Search Keywords: Short link: Azerbaijan urges Armenia to get back to the negotiation table, not to engage in manipulation of international public opinion, Assistant to the First Vice-President of Azerbaijan Elchin Amirbayov said in an interview with France 24. He pointed out that Azerbaijan has proposed a peace agreement to be signed with Armenia on the basis of the fundamental norms and principles of international law. Of course, respect for each others territorial integrity, sovereignty, and inviolability of internationally recognized borders is one of these principles. We appreciate any assistance we can get or facilitation to overcome the existing remaining difficulties between us and Armenia in order to be able to sign the peace treaty, the draft of which has been submitted to Armenia almost a year ago. US efforts are very much welcome, because thanks to these efforts, Secretary Blinken invited and gathered President Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister Pashinyan in Munich in February in order to reiterate US commitment to help the two countries to find peace finally. There is also another player, which is the EU led by President of the European Council Charles Michel who had initiated the trilateral Brussels platform of peace. During a short period of time four times President Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister Pashinyan met in Brussels and produced certain positive results, said Elchin Amirbayov. He pointed out that unfortunately, since last November, Armenia has been blocking all attempts to gather again to discuss. Instead of getting together with the Azerbaijani negotiators to talk about the details of the peace agreement, they have been engaging in this diplomacy by correspondence when they send their comments on our draft by post. I think that all diplomats would agree that the best way to sort out differences is around the table in a physical presence. So, we do hope and we urge Armenia to get back to the negotiation table, and not to engage in the manipulation of international public opinion. What is happening on the Lachin road is the result of the violation by Armenia of the provisions of the Trilateral statement on ceasefire signed by President Ilham Aliyev, President Vladimir Putin, and Prime Minister Pashinyan in November 2020, he said. Below is the full interview with the Assistant to the First Vice-President of Azerbaijan: Israel which holds a monopoly of over 85 percent of Palestinian water is forcing Palestinian to purchase their water from the Israeli water company, known as Mekorot, a joint press release from the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) and the Palestinian Water Authority (PWA) said Tuesday, the Palestinian news agency WAFA reported. The announcement was made on the occasion of World Water Day, which will take place on Wednesday. Scarce water and Israeli restrictions on access to resources has made life increasingly difficult for Palestinian residents in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Due to limited water resources and Israeli restrictions on access to them, in 2021, Palestinians purchased only 22 percent of their water needs from Mekorot, while the remaining water needs were met through Palestinian springs, groundwater wells, and desalinated drinking water. As a consequence, the average Palestinian water consumption per capita (less than 100 liters per day) remains below the bare minimum recommended level, according to standards placed by the World Health Organization (WHO). "This is a result of the Israeli control over more than 85% of the Palestinian water," the PCBS and PWA said in the press release. In 2021, the daily allocation per capita from consumed water for domestic purposes stood at 86.3 liter/capita/day in Palestine (89.0 (l/c/d) in the West Bank, and 82.7 (l/c/d) in the Gaza Strip, according to the figures. The PCBS and PWA explained how the increase in population and the high percentage of water pollution in the Gaza Strip, means the per capita share of fresh water is extremely lower than the available quantities with only 21.3 liters per day. Fresh water is calculated as the water suitable for human use from the available quantities. In contrast, the Israeli daily allocation per capita is more than three times that of the Palestinian individual, standing at approximately 300 liters per day. This rate doubles for Israeli settlers who have access to over seven times the amount of fresh water available to Palestinians, according to the press release. Making matter worse, water abstracted from the coastal aquifer in the Gaza Strip is obtained via unsafe pumping that jeopardizes the sustainability of the source. In 2021 alone, 192.5 million cubic meters (MCM) were abstracted from the coast aquifer, despite warnings that the basin's sustainable yield should not exceed 50-60 MCM per year. The excess abstractions risk the depletion of groundwater reserves where the groundwater level in the coastal aquifer reached 19 meters below sea level, the press release said. This has threatened the health and safety of Palestinians as around 97 percent of the water pumped from the coastal aquifer in the Gaza Strip does not meet WHO water quality standards. Search Keywords: Short link: Bezalel Smotrich, the Israeli finance minister, sparked outrage in the Arab world after saying in a speech on Sunday in Paris that the Palestinian people, their past and their language are all made up. The podium from which the Israeli minister gave a speech was covered with what appeared to be a picture of a map of Israel, including the West Bank, Gaza and Jordan. Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, in a press conference on Tuesday, denounced the statements as "inciting and racist," and he urged Israel to make it clear that they did not reflect the stance of the nation. In reaction to the incident, the Jordanian Foreign Ministry summoned the Israeli ambassador to Amman and described the minister's activities as "an incitement and reckless act," a breach of both international law and the Jordanian-Israeli peace treaty. Israel's Foreign Ministry on Monday evening released a statement affirming that it is committed to the countries' 1994 peace agreement. There has been no change in the position of the State of Israel, which recognises the territorial integrity of the Hashemite Kingdom, the statement said. Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh said Smotrich's remarks were conclusive evidence of the extremist, racist Zionist ideology that governs the parties of the current Israeli government. Meanwhile, the Saudi Foreign Ministry denounced the comments as "contrary to the truth" in a statement published on Tuesday, according to the Saudi Press Agency. "It also highlights the growing gap between Israel and its Arab neighbors, who see the Jewish state's actions as a significant threat to peace and stability in the region," the ministry said. Moreover, the Arab League's legislative body, in response to the comments, has urged the UN and the international community to hold those responsible for their racist comments accountable, according to SPA. The UAE has also denounced Smotrich's remarks and his use of the map that incorporates territory from Jordan and the occupied Palestinian areas. A far-right settler leader who opposes Palestinian statehood, Smotrich has a history of offensive statements against the Palestinians. Last month, he called for the Palestinian town of Hawara in the West Bank to be erased after radical Jewish settlers rampaged through the town in response to a shooting attack that killed two Israelis. Smotrich later apologised after an international uproar. His remarks come at the same time as Palestinian and Israeli high-level officials reaffirmed a commitment to de-escalate and prevent further violence in a meeting in Sharm El-Sheikh attended by officials from Egypt, Jordan, and the United States. The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs immediatly denounced the Israeli minister's remarks, saying that such statements provoke the anger not only of Palestinians but also of the people of the free world and anyone with a conscience. Egypt totally rejects these irresponsible and inflammatory statements that carry racist implications and deny historical and geographical truths, the Egyptian foreign ministry said in a statement. Search Keywords: Short link: Dar Al-Ifta, the main authority responsible for issuing religious edicts in Egypt, announced on Tuesday that the Islamic holy month of Ramadan of the Hijri year 1444 will start on Thursday 23 March. Shortly after sunset today, Dar Al-Ifta announced that Wednesday would be the last day in the month of Shaban due to lack of sighting of the crescent following Maghreb prayers. The Islamic Calendar, known as Hijri Calendar, depends on the movement of the moon. The beginning of each month is marked by the observance of a new moon seen for the first time. Last week, the National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics (NRIAG), announced last week that the Islamic holy month would begin on 23 March. Saudi Arabia, home to the Islamic holy sites of Mecca and Medina, has also announced that Ramadan would begin on Thursday due to lack of sighting of the crescent in the kingdom. Ramadan, the ninth month on the Islamic calendar, is held in high esteem in the Islamic faith. The Holy Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad during Ramadan. Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan from dawn to sunset as a way of strengthening their relationship with God. Fasters spend the month in participating in acts of worship, such as praying, reading the Quran and giving to charity. Egyptians celebrate the month in festivity as per centuries-old traditions. Millions buy and display traditional glittering lanterns known as Fanus Ramadan inside homes and on buildings and streets. Egyptians also host Iftar, or break the fast, meals in their homes for families, friends and loved ones. Many of the well-to-do sponsor Ramadan Iftar meals open to poorer communities and the public in general. Millions take the last meal before dawn, known as Sehour, at popular restaurants and street vendors around the country. Search Keywords: Short link: Iran's supreme leader on Tuesday said the Islamic republic is not "upset" with European nations and is ready to work with them if they do not "blindly follow US policies". Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a speech marking the Persian New Year, accused the United States and some European countries of being behind women-led Iranian protests that flared in September last year. Khamenei said the West had sought to isolate Iran to no avail, adding that "we have strengthened our ties with Asia 100 percent, and we will continue this". He said Iran's relationship with the West had "weakened", but "we are not upset with Europe and are ready to work with any European countries or governments that do not blindly follow US policies". The European Union and Britain have imposed waves of sanctions on Iran over its response to the protests that erupted over the death of Mahsa Amini, a young Iranian Kurd, after her arrest for an alleged breach of Iran's dress code for women. Hundreds of people were killed, including dozens of security personnel, and thousands were arrested for taking part in what Iranian officials described as "riots" fomented by the United States and its allies. Khamenei said Western leaders had "supported the riots which were represented by a small percentage of the Iranian nation", adding that Iran had shown it was strong in the face of "such an international conspiracy". The supreme leader also touched on Russia's invasion of Ukraine, denying Iran had any involvement in the conflict, despite accusations by Kyiv and its allies that it has supplied Russia with kamikaze drones used to bomb civilian targets. "We decisively reject being present in the Ukraine war," he said. "The poor Ukrainian people are afflicted with problems, but the weapons-manufacturing factories of the US are benefitting," he added. Search Keywords: Short link: The Western powers are trying to steer Libya towards elections against a background of important differences among Libyan stakeholders and participants in the UN process. The West is once again confronted with the problem of how to advance the UN drive to steer Libya to long-awaited elections. Despite repeated resets of interim phases in this process, Western mediating efforts have yet to be crowned with any noteworthy success. On 16 March, the UN Security Council adopted a presidential statement in support of the plan proposed by Abdoulaye Bathily, Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for Libya and head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), to launch a High Level Panel to facilitate progress towards developing the constitutional and legal frameworks for presidential and parliamentary elections in the country and to assist in creating a safe environment for them. The statement reiterated a warning that all who attempt to obstruct or undermine the political process or the elections in Libya will risk sanctions. The fact that it came more than two weeks after Bathilys Security Council briefing in which he outlined his proposed plan is a sign that the main powers in the UN body are still at odds over how to resolve the Libyan conflict. The statement was also not consistent with the changes that had been introduced to the incomplete plan, according to US Special Envoy to Libya Richard Norland in an interview on Libyan television on 16 March. On the eve of Bathilys briefing, the Libyan House of Representatives (HoR) in Tobruk and the High Council of State (HCS) in Tripoli adopted a controversial 13th amendment to the 2011 Libyan Transitional Constitutional Declaration that defines the roles of the president, prime minister, and parliament and a constitutional path to elections. With this amendment, the two authorities deferred their differences over the eligibility criteria for the presidential elections to the phase of drafting the electoral laws, thereby facilitating the task of formulating the constitutional basis for the elections. The HoR and HCS then agreed to form a joint 6+6 committee to deliberate on the required constitutional and legal provisions. Bathily had little alternative but to bow to these decisions, even though originally he had a different concept for the High Level Panel. In his 27 February briefing, he had told the Security Council that the proposed mechanism would include representatives of Libyan political institutions, tribes, civil society, women and youth and would be tasked with drafting the constitutional basis and electoral laws for the elections and reaching a consensus around related matters, such as security and the adoption of a code of conduct for all candidates. The actions by the HoR and HCS effectively preempted this, and when combined with the lack of enthusiasm among the international powers for Bathilys plan as well as the US declaration of support for the HoRs and HCSs actions, he was forced to recalibrate a plan that had essentially been an attempt to circumvent the HoR and HCS. In a press conference in Tripoli on 11 March, Bathily said that the High Level Panel would serve as a consultative body for the joint committee that the HoR and HCS would form. The UNSMIL team and I stand ready to support the 6+6 in any way (technical, human resources, logistics) to accomplish their tasks, he said. His proposed Panel, once it has been selected by local stakeholders, will work together with the Libyan security authorities and presidential and parliamentary candidates to generate and sustain a safe environment conducive to the elections. Although the US had accepted the HoRs and HCSs 13th amendment and decision to create a 6+6 committee, it still hoped to curb Libyan opposition to the UN plan and to push for the completion of the constitutional basis for the elections. On 2 March, Norland tweeted that Bathilys proposed elections-enabling mechanism is galvanising the Libyan body politic and will build on progress made between the HoR and HSC on the legal basis for elections. We urge key Libyan leaders to approach the SRSGs plan in a constructive spirit. Now is an opportunity for them to show that they are truly dedicated to serving the needs of the Libyan people. In his 11 March press conference, Bathily gave the 6+6 committee until the end of June to agree on the constitutional basis and electoral laws. However, he did not discuss what action he might take if the HoR and HCS did not resolve these matters by that deadline. The UN anticipates that the two authorities will fail, which would automatically abrogate the 13th amendment. On 26 February, UN Secretary-General Spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters that the UN had other alternatives it could implement in the event that the Libyans failed to reach a consensus on the constitutional basis and electoral laws, though he did not mention what these might be. Despite their differences, the key political forces in Libya appear to be tacitly agreed on deferring the elections, even if they claim otherwise. Their actions since last year have been more telling than words. Afterwards, instead of focusing on the elections, the political forces moved to reconstitute Libyas executive authority (the Presidential Council and the cabinet). The ostensible justification for this was the return to institutional bifurcation after the HoR withdrew confidence from the Government of National Unity (GNU) led by Abdel-Hamid Al-Dbeibah and designated Fathi Bashagha as prime minister in February 2022, with the result that the GNU could not assert its authority over the whole country. Elections could not be held under such conditions, the political forces argued, even though the June 2014 elections had taken place amid a political rift and military operations. It was also surprising to see the political stakeholders reverse their positions on a number of issues. For example, when originally voted into power, the HoR held that dual nationals should not be allowed to run for president, a stance that led to the dismissal of many officials in 2014 and 2015. The HoRs predecessor the General National Conference (GNC) held the opposite view. Today, the HoR holds that dual nationality should not disqualify a potential presidential candidate, whereas the HCS (which evolved from a reconstituted GNC) thinks it should. At his press conference, Bathily did not address how the members of the High Level Panel would be chosen, but he did outline the panels duties as a consultative entity on critical issues that need to be addressed for the elections to take place and be successful. The mechanism will operate in a flexible and dynamic manner. It is designed to engage the major stakeholders constructively around the main issues to enable inclusive, secure, peaceful, and fair elections this year, to meet the expectations of the people of Libya, he said. The actors of the High Level Panel will not be designated or selected by UNSMIL. The stakeholders and constituencies concerned with the different subject matters will designate who will speak on their behalf in the course of my shuttle diplomacy between the Libyan actors. This is to say that the players on the ground who are concerned with different issues will be requested to negotiate directly or through their representatives. UNSMIL will facilitate the negotiations to secure compromises. If Bathily is to succeed in propelling his plan forward, he will need stronger support from the Western powers. But this would also require them to unify their positions on the political arrangements they envision. * A version of this article appears in print in the 23 March, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: Israel is continuing its campaign of assassinations of Palestinian activists in the West Bank despite the danger of growing escalation, writes Mohamed Abu Shaar The Israeli army is continuing to assassinate Palestinian activists in the West Bank under the pretext that these are pre-emptive attacks to thwart operations against Israelis. Meanwhile, there have been Arab and international warnings that the confrontations between the Palestinians and Israelis could reach a climax during the holy month of Ramadan. The most recent assassinations by an Israeli special force were on 16 March in Jenin in the northern West Bank that killed four Palestinians including a boy not older than 16 years who happened to be passing as Israeli forces were carrying out an assassination. This targeted two prominent activists in the Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad Movement, and the Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, which Israel accuses of establishing a military presence in the West Bank. Unlike previous operations, the Israeli operation was in broad daylight and saw Israeli special forces infiltrating the area without the support of the Israeli army and even executing one of the targets at point blank range before quickly withdrawing. This Israeli operation has raised the number of Palestinian martyrs since the beginning of this year to 90, with hundreds of others injured and arrested, according to the latest official Palestinian statistics. The Israeli assaults have exacerbated conditions on the ground in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, accompanied by growing threats of confrontation reaching a critical stage. The armed Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip have been particularly vocal, warning that they will not remain silent about the Israeli actions, especially in Occupied East Jerusalem where confrontations usually intensify during Ramadan. Hours after the Israeli assassinations, the army announced it had detected a rocket launch from the Gaza Strip targeting Israeli towns bordering Gaza. Israel did not respond. UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland called on Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA) to work on preventing any escalation of the violence during Ramadan, stating that if the understandings reached at the Aqaba Summit in late February are implemented, success can be achieved. Wennesland criticised the reaction of some Israeli ministers to the Aqaba Summit for attacking the outcomes and claiming they are non-binding on Israel. Responsible leaders need to take decisions now to ensure calm during Ramadan, he said. The reaction of the Israeli government and some extremist ministers in it was more disciplined after Sundays meeting in Sharm El-Sheikh, which produced practical steps to try to regulate conditions on the ground in order to prevent widespread escalation. Israeli cabinet members did not comment on the results of this meeting that was initiated by Egypt and attended by Palestinian, Israeli, Jordanian and US officials. Among other commitments, the Palestinian and Israeli sides affirmed their commitment to bolstering security and stability, halting the escalation, continuing confidence-building measures, and addressing outstanding issues through direct dialogue. The real test of Israels commitment will be the application of these results on the ground. The start of Ramadan is also the deadline for many Palestinian families to vacate their homes in Jerusalem, after Israeli Minister of Internal Security Itamar Ben-Gvir threatened to accelerate demolitions and evictions in the city. The homes threatened with evictions are in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood and the nearby town of Silwan in Occupied Jerusalem. Another 87 families, or 700 to 800 residents, face the threat of eviction from their homes in the Batn Al-Hawa neighbourhood to make way for Israeli settlers. In addition to the threats of eviction and demolition, Ramadan this year coincides with the Jewish Passover holiday, during which radical right-wing groups in Israel intensify their calls to storm the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. In the past, such incursions have resulted in clashes between the Palestinians and the Israeli police force that secures entry for Israelis to the Al-Aqsa compound. In addition to these triggers for escalation, Israel is fearful of the developing relationship between Hamas and Islamic Jihad on the one side and Lebanons Hizbullah group on the other. Israel suspects the latter of being involved in the infiltration of a Lebanese gunman into Israel, whom it said it killed last week. The Israeli army claims that the Lebanese man bombed a target in the Megiddo region of northern Israel that seriously injured one Israeli after he succeeded in infiltrating the border and planting the device. He apparently was wearing an explosive belt, and a decision was made to kill him. According to the Israeli Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, the modus operandi of the attack and surrounding circumstances indicate that Hizbullah was at a minimum a partner in the attack and may also have initiated it. This would imply a shift in the groups strategy, which has previously avoided carrying out attacks deep inside Israel. The newspaper pointed to closer ties between Hizbullah and Hamas in Lebanon after the appointment of Saleh Al-Arouri as deputy head of Hamas politburo, which is in charge of the groups activities in the West Bank. Israel accuses Al-Arouri of shifting the focus of forceful resistance against Israel to the West Bank. The newspaper claimed that Hizbullahs fingerprints were obvious on the operation, suggesting that due to the socio-political crisis in Israel the groups Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, had decided to revive relations with Hamas in order to take armed action against Israel without indicating a direct link to his group. In what appeared to be a response to this claim, Islamic Jihad announced on Sunday that Israeli agents had assassinated a prominent military commander of the Al-Quds Brigades in the Syrian capital Damascus. Ali Ramzi Al-Aswad, 31, on the Syrian front, was shot in a cowardly assassination bearing the fingerprints of Israel, it said, holding Israel responsible for this crime. In the past, Israel has assassinated members of Islamic Jihad operating in Syria. Most prominently, it attempted to kill Akram Al-Ajouri, a military commander in the group and member of its politburo in late 2019. Islamic Jihad is a military group in the Gaza Strip and acts with fewer reservations against Israel than its counterpart Hamas, which manages Gazas affairs. Hamas tries to avoid confrontations with Israel to alleviate the economic crisis in Gaza and work on building its military capabilities. These factors make it more likely that Islamic Jihad will carry out further attacks against Israel, whether from the Gaza Strip or the West Bank. However, Hamas has also unexpectedly laid claims on attacks in the West Bank, the most recent of which was in Hawara and killed two Israelis in February. * A version of this article appears in print in the 23 March, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: While Iran, China and Russia were holding joint naval drills in the Gulf of Oman last weekend, Iranian National Security Head Ali Shamkhani visited Abu Dhabi to meet with his Emirati counterpart as well as the UAE president. The visit took place only a few days after Shamkhani returned from Beijing where he signed a landmark deal with his Saudi counterpart to restore Saudi-Iranian relations. Some media outlets that traditionally hold a more hostile position on the UAE and other Gulf countries quickly highlighted Shamkhanis visit as another sign of the widening rift between UAE and Saudi Arabia. These sources and Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated accounts on social media have claimed that Iran was briefing the Emiratis on the Saudi deal rather than the UAE receiving a direct briefing from Riyadh as would be expected. According to different Emirati and Saudi sources, Abu Dhabi is always abreast of Riyadh on regional matters. When Emirati officials were asked about the timing of the visit, the response was that it had been planned long before the Beijing announcement and was postponed as Shamkhani went to China. In fact, the UAE, which severed its diplomatic relations with Iran along with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries restored those relations last fall. Emirati National Security Head Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed paid both secret and public visits to Tehran in recent years. Trade and economic relations between the two sides of the Gulf never stopped, despite witnessing a drop at various points as a result of American pressure on the UAE to loosen the economic strangulation of Iran. Though official media didnt provide details of the senior Iranian officials discussions with Abu Dhabis rulers, it is understood that stopping the war in Yemen was high on the agenda along with Irans options to break through the deadlock in talks to revive its nuclear deal with major world powers. This is not to mention enhancing trade and economic cooperation, as Iran traditionally depends on the UAE as a main route of business dealing with the outside world. Even though the UAE normalised relations with Israel in 2020, antagonising Iran, the two countries have somehow maintained a relatively civil relation. The UAE presents itself as a peace and stability kingpin in the region and tries to diffuse tensions that might lead to military conflict. If Iran is modifying its approach to its Arab Gulf neighbours, Abu Dhabi will understandably be a frequent stop for turbo-charged diplomatic efforts to normalise relations across the Gulf. Iranian media is upbeat about a shift in relations between Tehran and Gulf Arab capitals. The latest in that regard was a report by the Mehr news agency that Bahrain is mulling over resuming direct flights between Manama and Tehran. Bahrain is the only Gulf Arab country with no embassy in Tehran, and animosity between the two countries is deeper than elsewhere in the Gulf. With a major Shiite community, Manama has consistently accused Iran of instigating disturbances in Bahrain. The Tehran media highlighted a visit by the Iranian parliamentary delegation to Manama on Saturday as they met with their Bahraini counterparts. Though little detail has officially emerged concerning the Chinese-brokered deal between the Saudis and the Iranians, leaks from Riyadh and Tehran indicate that Iran agreed to stop military assistance to its proxy in Yemen the Houthi rebels. Last week, the Wall Street Journal quoted unnamed Saudi sources confirming the Iranian commitment towards peace in Yemen and stopping arms shipments to the Houthis. The American daily corroborated the information with confirmations from US officials. As Iran has always denied arming the rebels in Yemen, it might be difficult to announce that it will stop doing so. But Iranian media outlet Shargh, which is close to the regime, reported that an end to the war in Yemen is the beginning of an end to conflicts and tension in the region. Other Iranian media outlets hinted that, in two weeks time, everyone in the region will remember the ninth anniversary of the war in Yemen. Yet, it stopped short of revealing how the Iranians are going to help stop the conflict in the war-torn country and facilitate the kind of political solution sought by Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Shamkhanis talks in Abu Dhabi this week were an important step in deliberating Iranian concessions in Yemen, and probably in other hotspots in the region where Iranian proxy militias are active. The Iranian daily Etemad reported that Irans nuclear deal and the war in Yemen were high on the agenda of Shamkhanis discussions with Emirati officials. The Beijing announcement put a timeframe of two months for steps to be taken to fulfil the deal. The priority for states in the Arabian Gulf is to see Iran put a hard stop on involving itself in its neighbours internal affairs and to end support for destabilising forces linked to Tehran. The nine-year-old war in Yemen is a top security concern, not only for neighbouring Saudi Arabia but for the rest of the region as well. * A version of this article appears in print in the 23 March, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Short link: The fortunes of Saadoun Street in Baghdad serve as an indicator of the history of Iraq since the 2003 US-led invasion, writes Nermeen Al-Mufti in Baghdad. How to write about the night of 19-20 March 2003 when Baghdad and other Iraqi cities, aside from those in the Iraqi Kurdish Region, were bombed by thousands of warplanes when former US president George W Bush announced the beginning of the US-led invasion? I cannot talk about the past 20 years, because any talk about it does not cover the full extent of the devastation that took place in Iraq, which is known to all, said Abdel-Amir Al-Majar, a political analyst, in a comment to Al-Ahram Weekly. However, I think Iraq will not need another 20 years to overcome this ordeal, but instead needs to return to itself away from the divisions created by some politicians and rejected by the Iraqi people. He said that these divisions would not be able to resist the national will, if this was allowed to become fully present in the political and social arenas. Life in Iraq before the occupation was not ideal, said Rawa Ali, a woman who lost her husband in a car bomb in Baghdad in 2006. But 20 years have passed, and we are still waiting for the new Iraq promised by Bush. Instead, Iraq has been pushed into chaos, and the Iraqis are paying a very high price. One way of presenting the history of the past 20 years is through Saadoun Street, one of the main streets in Baghdad that was once described as the most elegant street in the city and perhaps also the most elegant in Iraq as a whole and in the entire region. This street, any street, is like the veins of the city, not suffering from blockages when the city is in full health, summed up in order, the application of the law, cleanliness, green squares, monuments, murals, and the preservation of heritage and distinctive architecture. The veins of Baghdad began showing symptoms of disease even before the US-led invasion as a result of the years of sanctions against Iraq, but then they became sick owing to the US occupation and ongoing unsolved problems. Saadoun Street is in downtown Baghdad and runs between Tahrir and Firdaws Squares. It witnessed the announcement of the fall of the regime led by former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein on 9 April 2003 with the toppling of the statue of Saddam that was in Firdaws Square, meaning that for a time it was renamed Freedom Square. It became a site for demonstrations to deliver requests to the occupation forces. There was a small protest in June 2003, for example, when a father from the city of Amarah with his son who was barely ten years old raised a banner asking for help. Asked what he wanted, he said he had had to sell everything he owned for $1,500 by April 2003. When the bombing of his hometown intensified, he had decided to come to Baghdad with his family, but on his way there a US patrol stopped him. After searching him, they took this small amount from him and gave him a paper with an address in Baghdad to retrieve it later, according to an Arab translator who was accompanying them. Looking at the paper later, as the man was not able to read, it was found to consist of nothing but obscenities. Saadoun Street also witnessed looters who began looting everything they could carry in the aftermath of the US-led invasion, including the statue of Abdel-Mohsen Al-Saadoun, a former Iraqi prime minister who died in 1929 after whom the street is named. Its platform remained empty until another statue was placed on it that resembles the old one. There were once two of the most beautiful theatres in Iraq on Saadoun Street, the Sixty Chair Theatre and the Baghdad Theatre. The first was lost among the ugly commercial changes that took place in the street, while the second was transformed due to negligence into a warehouse. The most beautiful cinemas were also once located on Saadoun Street, and these were converted into theatres during the sanctions against Iraq. Unfortunately, they put on commercial plays that have nothing to do with Iraqi theatre, and now they have turned into crowded stores. There were also once bookstores in Saadoun Street, though these now are also gone. Restaurants and hotels of varying degrees were also once located on the street, and patients and their companions used to come from the provinces to the clinics of the most famous doctors on Saadoun Street. These are now struggling to survive after other streets in Baghdad have been turned into medical districts that include hospitals, pharmacies, and medicine stores. There were and still are many tourism and airline offices in Saadoun Street, and recently one could find an advertisement by the owner of a company put on the glass door, saying that we do not deal in travel tickets for dollars. This means that the company will not issue tickets in order to exchange Iraqi dinars for dollars and then change them back again so that both sides get the benefit of the difference in the price on the black market. In 2005, Saadoun Street witnessed a car bombing targeting a US army convoy. Iraqi civilians were killed, shops were destroyed, and cars were burned as a result. In 2008, Nasr Square, which lies along the street, saw one of the most bloody terrorist operations in Iraq up until that point, causing the death or injury of dozens of civilians. The street witnessed young Iraqis protesting in Tahrir Square in the so-called (Tishreen) October protests in 2019 that lasted for many months and in which hundreds of protesters were killed and thousands injured, including those left with permanent disabilities. Former Iraqi prime minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi promised to turn a building housing a Turkish restaurant into a museum of the protests, but this was not done and will not be done under the new government. The walls of the Tahrir tunnel still contain the pictures of martyrs and graffiti drawn by the protesters. Today, there are fewer street children than there once were. The number was higher when the Palestine Hotel in Saadoun Street was used by Western and Arab networks at the beginning of the US occupation. The hotel witnessed the murder of Spanish photographer Jose Coso in April 2003 by US forces. Touring the area today, the present writer found that the fountain in Firdaws Square was working. However, by the end of the tour it had stopped. Asked why, I was told that the electricity supply had been cut off. * A version of this article appears in print in the 23 March, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: Egypt has closed 15 traditional prisons and replaced them with modern correctional and rehabilitation centres, according to Major General Tariq Marzouk, assistant minister for social protection. Marzouk made his remarks on Tuesday during the trial operation launch of the Correction and Rehabilitation Centre in Belbeis, located in the Sharqia governorate. The Ministry of Interior stated that the launch of the Belbeis centre marks the completion of the second phase of the plan to establish advanced detention facilities. According to Marzouk, a record for each inmate has been created at the this facility to determine the appropriate method for correcting their behavior under the guidance of psychology experts. The focus is on modifying the behavior and morality of the inmates, as well as providing them healthcare, he said. At the launch event, Marzouk announced that the ministry has performed 1,270 surgical operations and 27,000 medical assessments for prisoners. "We seek to uphold values of human rights in correctional centres and respect the dignity of the inmates, the statement quoted Marzouk as saying. He also said that they work on teaching and correcting the ideas of the inmates. The new centre, Marzouk added, also seeks to employ the inmates in production projects and integrate them into society by helping them secure a source of professional livelihood. The goods produced by the new projects will be offered at reduced prices in the exhibitions of the ministry's community protection sector, he added. The experiment has proven the success of reform programmes in modifying the inmates behavior, which confirms that we are on the right path," Marzouk added. The county's plan to expand correctional and rehabilitation centres has been internationally praised, Marzouk noted. Since 2021, the interior ministry started to restructure prisons and rehabilitation centres in order to meet the highest international standards of human rights and modern technology. The same year, Egypt inaugurated Wadi Al-Natroun Rehabilitation Centre, one of the largest such centres worldwide. The Natroun Centre replaced 12 traditional prisons, or 25 percent of Egypt's total prisons, according to a previous statement by the interior ministry. Marzouk explained that the correctional and rehabilitation centres will now be free of indebted prisoners, as per the recent directives of the political leadership. On Monday, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi issued directives to pardon all the indebted men and women currently in prison ahead of the holy month of Ramadan. Search Keywords: Short link: The governments of Ethiopia and Eritrea on Tuesday angrily rejected US claims their forces had committed war crimes and crimes against humanity during the devastating two-year war in Tigray. Ethiopia's foreign ministry branded the allegations made by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday as "partisan" and "inflammatory". Several hours later, the Eritrea foreign ministry issued a statement describing them as "unsubstantiated and defamatory". Blinken, who last week made his first visit to Ethiopia since a November 2022 peace deal silenced the guns in the country's north, accused all parties to the conflict of committing war crimes. He said the State Department also found crimes against humanity by Ethiopian, Eritrean and regional Amhara forces, including killings and sexual violence, although he did not mention the rebel Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). Blinken said the State Department had carried out a "careful review of the law and the facts" and concluded that war crimes were committed by federal troops from both Ethiopia, its ally Eritrea and Amhara as well as the TPLF. "Many of these actions were not random or a mere by-product of war. They were calculated and deliberate," Blinken said as he presented an annual human rights report. 'Partisan and divisive' Ethiopia's foreign ministry said the US statement "unfairly apportions blame among different parties in the conflict". "The statement appears to exonerate one party from certain allegations of human rights violations such as rape and other forms of sexual violence despite the clear and overwhelming evidence about its culpability," it said. "This partisan and divisive approach from the US is ill-advised," it added, calling it "unwarranted". Asmara issued a similarly strong statement, saying the US allegations constituted a "continuation of unwarranted hostility and demonisation that US administrations have pursued against Eritrea since 2009 to advance their ulterior political agendas". The foreign ministry charged that a "litany of TPLF's crimes... were deliberately downplayed and glossed over" by the United States. TPLF officials did not respond to AFP requests for comment about the US report. Soured relations Blinken had called for accountability during his trip to Addis Ababa, where he held an unusually long meeting with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and spoke separately with senior TPLF leader Getachew Reda. But he did not directly mention war crimes or crimes against humanity and sounded upbeat about the prospects for peace during his visit. The conflict soured US relations with Ethiopia, Africa's second most populous nation and long one of Washington's major partners on the continent. Abiy had previously voiced anger when Blinken during the war spoke more generally about crimes against humanity, and the Ethiopian leader has rejected UN-led efforts for a probe. On Tuesday, the foreign ministry said Washington's statement "undercuts the support of the US for an inclusive peace process". Ethiopia has also been angered by a UN-backed investigation team, which like Blinken singled out the governments of Ethiopia and Eritrea when it came to suspected crimes against humanity in the Tigray conflict. At the UN in Geneva on Tuesday, the head of the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia, Mohamed Chande Othman, said the team had had no interaction with the Ethiopian government since a few months before it published its findings in a report last September. "We urged them to reengage, to re-cooperate," he told journalists, adding that "we continue to reach out." He said his team, which is working on a second report due next September, was continuing to investigate a long line of alleged violations, including "allegations of serious violations and abuses committed since the signing of the peace agreement." The United States has estimated that some 500,000 people died in the two-year conflict, making it one of the deadliest wars of the 21st century and dwarfing the toll from Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The war began in November 2020 when the TPLF, once the major powerbroker in Ethiopia, attacked military installations in Tigray, triggering a major counter-offensive. As allegations of atrocities mounted, the US imposed sanctions on Eritrea, an authoritarian state whose relations with Washington were already poor, and booted Ethiopia from a major trade pact, although it held back on further action against the warring parties. Search Keywords: Short link: For 100 consecutive days Azerbaijani eco-activists and volunteers on the Lachin-Khankandi road under Shusha have been protesting over the illegal exploitation of mineral deposits, especially Gizilbulag gold and Damirli copper-molybdenum deposits in Karabakh under the temporary control of the Russian peacekeepers. The vigorous vigil dates back to December 12, 2022, and to this day, the picketers have not altered their motive in compelling the Russian peacekeepers to provide access to the Qizilbulag and Damirli deposits in Karabakh for Azerbaijani experts to assess their current state and possible impact on the region's environment. After the Russian peacekeepers' failure to provide the necessary conditions for the Azerbaijani agency representatives to carry out their duties in the area, a group of eco-activists, NGOs, and public representatives have taken to the street in protest at the peacekeepers' repugnance to live up to their obligations in line with the November 10, 2020, peace deal to maintain peace and order in the region, and oust the Armenian troops from the region and prevent illegalities. However, time proved that the Russian peacekeepers are driven by the interests of Russia rather than the idea coming from the essence of the notion of peacekeeping as universally understood. Israel's Foreign Ministry on Monday evening released a statement affirming that it is committed to the countries' 1994 peace agreement. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich delivered a speech in Paris denying the existence of the Palestinian people behind a map of Greater Israel that includes the occupied West Bank, Gaza and Jordan which triggered the anger of the Jordanian Kingdom and the Palestainians. Jordans Foreign Ministry said that Smotrichs appearance with the icon was a reckless inflammatory act and a violation of international norms and the peace treaty" between the two countries. The Israeli foreign ministry tweeted shortly afterwards to clarify There has been no change in the position of the State of Israel, which recognizes the territorial integrity of the Hashemite Kingdom." Israel is committed to the 1994 peace agreement with Jordan. There has been no change in the position of the State of Israel, which recognizes the territorial integrity of the Hashemite Kingdom. Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) March 20, 2023 Late on Monday, Jordan summons Israeli ambassador to protest flag during ultra-nationalist minister's speech at a podium with a flag of an expanded Israel with borders that incorporates Jordan, Petra News Agency tweeted. Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh said Smotrich's remarks were conclusive evidence of the extremist, racist Zionist ideology that governs the parties of the current Israeli government. Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, dubbed the minister's remarks "completely unhelpful", stressing the Palestinian people "obviously" exists. "We continue to support their rights and to push for a two-state solution" to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, he said. A far-right settler leader who opposes Palestinian statehood, Smotrich has a history of offensive statements against the Palestinians. Last month, he called for the Palestinian town of Hawara in the West Bank to be erased after radical Jewish settlers rampaged through the town in response to a shooting attack that killed two Israelis. Smotrich later apologized after an international uproar. Search Keywords: Short link: The European Union and international donors on Monday pledged seven billion euros ($7.5 billion) to help Turkey and Syria in the aftermath of the earthquake that devastated parts of the neighboring countries last month. The European Commission said after the fundraising conference in Brussels that 6.05 billion euros of the total pledge will be going to Turkey, in grants and loans. The European Commission and the EU Member States, as well as the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development represent more than 50 percent of this total pledge of grants, with 3.6 billion euros, the Commission added. The magnitude 7.8 earthquake on Feb. 6 killed more than 52,000 people the vast majority in Turkey. Nearly 300,000 buildings in Turkey either collapsed or were severely damaged, according to the country's president. We have shown to the people in Turkey and Syria that we are supporting those in need, said Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the EUs executive arm. Von der Leyen added that the global pledge included 1.1 billion euros from the Commissiom, and 500 millions from the European Investment Bank, backed by the EU budget. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed the conference via videolink and described some of the reconstruction challenges, including deadly floods that hit parts of the earthquake zone last week. Some of the aftershocks have been going on for a while and they are of equal magnitude to a separate earthquake, he said. We have been fighting against the flood disasters and challenging weather conditions. Erdogan said some 298,000 buildings across 11 provinces affected by the earthquake were destroyed or left unfit for use. No single country can fight against such a disaster, regardless of its level of economic development, he said, putting the cost of reconstruction at $104 billion. Your contributions made at this conference will contribute to the healing of wounds and wipe clean the traces of this disaster. The conference hosted by the European Commission and Sweden which holds the rotating presidency of the EU was attended by NGOs, G-20 countries and U.N. members as well as international financial institutions. Survivors of the earthquake in rebel-held northwest Syria have received very little assistance because of deep divisions exacerbated by the countrys 12-year war. The EU said 15.3 million Syrians of a population of 21.3 million already required humanitarian assistance before the earthquake struck. The bloc has been providing humanitarian aid to Syria since 2011 and wants to step it up. But it does not intend to help with reconstruction in the war-torn country, with EU sanctions against the Syrian regime of President Bashar Assad in place since the outbreak of the country's civil war. Von der Leyen said the Commission pledged an additional 108 million euros ($115.8 million) in humanitarian aid for Syria on Monday. All together we managed to raise with our partners 950 million euros ($1 billion) for the people in Syria, she said. This is just the first step. The International Rescue Committee, an aid group responding to humanitarian crises, had urged donors to ensure that the U.N.s appeal for Turkey and Syria calling for $1 billion and $397 million respectively is fully funded. The people affected by this devastating earthquake are relying on donors meeting in Brussels to step up this week, said Tanya Evans, the IRCs Country Director in Syria. They need to ensure that funding is available for life-saving items including food, shelter, warm clothes and clean water, as well as support to the already weak healthcare system including the provision of medicines and medical equipment. If they fail to do so, the most vulnerable will pay the price, she added. Search Keywords: Short link: European ministers agreed on Monday to add eight Iranians and one of the Tehran government's most powerful bodies to EU sanctions lists, alleging human rights violations. The individuals -- including clerics, judges and a broadcaster -- are accused of playing leading roles in Iran's crackdown on anti-government protests. The EU said it was in particular "sanctioning members of the judiciary responsible for handing down death sentences in unfair trials and for the torturing of convicts". Brussels' latest listings bring to around 150 the number of individuals, companies and agencies targeted by EU asset freezes and travel bans over the crackdown. Europe made the decision as UN expert Javaid Rehman told the United Nations Human Rights Councils that Iran's actions in the six months since protests erupted could amount to crimes against humanity. Demonstrations erupted after the death in custody of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who had been accused by religious authorities of violating Iran's women's dress code. The sanctions decision was made at a meeting of foreign and defence ministers in Brussels, as thousands of Iranian exiles protested outside in support of the uprising against the Tehran government. The protesters, many of them supporters of the exiled opposition group the National Council of Resistance, demanded the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) be blacklisted as a terrorist group. Some EU capitals are also pushing for this measure, which would target the paramilitary armed wing of Tehran's Islamic revolution, which is deeply embedded in the Iranian economy. But European officials say it is proving complicated to demonstrate the legal basis for such a blanket designation of the entire group, as opposed to units or commanders involved in specific attacks. Search Keywords: Short link: Israeli lawmakers on Tuesday repealed a 2005 act that saw four Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank dismantled at the same time as Israeli forces withdraw from the Gaza Strip. The development could pave the way for an official return to the abandoned West Bank areas and further deepen the crisis. It was the latest move by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus far-right government, which is dominated by settler leaders and allies, to promote settlement activity in the territory. The international community, including Israels closest ally, the United States, considers settlements illegal and opposes construction on occupied territories claimed by the Palestinians for a future independent state. Israel evacuated the four settlements and unilaterally pulled out of Gaza under the 2005 legislation. The prime minister at the time, Ariel Sharon, said that Israel would not be able to keep the settlements under a future agreement with the Palestinians. Since then, Israeli settlers have been banned from returning to those locations, though the Israeli military has allowed activists to visit and pray there a ban that has now been revoked. Netanyahus government has put settlement expansion at the top of its agenda and has already advanced thousands of new settlement units and retroactively authorized nine wildcat outposts in the West Bank. This week, Israel pledged to put a temporary freeze on further settlement approvals, including authorization of outposts, as part of a series of measures meant to ease tensions ahead of the sensitive period that includes the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the Jewish festival of Passover. Still, ultranationalist members of Netanyahus coalition pushed for a repeal of the ban on the northern West Bank settlements. The legislation passed in an overnight vote 31-18 in the 120-seat Knesset. The remaining lawmakers did not vote. The vote came as Netanyahus government is pushing ahead with a separate plan to overhaul the countrys judicial system. Netanyahus allies claim the courts have too much power in the legislative process and that the Supreme Court is biased against settlers. Critics say the overhaul would upend the countrys delicate system of checks and balances and push Israel toward authoritarianism. They also say Netanyahu could find an escape route from his corruption trial through the overhaul. The Palestinians seek the West Bank and Gaza Strip as an independent state, with east Jerusalem as its capital, the territories that Israel occupied in the 1967 Mideast war. Since then, more than 700,000 Israelis have moved into dozens of illegal settlements in the West Bank and east Jerusalem. Most of the international community says the settlements are an obstacle to peace with the Palestinians. Tuesday's repeal comes against the backdrop of the worst Israeli-Palestinian fighting in recent years and as concerns grow of intensified violence during Ramadan, which will start this week. Israeli forces have carried out almost nightly arrest raids across the occupied West Bank over the past year. The incursions have provoked a fierce response from Palestinians. So far this year, 85 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire, and Palestinian have killed 15 Israelis, according to a tally by The Associated Press. *This story was edited by Ahram Online Search Keywords: Short link: Egyptian Minister of Finance Mohamed Maait has called on the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) to support Egypts Sustainable Debt Coalition initiative, inviting member states to join the coalition in order to unify the African position on the debt crisis in international forums. Maaits call came during various meetings with African counterparts and UN officials on Tuesday on the sidelines of ECA 2023 annual meeting, which was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, according to a statement released by the finance ministry. We are looking forward to launching the Coalition of African Countries for Sustainable Debt in Cairo before next June, in preparation for the inclusion of other countries that show interest from outside the African continent, Maait stated. The ECA was established by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations in 1958 as one of the UN's five regional commissions. The commission, which is made up of 54 member states, aims to promote the economic and social development of its member States, foster intra-regional integration, and promote international cooperation for Africa's development. The Sustainable Debt Coalition initiative was launched by Egypt during the 27th edition of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) in Sharm El-Sheikh last November. The Egyptian initiative aims to provide a diplomatic opportunity to align on the use of key performance indicators for debt issuances whether in the context of refinancing existing debt or for new issuances. According to its purpose statement, the initiative does not aim to be a platform for debt refinancing efforts but rather aims to encourage additional sustainable green investments and address environmental challenges. Maait emphasised in the meetings with his African counterparts the importance inter-African coordination in order to allow the continent to speak with one voice on the debt crisis in international forums as well as enhance the capabilities of African economies in facing global crises. Maait also stressed the importance of African and non-African support for the Egyptian initiative in order to bolster green growth rates and accelerates the pace of economic development. The finance ministers of Ghana and Kenya expressed their readiness to support the Egyptian initiative in their meetings with Maait, according to the statement. It was also agreed to organise a meeting of the high-level working group concerned with the structure of the global monetary system on the sidelines of the upcoming spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in April. Search Keywords: Short link: Celebrating Mother's Day, Ahram Online pays tribute to the iconic actresses of Egyptian cinema whose maternal roles have left a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of all Egyptians. Amina Rizk (1910-2003) Amina Rizk is undeniably the best known mother in Egyptian cinema as she left a legacy of hundreds of roles between theatre and cinema with a unique focus on the role of mothers. Curiously Rizk, who never married or gave birth, and when once asked how she could perform all the motherhood roles with such dexterity without being a real mother, she replied briefly while fighting back tears that it was probably due to not feeling these emotions in reality, which meant she wanted to make up for it on the silver screen, writes Ashraf Gharib in his article published on these pages in 2018. Gharib continues, saying Rizk began portraying mothers in the 1940s, starting with The Mother (1945). Although at the time she was not even 35-years-old, she played a mother to grown-up characters played by adult actors. She reprised the same role in Dearest of the Beloved Ones (1961). Since then, she played good-hearted mother in The Black Candles (1962), the aristocratic mother in Where is My Life (1956), then the very stiff and tough mother in Shafiqa The Copt (1962), the helpless rural mother in The Curlews Prayer (1959), the urban mother in A Beginning and an End (1960) based on the novel by Egyptian Nobel Prize laureate Naguib Mahfouz, the weak and submissive mother in I Want a Solution (1975) and finally, the comic mother in His Sisters (1976) and on stage in Its Really a Respectable Family (1979). With this amount of roles portraying different mother characters - a narrow framework - Rizk was able to diversify her options, keeping them wide open due to her unlimited acting abilities, as well as her ability to change her voice from tough to kind and the whole spectrum of emotional expressions in between, writes Gharib underscoring her facial expressions and body movements resulting from an excellent understanding of fine differences between one mother's role and another. Ferdous Mohamed (1906-1961) Her portrayals of mothers brought her the name of the mother of Egyptian cinema. One of the most important roles was in Youth of a Woman, a 1956 film directed by Salah Abouseif and starring Shadia, Tahia Karioka, Shukri Sarhan, Abdel Wareth Asser and Siraj Mounir. Another important role of a mother was in Youssef Chahines Dark Water (1956) in which she was a mother to Ragab, portrayed by Omar Sharif. She also joined Sharif, as well as his then wife Faten Hamama in the role of a mother in Women of the Castle (1958) directed by Kamal El-Shaikh Other films featuring the actress as a mother include The Flowers Sellers (1959) written and directed by Mahmoud Ismail where, again, she joined Tahia Karioka and Shukri Sarhan. Another such role was in Ezz El-Dine Zulficars Back Again (Rodd Qalbi, 1959), where she portrayed a mother to Ali Abdul Wahed (Shukri Sarhan) and Hussein Abdul Wahed (Salah Zulfikar) Karima Mokhtar (1934-2017) Her best known role was that of Zeinab, wife of Abdel Moneim Madbouly and a mother of seven, in the highly successful film Al-Hafeed (The Grandson, 1974), opposite the late Nour El-Sharif and Mervat Amin. She presented the character of Souad Hosnis mother in the Amira My Love (1974), a film directed by Hasan Al Imam to the screenplay by Salah Jaheen. Karima Mokhtar's role in the classic play El-Eyal Kebret (The Kids Have Grown Up, 1979) where she played Zeinab, a wife dealing with a cheating husband while coping with four troublesome children cemented her reputation as the ultimate mother character in the Egyptian art scene. She also starred in other important films including Al-Shaytan Yaez (The Devil Preaches, 1981), opposite the late Farid Shawki; and more recently, Al-Farah (The Wedding, 2009), opposite Khaled El-Sawy. Her roles on TV included classic soap operas such as Yetraba Fi Ezo (May He Grow Up Prosperous, 2007) in which she was Mama Nona, a mother spoiling her son portrayed by Yehia El-Fakharany. Dalal Abdel-Aziz (1960-2021) The late star is considered one of the most important actresses who succeeded in embodying the roles of mothers, especially in the last years of her artistic life. One of her best known roles is that of a mother to Yasmine (Maya Shiha) in 2011 film A Girl's Secret. The story of sixteen-year-old Yasmin, whose out-of-wedlock pregnancy sparked a lot of controversies among the films viewers. She also embodied the role of the mother in the movie Neither Retreat nor Surrender (2010), starring Ahmed Mekki. In 2017 TV series Seventh Neighbor, Dalal Abdel-Aziz was in the leading role of a character named Lamia, a mother closely attached to her children, with who she shares all her joys and sadness. One of the famed scenes of the series is when Lamia sings and dances with her children. Abla Kamel Born in 1960, Abla Kamels portrayals of mothers differs from other actresses, as she often infused the role of a strong mother figure with comedic elements. Her most famous works are the TV series I Won't Live in My Father's Robes (1996) in which she starred opposite Noul Al-Sharif; and Morning and Evening Talk (2001), based on a novel by Nobel Laureate Naguib Mahfouz with a same title (1987) and starring Dalal Abdulaziz, Salwa Khattab and Ahmed Zaher. She also played the role of the mother Faransa in the movie Ellembi (2002) starring Mohamed Saad. In Sayed Al-Atefi (Sayed the Romantic, 2005) Abla Kamel portrayed Um Sayed / Hanifa who raises her son portrayed by Tamer Hosni after his father died. To face the lifes burdent she works a taxi driver, while her son gets fired from his college. -------- This article is based on works published by Ashraf Gharib (Ahram Online) and Maha Mohamed (Ahram Arabic) Search Keywords: Short link: The Ministry of Health is making sure everyone is vaccinated against the coronavirus. Although the epidemiological status of the coronavirus in Egypt is stable, the Ministry of Health and Population is intensifying its campaign against the virus. It is targeting all citizens above the age of 12 to get vaccinated,getting either the first two shots or boosters. The second phase of the ministrys campaign which started this month and will last for one month targets the governorates of Sharqiya, Daqahliya, Kafr Al-Sheikh, Damietta, and Aswan. According to Hossam Abdel-Ghaffar, the ministrysspokesman, the campaign aims at reaching the publicat home. The mission is being accomplished via highly equipped and well-trained teams with the highest level of efficiency to vaccinate citizens and register them in the electronic system for vaccination against Covid-19, Abdel-Ghaffar said. He noted that the campaign was in accordance with President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisis directives to increase Covid-19 vaccination coverage all over the country. The current version of the Covid-19 vaccine is safe and effective againstall the new strains and its different mutants, he confirmed. In the first phase of the ministrys campaign, covering the governorates of Menoufiya, Minya, Assiut, Qena, and Qalioubiya, 6,367,000 people were vaccinated at more than 2,500 mobile and fixed vaccination centres, Abdel-Ghaffar said. AmrKandil, deputy to the minister of health and population for preventive diseases affairs, told Al-Ahram Weekly that the campaign is scheduled to runin each governorate for four weeks. The third and fourth phases are to start in April and May and will include the remaining governorates. Forty-one million people in Egypthave been vaccinated against the virus since 2021, including those who received the first shots and boosters. Fifty-six million doses are still available, Kandil said. He saidAssiut governorate recorded the highest number of people who received the vaccine. The dominant strain of the coronavirus currently in Egypt is the Omicron variantwhich is more contagious despite showing milder symptoms, Kandil said. According to the latest statisticsby the World Health Organisation (WHO) issued on 16 March, the number of confirmed cases worldwide is 760 million, whereas confirmed deathsare more than 6.8 million. The number of vaccines is more than 13 billion. At the same time, the WHO reported that it has recorded 4.1 million new infections and 28,000 deaths from the coronavirus from 13 February to 12 March. Overall, there has been a decrease in infections and deaths by 40 per cent and 57 per cent, respectively, compared to the previous month, the WHO report said. * A version of this article appears in print in the 23 March, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: A meeting in Sharm El-Sheikh on Sunday between representatives of the Palestinian Authority (PA), Israel, Egypt, the US, and Jordan aimed to promote de-escalation and prevent further flare-ups of violence through incitement, incendiary statements, and other provocative actions. This weeks meeting built on the outcomes of a similar one in Aqaba in February, with participants reaffirming the commitments they made: to stop unilateral actions, uphold unchanged the historical status quo at the holy sites in Jerusalem and take steps to reduce tensions ahead of the holy month of Ramadan. In addition, they agreed to pursue confidence-building measures to generate a political environment conducive to the discussion of pending issues through direct dialogue. According to a statement issued by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, the Israeli government and PA reiterated their readiness to act to end unilateral actions for three to six months, including an Israeli commitment to stop discussions of new settlement construction for four months and to halt the issuing of permits for new settlement outposts for six months. The statement also said Palestinian and Israeli representatives reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to all previous agreements between them, in particular, the legal right of the Palestinian National Authority to carry out security responsibilities in Area (A) of the West Bank, in accordance with existing agreements and agreed to work together towards realising this objective. Participants agreed to create a mechanism to facilitate the steps needed to improve the economic conditions of the Palestinian people, as laid out in previous agreements, and to significantly improve the PAs financial circumstances. The mechanism will report back to the five parties in a follow-up meeting scheduled next month. Although the news from Sharm El-Sheikh was heartening, the developments that followed cast doubt on the seriousness of the Israeli governments commitments. Speaking at a ceremony in Paris on Sunday, Israels far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said there is no such a thing as a Palestinian people, Palestinian history or Palestinian language. The remarks immediately triggered an outcry. They are inflammatory and unacceptable, said Egyptian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid. Their racist connotations and clear denial of historical and geographical facts not only provoke tension and anger among Palestinians, but are repulsive to all people of conscience. As Abu Zeid pointed out, Smotrichs statements undermined de-escalation efforts ahead of Ramadan which this year coincides with Christian and Jewish religious holidays, all of which embody the ideas of tolerance, peace and respect for the other. In addition to obstructing the Sharm El-Sheikh process and efforts to restore calm, Smotrich seemed intent on compounding the crisis beyond the current Palestinian-Israeli confrontation. During the Paris ceremony, Smotrich spoke of a map of an expanded Israel whose borders encompassed the West Bank and parts of Jordan. Jordanian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Sinan Majali said that the Israeli ministers actions represent reckless incitement that is a violation of international norms and the Jordanian-Israeli peace treaty. Observers in Cairo said that Smotrichs remarks reflected Israels intention to backtrack on its commitments in Sharm El-Sheikh. Several sources in Cairo familiar with developments predicted that the Israeli government will deliberately inflame tensions in the occupied Palestinian territories and occupied Jerusalem in an attempt to undermine Washington, the guarantor of the outputs of the summit. Although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has spoken with US President Joe Biden by phone, the conversation did little to thaw the ice between them. Another major source of tensions between the US and Israel is the Israeli judiciary crisis precipitated by the Netanyahu government. Israel has been swept by waves of mass protest and the polarisation has reached the point where some observers are speaking of civil war. Recent communications between the US and Israel have also covered a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, yet another area where the US has made no headway. According to Egyptian sources, Washingtons immediate priorities are the internal crisis in Israel and defusing the situation in the Palestinian territories to avert an even worse explosion that the one triggered by Israels raid of Huwwara. Sources in Cairo also predict repercussions from the assassination operation targeting the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) leader Ali Ramzi Al-Aswad in the Damascus suburb of Qudssaya. In an implicit acknowledgement of Israeli responsibility for the assassination, Netanyahu opened his weekly cabinet meeting saying that Israel would get to the terrorists and the architects of terror everywhere. PIJ officials have vowed to avenge Al-Aswads murder which could set off another round of escalation between Israel and the Palestinian resistance in Gaza which could spread to the West Bank and occupied Jerusalem. Despite the challenges it faces with the Knesset votes on controversial legislation extending government control of the judiciary, the Netanyahu coalition is holding together, Said Okasha, an expert at the Al-Ahram Centre for Political and Strategic Studies, told Al-Ahram Weekly. This will remain the case unless a party such as Shas withdraws from the coalition, and there is a precedent for such a situation, he said. Okasha pointed out, however, that this would put the opposition, which would assume power, in a predicament given it contains both conservative religious and liberal secularist parties which disagree over many issues. It would be difficult to sustain the stability of a government of that sort. In Okashas opinion, regardless of what befalls the Netanyahu government or its successor if it falls, all scenarios point to things spiralling out of control both inside Israel and between the Israelis and Palestinians. * A version of this article appears in print in the 23 March, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: Even before the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin accusing him of war crimes, possibilities for a negotiated political settlement of the Russian-Ukrainian war were very slim. After the ICC decision, there is no such possibility at all while Putin is still in power. The Russian president and Russias childrens commissioner, Maria Lvova-Belova, are accused of overseeing the forcible transfer of thousands of children, according to the ICC statement: there are reasonable grounds to believe that each suspect bears responsibility for the war crime of unlawful deportation of population and that of unlawful transfer of population from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation. ICC officials gave strong indications that they are going to proceed with the arrest warrants as a way of deterring further violations: the conduct addressed in the present situation is allegedly ongoing, and the public awareness of the warrants may contribute to the prevention of the further commission of crimes. Speaking in London on Monday, Karim Khan, the ICC prosecutor, said that the world needs to have the stamina to enforce international law by trying those accused of war crimes in Ukraine. This is a moment of crisis, Khan said. I dont think that is hyperbole We need to have the stamina to deliver on justice. He also pled for extra cash to pursue Russian war crimes in Ukraine during the London conference, co-hosted by the UK and the Dutch government and aimed at raising cash to fund the ICCs war crimes investigatory work inside Ukraine. Yet despite the fanfare, the probability of a trial while President Putin remains in power is very low, because the ICC cannot try defendants in absentia. Russia mocked the warrants, declaring them not worth the price of the paper they were printed on, noting that it is not a party to the ICC. Nonetheless, there is no escaping the fact that the arrest warrant deepens the isolation of the Russian president even if it is not implemented. The international reaction also shows a split between the West and the Global South. While most Western capitals welcomed the ICCs move, the majority in the Global South ignored or criticised the decision. The French Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement: No one responsible for crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine, regardless of their status, should escape justice. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz welcomed the ICC decision: The International Criminal Court is the right institution to investigate war crimes... The fact is that nobody is above the law and thats whats becoming clear right now, Scholz said at a joint news conference in Tokyo with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. But at the EU level, the European bloc failed to issue a joint statement on the ICC decision after opposition from Hungary. Due to Budapests veto, the EUs chief diplomat, Josep Borrell, issued a statement. The EU sees the decision by the ICC as a beginning of the process of accountability and holding Russian leaders to account for the crimes and atrocities they are ordering, enabling, or committing in Ukraine, Borrell said in the statement published on Sunday evening. On Monday, EU justice ministers issued their statement in support of the ICC decision, which Hungary, again, refused to sign. US President Joe Biden said that Putin committed war crimes and that the ICC move was justified. The US, like Russia, is not a member of the ICC. In the past, America did not cooperate with the court in cases against leaders or officials accused of war crimes or crimes against humanity. Although there are calls by some human rights organisations for the US administration to give the ICC evidence collected by US intelligence in Ukraine related to war crimes or crimes against humanity, there is hesitation in the White House, the US State Department, and the Pentagon for fear of setting a precedent that may be used against America in the future. I think the ICC decision is justified, Biden said. But the question is its not recognised internationally by us either. But I think it makes a very strong point. The ICC has only indicted two sitting leaders, Sudans former president Omar Al-Bashir and Libyas Muammar Gaddafi. Although it is unlikely that the Russian president will stand before the ICC unless there are dramatic developments inside Russia, the arrest warrant complicates Putins movement and makes his travel abroad risky. If Putin were to travel to a country that is a signatory to the ICC, that country is obliged to arrest him. Putin does not travel extensively but in the next few weeks, he and top Russian officials will have to decide whether the Russian president can attend a summit in South Africa, a country that is a signatory to the ICC charter. South Africa, a Russian ally, will host the BRICS summit of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa in the summer. We are, as the government, cognisant of our legal obligation. However, between now and the summit we will remain engaged with various relevant stakeholders, a spokesperson for the South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, said on Sunday. In the past, South Africa has ignored arrest warrants including one for Omar Al-Bashir, who visited the country in 2015. Al-Bashir was also able to travel to other ICC member states including Chad, Djibouti, Jordan, Kenya, Malawi, and Uganda, which all refused to arrest him. Although some European officials see the ICC warrant as a symbolic move from a legal point of view, due to the difficulties of bringing Putin to answer the case against him in a dock in the Hague, the arrest warrant is not symbolic from a political point of view. The decision means diminishing prospects for any peace talks with Russia while Putin is still in power. The calculations of Washington and its European allies may be that the ICC move will pave the way to strengthening a group within the Russian elite that sees Putin as an obstacle to any possible settlement, which opens the door to defections at the top of Russias political establishment and security services. The war crimes accusations against Putin also render Chinese mediation meaningless, and it puts the Chinese leadership in a difficult position. It was remarkable that the ICC decision was made only two days before Chinese President Xi Jinpings visit to Moscow, his first since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This bolsters up the argument of Russian officials that the ultimate goal of America and its European allies is regime change in Russia. But Americas experiences with regime change in the past were catastrophic, especially with the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the US invasion of Iraq this week. This may be the main consolation for the Russian regime, as there does not seem to be an appetite in Russia for regime change at the hands of external powers. The elite surrounding Putin has warned that the West wants to destroy Russia and dismantle it into several states and seize its wealth. Many Russians believe this, which means that the fighting will continue until a change in the balance of power occurs that forces one party to make the necessary concessions to stop the war. * A version of this article appears in print in the 23 March, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow is the title of painter Eman Hakims retrospective exhibition (16-22 March), held at the vast, two-storey Salah Taher Gallery on the Opera House grounds to coincide with International Womens Day. It includes 87 paintings reflecting the artists journey since her debut exhibition in 2006 and up until this year. This is the 15th solo exhibition by the prolific artist who also participated in many group exhibitions in Egypt and internationally, and it uses a palette of predominantly warm hues more or less unchanged since the start of her career. Born in Menia in 1968, the artists visual memory is saturated with the warmth of middle Egypt and its beautiful landscape. Egyptian women have always been my primal influence. Women in my paintings are always depicted as the heroes who lead and encourage people around them, Hakim said. That women are the focus of her lifes work is clear from the exhibition, where there is hardly a mans face. Her expressionist style employing oil and pastel show only women with birds and flowers. The exhibition shows work form the 2019 exhibition The Dame, which showed women through the ages and in myth using the format of red and black playing cards. Here there is an image of young women happily playing cards at a table. There is also a set of ten portraits of women in different moods, reflecting moments of power, melancholy and meditation. Asked about her future plans, Hakim says said she hopes to start a new phase where women are depicted differently. I need some kind of change. It might be a deconstruction of my carefully painted elements. I might start using a different palette or a simplified technique. I actually started working on some sketch like paintings using pastels, and it is starting to look a new start *** The Zagazig-born sculptor Samaa Yehias new Samah Art Gallery exhibition Sargi Margi (5-19 March) features 27 bronze and one wood sculptures drawing on social life and cultural lore. Yehias work often draws on the home lives of women and children, and her Dough Dolls exhibition took place at the Al Bab Gallery on the Opera House grounds in 2021. Her focus on Egyptian folklore is supplemented by a masters degree in the aesthetics of Middle Asia and PhD on popular painting in Hindu culture across South Asia. All these elements result in an overwhelming sense of joy emanating from the pieces in the present exhibition, which immediately awaken the viewers inner child. It took the artist a year and a half to complete the collection on display, named for a popular song: The popular song first started as a way to take attendance at an Ottoman farm. It later became a way for children queueing up at the door of the Mar Girgis church to ask for medical treatment and food. Years later, it became a lullaby sung by Muslim grandmothers who added some words that reflect their wish to visit the Kaaba and the Prophet Muhammads shrine, and finally it turned into a popular song for children to sing while playing in Cairos alleys. Drawing on this, I attempt to create a personal history in bronze, to make it more flexible, and to produce bronze sculptures that can run, play and jump in the vacuum. The exhibits feature surreal human figures, with one piece, for example, showing two children mounting a play horse that evokes the cloth-covered provincial homemade play horses. Setti, or Granny, is a symbolic tribute to the artists grandmother who used to sing her the song. Another piece features a human whose lower half is a tree holding a rose, and it has a thick base of wood. After graduating from the Faculty of Art Education in Zamalek in 2000, the artist embarked on a painting career, not shifting to sculpture until much later. I was drawn to the full freedom, the unlimited space afforded by sculpture, she says. Yehia then participated in various international sculpture events including the 25th Concorso di Pittura Contemporanea in Collonella, Italy in 2013, and Expo Milano, Italy in 2015. In my recurrent visits to Italy from 2012 to 2015, I was very influenced and inspired by postwar European art. It is a time when artists used whatever materials they had to express themselves and make fantastic sculptures. Unlike traditional bronze sculptures, which look heavy and have limited tones, these exhibits look light, lively and feature a very wide range of tones reflected by the integration of other materials such as copper and scrap iron. I produced some wood sculptures before, but due to the materials heaviness and inflexibility, I felt it was not optimal for reflecting my ideas and I shifted to bronze in 2020. Then I discovered a technique called neo-brutalism, based on the brutalism that thrived in Europe through the 1950s after WWII, which aims to disorient and shock the viewer into a sense of delight. This unusual technique involves grafting various materials onto each other. * A version of this article appears in print in the 23 March, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: Today marks the birth anniversary of Ashiq Alasgar, a luminary of Azerbaijani poetry and a shining embodiment of Goycha ashiq school. In relation to the birth of the artist, Western Azerbaijan Community released a statement. "As humanity celebrates today World Poetry Day, and on the auspicious occasion of Novruz - a holiday imbued with the values of peace, reconciliation, and humanism - Azerbaijanis displaced from Western Azerbaijan hold a special appreciation in their hearts," the statement said. Born in 1821 in Aghkilsa village of the Goycha District of Iravan Khanate, Ashiq Alasgar honed his craft under the tutelage of Ashiq Ali, another great master of the Goycha ashiq school. "With his unparalleled artistic and aesthetic mastery, Ashiq Alasgar breathed new life into the millennia-old traditions of ashiq art, creating works that harmoniously reflected the spirit of his people. His deeply evocative and patriotic creativity, infused with a love for his mother language and native nature, stands as a shining testament to the limitless possibilities of expression. His literary contributions, characterized by philosophical depth and poetic lyricism, have become an integral part of the canon of Azerbaijani literature," said the statement. According to the Community, Ashiq Alasgar formed a school of devoted and talented students, and his legacy inspired future generations of celebrated poets, writers and readers alike. His poetry helped Azerbaijani Ashiq art earn a place on the list of protected world intangible cultural heritage. Thanks to the tireless efforts of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, the rich poetic heritage of Ashiq Alasgar has been extensively promoted. Celebrations of the artist's 150th jubilee were held at the highest levels of state, and a monument was erected to honor his memory in the village where he was born, located in the Goycha district of Western Azerbaijan. The celebration of the 200th anniversary of Ashiq Alasgar by the Decree of Ilham Aliyev, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the inclusion of Ashiq art in the list of the intangible cultural heritage of UNESCO at the initiative of First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva played a crucial role in perpetuating Ashiq Alasgar's work as the universal value. "However, with a heavy heart, it should be noted that the Armenian government destroyed Ashiq Alasgar's monument, as well as most of the Azerbaijani cultural heritage left there. While we, the Azerbaijanis who were expelled from Armenia, celebrate Ashiq Alasgar's birthday as a day of cherishing his legacy as the universal treasure, we also mourn on this day our destroyed cultural heritage in Western Azerbaijan," the statement said. "We are still unable to visit Ashiq Alasgar's tomb, nor any of our other cultural heritage sites, holy places, and cemeteries that we had to leave behind in Armenia. Our pleas to the international community for access to these sites remained unanswered. We are still waiting for an answer to our appeal to Charles Michel, the President of the Council of the European Union, which sent a mandated mission to Armenia to implement confidence-building measures Repeated appeals by the Azerbaijani public to UNESCO requesting the latter to send a mission to Armenia to monitor the state of the Azerbaijani cultural heritage there, remain unanswered. Armenia's ethnic cleansing has not only caused damage to Azerbaijan's cultural monuments but also its intangible heritage such as the art of Ashiq, which is recognized by UNESCO as the cultural heritage of humanity. Therefore, facilitating the safe and dignified return of Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia is a task for mankind in terms of restoration and safeguarding the cultural heritage that has been destroyed and endangered by Armenia. "Considering all these, we renew our appeal to the international community to help the Azerbaijanis expelled from the territory of Armenia to return to their homes in a safe and dignified manner within the framework of the international process and to ensure their individual and collective rights after returning, as well as to assist in restoring the destroyed Azerbaijani cultural heritage there," the statement added. In addition, the Community demands that the Armenian government immediately stop the destruction of Azerbaijani cultural heritage there. The Community also calls on UNESCO to assess the state of cultural heritage belonging to Azerbaijanis on the territory of Armenia, including the preparation of a list of the pieces of cultural heritage that have been damaged and obliterated, and to ensure that the Armenian government fulfills its obligation to restore and protect them. Russian President Vladimir Putin greeted his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping at the Kremlin Monday, telling him that he welcomes Beijing's peace plan to resolve Russia's war against Ukraine and signaling to Western leaders the extent of what they call their "limitless" friendship. Putin said he viewed the Beijing peace plan with respect. But it has little chance of enactment as proposed because it does meet key demands from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy -- namely, that Russia withdraw from Ukraine to honor its internationally recognized borders, including the Crimean Peninsula that Moscow illegally annexed in 2014 and the eastern Ukrainian regions Russian forces invaded in February of last year. The Chinese leader's three-day visit to Moscow gives both Xi and Putin a public show of partnership in opposing what both see as American domination of global affairs. Their growing alliance also facilitates economic deals, such as shipment of Russian oil and natural gas to China at a time when the U.S. and its Western allies have imposed widespread sanctions to curb Russia's foreign business transactions in retaliation for its Ukraine invasion. In opening remarks before their closed-door talks, Putin said Russia was "slightly envious" of China's rapid development in recent decades that have boosted it to become the world's second largest economy behind the U.S. Over dinner on Monday, Putin will likely give Xi a "detailed explanation" of Moscow's actions in Ukraine, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. The spokesman said that broader talks on a range of subjects are scheduled Tuesday and involve officials from both countries. Ahead of the visit, in an article published in the Chinese People's Daily newspaper, Putin described Xi's visit as a "landmark event" that "reaffirms the special nature of the Russia-China partnership." The Russian leader specifically said the meeting sent a message to Washington that the two countries aren't prepared to accept attempts to weaken them. "The U.S. policy of simultaneously deterring Russia and China, as well as all those who do not bend to the American diktat, is getting ever fiercer and more aggressive," he wrote. Former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou will visit China next week, in what a spokesman called a bid to ease tensions between the self-ruled island and the mainland. Ma presided over a period of warm ties with Beijing, but left office under a cloud after a trade deal with the mainland failed to win approval amid the island's largest protests since the 1990s. Ma's proposed visit comes as China's People Liberation Army sends fighter jets towards Taiwan on a near daily basis, and as official communications between the two governments have broken off. China's ruling government claims Taiwan is part of its national territory, but Taiwan's current ruling government says it's already a sovereign state that is not part of China. Ma, whos a member of the opposition Nationalist Party (Kuomingtang), will lead a delegation of academics and students as well as his former presidential staffers from March 27 to April 7, his office said Sunday. The office of President Tsai Ing-wen said Ma had notified the office of his plans Monday and that they "hoped Ma, in his role as the former head of state... can show the value of Taiwan's democracy and freedom and the position of equality and dignity in cross-Straits exchanges." Gwanghwamun Plaza in downtown Seoul will be lit up to promote Korea's bid to bring the World Expo 2030 to Busan. The bid committee said Monday that the plaza will be decorated with multimedia and light installations to show what the expo is to the public, from March 30 until April 3. Experts from the Bureau International des Expositions will visit Busan to conduct an on-site inspection from April 2 to 7. The country's top conglomerates including Samsung, Hyundai and SK will also participate in the promotion to help Korea win the bid to hold the expo. Samsung rose to the No. 2 spot in Japan's smartphone market last year for the first time in two years. According to market researcher Strategy Analytics, Samsung's Galaxy phones accounted for 10.5 percent of the market, ranking second ahead of Sharp's 10.1 percent. But top-ranked Apple's iPhones took 56.1 percent in the style-conscious country. Japanese consumers prefer domestic brands over imports unless they are considered top of the range, and fractious ties between the two governments made matters worse. But as bilateral relations began to thaw late last year, Samsung and LG's market shares in Japan rose, and Korean start-ups also began to do business there. Korean electronics makers look forward to improved business in Japan, which has been a difficult market to penetrate. In 2017, Samsung's market share stood at just five percent but rose to a distant second place with 10.1 percent in 2020, only to be overtaken by Sharp and fall again to 9.7 percent in 2021. Signs of improvement began to appear in the first quarter of 2022, when Samsung's share edged up 1.7 percentage points on-year to 13.5 percent, the biggest in a decade. In 2013, Samsung took up 14.1 percent but still ranked third after Sony. Now the Korean electronics giant will resurrect the Samsung logo for the first time in eight years when the Galaxy S23 hits stores there early next month. Samsung ditched the logo on phones sold in Japan in 2015 and used the Galaxy brand name instead. LG is also expanding its presence in the island country with high-definition TVs. According to market researcher Omdia, LG accounted for 7.7 percent of Japan's OLED TV market in 2022, up 0.4 percentage point on-year in a market where Sony, Panasonic, Sharp and Toshiba rule supreme with a 90-percent share. Sales of LG's Styler, a refrigerator-sized machine that pumps steam to kill odor-producing bacteria and allergens in business suits, have grown rapidly since it was released there in 2017. Korean IT start-ups have also been taking root in Japan with localization strategies and competitive services. Exchanges of IT specialists between the two countries, which slowed significantly during the coronavirus pandemic, have shown signs of recovering recently as well. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Monday invited President Yoon Suk-yeol to the G7 Summit in Hiroshima in May. Presidential spokesman Lee Do-woon told reporters that the invitation is seen as a "positive outcome of the Korea-Japan summit" last week in Tokyo. Korea, Japan and the U.S. are apparently in talks to hold a three-way summit on the sidelines of the G7 meeting. Kishida, who is visiting New Delhi, said the leaders of Korea, Australia, Brazil, Indonesia, Morocco, Vietnam, and the Cook Islands as well as the heads of the International Monetary Fund and OECD have been invited to the G7 Summit. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lim Soo-suk said, "Through our government's participation in the G7 Summit, we expect to expand solidarity and cooperation with member countries that share universal values and to take part in efforts to resolve the complex and unprecedented global crisis." Mystery surrounds a man in military uniform who was pictured in the state media next to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as he watched a drill simulating a tactical nuclear attack on Monday. Unprecedentedly, the man's face has been pixelated out, sending observers into a frenzy of speculation. Judging by his uniform, the man is a two-star army general. To make the mystery complete, he is wearing sunglasses and a face mask. An intelligence source here offered little illumination. "He's presumed to be an official whose identity is being kept secret like the commander of a tactical nuclear operations unit," the source speculated. KYODO NEWS - Mar 21, 2023 - 10:26 | All, Japan A Japanese company has tapped into growing demand in Asia for fresh seafood, allowing overseas customers to use a smartphone app to order freshly caught fish from ports across Japan and ensuring hassle-free delivery. Uuuo, Inc., acting as an intermediary between sellers and buyers, recently delivered red seabream to Thailand in an initial foray into the global market, the Hiroshima-based company said in a press release. Overseas importers are able to utilize the app "Uuuo importer" to look through listed pictures of seafood from numerous ports in Japan as well as obtain information on the fishing method, landing date and delivery date, simplifying a procedure that often requires phone calls. The fish will be delivered after Uuuo arranges the dates and steps for transport with a third-party exporter. Importers are able to buy fresh fish from around 100 ports across Japan after obtaining daily information regarding the type of seafood available and its quantity. Uuuo is also exploring new production areas. Customers are additionally able to request certain types of fish not listed on the app, the company said. Japan's seafood exports last year rose to a record 387.3 billion yen ($2.91 billion), up 28.5 percent from a year earlier, supported by the yen's weakness as well as an increase in people flocking to restaurants amid an easing of COVID-19 restrictions. KYODO NEWS - Mar 21, 2023 - 06:34 | All, World U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday warned the international community not to be misled by Russia and China over the Ukraine war, as Chinese President Xi Jinping began a high-profile state visit in Moscow. Blinken said that any plan for ending the war must uphold Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity in accordance with the U.N. Charter. Efforts lacking such provisions, the top U.S. diplomat said, are merely seeking to promote an "unjust outcome." "The world should not be fooled by any tactical move by Russia, supported by China or any other country, to freeze the war on its own terms," he told reporters, shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed Xi warmly and the two shared a mutual greeting as "dear friend." Blinken also highlighted that Xi's three-day visit to the Russian capital, taking place just days after the issuing of an arrest warrant for Putin by the International Criminal Court, signals that Beijing "feels no responsibility to hold the Kremlin accountable for the atrocities committed in Ukraine." The comments were made as the administration of President Joe Biden has raised alarms over the possibility of Xi presenting himself as a peace broker and calling for a cease-fire between Russia and Ukraine. Blinken said such a proposal made by China last month would not be a "durable solution." He said it would only enable Putin to refit the Russian military and "then restart the war at a time more advantageous" to his country. On Monday, the U.S. government announced the authorization of further military aid to Ukraine to help it avoid running out of ammunition and better defend itself against Russia. The package, worth up to $350 million, will be the 34th drawdown of U.S. arms and equipment for Ukraine since August 2021. It includes more ammunition for multiple-launch High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, or HIMARS, as well as anti-radiation missiles and heavy fuel tankers. Later in the day, White House national security spokesman John Kirby spoke in a similar vein, urging Xi to press Putin to bring an immediate end to the bombing of Ukrainian cities and the carrying out of atrocities by Russian forces in the country. Kirby said he believes Putin sees Xi as a "lifeline of sorts for a war that he's conducting that has clearly not gone in anywhere near the direction he wanted it to go." "So it's a bit of a marriage of convenience," he said. "We will see where this goes after this meeting." The spokesman reiterated that keeping lines of communication open between Washington and Beijing is particularly important at a time when tensions are high. While regretting that military-to-military channels remain closed, he disclosed that the two countries are having discussions about a potential visit to China by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to talk about economic issues. In early February, Blinken abruptly postponed his planned visit to Beijing after Washington detected what it called a Chinese spy balloon traveling over sensitive areas of the continental United States. The trip, which was intended to be a follow-up on Biden and Xi's face-to-face talks in November, would have been the first visit to China by a ministerial-level official from Washington since the current U.S. administration's inception in 2021. Kirby said the U.S. government is still interested in working toward having Blinken in Beijing, and Biden is also prepared to have another conversation with Xi "at the most appropriate time." Related coverage: Xi vows to promote Ukraine peace talks as he meets with Putin KYODO NEWS - Mar 22, 2023 - 02:41 | World, All Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin stressed Tuesday that talks will be the means of resolving the Ukraine crisis as they met for the second day in Moscow and sought respect for the security concerns of all countries, according to Chinese media. Russia expressed its commitment to resuming peace talks as soon as possible, China's official Xinhua News Agency said. Putin said many provisions of a Chinese proposal made last month may serve as a foundation for settling the crisis when Western nations and Kyiv are ready. However, the Russian leader sounded pessimistic about any pause in fighting in the near future, saying Ukraine and Western nations are not ready to accept the Chinese proposal, which called for a comprehensive cease-fire but did not include calls for Moscow to withdraw troops. The two countries also expressed opposition to unilateral sanctions imposed on Moscow by Western nations over the Ukraine crisis, according to Chinese media. Xi and Putin, who reaffirmed last year that their bilateral friendship has "no limits," held negotiations Tuesday involving ministers and business leaders of the two countries, following a one-on-one meeting the previous day that lasted for more than four hours. They signed two joint statements -- one on strengthening their comprehensive partnership and strategic relations and the other on a plan to develop key areas of bilateral economic cooperation through 2030, according to Chinese and Russian media. In a position paper released on the first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Beijing also showed consideration for Kyiv's position, saying, "The sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries must be effectively upheld." However, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned Monday that China's proposal would not be a "durable solution," saying it would only enable Putin to refit the Russian military and "then restart the war at a time more advantageous" to his country. The Wall Street Journal has recently reported that Xi is planning to hold a virtual meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after the Chinese leader's trip to Russia. Xi visited Russia just days after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin over alleged war crimes in a show of support for the Russian leader over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Earlier Tuesday, Xi met with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and said he has invited Putin to visit China for a forum on Beijing's signature Belt and Road infrastructure initiative to be held later this year, according to Chinese and Russian media. The Chinese leader said the invitation was made during his talks with Putin the previous day and also called for regular meetings between the Chinese premier and the Russian prime minister, sending an invitation to visit China to Mishustin as well, the reports said. Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov said Tuesday that Putin could visit China this year, Russia's Tass news agency reported. Xi told the Russian prime minister that Beijing is ready to expand cooperation with Moscow on trade, investment, supply chains, mega projects, energy and high tech, according to Xinhua. The Chinese leader showed willingness to promote practical cooperation between the two countries during his talks with Putin, Xinhua said. The Russian president was eager to deepen bilateral economic cooperation through such projects as the construction of a new natural gas pipeline linking the two countries and a boost in Moscow's food exports to Beijing. Related coverage: Xi vows to promote Ukraine peace talks as he meets with Putin Blinken urges world not to be "fooled" by China-backed Russia By Rosi Byard-Jones, KYODO NEWS - Mar 21, 2023 - 13:20 | Arts, All, Feature Plays by three women from Japan were performed in London in January in an initiative to introduce overseas audiences to some of the country's best up-and-coming dramatists. While Japan may be better known to foreign theatergoers for its kabuki dramas than its contemporary plays, the British and Japanese theater companies behind the initiative hoped to nurture the talent of 14 young Japanese playwrights, with each writer having their work translated into English for potential performance on the London stage. In the first fruit of the collaboration between the Royal Court Theatre and New National Theatre Tokyo, the translated plays by three of these writers -- Saori Chiba, Shoko Matsumura and Tomoko Kotaka -- were performed on three consecutive nights in late January. During the performances, actors read their lines after only a few days of rehearsals in the "script-in-hand" format. On one night, all three were shown together, and on another, two were shown. The brevity of the plays' runs, however, was in stark contrast to the time it has taken to get the "New Plays: Japan" series up and running. The initiative was launched in 2017, and the plays by each of the 14 playwrights were written between 2019 and 2021. But the COVID-19 pandemic brought delays while getting them to the stage also faced the challenge of an intense translation process that saw scripts go through numerous drafts. While it is hoped that each play will strike a chord with overseas audiences, their subject matter is diverse. Chiba's "Onigorou Valley" is a supernatural folk horror set seven years after the March 11, 2011 Fukushima triple disaster and deals with the lasting consequences of its aftermath. It was translated by Susan Momoko Hingley, who also performed in the play. "28 hours 01 minute," written by Matsumura (translated by Sayuri Suzuki) depicts a woman expecting her first child and the strange sequence of events that unfold on the night that her neighbor visits with a gift of tangerines. Kotaka's "Not Yet Midnight" (also translated by Suzuki) shows how a nighttime power outage opens up moments of pause across one bustling city for disparate groups of people -- from a couple on the verge of breaking up to three employees who have their hands in the company till. Chiba's depiction of two nuclear decontamination workers who come across a supernatural realm in the hills above Fukushima aims to challenge existing 3/11 narratives by showing a multitude of perspectives. Born and raised in Fukushima, where she still lives today, Chiba was an actor working in small Japanese theaters -- such as those in Tokyo's Shimokitazawa district -- before joining the "New Plays: Japan" initiative. When she applied to participate at 35, the age limit for the program, she had no previous experience with playwriting but was inspired by her belief that key aspects of the post-3/11 story had been passed over in other plays written about it. "From the beginning, I knew I wanted to write about Fukushima," Chiba said in an interview with Kyodo News. "Because this topic comes with so many large-scale social and political problems, I wanted to write about the people who have fallen between the cracks and are forgotten about within these arguments." Matsumura's work deals with themes of birth, gender roles and motherhood, and grew out of Matsumura's own experience of expecting her first child and concerns about whether she could continue her career as a new mother. She has written and directed since 2014 and is also an actor. Like Chiba and Matsumura, Kotaka had experience as an actor in smaller theaters before starting to write in 2015. Her signature writing style is based around the "short and small utterances" of natural, everyday conversations. When working on a play, she often draws inspiration from sitting in cafes and overhearing snatches of peoples' dialogue. She said she was aware of how that style made it a challenge to translate her work for a foreign audience. "I thought that the small sentences in my plays would make sense to Japanese audiences because of their given cultural understanding...so I was curious to know what parts of my work could and could not be translated into English," she said. The RCT's international associate director Sam Pritchard believes as a set the three plays highlighted how the joint project with NNTT allowed for an exchange and exploration of different Anglo-Japanese theatrical traditions, rather than either side "teaching" or "imposing" their practices on the other. Pritchard also said the initiative complements the RCT's ethos as a self-styled "writers' theater," specializing exclusively in new works by contemporary playwrights worldwide. "Our aim is always the same really, which is to develop relationships with the most distinct and exciting writers wherever they might be working, at whatever stage in their career...that was something the NNTT was also interested in," Pritchard said. Eriko Ogawa, artistic director at the NNTT, which hosts a variety of performances from opera to regular stage plays, stressed the importance of promoting a new generation of playwrights and welcoming them into a major Japanese theater institution. "New Plays: Japan" was a first for the NNTT, she says, both as a project focusing on young playwrights and as a long-standing partnership with an international theater company. "This was a great opportunity for British audiences to hear the voices of young artists from Japan, to learn what they are doing and to see how they express themselves. This is clearly shown in these three plays," Ogawa said. She is also proud that the project created opportunities for women in the industry to be successful. Along with the three playwrights, all three directors -- Mingyu Lin, Ailin Conant and Dadiow Lin -- and many others working on the project were women. While Ogawa expressed admiration for aspects of Japanese culture that have found mainstream appeal abroad -- from the traditional arts to anime -- she hopes that "New Plays: Japan" has provided an exciting introduction to the thoughts and ideas of young Japanese writers. "I'd really like to know what British audiences connect and respond to," Ogawa said. "At our end, we are really looking forward to seeing their reactions." Zoe Frechin-Pollard, an audience member who studied Japanese at the University of Leeds and has an avid interest in theater and script-writing, said the three plays left a strong impression. In particular, she enjoyed the angst-ridden surrealism of Matsumura's "28 hours 01 minute." "It had so much to say about the fear, loneliness and rage that comes with womanhood, while maintaining an ambivalence to its subject matter...The actors were fantastic, too!" she said. An armed man has been detained in Baku, Azernews reports per Azerbaijan's Internal Ministry. According to the ministry, he was detained on the territory of the Sabunchu district of Baku. "As a result of operational measures carried out by employees of the 13th unit of the Sabunchu District Police Department, based on the information received, a previously convicted resident of the city, S. Ibrahimov, was detained. During the inspection, a Makarov pistol with an erased number, three cartridges and about 7 grams of methamphetamine were found and seized," the statement said. This file photo taken on May 9, 1963 shows local farmers checking the conditions of water flow along an underground channel in Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Located at the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains, Turpan in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is one of the driest and hottest places in China, with an average annual precipitation of only 16 millimeters and evaporation of up to 3,000 millimeters. In order to make this vast Gobi into a comfortable and livable oasis, the local people found new way as water reserve in karez well, an invention that provides water source from generations on. The karez wells consists of vertical shafts and subterranean canals that surface in the form of ditches and small ponds. The karez irrigation system, composed of vertical shafts, subterranean and ground canals, and small reservoirs, was built 2,000 years ago and is considered one of China's greatest surviving ancient man-made structures, along with the Great Wall and the Grand Canal. Over the years, the local government has mobilized and organized the broad masses of farmers to protect the karez wells, and a joint force is formed to protect and make better use of the karez wells. An important agricultural heritage, the karez wells are still playing an important role in local agricultural irrigation and even social life. (Xinhua/Li Yifang) A tourist views a model of karez wells at a scenic spot of karez wells in Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 11, 2023. Located at the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains, Turpan in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is one of the driest and hottest places in China, with an average annual precipitation of only 16 millimeters and evaporation of up to 3,000 millimeters. In order to make this vast Gobi into a comfortable and livable oasis, the local people found new way as water reserve in karez well, an invention that provides water source from generations on. The karez wells consists of vertical shafts and subterranean canals that surface in the form of ditches and small ponds. The karez irrigation system, composed of vertical shafts, subterranean and ground canals, and small reservoirs, was built 2,000 years ago and is considered one of China's greatest surviving ancient man-made structures, along with the Great Wall and the Grand Canal. Over the years, the local government has mobilized and organized the broad masses of farmers to protect the karez wells, and a joint force is formed to protect and make better use of the karez wells. An important agricultural heritage, the karez wells are still playing an important role in local agricultural irrigation and even social life. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) Tourists visit a scenic spot of karez wells in Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 11, 2023. Located at the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains, Turpan in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is one of the driest and hottest places in China, with an average annual precipitation of only 16 millimeters and evaporation of up to 3,000 millimeters. In order to make this vast Gobi into a comfortable and livable oasis, the local people found new way as water reserve in karez well, an invention that provides water source from generations on. The karez wells consists of vertical shafts and subterranean canals that surface in the form of ditches and small ponds. The karez irrigation system, composed of vertical shafts, subterranean and ground canals, and small reservoirs, was built 2,000 years ago and is considered one of China's greatest surviving ancient man-made structures, along with the Great Wall and the Grand Canal. Over the years, the local government has mobilized and organized the broad masses of farmers to protect the karez wells, and a joint force is formed to protect and make better use of the karez wells. An important agricultural heritage, the karez wells are still playing an important role in local agricultural irrigation and even social life. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) Tourists visit a scenic spot of karez wells in Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 11, 2023. Located at the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains, Turpan in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is one of the driest and hottest places in China, with an average annual precipitation of only 16 millimeters and evaporation of up to 3,000 millimeters. In order to make this vast Gobi into a comfortable and livable oasis, the local people found new way as water reserve in karez well, an invention that provides water source from generations on. The karez wells consists of vertical shafts and subterranean canals that surface in the form of ditches and small ponds. The karez irrigation system, composed of vertical shafts, subterranean and ground canals, and small reservoirs, was built 2,000 years ago and is considered one of China's greatest surviving ancient man-made structures, along with the Great Wall and the Grand Canal. Over the years, the local government has mobilized and organized the broad masses of farmers to protect the karez wells, and a joint force is formed to protect and make better use of the karez wells. An important agricultural heritage, the karez wells are still playing an important role in local agricultural irrigation and even social life. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) This photo taken on March 11, 2023 shows a folk house in Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Located at the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains, Turpan in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is one of the driest and hottest places in China, with an average annual precipitation of only 16 millimeters and evaporation of up to 3,000 millimeters. In order to make this vast Gobi into a comfortable and livable oasis, the local people found new way as water reserve in karez well, an invention that provides water source from generations on. The karez wells consists of vertical shafts and subterranean canals that surface in the form of ditches and small ponds. The karez irrigation system, composed of vertical shafts, subterranean and ground canals, and small reservoirs, was built 2,000 years ago and is considered one of China's greatest surviving ancient man-made structures, along with the Great Wall and the Grand Canal. Over the years, the local government has mobilized and organized the broad masses of farmers to protect the karez wells, and a joint force is formed to protect and make better use of the karez wells. An important agricultural heritage, the karez wells are still playing an important role in local agricultural irrigation and even social life. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) Dredging workers dump mud from a karez well in Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 9, 2023. Located at the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains, Turpan in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is one of the driest and hottest places in China, with an average annual precipitation of only 16 millimeters and evaporation of up to 3,000 millimeters. In order to make this vast Gobi into a comfortable and livable oasis, the local people found new way as water reserve in karez well, an invention that provides water source from generations on. The karez wells consists of vertical shafts and subterranean canals that surface in the form of ditches and small ponds. The karez irrigation system, composed of vertical shafts, subterranean and ground canals, and small reservoirs, was built 2,000 years ago and is considered one of China's greatest surviving ancient man-made structures, along with the Great Wall and the Grand Canal. Over the years, the local government has mobilized and organized the broad masses of farmers to protect the karez wells, and a joint force is formed to protect and make better use of the karez wells. An important agricultural heritage, the karez wells are still playing an important role in local agricultural irrigation and even social life. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) A resident fetches water from the outlet of a karez well in Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 7, 2023. Located at the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains, Turpan in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is one of the driest and hottest places in China, with an average annual precipitation of only 16 millimeters and evaporation of up to 3,000 millimeters. In order to make this vast Gobi into a comfortable and livable oasis, the local people found new way as water reserve in karez well, an invention that provides water source from generations on. The karez wells consists of vertical shafts and subterranean canals that surface in the form of ditches and small ponds. The karez irrigation system, composed of vertical shafts, subterranean and ground canals, and small reservoirs, was built 2,000 years ago and is considered one of China's greatest surviving ancient man-made structures, along with the Great Wall and the Grand Canal. Over the years, the local government has mobilized and organized the broad masses of farmers to protect the karez wells, and a joint force is formed to protect and make better use of the karez wells. An important agricultural heritage, the karez wells are still playing an important role in local agricultural irrigation and even social life. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) This photo taken on March 7, 2023 shows the view of Aydingkol Lake in Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Located at the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains, Turpan in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is one of the driest and hottest places in China, with an average annual precipitation of only 16 millimeters and evaporation of up to 3,000 millimeters. In order to make this vast Gobi into a comfortable and livable oasis, the local people found new way as water reserve in karez well, an invention that provides water source from generations on. The karez wells consists of vertical shafts and subterranean canals that surface in the form of ditches and small ponds. The karez irrigation system, composed of vertical shafts, subterranean and ground canals, and small reservoirs, was built 2,000 years ago and is considered one of China's greatest surviving ancient man-made structures, along with the Great Wall and the Grand Canal. Over the years, the local government has mobilized and organized the broad masses of farmers to protect the karez wells, and a joint force is formed to protect and make better use of the karez wells. An important agricultural heritage, the karez wells are still playing an important role in local agricultural irrigation and even social life. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) This file photo taken in 1963 shows people maintaining a karez well in Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Located at the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains, Turpan in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is one of the driest and hottest places in China, with an average annual precipitation of only 16 millimeters and evaporation of up to 3,000 millimeters. In order to make this vast Gobi into a comfortable and livable oasis, the local people found new way as water reserve in karez well, an invention that provides water source from generations on. The karez wells consists of vertical shafts and subterranean canals that surface in the form of ditches and small ponds. The karez irrigation system, composed of vertical shafts, subterranean and ground canals, and small reservoirs, was built 2,000 years ago and is considered one of China's greatest surviving ancient man-made structures, along with the Great Wall and the Grand Canal. Over the years, the local government has mobilized and organized the broad masses of farmers to protect the karez wells, and a joint force is formed to protect and make better use of the karez wells. An important agricultural heritage, the karez wells are still playing an important role in local agricultural irrigation and even social life. (Xinhua/Wu Chunzhan) A farmer pours water fetched from karez wells to feed sheep in Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 7, 2023. Located at the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains, Turpan in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is one of the driest and hottest places in China, with an average annual precipitation of only 16 millimeters and evaporation of up to 3,000 millimeters. In order to make this vast Gobi into a comfortable and livable oasis, the local people found new way as water reserve in karez well, an invention that provides water source from generations on. The karez wells consists of vertical shafts and subterranean canals that surface in the form of ditches and small ponds. The karez irrigation system, composed of vertical shafts, subterranean and ground canals, and small reservoirs, was built 2,000 years ago and is considered one of China's greatest surviving ancient man-made structures, along with the Great Wall and the Grand Canal. Over the years, the local government has mobilized and organized the broad masses of farmers to protect the karez wells, and a joint force is formed to protect and make better use of the karez wells. An important agricultural heritage, the karez wells are still playing an important role in local agricultural irrigation and even social life. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) Tourists visit a folk park of karez wells in Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 12, 2023. Located at the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains, Turpan in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is one of the driest and hottest places in China, with an average annual precipitation of only 16 millimeters and evaporation of up to 3,000 millimeters. In order to make this vast Gobi into a comfortable and livable oasis, the local people found new way as water reserve in karez well, an invention that provides water source from generations on. The karez wells consists of vertical shafts and subterranean canals that surface in the form of ditches and small ponds. The karez irrigation system, composed of vertical shafts, subterranean and ground canals, and small reservoirs, was built 2,000 years ago and is considered one of China's greatest surviving ancient man-made structures, along with the Great Wall and the Grand Canal. Over the years, the local government has mobilized and organized the broad masses of farmers to protect the karez wells, and a joint force is formed to protect and make better use of the karez wells. An important agricultural heritage, the karez wells are still playing an important role in local agricultural irrigation and even social life. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) Dredging workers open the cover of a vertical shaft of a karez well in Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 9, 2023. Located at the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains, Turpan in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is one of the driest and hottest places in China, with an average annual precipitation of only 16 millimeters and evaporation of up to 3,000 millimeters. In order to make this vast Gobi into a comfortable and livable oasis, the local people found new way as water reserve in karez well, an invention that provides water source from generations on. The karez wells consists of vertical shafts and subterranean canals that surface in the form of ditches and small ponds. The karez irrigation system, composed of vertical shafts, subterranean and ground canals, and small reservoirs, was built 2,000 years ago and is considered one of China's greatest surviving ancient man-made structures, along with the Great Wall and the Grand Canal. Over the years, the local government has mobilized and organized the broad masses of farmers to protect the karez wells, and a joint force is formed to protect and make better use of the karez wells. An important agricultural heritage, the karez wells are still playing an important role in local agricultural irrigation and even social life. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) A 73-year-old man tells his grandson the story of building karez wells when he was a child in Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 7, 2023. Located at the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains, Turpan in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is one of the driest and hottest places in China, with an average annual precipitation of only 16 millimeters and evaporation of up to 3,000 millimeters. In order to make this vast Gobi into a comfortable and livable oasis, the local people found new way as water reserve in karez well, an invention that provides water source from generations on. The karez wells consists of vertical shafts and subterranean canals that surface in the form of ditches and small ponds. The karez irrigation system, composed of vertical shafts, subterranean and ground canals, and small reservoirs, was built 2,000 years ago and is considered one of China's greatest surviving ancient man-made structures, along with the Great Wall and the Grand Canal. Over the years, the local government has mobilized and organized the broad masses of farmers to protect the karez wells, and a joint force is formed to protect and make better use of the karez wells. An important agricultural heritage, the karez wells are still playing an important role in local agricultural irrigation and even social life. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) NANJING, March 20 (Xinhua) -- During the holidays, many young Chinese are eager to invite their friends to visit museum exhibitions and appreciate the charm of traditional culture. "Exhibition-watching socialization" has gradually emerged as a popular social activity for young people. According to the data released by Trip.com Group, from January to May in 2022, museums, art galleries and exhibition halls ranked fourth among the top 10 most popular scenic spots, and 25 percent of the museum reservations were made by people born after 1995. "Every time I go to the museum, I have the chance to meet many museum lovers. We also set up a WeChat group to share popular exhibition information and visit exhibitions together," said Zhou Xia, a 26-year-old citizen from Nanjing, capital of east China's Jiangsu Province. According to the data from National Cultural Heritage Administration, as of the end of 2022, the number of museums in China had doubled to 6,183 from 3,069 in 2012. With a growing number of young attendees, the museums have been launching creative products and services tailored to appeal to this demographic. Every morning, almost all the venues of Nanjing Museum are crowded with young tourists. They carefully select postcards and line up in a long queue, waiting to have them stamped with images of cultural relics collected at the museum. "Young people love collecting stamps, and the passion for stamps is also related to history and culture," said Lian Kai, deputy director of the cultural and creative product department of Nanjing Museum, noting that every time the museum launches a new exhibition, the images on the stamps are changed accordingly. This is warmly welcomed by the younger generation and vitalizes traditional culture. Many museums across the country have also launched cultural and creative products such as mystery boxes with an archaeology theme. Some boxes contain a soil sample with a miniature cultural relic inside, and collectors can dig through it with small shovels and other tools. On March 5, Wuxi Museum in Jiangsu launched an exhibition of archaeological relics from the Bronze Age. In addition to introducing stamps based on exhibits to attract young people, the local government will also launch a limited number of 1,000 digital collections of a sword dating back to the Spring and Autumn Period (770 B.C.-476 B.C.), with each digital copy priced at 59 yuan (about 8.6 U.S. dollars). Many traditional museums also utilized digital collectibles to appeal to more young people. They digitize their collectibles through original designs and sell them to consumers online, including music, animation, games, hand-made figures, to name a few. In 2022, a traditional artworks auction company in the eastern Chinese city Nanjing launched nine digital collectibles of painting and calligraphy cultural relics, with a total distribution of 45,000 copies. They were sold out in just two minutes, with a total sales volume of 2.7 million yuan. According to a report issued by the research firm iResearch, China's digital collectibles market reached 280 million yuan in 2021. "For museum cultural relics and exhibitions of museums, digital collectibles also meet the appetite of young people. It not only attracts the attention of many youths, but also encourages them to approach cultural relics, understand history and ignite their love for traditional Chinese culture," said Guo Daijing, a staff member of Wuxi Museum. NEW YORK, March 20 (Xinhua) -- Two decades after the United States invaded Iraq, 61 percent of Americans do not believe the country made the right decision by invading Iraq, according to a new Axios/Ipsos poll. "The chaos and destruction that followed the invasion have made a generation of Americans and their leaders more skeptical of the use of military force overseas, in particular in the Middle East," said an Axios report of the poll published last week. The invasion toppled a "brutal dictator" but "sparked 20 years of instability in Iraq, and damaged America's standing in the world," it noted. On March 17, 2003, then U.S. President George W. Bush issued an ultimatum that the United States would take military action if Iraqi President Saddam Hussein did not leave Iraq within 48 hours. On March 19, bombs began to fall on Baghdad. On March 20, the ground invasion commenced. The invasion was extremely controversial overseas, but highly popular then in the United States. A Pew poll in February 2003 found that 66 percent of Americans approved of the military action and only 26 percent disapproved. However, the Bush administration had justified the invasion on the grounds that Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction, which were never found. Fifty seven percent of Americans at the time also believed, falsely, that Saddam Hussein had played a role in the 9/11 attacks, per Pew. MOSCOW, March 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived here on Monday afternoon for a three-day state visit to Russia at the invitation of his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin. Many in Russia applaud the high-level development of China-Russia relations in recent years, and are eagerly looking forward to the visit. They expect deeper cooperation in politics, economy, trade, people-to-people and culture as well as new progress in bilateral ties in the new era and greater contribution to world development. HEAD-OF-STATE DIPLOMACY Exchanges between the two heads of state are the compass and anchor of China-Russia relations. Under their guidance, the China-Russia relationship is brimming with new dynamism and vitality, setting a fine example for developing a new model of major-country relations featuring mutual trust, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation. Russian officials and scholars believe that with Xi's visit to Russia, the two heads of state will work together for steady and sustained progress in bilateral cooperation, which will continuously benefit the people of the two countries. The Russian people respect President Xi very much and eagerly look forward to the old friend's visit, said Galina Kulikova, first deputy chairperson of the Russia-China Friendship Association. Kulikova has been engaged in Russian-Chinese public diplomacy for more than 65 years and was awarded the Friendship Medal, China's highest state honor. She said that Xi's visit shows that China attaches great importance to bilateral relations and will promote practical cooperation between the two countries. In March 2013, Xi chose Russia for his first trip abroad as Chinese president. Ten years later, Xi again picked Russia for his first overseas visit following his re-election. Since 2013, Xi and Putin have jointly blueprinted the development of bilateral ties and practical cooperation in various fields, held frank and in-depth exchanges of experiences in state governance, communicated and coordinated closely on major international issues, and attended multiple major events organized by each other. The two sides remain committed to building a multipolar world, advocate and practice true multilateralism, and have reached important strategic consensus on upgrading China-Russia relations, safeguarding regional security and stability, and building a community with a shared future for mankind. Xi's visit once again testifies to the importance of Russia-China relations and reaffirms that Russia and China will continue to practice true multilateralism, promote the construction of a multipolar world, enhance global governance, and contribute to world development, said Sergei Lukonin, head of the Department of Chinese Politics and Economics at the Institute of World Economy and International Relations of the Russian Academy of Sciences. BROAD COOPERATION Over the years, China and Russia have firmly supported each other in safeguarding their core interests, cooperation projects in key areas have been steadily implemented and landmark progress has been made in cross-border connectivity. In 2022, two-way trade hit a record high of 190.27 billion U.S. dollars. Xi's visit to Russia is widely perceived in Russia as a trip of cooperation to promote mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, deepen the synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Eurasian Economic Union, and help the two countries achieve their respective goals of development and revitalization. Andrei Gubin, an associate professor of the International Relations Department of Russia's Far Eastern Federal University, voiced the hope that the two countries will step up cooperation in freight transportation via railways and the Northern Sea Route as well as energy exports. Vitaly Mankevich, president of the Russian-Asian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, deemed Xi's visit "an important signal" that indicates the steady advance of the two countries' relations and proves bilateral cooperation "not subject to external influence." "For businesses, stability and a clear understanding of the prospects are important," he said. Having seen the fruit borne from the synergy between the BRI and the Eurasian Economic Union, Dmitry Novikov, deputy chairperson of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Russia, observed that the BRI has benefited dozens of countries and billions of people. "We see equal and mutually beneficial cooperation in this initiative. Its implementation promotes industrial development, increases personnel training, creates jobs, and raises living standards," said Novikov. CLOSER PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE EXCHANGES As a Chinese saying goes, "the key to sound relations between states lies in amity between the people, and the key to amity between the people lies in heart-to-heart exchange." China and Russia, both with deep cultural roots, share a long and fruitful history of people-to-people and cultural exchanges. Currently, Russians from different walks of life expect the Chinese president's visit to further deepen mutual trust and understanding, and consolidate the political foundation and public support for the friendship between the two peoples. Irina Zakharova, an Honored Art Worker of Russia who has multiple works on Chinese culture, believes that Xi's visit will certainly promote cultural exchanges and people-to-people bonding between the two countries. Both Russia and China enjoy splendid culture, each with its distinctive characteristics as well as similarities, she said, expressing her confidence that cultural activities such as folklore exhibitions and academic exchanges will further enhance mutual understanding. Recent years have witnessed ever closer exchanges between the two countries in such fields as science, education and culture. Evgeny Vlasov, vice president for international relations at the Far Eastern Federal University, said the government has sponsored 940 international students from China studying at Russian higher education institutions for this school year, and the number will continue to rise next year. Furthermore, China and Russia are each other's biggest neighbor, with hordes of tourists traveling across the border frequently. For many years, China has been a major source of tourists to Russia. In February, Russia received the first tourist group from the neighbor shortly after the restoration of China's outbound group travels. "With respect to receiving foreign visitors, the Russian tourism is holding great expectation for Chinese tourists," said Alexander Osaulenko, vice president of the Russian Tourism Alliance. As China has optimized its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, people-to-people and cultural exchanges with Russia have gained momentum. Russia is anticipating cultural activities co-hosted with China this year, said Russian Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova, who is confident that these events will further promote cultural exchanges and friendship between the two sides. BEIJING, March 20 (Xinhua) -- It is the United States, not China, that is providing weapons to the Ukrainian battlefield, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Monday. "China has always upheld an objective and fair position on the Ukraine issue. All that China has done is to promote talks for peace," spokesperson Wang Wenbin told a news briefing in response to a relevant query. China always stands on the side of peace and dialogue, and on the right side of history. China will continue to play a constructive role in the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, he said. "It is the United States, not China, that is providing weapons to the Ukrainian battlefield," Wang said, urging the United States to stop adding fuel to the fire, and cease its lecturing, coercing and intimidating of other countries. The United States should play a constructive role in finding a political settlement for the Ukraine crisis, rather than doing the opposite, Wang added. Villagers dig out grapevines with a farming machine at a grape yard in Yingsa Village, Gaochang District of Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) by Xinhua writers Zhao Chenjie, Ding Lei and Gao Han URUMQI, March 21 (Xinhua) -- As the weather gets warm, farmers in Turpan City of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region dig out grapevines, which they buried underground to resist cold in winter, and put them on trellises. However, for Usman Abla in Yingsa Village, what he is concerned about the most in the spring plowing season is not farming his ten mu (about 0.67 hectares) grape yard but how to ensure all 175 households of his cooperative could get access to farming machines in time. "A cooperative is like a family. Helping our members grow grapes well matters a lot," said the 36-year-old Uygur man who heads the agricultural machinery cooperative -- Turpan City No.1 Red Pomegranate. The cooperative has over ten machines for grapevine digging, burying, protection, and transport. "In the past, two people could dig up one mu of grapevines a day. With the help of machines, they can dig up ten mu a day," he said, adding that without the help of machines, grape farming is highly labor-intensive and low-efficient. However, purchasing machines is too expenstive and not economical for a single farmer. Zeng Jie provided a solution to tackle the dilemma -- establishing a cooperative so that farmers can share the cost and machines. He is a member of the work team sent to Xinjiang from central China's Hunan Province through a pairing-up assistance program. He has served as deputy head of the agriculture and rural affairs bureau of Turpan City since 2020. Based on the idea, Usman Abla established the Turpan City No.1 Red Pomegranate Cooperative, with 40 percent of the funds coming from Hunan's pairing-up assistance program, 30 percent from the government's agricultural machinery purchase subsidies, and 30 percent from members. Through using the machines of the cooperative, grape farmers can save over 600 yuan (about 87 U.S. dollars) per mu. Last year, the cooperative also helped its members sell more than 1,200 tonnes of grapes. With its dry and sunny climate, Turpan is one of China's main grape production bases. Over the past two years, the city has seen a significant improvement in the mechanization of grape production, said Zeng, adding that for farmers to live a better life, it is essential to relieve them from heavy manual labor and increase their income. "Cooperatives have brought modern agricultural machines and technologies to farmers in Xinjiang, providing them access to the production method and lifestyle outside the region," said Yu Yinshan, an official of Yingsa Village. As one of the primary pastoral areas in China, Xinjiang has also seen a boom in husbandry cooperatives, which have been playing an active role in boosting the development of the region's livestock husbandry and increasing herdsmen's income. The Kazakh herdsmen in Aksu Township, Dabancheng District of Urumqi, the regional capital, have a long history of breeding camels. The township has about 3,600 camels and nine camel breeding and milk sales cooperatives. Herdsmen from 107 households participate in camel breeding and milking and receive dividends from the cooperatives. "Each camel used to produce 1.5 to 2 kg of milk daily. But the daily milk yield has increased to 3 kg since a new breeding mode involving herdsmen, cooperatives, and enterprises has been introduced," said Dumanbek Sultan, a Party official of the township. In March, an industrial park focusing on camel dairy products went into operation in Dabancheng District. The park opened a camel breeding center in the Aksu township, with the aim of guiding local herdsmen and cooperatives to raise camels in a standardized and professional manner. Statistics released by the regional agriculture and rural affairs department and the regional market regulation administration showed over 3,600 cooperatives operating in Xinjiang in 2010. The figure soared to 47,000 by the end of June 2022. These cooperatives have expanded from traditional planting and breeding to more fields, including agricultural machinery, plant protection, folk crafts, tourism and leisure agriculture, and e-commerce. Usman Abla arranges grapevines in Yingsa Village, Gaochang District of Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 12, 2023. TO GO WITH "China Focus: Cooperatives facilitate rural revitalization in Xinjiang" (Xinhua/Ding Lei) BRUSSELS, March 20 (Xinhua) -- A total of 7 billion euros (7.5 billion U.S. dollars) were pledged by the international community at the "Together for the people of Turkiye and Syria" International Donors' Conference on Monday. The conference was hosted by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson. More than 60 delegations met in Brussels to mobilize support for the people affected by the devastating earthquakes. "Today is a very good day for international solidarity," von der Leyen said after the event. A 7.8 magnitude earthquake and two tremors struck Turkiye and Syria on Feb. 6, causing widespread destruction and killing more than 50,000 people. A total of 6.05 billion euros will be provided in the form of grants and loans for Turkiye, and 950 million euros in grants for Syria, the European Commission said. More than 50 percent of the grants (3.6 billion euros) will come from the European Commission and European Union Member States, as well as the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. (1 euro = 1.07 U.S. dollar) MOSCOW, March 20 (Xinhua) -- China stands ready to continue to play a constructive role in promoting the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, Chinese President Xi Jinping said here on Monday. Xi made the remarks while having an in-depth exchange of views on the Ukrainian issue with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin. Xi stressed that, on the Ukraine issue, voices for peace and rationality are building. Most countries support easing tensions, stand for peace talks, and are against adding fuel to the fire. A review of history shows that conflicts in the end have to be settled through dialogue and negotiation. China released a document on its position on the Ukraine crisis, advocating the political settlement of the crisis and rejecting the Cold War mentality and unilateral sanctions, said Xi. China believes that the more difficulties there are, the greater the need to keep space for peace. The more acute the problem is, the more important it is not to give up efforts for dialogue. China will continue to play a constructive role in promoting the political settlement of the Ukraine issue, said Xi. For his part, Putin said that Russia appreciates China for consistently upholding an impartial, objective, and balanced position and standing for fairness and justice on major international issues. Russia has carefully studied China's position paper on the political settlement of the Ukraine issue and is open to talks for peace. Russia welcomes China to play a constructive role in this regard. MOSCOW, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday that China is ready to expand cooperation with Russia in trade, investment, supply chain, mega projects, energy and hi-tech areas. Xi made the remarks during his meeting with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. Xi said that China and Russia are each other's largest neighbors and comprehensive strategic partners of coordination, saying that maintaining the healthy and stable development of China-Russia ties conforms to the historical logic of bilateral relations and the fundamental interests of their people. The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has been a success, and not long ago, new leaders of China's state institutions have been elected during this year's "two sessions," said Xi, adding that the CPC, the country and the Chinese people are unprecedentedly united and are advancing the Chinese modernization in an all-round way. The new Chinese government highly regards the development of China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination, and is willing to work with the Russian side to push for the realization of new goals of bilateral cooperation and achieve more new results through regular meetings between Chinese premier and Russia primer minister, as well as other institutionalized communication channels. Xi said that he has invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to travel to China for the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation this year. He noted that Putin attended both of the previous two Belt and Road forums, saying that the Belt and Road cooperation is important in connecting the two countries. This photo taken on March 11, 2023 shows a folk house in Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) URUMQI, March 21 (Xinhua) --Located at the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains, Turpan in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is one of the driest and hottest places in China, with an average annual precipitation of only 16 millimeters and evaporation of up to 3,000 millimeters. In order to make this vast Gobi into a comfortable and livable oasis, the local people found a new way as water reserve in karez well, an invention that provides water sources from generations on. The karez wells consist of vertical shafts and subterranean canals that surface in the form of ditches and small ponds. The karez irrigation system, composed of vertical shafts, subterranean and ground canals, and small reservoirs, was built 2,000 years ago and is considered one of China's greatest surviving ancient man-made structures, along with the Great Wall and the Grand Canal. Over the years, the local government has mobilized and organized the broad masses of farmers to protect the karez wells, and a joint force is formed to protect and make better use of the karez wells. As an important agricultural heritage, the karez wells are still playing a vital role in local agricultural irrigation and even social life. Tourists visit a scenic spot of karez wells in Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 11, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) A farmer pours water fetched from karez wells to feed sheep in Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 7, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) A 73-year-old man tells his grandson the story of building karez wells when he was a child in Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 7, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) A resident fetches water from the outlet of a karez well in Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 7, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) Tourists visit a scenic spot of karez wells in Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 11, 2023.(Xinhua/Ding Lei) This file photo taken on May 9, 1963 shows local farmers checking the conditions of water flow along an underground channel in Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Li Yifang) Tourists visit a folk park of karez wells in Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 12, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) Dredging workers dump mud from a karez well in Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 9, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) Dredging workers open the cover of a vertical shaft of a karez well in Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 9, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) This photo taken on March 7, 2023 shows the view of Aydingkol Lake in Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) This file photo taken in 1963 shows people maintaining a karez well in Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Wu Chunzhan) A tourist views a model of karez wells at a scenic spot of karez wells in Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 11, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) The Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) of the Bahrain Islamic Bank (BisB) approved the banks board recommendation to allocate the net profit of BD12.57 million ($33.35 million) for 2022 to various heads. The OGM approved allocation of BD170,286 to the banks Zakat fund and BD250,000 for charitable donations and authorised the banks Board of Directors to distribute them, transferring BD1.26 million to the statutory reserve, and transferring BD10.89 million to the retained earnings. The meeting agenda further covered the approval of a payable amount of BD273,906 as remuneration to the Board of Directors for the 2022 financial year. The meeting also approved the reappointment of KPMG as external auditors for the year 2023 and the Board of Directors was authorised to determine their fees.-- TradeArabia News Service AMMAN, March 20 (Xinhua) -- Jordan on Monday summoned the Israeli ambassador in Amman to protest against the Israeli finance minister's public use of a "provocative" map that included the borders of the kingdom and the occupied Palestinian territories. Also on Monday, Jordan's Foreign Ministry issued a statement, strongly slamming Bezalel Smotrich's behavior in violation of the 1994 peace treaty between Jordan and Israel. The Jordanian ministry called on the international community to condemn Smotrich's "provocative acts," vowing to take all "necessary political and legal" countermeasures. Israeli media reported that during an event held in Paris on Sunday, Smotrich spoke from a podium that featured a map of "Greater Israel" that included the territory of modern-day Jordan, in accordance with hardline aspirations by some early Zionist groups. The far-right minister also stated that there was "no such thing as Palestinians." A cargo train, carrying 110 excavators, departed for Moscow on Sunday from Anyang, central China's Henan Province. This marks that another direct China-Europe freight train service has been launched. The train, with a cargo value of nearly 60 million yuan (about 8.7 mln USD), will arrive in Moscow after about 18 days. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The number of China-Europe freight train trips has increased rapidly in recent years, helping stabilize the international supply chain. Produced by Xinhua Global Service A pharmacist dispenses traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) at a health center in Qiaokou Town, Wangcheng District, Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, Jan. 17, 2023.(Xinhua/Chen Zeguo) CHANGSHA, March 21 (Xinhua) -- The cooperation between China and Pakistan in the field of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has helped strengthen bilateral relations in recent years. At the beginning of 2023, health authorities of Sindh Province in Pakistan initiated a program, which proposed that China assist the country in training doctors proficient in the field of TCM. According to the project organizer, the Sino-Pakistan Cooperation Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine (SPCCTCM) in central China's Hunan Province, the Pakistani side will select the first batch of ten young doctors and send them to the center to carry out a two-year TCM theory learning and clinical practice. After the training, they will return to their hometown to carry out TCM diagnosis and treatment. SPCCTCM was jointly established by the Hunan University of Medicine and the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences of the University of Karachi in Pakistan in late 2020, aiming to build an international cooperation center integrating healthcare, TCM education and training, scientific research, and industrial cooperation. "This is the preliminary exploration of SPCCTCM in the training of Pakistani TCM talents," said He Qinghu, co-director of SPCCTCM and president of the Hunan University of Medicine. He said the training project, with support from both the Chinese and Pakistani governments, will unite TCM colleges and hospitals to train talents with a certain level of TCM theory and clinical practice skills for Pakistan. Cooperation is "not only an academic exchange but also a cultural exchange, which will help further enhance the friendship between two countries," He said. Recently, an event was held in Islamabad to mark the return of Pakistani plant seeds from the Chinese space station. A bag containing around seven species of Pakistani herbal seeds was displayed at the event, marking the achievement of cooperation between the two sides in the field of joint breeding. Chinese and Pakistani researchers at the SPCCTCM will use these seeds to carry out breeding research and study the differences between planting on Earth and in space. "The results of the research will be beneficial for our Chinese medicine as well as Pakistani botanicals in terms of breeding, specifically in terms of improving efficacy," said He. The acceptance of TCM in Pakistan has also been increasing these years. Last year, Raza Shah, a professor who is in charge of the Center for Bioequivalence Studies and Clinical Research at the University of Karachi, announced that the proprietary Chinese medicine, Jinhua Qinggan Granule, had a significant effect on treating COVID-19 patients in Pakistan. At the same time, the Chinese side is also in communication with the Pakistani side to promote the registration process of another Chinese medicine in Pakistan. "We will continue to promote the entry of TCM into Pakistan and other countries along the Belt and Road so that Chinese medicine can serve more people in the world," said He. BEIRUT, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Demonstrators on Tuesday took to the streets across Lebanon to protest against the quick collapse of the Lebanese pound to the U.S. dollar, the National News Agency reported. The Lebanese currency registered a significant drop on the parallel market Tuesday, hitting 135,000 pounds per U.S. dollar from 100,000 one week ago. The sharp depreciation of the Lebanese currency caused a rise in the prices of food and fuel. Lebanese citizens blocked roads in the capital city of Beirut, the northern city of Tripoli, and the southern city of Tyre, and chanted slogans to demand quick solutions to the collapse. Since 2019, Lebanon has been facing a steep financial crisis, which plunged more than 80 percent of the Lebanese population into poverty. The country has so far failed to implement necessary reforms to unlock aid from the International Monetary Fund and put the country on the path of recovery. Over 100 herons have flown back to the Tuoliang National Nature Reserve in north China's Hebei Province after migrating south for the winter. NEW DELHI, March 20 (Xinhua) -- India on Monday strongly protested with the U.S. against the vandalization of the property of its consulate in San Francisco, said the Ministry of External Affairs. Several people, seen as separatists demanding Khalistan as a separate state from India, had attacked India's consulate general, media reports said. "The U.S. government was reminded of its basic obligation to protect and secure diplomatic representation. It was asked to take appropriate measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents," said an official statement released by the ministry. It added, "Our embassy in Washington D.C. also conveyed our concerns to the U.S. State Department along similar lines." A similar attack was carried out by the Khalistani separatists at India's High Commission in London on Sunday, and a protest has also been lodged with the U.K. authorities. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin on his arrival in Moscow, Russia, March 20, 2023. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) MOSCOW, March 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, at the Kremlin on his arrival in Moscow on Monday. When Xi reached the Kremlin, he was greeted by the Kremlin Commandant at the alighting point. Putin warmly shook hands and took photos with Xi. The two presidents had an in-depth and candid exchange on China-Russia relations and issues of mutual interest. Xi noted that he was pleased to pay another state visit to Russia at the invitation of Putin, adding that Russia was the first country he visited after he was elected president 10 years ago and memories from that visit remain fresh today. Xi said that over the past 10 years, he and Putin have stayed in close touch, and expressed his appreciation to Putin for immediately sending him congratulatory messages on his reelection as general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) by the 20th CPC National Congress and on his reelection not long ago as Chinese president. He noted that Russia will hold the presidential election next year, and under Putin's strong leadership, Russia has made good progress in development and rejuvenation. Xi said he is confident that the Russian people will continue to give firm support to Putin. Xi stressed that there is a profound historical logic for China-Russia relationship to reach where it is today. China and Russia are each other's biggest neighbor and comprehensive strategic partner of coordination. Both countries see their relationship as a high priority in their overall diplomacy and policy on external affairs. China always upholds an independent foreign policy. To consolidate and develop well China-Russia relations is a strategic choice China has made on the basis of its own fundamental interests and the prevailing trends of the world, said Xi. China is firm in keeping to the general direction of strengthening strategic coordination with Russia, Xi said, adding that both China and Russia are committed to realizing national development and rejuvenation, support world multi-polarity and work for greater democracy in international relations. Xi said the two countries should further deepen practical cooperation in various fields and strengthen coordination and collaboration on multilateral platforms such as the UN to boost their respective national development and rejuvenation, and be a bulwark for world peace and stability. Putin extended a warm welcome to Xi for his state visit to Russia and once again warmly congratulated him on his reelection as Chinese president. Putin said that in the past 10 years China has made impressive and great achievements in all areas of development. This is attributable to the outstanding leadership of Xi and proves the strength of China's national political system and governance system. Putin said he is confident that under Xi's strong leadership, China will definitely continue to develop and prosper and successfully realize all the great goals that have been set. With concerted efforts by both sides, Russia-China relations in recent years have delivered fruitful results in various areas, Putin said, adding that Russia stands ready to continue to deepen bilateral practical cooperation, step up communication and collaboration in international affairs, and promote world multi-polarity and greater democracy in international relations. The two sides had an in-depth exchange of views on the Ukraine issue. Xi stressed that, on the Ukraine issue, voices for peace and rationality are building. Most countries support easing tensions, stand for peace talks, and are against adding fuel to the fire. A review of history shows that conflicts in the end have to be settled through dialogue and negotiation. China released a document on its position on the Ukraine crisis, advocating the political settlement of the crisis and rejecting the Cold War mentality and unilateral sanctions, said Xi. China believes that the more difficulties there are, the greater the need to keep space for peace. The more acute the problem is, the more important it is not to give up efforts for dialogue. China will continue to play a constructive role in promoting the political settlement of the Ukraine issue, said Xi. For his part, Putin said that Russia appreciates China for consistently upholding an impartial, objective, and balanced position and standing for fairness and justice on major international issues. Russia has carefully studied China's position paper on the political settlement of the Ukraine issue and is open to talks for peace. Russia welcomes China to play a constructive role in this regard. The two presidents said that they look forward to formal talks on the next day to draw up a new blueprint for China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination in the years to come. TEHRAN, March 21 (Xinhua) -- An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman on Tuesday slammed the U.S. government's claim of supporting Iranian women as "fake," amid intensified U.S. sanctions against the people of the Islamic republic. Nasser Kanaani made the remarks in a Twitter post on the first day of the celebrations of Nowruz, Iran's new year, in response to a message by U.S. President Joe Biden to congratulate Iranians on the occasion. "Hostility" toward Iran and its people is an "established" part of the U.S. government's foreign policy, which is evident in their officials' Nowruz messages every year, said Kanaani. The U.S. government and its anti-Iran leaders' "hypocrisy and hostility" are evident as they have "fake" claims of supporting Iranian women while concurrently keeping in place and intensifying the "cruel" sanctions against Iranians, he noted. In Biden's message, he said that Iranian women "are fighting for their human rights and fundamental freedoms," and voiced "support" for them as well as the country's people. BARCELONA, Spain, March 20 (Xinhua) -- The average age of the European population has gone up by 2.5 years in the past decade, according to Eurostat data published recently. In Spain, the average age has climbed by 4.3 years, the highest rise in the EU behind Portugal (4.7 years). However, a Spanish expert told Xinhua on Monday that although half of Europeans are now over 44.4 years old, the main concern is the lack of children being born. "We are one of the places in the world where people live longest, and this fact that we die later makes the average age go up," said Albert Esteve, director of the Center for Demographic Studies (CED) in Barcelona. Half the population in Spain is over 45 years old (46.2 for women), according to Eurostat, but the average age is highest in Italy (48 years), followed by Germany (45.8), Portugal (46.8), Greece (46.1) and Croatia (45.5). "Where we're starting to see the effects is in schools with fewer pupils, and in communities where much fewer children will be born, which means many of the major effects will be noted at the bottom rather than the top of the population pyramid," Esteve said. The low birth rates driving the rise in the average age of the European population are widespread, but particularly pronounced in Southern countries such as Spain, Portugal and Italy. "We can't raise the birth rate because during the critical decade in one's thirties there's too much uncertainty compared with other countries, where either due to public help or a good labor market people feel more confident," Esteve said. "We need mechanisms to strengthen institutional support so that people can become independent from their parents earlier, and so that they can feel that they have some economic stability between the ages of 29 and 39. I think that would encourage more couples to have children," the demographer added. Despite uncertainty over the future of countries with rising numbers of older people, Esteve said society will adjust and adapt to the new situation. "We know that in the next few years there'll be an explosion of older people, but what we don't know is how that older generation will behave, how their habits will change, how the point at which you are considered old will shift," Esteve told Xinhua. What it means to be "old" is also changing, the CED chief said. "Alongside this ageing of the population there has been an increase in life expectancy, and this means that a 70-year-old today is not the same as a 70-year-old a century ago, not in terms of strength, drive, energy, or enthusiasm," Esteve said. BEIJING, March 21 (Xinhua) -- On the Ukraine issue, the United States is in no position to point fingers at China, still less to shift blame to China. Washington should not cling to the Cold War mentality, nor should it push for the protraction and escalation of the conflict, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday. Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's remarks came after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken accused China of providing "diplomatic cover" for Russia. "China did not create the Ukraine crisis. It is not a party to the crisis and has not provided weapons to either side. The United States is in no position to point fingers at China, still less to shift blame to China," Wang told a daily news briefing in response to a related query. Wang said that despite Washington's claim to prevent war, few of the conflicts and wars that broke out in Europe and around the world have nothing to do with the United States. Despite Washington's claim to safeguard peace, it continuously provides weapons to battlefields, while no practical measures are taken by the U.S. side to deliver on its commitment. Wang added the Chinese side has stressed that, on the Ukraine issue, there are growing calls for peace and rationality. Most countries support easing tensions, stand for peace talks, and are against adding fuel to the fire. "The U.S. side should take an objective view of the efforts made by China and the international community to promote talks for peace, rather than cling to the Cold War mentality, still less should it push for the protraction and escalation of the conflict," said Wang. Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (Enec) has signed an agreement with top energy group Nuclearelectrica for bilateral cooperation within the nuclear energy sector to support the growth of this critical energy source in tackling the dual challenges of energy security and climate change. The objective of the MoU is to provide both parties with an enabling framework for potential collaboration on the development and expansion of nuclear energy programmes in the UAE and Romania, as well as within Central and Eastern Europe, said a statement from Enec. Nuclear energy is recognised by both the UAE and Romania as an essential clean energy resource in accelerating decarbonisation of the power sector and other heavy industries, as well as wider applications including the production of clean hydrogen and other clean molecules, as well as for water desalination. As per the deal, Enec and Nuclearelectrica will work together to assess potential partnerships in operations and maintenance support of nuclear energy plants, capacity building and human capital development, as well as synergies in research and development (R&D). The two parties will share experience in developing financing and commercial frameworks of nuclear programmes, as well as exchanging knowledge on project management capabilities, it added. Enec Managing Director and CEO Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hammadi said: "Our partnership with Nuclearelectrica reaffirms our commitment to advancing Net Zero nuclear globally. As more and more nations recognise the crucial role nuclear energy plays as a proven solution to boosting domestic energy security and in parallel decarbonising the power sector, as well as heavy industry through the generation of heat, steam and clean hydrogen, international partnerships will become even more critical to accelerating the development of nuclear programmes. "Our nation has benefited from long-term investments in nuclear energy, which supports economic diversification and sustainable development," he noted. "With three commercially operational reactors at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, we are generating abundant clean electricity 24/7, sustainably powering the UAE, whilst inspiring a new generation of climate change champions," he said. "The deal with Nuclearelectrica will see Enec explore opportunities to grow its global nuclear fleet and ensure reliable and sustainable operations, in addition to sharing knowledge on advanced technologies such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and other advanced technologies, he added. New technologies, new trends, and new expectations... Canadian expat Alex has visited a lighting fair in China's "lighting captial" of Guzhen to find out more. Produced by Xinhua Global Service by Peerzada Arshad Hamid NEW DELHI, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Maryam, a nursing professional from the southern Indian state of Kerala, left her job last month at a privately-run hospital in New Delhi and headed to Dubai where she had found a new job. In comparison to her salary in India, she would be making multiple times more. "Abroad we get proper respect, a much better salary and above all working conditions are far better than in India," she said. Similarly, Teresa is in the process of moving to Dublin in Ireland. She has been interviewed and at present is completing the paperwork to move to the new destination. Teresa was working in a private hospital in Kerala for the past three years. "I can make five times what I used to get here for a month in just seven days," she said. "Contrary to the practice of making us work for much longer shifts without paying extra money, in foreign countries they pay extra money for the extra hours." Maryam and Teresa are like hundreds of nursing professionals in their field, who migrate out of India to secure their future. Better working conditions and handsome monthly salaries are luring them from India to work in Gulf countries and Europe. People affiliated with the sector say the prospects for nurses have multiplied especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. DEARTH IN KERALA Back home, however, the move has added to the dearth of nurses in hospitals, especially in the private sector. An association of private hospitals said the worst-hit state is Kerala. It is a known fact that nursing professionals from Kerala are acclaimed the world over and there is a huge demand for them both in India as well as abroad. According to Kerala Private Hospital Association (KPHA), the state has faced a shortage of about 30 percent of nursing staff in its hospitals for the past year. The situation has turned grim, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the last year, there have been frequent resignations of skilled nurses every month. "The worst part is that it has been difficult to find replacements for all of the open positions," Hussain Koya Thangal, the president of KPHA, said. "Everyone talks about the fact that India needs more doctors. There is no doubt about that but one must remember that nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system and any kind of hospital-based healthcare delivery is centered around them." KPHA described the scarcity of nurses in private hospitals as an emergency situation in Kerala healthcare. The shortage of trained nurses has been found in intensive care units, operation theaters, and emergency departments, where experienced personnel are required to handle the equipment and procedures. According to KPHA, for the smooth functioning of the healthcare sector, there was a need for a 1:5 doctor-nurse ratio. REASONS FOR MIGRATION As per the available information from the local government, from Kerala, 7,143 nursing professionals went to the Gulf in 2020. The number jumped to 9,098 in 2021. The association, quoting estimates from some local newspapers, said the total number of nurses who went abroad in the 2022 year had surged further, topping 23,000. Many countries have waived their mandatory norms like a minimum of three years experience and even nurses fresh out of college are getting jobs overseas. "The demand for Kerala nurses after COVID-19 increased a lot, especially in Gulf countries. Now they don't need any experience and many European and other Western countries are even facing an acute shortage of nurses," Thangal said. "Moreover, these countries are in need of auxiliary nurses in senior care facilities and nursing homes. So our nurses do not require any nursing registration or special courses or even any language tests to work abroad." The nurses can even take their families along with them. "Previously to take their families along, nurses had to wait for about six months to a year, but now they can take their families whenever they are going," said Sajad Ahmad, a job consultant working with a consultancy that hires nursing staff for Gulf countries. "Apart from good pay, the work environment in these countries is better and nurses are given proper respect like doctors, which is not the case in India." Post-COVID-19, many countries have prioritized the health sector and started new hospitals, thus creating more job opportunities for nurses and doctors. Earlier, the migration of nurses was more to the Gulf countries. However, there is a lot of demand for nurses in European countries, including Britain as well. KPHA has sent representatives to the Kerala University of Health Sciences and the local government, explaining the situation. "We have requested the government make some changes in the new nursing college criteria so that new colleges' education is in with private hospitals. The Indian Nursing Council says the criteria for starting a nursing college is a hospital with more than 100 beds, whereas in Kerala the condition is that hospitals should have more than 300 beds," Thangal said. PAN INDIA SCENARIO Every year, many precious lives are lost in India due to the dearth of trained nurses. According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report published in 2021, India would require at least 4.2 million more trained nurses by 2024 to take care of its over 1.44 billion expected population. Against the WHO norm of three nurses per 1,000 people, India stands at 1.7 nurses per 1,000 people. The poor nurse-patient ratio in the hospitals is leading to prolonged working hours, increased workloads on the existing staff, and finally low quality of treatment. Experts say each year, India produces around 200,000 nurses, of which approximately 40 percent to 50 percent leave the country for foreign employment within a few years of acquiring practical experience in Indian hospitals. The shortage of nurses is affecting healthcare in India despite the country being among the largest exporters of trained nurses globally. Estimates say approximately 6.4 million Indian nurses are employed in foreign countries. TIANJIN, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Bearing the same name as the Haihe River, regarded as the "mother river" of Tianjin Municipality, Haihe milk features strongly in the luscious childhood memories of many generations in the northern Chinese city. The time-honored dairy brand, like many traditional brands that used to struggle amid a rapidly-evolving domestic market, has now rejuvenated its business with advanced manufacturing technologies, diversified products and vogue promotions. In 2019, Tianjin Haihe Dairy Co., Ltd. poured 600 million yuan (about 86.3 million U.S. dollars) into building a smart factory as a way to seek fresh market growth. The first bottle of milk rolled off the new plant's production line in June 2022. "We can produce 260 tonnes of milk daily, offering more than 100 varieties of dairy products such as ultra-high temperature milk, yogurt and pasteurized milk," said Zou Yang, the chairman, adding the company aims for annual sales of more than one billion yuan this year, with products available in an estimated over 60,000 stores across China. Time-honored brands, or "laozihao" in Chinese, is a coveted title given to brands with a long history. There are a total of 1,128 existing time-honored brands recognized by the Ministry of Commerce (MOC). Tianjin alone is home to 66 such brands recognized by the MOC. China has over the past few years stepped up efforts to breathe new life into long-established brands, preserving and improving traditional techniques, improving online and offline integration, and strengthening brand protection. Haihe Dairy, for instance, has attracted a growing number of young die-hard fans on the strength of the booming livestreaming economy. "Our products were once only sold in regions nearby, but now we have access to the whole national market by tapping into digital platforms. Online sales form a large part of our overall sales, with daily orders often exceeding 10,000," Zou said. Data shows that nearly 350 time-honored brands have participated in livestreaming platforms. Livestreaming events of time-honored brands in 2022 topped 50,000, with a combined business volume of 3.5 billion yuan. The figure increased over five times compared with that of 2019. New technologies have helped time-honored brands shake off their outdated images while sustaining classic style, noted Xing Jianhua, secretary general of the Tianjin Time-Honored Brands Association. Mahua, or fried dough twist, is a traditional Tianjin snack. Among various brands, Guifaxiang 18th Street Mahua is the most famous and one of the oldest, and is named after the original location of its former 18th street shop. "We made smaller, healthier mahua with less sugar and oil added, catering to the rising health-savvy trend," said Zhao Zheng, deputy general manager of the Tianjin Guifaxiang 18th Street Mahua Food Co., Ltd. Bold innovation decisions and measures have also enabled many domestic brands to spread their influence overseas, opening up new horizons and possibilities for centuries-old names. Tianjin Limin Condiment Co., Ltd., affiliated to the Tianjin Food Group, has long enjoyed widespread recognition for its ketchup, soy sauce and chili sauce. In 2018, it set up a ketchup factory in Ghana, west Africa. "Our African factory achieved annual sales of more than 100 million yuan last year, and the figure is expected to double this year," said Cheng Peng, the company's chairman. "Overseas markets have become the company's new source of growth." "As embodiments of traditional Chinese culture, time-honored brands play an important role in building the confidence of the nation. We will further tap the potential of these brands and help them keep pace with the new era," said Li Hong, deputy director of the Tianjin municipal commission of commerce. MOSCOW, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said here on Tuesday that he has invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to travel to China for the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation this year. When meeting Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Xi said that the invitation was made in his informal meeting with Putin. Xi also called for continuous regular meetings between Chinese premier and Russian prime minister, and invited Mishustin to visit China. HONG KONG, March 21 (Xinhua) -- The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government and the Guangdong provincial government signed a slew of cooperation documents here on Tuesday to strengthen cooperation and high-quality development of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). The documents were signed following a joint meeting attended by high-ranking officials from the two regions, which have agreed to continue steadily advancing exchanges and cooperation in sectors such as technology, financial services and the Northern Metropolis development. It was the first physical Hong Kong and Guangdong cooperation joint conference held after normal travel between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland fully resumed. HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee and Wang Weizhong, governor of Guangdong province, jointly chaired the meeting. Yang Wanming, deputy director of the State Council Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, and Yin Zonghua, deputy director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, attended the meeting. MACAO, March 21 (Xinhua) -- China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) government on Tuesday expressed its strong opposition to content related to Macao in a report on human rights recently issued by the Department of State of the United States. The self-styled report contains baseless commentary that smears the actual human rights conditions in Macao, making a brutal attempt to intervene in Macao affairs and China's internal affairs, the Macao SAR government said in a statement. Since Macao's return to the motherland, the central government has fully, accurately and unswervingly implemented the "one country, two systems" principle, under which the people of Macao administer Macao with a high degree of autonomy. The central government is committed to governing Macao in accordance with the law, ensuring that Macao residents enjoy extensive rights and freedoms enshrined in the Constitution of the People's Republic of China and the Basic Law of the Macao SAR, noted the Macao SAR government. With strong support from the central government, Macao will continue to give full play to its advantages, integrate intensively into overall national development, and make fresh contributions to the steady and sustained development of "one country, two systems" practices, the Macao SAR government added. The Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in the Macao SAR on Tuesday also voiced strong opposition to the so-called reports. The U.S. side has always ignored facts and applied double standards on the issue of human rights, being obsessed with repeatedly attacking others while turning a blind eye to its own human rights woes such as racial discrimination and gun violence, a spokesperson of the commissioner's office said. This reveals the U.S. side's hidden agenda of interfering in other countries' internal affairs and seeking its own political interests, the spokesperson said. The Macao SAR government has governed Macao in accordance with the law, achieved continuous and rapid development in various sectors including education, healthcare, services for the elderly and housing, and gained high recognition from the local communities, the spokesperson added. Stressing that local residents have the most say in judging the human rights situation of Macao, the spokesperson warned the U.S. side to immediately stop interfering in Macao affairs using human rights as a pretext. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addresses a UN General Assembly event marking the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination at the UN headquarters in New York on March 21, 2023. (Rick Bajornas/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua) UNITED NATIONS, March 21 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday called on the international community to take action to address racism wherever and whenever it arises, and eliminate all forms of racial discrimination. Guterres made the remarks while addressing a UN General Assembly event marking the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which falls on March 21. Racial discrimination is one of the most destructive forces dividing societies, responsible for death and suffering on a grotesque scale throughout history, he said. Today, racial discrimination and the legacies of enslavement and colonialism continue to ruin lives, marginalize communities and limit opportunities, preventing billions of people from achieving their full potential, he added. "Xenophobia, prejudice and hate speech are rising. Political leaders scapegoat migrants, with devastating impact," said Guterres. He pointed out that after a period of increased global awareness of racism, some countries are experiencing a vicious backlash against anti-racist policies and practices. The UN chief also underscored the need to address racism in the digital age, noting that white supremacist influencers profit from racism on social media platforms, and artificial intelligence algorithms amplify and digitize racial discrimination. "We need to resist and reverse these trends resolutely and condemn and eliminate racial discrimination in all its forms," Guterres said. "We must take action to address racism wherever and whenever it arises, including through legal channels." UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addresses a UN General Assembly event marking the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination at the UN headquarters in New York on March 21, 2023. (Rick Bajornas/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua) TEHRAN, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said on Tuesday that the country is ready to work with any European country that would not obey U.S. policies blindly. The leader made the remarks in an address to the people in the northeastern city of Mashhad on the first day of the new year in Iran. He said that Iran is not "in a sulk with Europe," and also plans to further improve its relations with Asian, African and Latin American countries. The top Iranian leader said the West has made bids to isolate Iran, but what occurred on the ground was that "our ties with Asia became 100 percent stronger and we will continue our political, economic, technical and scientific relations with Asian states." He also lauded the Iranian people's "strength and resistance" against the enemies' conspiracies, such as resorting to coups, sanctions, political pressures and "media invasion" to spread Iranophobia. BEIRUT, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon on Tuesday condemned the latest racist remarks made by Israel's far-right finance minister who denied the existence of Palestinian people. The Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement called on the international community to take deterrent measures and reject the deliberately provocative statement aimed at abolishing a peaceful solution and exacerbating the deteriorating situation in the occupied Palestinian territories. During an event held in the French capital of Paris on Sunday, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who also heads the Religious Zionist Party, said "there's no such thing as Palestinians because there's no such thing as a Palestinian people." He made the remarks on a podium that featured a map of "Greater Israel" that included the territory of modern-day Jordan and the occupied Palestinian territories in accordance with hardline aspirations by some early Zionist groups. Jordan on Monday summoned the Israeli ambassador in Amman to protest Smotrich's "provocative acts." MOSCOW, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, stressed on Tuesday that the Ukraine crisis should be solved through dialogues. Xi and Putin signed and issued at the Kremlin Joint Statement of the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation on Deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Coordination for the New Era. On the Ukraine issue, both sides believe that the purposes and principles of the UN Charter must be observed and international law must be respected. The Russian side speaks positively of China's objective and impartial position on the Ukraine issue. The two sides oppose the practice by any country or group of countries to seek advantages in the military, political and other areas to the detriment of the legitimate security interests of other countries. The Russian side reaffirms its commitment to the resumption of peace talks as soon as possible, which China appreciates. The Russian side welcomes China's willingness to play a positive role for the political and diplomatic settlement of the Ukraine crisis and welcomes the constructive proposals set forth in China's Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis. The two sides point out that to settle the Ukraine crisis, the legitimate security concerns of all countries must be respected, bloc confrontation should be prevented and fanning the flames avoided. The two sides also stress that responsible dialogue is the best way for appropriate solutions. To this end, the international community should provide support to the relevant constructive efforts. China and Russia call for stopping all moves that lead to tensions and the protraction of fighting to prevent the crisis from getting worse or even out of control. They oppose any unilateral sanctions unauthorized by the UN Security Council. Google Cloud has announced a collaboration with Al Azhar University, one of the Islamic worlds first and most prestigious educational institutions. The collaboration involves deploying Google Workspace for Education (GWFE) as the official learning and productivity platform for more than 24,500 faculty members and 500,000 students at the university, which was founded in 970 AD and gained university status in 1961. The rollout is part of Al Azhars smart campus project, which is one of the first projects amidst public universities in Egypt aimed at using technology to digitally transform the learning experience for local and international students. Google Classroom The digital transformation of the educational process began with the Faculty of Sciences at Al Azhar, where GWFE has been instrumental in ensuring that classes and learning were uninterrupted during the pandemic. More than 4,000 students across all 300 streams of sciences at the Faculty of Sciences relied on Google Classroom to attend and collaborate in more than 700 courses online during that semester. Workspace also helped faculty and students ease the transition to a virtual setup, and the effectiveness of connecting faculty and students via GWFE in that one faculty prompted the university to start rolling out the platform more widely across all 88 faculties of the university. Cutting-edge collaboration tools With GWFE implemented as the official collaboration and productivity platform at Al Azhar, faculty and students will benefit from having access to one platform that integrates Google Classroom with Gmail, Meet, Chat, Docs, Sheets, and Drive. Having all assets in a unified platform makes it easier for them to have the support needed to complete their studies efficiently and collaborate across every step of their educational journeys. During the academic year that ran from January to December of 2022, students and faculty relied on Google Workspace in their learnings every day. An average of 2,000 online classes took place on Meet via Google Classroom, ensuring that faculty provided the necessary academic support to students across all subjects studied at the university, and that enabled students to collaborate with each other. The students also leveraged Google Docs to develop scientific research papers for their course work, write assignments, and complete homework, while faculty were able to review and provide direct feedback on the course work in the docs. Google Chat Moreover, Google Chat was effective in helping students discuss learning outcomes from lectures and prepare ahead for exams through the study groups they created on the platform. During that semester, there were more than 700 chat rooms created by students for study groups that remained active for 60 days across the university. Different faculties also relied on Google Meet to conduct online classes and administer examinations at the university, while students used the collaboration tool to create study groups for projects and presentations. During the same semester, an average of 100 students attended one classroom online per day, and there were an average of 500 online Meet sessions scheduled for group collaboration during the same period. Dr Mohammad Al Sherbiny, Vice President for Education and Students Affairs, Al Azhar University said: Al Azhar University is one of the first universities in Egypt to have made strides in the digital transformation of the educational system since 2014, before the Coronavirus pandemic made hybrid and distance learning a trend. We witnessed how successful and transformational Google Workspace for Education was with the Faculty of Sciences, and accordingly decided to implement the platform across all faculties in the university. Today, we are also able to open our virtual academic gateway to millions of students around the world with the support of Google Workspace for Education. Safeguarding academic information Now that Al Azhar is fully online, it relies on Google Drive to securely store all of its academic and professional data, such as e-books, student assignments, exams, research papers, faculty, and student information. Google Drive uses the same robust security architecture that Google uses for its own products, such as YouTube, Search, Maps and Gmail, which ensures that the universitys proprietary information is protected using high security standards. The university also turned to GWFE to accommodate its storage capacity requirements, as it was searching for the biggest storage capacity that a cloud provider can offer. Today, the university uses up to 13.5 terabytes (TB) of storage capacity on Google Workspace. Innovative features While Al Azhar has around 500,000 Egyptian students enrolled, the university also attracts 24,000 international students from more than 100 countries on an annual basis. Before the pandemic, all students had to be physically present at the university campus to pursue a degree. With the rollout of GWFE, Al Azhar is now able to empower more international students with access to top quality education, as they can enroll, attend classes, and complete their examinations remotely. Elie Tabchouri, Head of Cloud Public Sector, Middle East, Turkey and Africa at Google Cloud, said: During the global pandemic, international students were unable to return to Egypt to continue their studies, which presented a significant challenge for faculties like Islamic Studies that required students to be physically present for Quran recitation panels and review boards. The availability of Google Meet helped students and faculty overcome this challenge and set up the examination board online. This is just one example of how Google Workspace for Education can support educational institutions in the Middle East, helping them overcome unprecedented challenges and be better equipped for the future. Reinforcing ethics To reinforce ethics in the digital realm, Al Azhar leveraged unique features and plug-ins that GWFE provides in Docs and Meet to detect plagiarism in student research papers. The university also introduced a new digital grading system across all faculties, that relies on a grading rubric, which is an online tool built in Google Classroom to create a fair and equitable grading system for exams based on predetermined module answers. Additionally, GWE helps faculty proctor exams online effectively with the help of plug-in features in Meet, Docs, and Forms that rely on AI to detect student movement. Google Cloud collaborated with Cloud 11 in Egypt as the official partner that supported the establishment of the universitys online learning platform on Google Workspace.--TradeArabia News Service UNITED NATIONS, March 20 (Xinhua) -- Relevant countries and international financial institutions should resume economic assistance to Sudan immediately and unconditionally, a Chinese envoy said on Monday. Addressing a Security Council briefing, Dai Bing, charge d'affaires of China's permanent mission to the United Nations, also urged relevant parties to make efforts towards the lifting of sanctions against the country. China is encouraged by the political will and the spirit of consultation shown by relevant parties involved in the political process, Dai said, citing progress having been made in the political situation in Sudan. He added that China supports all parties in staying on the Sudanese-led and Sudanese-owned political process and continuing the inclusive dialogue, so as to expand consensus and find a development path suitable for the country. Meanwhile, the economic and humanitarian situation in Sudan is worrying, he said. According to UN assessment, in 2023, one-third of Sudan's population needs humanitarian assistance. Dai pointed out that reduced international funding seriously constrains the humanitarian relief work in Sudan. "We called on relevant countries and international financial institutions to resume economic assistance to Sudan immediately and unconditionally," said the envoy. Some countries attach political strings to aid and link aid to Sudan's political process, which not only interferes with Sudan's sovereignty, but also disregards the basic human rights of the Sudanese people, such as the right to subsistence and the right to development, he said. China has reservations on the Security Council's continued imposition of sanctions on the Darfur region of Sudan, Dai said, noting that China elaborated on its position when the Security Council adopted a resolution on Sudan sanctions earlier in March. China has repeatedly stressed that the Security Council's continued sanctions against Darfur not only lack political and security basis, but also limit the efforts by the Sudanese government to maintain stability, protect civilians and combat crimes on the ground, he said. "We oppose the politicization and perpetuation of sanction measures, and urge relevant parties to face squarely the improved situation in the country, heed the call of regional countries for lifting sanctions against Sudan, stop using sanctions for political manipulation, and make efforts towards the lifting of sanctions," said Dai. SEOUL, March 21 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's export fell 17.4 percent from a year earlier to 30.95 billion U.S. dollars for the first 20 days of March, customs office data showed on Tuesday. Import shrank 5.7 percent to 37.27 billion dollars in the cited period, sending the trade deficit to 6.32 billion dollars, according to Korea Customs Service. The country's export continued to slide since October last year amid weaker global demand for tech products. Semiconductor export dipped 44.7 percent during the March 1-20 period compared to the same period of last year, keeping a downward trend since August last year. Outbound shipment for mobile phones, oil products, precision machinery and steel products all declined in double figures in the cited period, but automotive export jumped 69.6 percent. Import for cars and machinery increased in the 20-day period, but those for crude oil, natural gas and oil products reduced in double digits. The country's trade balance stayed in red since March last year amid the continued export fall. YANGON, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar's total goods imports and exports surged 14.08 percent year on year to over 32.01 billion U.S. dollars in over 11 months of the 2022-23 fiscal year beginning in April last year, official data showed Tuesday. The country's total trade during the same period a year earlier was valued at more than 28.06 billion dollars, data from the Ministry of Commerce showed. From April 1 last year to March 10 this year, exports rose 9.52 percent to over 15.65 billion dollars from a year earlier, while imports climbed 18.8 percent to over 16.36 billion dollars, the ministry's data showed. Myanmar's sea trade during the period was valued at over 24 billion dollars, while its border trade amounted to over 8 billion dollars, the ministry's data showed. The Southeast Asian country usually does most of its foreign trade through sea routes as it has a long coastline. It conducts border trade with China, Thailand, Bangladesh and India. The country exports agricultural products, animal products, fisheries, minerals and forest products, manufacturing goods and others, while it imports capital goods, intermediate goods and consumer goods. JAKARTA, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian students rallied on Tuesday against Japan's controversial plan to dump its nuclear wastewater into the sea. They delivered statements while clad in anti-radioactive costumes and holding up posters depicting perilous nuclear waste in front of the Japanese Embassy in Jakarta. "In the name of humanity, we reject the plan to dump 1.25 million tons of nuclear wastewater into the Pacific Ocean," said Kevin Sidabutar, coordinator of the organization named Environmental Lovers Student Participation. He expressed his concern that the disposal of wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant containing hazardous substances would trigger transboundary pollution in various countries, including Indonesia. Nuclear pollution will also damage the marine ecosystem and endanger the livelihoods of fishermen, Sidabutar added. by Pankaj Yadav NEW DELHI, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Unseasonal rains and hailstorms in large parts of India over the past three days have damaged standing crops, particularly wheat and mustard, across thousands of acres of agricultural land. The federal government is yet to release official figures on the estimate of damaged crops and the financial losses suffered by farmers. Rains accompanied by thunderstorms lashed Delhi and its surrounding areas on Monday. Reports of rains and hailstorms have flooded the media and social media platforms, with people expressing sympathies for the farmers. Agriculture in India is largely dependent on rain, but at times incessant rains also incur huge losses. Almost the whole of India has witnessed untimely rains and hailstorms since Saturday. The months of March and April are the harvesting season in the South Asian country, particularly for the wheat and mustard crops, mainly in northern, central and western parts of India. Narendra Yadav, a farmer in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh said that he anticipated more than 60 percent loss in wheat crops due to the unwelcome rains and hailstorms. "Every year I sow wheat in nearly 1.5 acres (of land) and used to harvest nearly 150 quintals (15,000 kilograms). But this time I would get less than 30-40 quintals (3,000-4,000 kilograms) of wheat after these ill-timed rains and hailstorms damaged the standing crops during the past three days," added Yadav. Similar reports of crop damage were received from other states including Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Rahul Rao, a farmer from the Mahendragarh district of Haryana state told Xinhua over the phone that the farmers in his area would face losses up to 80 percent this season. A report published by the New Indian Express newspaper said, "The untimely hailstorm that lashed the state of Telangana on Thursday and in the early hours of Friday left a trail of devastation over 20,000 acres of maize, green gram, papaya and mango and other crops, most of which were in flowering and ripening stages. According to agriculture department officials, over 18,826 acres of maize, farmed by around 1,930 farmers, was damaged in the erstwhile Khammam district (in Telangana) alone." The India Meteorological Department issued an advisory to farmers suggesting they postpone the harvesting of crops, fruits and vegetables and keep the already harvested produce in a safe and dry place. PHNOM PENH, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn on Tuesday praised China for its strong support for the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) over the past seven years. The LMC countries include China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. The Cambodian top diplomat said that as the world is recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to face with ongoing uncertainties, the LMC countries have deepened their cooperation to combat these challenges to ensure that the region remains safe and open. "Over the past seven years, driven by our close collaboration among the LMC countries and underpinned by our common aspirations to promote peace, stability, and a shared future of prosperity, our mechanism remains progressive across all developmental spectrum marked by a strong focus on building our resilience through sustainable growth," Sokhonn said in a message celebrating the LMC Week 2023. "I take this opportunity to express our appreciation to the People's Republic of China for its strong commitment and active engagement in advancing the LMC framework to ensure the success of the initiative till the present day," he said. Sokhonn said Cambodia looked forward to seeing the evolution of the LMC framework in transforming this sub-regional mechanism, not only to complement the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiatives, but also to support the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, as well as to ensure the realization of the Lancang-Mekong Economic Development Belts in synergy with the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor. "In this connection, Cambodia will continue to promote the LMC as one of the most relevant sub-regional platforms to support multilateralism so to realize our leaders' vision of building a community of shared future of peace and prosperity," he said. Meanwhile, Sokhonn said the positive results of projects implemented under the LMC Special Fund over the years have responded to the practical development needs of people in the LMC region. "For its part, Cambodia has benefited from 80 Special Fund projects amounting to 31 million U.S. dollars," he said. He added that the diverse range of cooperation activities covers from the fields of rural development, poverty alleviation, water resources, agriculture, air connectivity, health, education, tourism, cultural heritage preservation to women's empowerment, among many others. PHNOM PENH, March 21 (Xinhua) -- The Lancang-Mekong Peace Boat project was launched here in the capital of Cambodia on Tuesday, aiming at promoting peacebuilding and prosperity in the region, officials said. Initiated by Phnom Penh-based independent think tank Asian Vision Institute, with support from the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Special Fund, the project would focus on capacity building and policy-oriented research for scholars, policymakers and journalists from the six LMC countries. Suos Yara, chairman of the Commission on Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, Information and Media of the National Assembly of Cambodia, said the project was in line with the China-proposed Global Civilization Initiative, which would push forward the aspiration for common peace, prosperity and development. "We hope that this project could act as a part of a cultural corridor that promotes youth from different cultures and civilizations to build trust for peace and prosperity," he said at the launching ceremony. The LMC countries include China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. Yara said the Lancang-Mekong region is one of the greatest development potentials in Asia and that the LMC has brought the cooperation between China and the Mekong countries to another level. "Cambodia alone has benefited substantially from this cooperation, especially through the LMC Special Fund," he said. Meanwhile, Yara also highly spoke of the close ties between Cambodia and China, saying that the two countries have a long history of diplomatic relations, and their ironclad friendship endured and prospered even further during difficult times like the COVID-19 era. "Our relationship is rooted deeper than just a state-to-state level," he said. "The peoples of both countries are life-long friends who have been supporting and working together for a shared future." Yara said cooperation between the two countries covered various sectors ranging from economic development, trade and investment to politics, healthcare and security. ISLAMABAD, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Three Pakistani soldiers and three terrorists were killed during a military operation in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the military said in a statement on Tuesday. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistani military, said that the terrorists opened fire on a police check post in the Khutti area of Dera Ismail Khan district of the province. The ISPR said that security forces immediately cordoned off the area, blocking all possible escape routes, adding that the fleeing terrorists were intercepted later and killed after an exchange of fire. It said that three army personnel also lost their lives in the exchange of fire. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the killed terrorists, the ISPR said. NAIROBI, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Eastern Africa is safe from desert locust infestation and will remain so in the next six months or year, an official of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has said. David Phiri, the FAO Subregional Coordinator for Eastern Africa, told Xinhua on Tuesday that with drought ravaging most countries in the region, the insects cannot attack due to the unfavorable conditions. "There is no risk of desert locust infestation during this drought time in eastern Africa. Indeed, desert locusts would not find favorable conditions to thrive. The desert locust situation in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia will, therefore, be calm," he said. According to Phiri, there is no green biomass and soil moisture that the insects normally need to lay eggs. The current soils are too hard. However, he noted that scattered hoppers and adults with a few adult groups were present in the southern Western Sahara of Morocco in January. "On the Red Sea coast, hoppers and adults were present in Sudan, and low numbers of adults were present on the coast of Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Eritrea, and northwest Somalia," said Phiri. Eastern Africa battled the worst infestation of desert locusts in 70 years between 2019 and 2021 when large swarms of the insects endangered food production. On March 14, FAO handed to the Desert Locust Control Organization for Eastern Africa (DLCO-EA) a spray aircraft to strengthen response capacity in combating migratory pests in the region. "Given the fragility of the food security situation in the region, it is critical to building DLCO's capabilities to respond effectively to future infestations of desert locusts and other migratory pests. The air tractor handed over to DLCO-EA is a step towards enabling it to respond to such food security threats that can further worsen our already fragile food systems," Phiri said. SARAJEVO, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Smajo Zenicanin, a 48-year civilian national of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), has been killed in a landmine explosion in a marked minefield near Doboj, 150 km north of the capital Sarajevo, the state-owned news agency SRNA reported on Tuesday. Zenicanin became the country's 619th casualty of landmines and explosive devices left over after the Bosnian war that ended in 1995, according to the count of the national Mine Action Centre (MAC). A demining team is working on securing the scene and recovering Zenicanin's body, MAC Director Sasa Obradovic told SRNA. The Dayton peace agreement, signed on Dec. 14, 1995, in Paris, ended the four-year war in Bosnia. The process of demining started one year later. Almost three decades after the war, 956.36 square kilometers of Bosnian land -- almost 2 percent of the country's territory -- are still considered to be a mine-contaminated area, directly affecting the lives of over 845,000 citizens. Low-income residents often ignore warning signs and enter mine risk areas to collect firewood or forest fruit. Mines and other explosive devices left over after the war have wounded 1,768 people, 618 of them fatally. The victims included 53 demining professionals. According to the MAC, there are 17 accredited mine clearance organizations in BiH. Saudi Arabia's industrial sector, which accounts for around 46% of the countrys total emissions, must choose sustainable inputs and adopt refined manufacturing processes to reduce industrial emissions by 65% by 2050, says a report. Besides, the sector should opt for efficient shipment and distribution and green marketing, says the report by management consulting firm Arthur D Little (ADL). ADL has released an exclusive report exploring ways to balance economic growth, environmental care and social well-being. The report, titled Imperatives for Sustainable Industrial Development: The KSA Case spotlights the industrial sector as a key development focus and examines ways to maintain its pace in a sustainable manner. Industrial force Proving to be a rapidly growing industrial force, the kingdom is home to more than 10,000 industrial facilities and ranks 41st in the Competitive Industrial Performance Index. Saudi Arabias National Industry Strategy aims to increase the value of the kingdom's industrial exports to about $149 billion by 2030. Saudi Arabia's industrial sector accounts for around 46% of the countrys total emissions, followed by power generation at 28%, and transport at 19%. It presents an opportunity for the development of green technologies and industries in the kingdom. Dr Adham Sleiman, Partner Energy and Utilities, ADL Middle East, said: The Mena region has made significant strides towards sustainable development, with ambitious goals to reduce their carbon footprint and increase the share of renewables in their energy mix. However, more concerted efforts and cooperation are needed to accelerate the transition towards long-term carbon neutrality. To achieve industrial sustainability objectives, countries need to accelerate their transition to renewable energy sources and adopt more ambitious targets. With Saudi Arabia as a point of reference, our latest report outlines ways to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change for the benefit of both people and the planet. As the GCCs largest industrial powerhouse, KSA is committed to building a greener future. It has implemented ambitious targets for the future, aimed at reducing industrial emissions by 65% by 2050. The kingdom launched numerous initiatives across the different economic sectors and specifically in its industrial sector. In the report, ADL has identified several dimensions across the industrial value chain that organisations should tackle to ensure sustainable growth. Sustainable industrial inputs Energy is essential to industrial operations; addressing its role in industrial development is necessary to a successful strategy. Transitioning from environmentally damaging sources to renewable energy alternatives is a critical step toward increased sustainability. Refined manufacturing processes According to the World Government Summit, more than 30% of total GHG emissions are generated by industrial processes. Focusing on improving industrial manufacturing processes is proving to be significantly impactful improving the energy efficiency of industrial processes could result in reducing manufacturing emissions by 8%. Efficient shipment and distribution On top of industrial inputs and manufacturing processes, shipments and distributions of manufactured products are proving to be key contributors to the sectors emissions. Shipping and distribution can be optimised by rolling out green storage logistics, adjusting routes, and applying fuel-efficient processes. Green marketing Adopting reusable packaging practices is another way manufacturers can reduce their carbon footprint. Most notably, replacing single-use plastic with eco-friendly alternatives benefits the environment and saves money for companies. Aside from reducing emissions, the government is also working to move the industrial sector away from fresh water. There are 16 industrial cities in the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (Modon), and the government aspires to source 70% of their water from treated industrial waste water by 2030. Regulatory pressure Amer Hage Chahine, Principal, Energy and Utilities, ADL Middle East, said: Sustainable industrial development is now a requirement for both private businesses and governments due to increasing regulatory pressure and consumer environmental awareness. Saudi Arabia's government facilitates industries sustainable development through setting best practices, introducing innovation-related initiatives, and fostering knowledge sharing. Our latest report highlights key approaches to promote sustainable industrial development through policies and incentives that encourage businesses to adopt environment-friendly practices. According to the report, the Saudi government is unifying the regions efforts through consistent collaboration between GCC countries, aiming to boost the sustainable development of industrials and synergise the regions fight against climate change. This includes efforts to reduce GHG emissions, implement waste management solutions, and raise awareness of industrial sustainability. The kingdoms efforts have been incorporated into a joint plan with GCC countries to adopt the concepts of circular economy within the industrial sector. The plan aims to ensure that the percentage of industrial facilities adopting circular economy practices reaches at least 50% of all industrial facilities within five years in each of the GCC countries.-- TradeArabia News Service BERLIN, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Germany's forests "suffer severely" from the impacts of climate change as drought and high temperatures last summer caused further damage, according to the 2022 report on the state of forests published by the German Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) on Tuesday. "The forest is a patient that needs our help. Our precious ecosystem is suffering the consequences of the climate crisis," German Minister of Food and Agriculture Cem Oezdemir said in a statement. The rainy months at the beginning of 2022 and in autumn "could not compensate for the water deficit in the forest soils," according to the statement. "The forests have not been able to recover after the dry years since 2018," leading to four out of five trees being ill. The National Meteorological Service (DWD) said on Tuesday that 2022 was the twelfth consecutive warmest year in Germany, even matching the all-time record set in 2018. The average temperature was 10.5 degrees Celsius, 2.3 degrees above the average of the international reference period from 1961 to 1990. With 2,024 hours of sunshine, 2022 was the year with the most sunshine hours since 1951, according to the DWD. This "once again confirms the trend of global warming with foreseeable consequences for humans and nature," the meteorological office warned. "In the coming weeks, forests should not face any new drought stress, which should be considered favorable," a DWD spokesperson told Xinhua. However, the development of weather in Germany over the rest of the year "cannot be predicted with sufficient certainty." The BMEL report found that a large share of the crowns of all types of trees was damaged, with 44 percent in the warning level and 35 percent even with significant crown defoliation. "The poor crown condition shows how much the trees have been weakened." "The disturbing results of our forest status report clearly show: we must continue to act decisively so that our forests can withstand drought and higher temperatures in the future," Oezdemir stressed. "This means, mixed forests instead of monocultures." Around 25 percent of Germany's forests are at "risk from the effects of climate change and urgently need to be adapted and converted," BMEL said last month. To tackle the issue, the ministry last year set up a funding program of 900 million euros (967 million U.S. dollars) through 2026. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on Monday said in a report that "human activities have clearly caused global warming, primarily through the emission of greenhouse gases." With global warming currently at around 1.1 degrees Celsius, the 1.5-degree target could already be exceeded before 2030. "The climate time-bomb is ticking. But today's IPCC report is a how-to guide to defuse it," United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres said in a video message on Monday. "It is a survival guide for humanity." (1 euro = 1.07 U.S. dollar) BAGHDAD, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Though 20 years have passed since the United States launched a blatant invasion into the sovereign state of Iraq, justice has not been done for Iraq and its people, many of whom are still suffering from the pain created by the unjust war. During the more than eight-year war and ensuing years of violence after the 2011 U.S. pullout, more than 200,000 civilians were killed and over 9 million others displaced in Iraq. Much of the country's infrastructure was also destroyed during the relentless bombings launched by the U.S.-led coalition. As a result, Iraq, a rich country before the invasion, had quickly degenerated into a poor state and is still mired in poverty and chaos due to the political instability and economic hardship caused by the U.S. invasion and its impact. The U.S. government justified its invasion into Iraq on concocted lies about Iraq possessing weapons of mass destruction, but no trace of such weapons has been found until today. On this point, Washington owes Iraq and the international community a thorough explanation. Iraq has neither received any formal apology from Washington for its illegal invasion, nor got any financial compensation for the massive destruction of its infrastructure and the crimes committed by U.S. troops against Iraqi civilians. Meanwhile, none of those in Washington who made the decision to invade a sovereign state in blatant violation of the United Nations Charter has been brought to justice. None of those who encouraged or committed the heinous war crimes against civilians in Iraq has been truly prosecuted. Worse still, if those who committed such crimes as invading a sovereign country could escape any punishment, they will repeat them again and again. As long as the United States continues its hegemonic and belligerent policies, the world will never be peaceful. Indeed, with its previous crimes unpunished, the United States regards itself as being above the UN charter and other norms guiding the international order. Thus Washington is always tempted to repeat such crimes to serve its own interests, as shown by its launch of airstrikes against Libya and Syria not long after the Iraq War. Even today, U.S. politicians insist that invading Iraq and ousting its government was a right thing to do. Washington still readily threatens to use force to interfere in the internal affairs of any other country that refuses to obey its orders. The world continues to live under the shadow of war and insecurity. History has proven that though claiming itself as "peace lover," the United States is indeed a "war empire." Ever since its founding in 1776, the country has been at war for 93 percent of its existence. Even former U.S. President Jimmy Carter admitted that the U.S. is undoubtedly the most warlike nation in history. Though little can be done to bring the American warmongers and criminals to justice for now because the United States remains the sole superpower, it is believed that the time of atonement will eventually come. Justice could be late, but won't be absent forever. LOS ANGELES, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Torrance, a city located some 30 kilometers south of Los Angeles, California, paid 750,000 U.S. dollars after two police officers allegedly spray-painted a swastika inside a suspect's car three years ago. According to a report of Fox News Tuesday, the payout settled a federal lawsuit filed by Kiley Swaine, who discovered the swastika on his car's back seat after he and two other men were arrested on suspicion of mail theft in January 2020. Swaine was later cleared of the mail charges. Swaine's attorney Jerry Steering was quoted as saying that two Torrance police officers, Christopher Tomsic and Cody Weldin, allegedly spray-painted the swastika, as well as a happy face, on Swaine's car seats before having the vehicle towed away. Even though Swaine reported the vandalism less than two days after it occurred, he apparently did not learn about the case against the officers until October 2021 after the Los Angeles County District Attorney announced the charges. The two have reportedly left the force and each pleaded not guilty while they await trial on conspiracy and vandalism charges. Swaine's complaint also triggered an investigation which revealed a scandal. "The investigation into Tomsic and Weldin prompted prosecutors to search the officers' phones. The search turned up text exchanges among more than a dozen officers that included racist, antisemitic and homophobic comments," Steering said on his law office's official website. Steering said in a statement on Monday that he has been suing police officers for 39 years and has never seen anything like this. "It never ceases to amaze me that quite often the very people entrusted by our citizens to protect us from dangerous criminals are more dangerous than the criminals who they are supposed to be protecting us from." Meanwhile, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office is expected to convene a grand jury this week to determine if two former Torrance police officers should be charged in the shooting death of a suspect in December 2018. UOC-MP complains about Kyiv Cave Monastery ban 21 March, 03:15 PM Caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra (Photo:news.church.ua) Representatives of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) have been banned from the caves and relics of Kyivs Pechersk Lavra following the eviction of the UOC-MP from the site, a UOC-MP official press-release reads. Access to the Upper (Near Caves) and Lower (Far Caves) Lavra will be be suspended due to the work of a commission that will estimate the level of preservation of "cultural values," according to a letter from the National Kyiv-Pechersk Historic-Cultural Preserve received by the UOC-MP on March 20. Access to the Church of the Exaltation of Cross, the Church of the Conception of St. Anne, and the Church of All Saints will also be denied. Video of day "That is, praying in these churches will be impossible," the official UOC-MP statement reads. Ukraines Culture Ministry announced on March 10 that UOC-MP has to vacate the premises of the Kyiv Cave Monastery by March 29. The UOC-MP, in turn, called the statement an ultimatum from Culture Ministry officials that lacked legal justification. The State Audit Service of Ukraine conducted an inspection of the Kyiv Cave Monastery National Reserve, which revealed the illegal transfer of cultural heritage monuments and 36 illegal new buildings, Ukrainian news website LB.ua reported. On Jan. 1, Kyiv Cave Monastery National Reserve terminated its lease agreements with UOC-MP for religious buildings on the territory of the Upper Lavra. On Jan. 7, for the first time, Ukrainian Orthodox Church head, Metropolitan Epiphanius, performed a Christmas service at the Assumption Cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News " " Roy Fransen practicing his diving technique in 1937 Imagno/Getty Images Water acts have been a part of circuses for many decades. It all started, perhaps, when performers began executing their tricks and acrobatics above pools, adding a watery element to their already impressive feats; for example, when high-wire walkers strode cautiously over bodies of water as the waves swirled below. Synchronized swimmers brought the water directly into the show, conducting graceful and splashy acts for their audiences. More recently, the Las Vegas show from Cirque de Soleil, called O, incorporated a 1.5-million gallon pool with dozens of acrobats and gymnasts all swimming, floating, dancing, swinging and much more, with dozens of physically demanding and sometimes personally hazardous elements. In early circuses, it was only natural that diving would eventually debut. It wasn't necessarily shallow diving, though. The pools were long and deep. Like Olympic athletes, the divers concocted all sorts of fancy twists and turns to astound viewers before their splashdowns. It was a fulfilling addition to the circus atmosphere, but it wasn't necessarily jaw dropping. Advertisement Then came shallow diving. Shallow diving wasn't just an impressive feat. It was a showstopper. Many circuses built towards the shallow dive as the ultimate climax to their show. Roy Fransen was the first truly famous shallow diver. In the 1930s and '40s, he developed a name for himself as a first-rate stuntman, first flopping into water from lower heights and gradually working his way higher. He practiced using both pools and safety nets and did so nearly every day, training his body to arc through the air to a specific spot below. At the same time, he was conditioning his mind to conquer his fears of missing his target and splattering himself all over the ground below. Fransen was a savvy showman, too. He'd pour fuel on his body and the surface of the water below, light himself on fire and then leap to extinguish the flames. Obviously, burns were a severe risk, but so was the fact that billowing smoke made it harder for him to see exactly where he needed to fall. He eventually called his act "The Dive of Death" and traveled the world, showing off his bravado and skills to crowds everywhere. In 1948, Fransen flung himself from a 110 feet (34 meters) high into water measuring only 8 feet (2.4 meters) deep, a record that stood for nearly half a century. It was, ahem, the apex of his career. But it didn't last. After four decades of his death-defying feats, Fransen finally ran out of good fortune. He died during a performance in 1985. Yet shallow divers keep right on diving, and they push the heights higher and the water shallower. Retired Director of Clinical Research & Development for ClearChoice Management Services, LLC Receives Highest Tribute For Decades of Contributions to Implant Dentistry GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- For more than 40 years, Steven E. Eckert, DDS, MS has been one of the most prominent names in implant dentistry, winning several awards throughout his career and serving as a mentor and coach for many prosthodontists in the ClearChoice Dental Implant Center network. While Dr. Eckert is now retired, his accomplishments continue to significantly impact the field. Last week, he was honored once again by the Academy of Osseointegration (AO) as he humbly accepted the organization's Distinguished Service Award. Steven E. Eckert, DDS, MS The Distinguished Service Award is the highest tribute the Academy can pay to an AO member. It is awarded to recognize individuals for outstanding clinical, educational or scientific achievement, contribution to implant dentistry and/or exemplary service to the academy. Further, the AO celebrates individuals who have made broad contributions over time that may have resulted in any one or more of the following: Scientific Research Evolution of the knowledge base that guides practice Enhancement of education programs Significant changes in governance or the political milieu for implant dentistry New understanding of tissue replacement therapies in oral and facial care Improved patient care, satisfaction, and outcome "Today, we have a level of knowledge in the field of osseointegration that we never thought we would see 25 to 30 years ago. We've seen this explosion of knowledge that is truly impressive and has done a wonderful service for our patients," said Dr. Eckert. "I would like to thank the AO for the Distinguished Service Award. Being the first recipient of this award is indeed a humbling experience and one that I won't soon forget." Prior to his retirement at the end of 2022, Dr. Eckert practiced for over 40 years with 25 of those years at the Mayo Clinic where he served as the prosthodontic program director for 15 years and also as the director/examiner for the American Board of Prosthodontics, a peer elected position. During his tenure at ClearChoice, Dr. Eckert opened and served as the primary prosthodontist at ClearChoice Minneapolis in Edina, Minn. from 2010-2018, and he served as the Director of Clinical Research & Development for ClearChoice Management Services, the administrative support team that serves the ClearChoice Dental Implant Center network. In 2017, Dr. Eckert was the recipient of three prestigious awards: the Academy of Osseointegration Branemark Osseointegration Award honoring an individual's impact on, and leadership in, the field of implant dentistry; the American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics Ackerman Award that honors significant contributions to the advancement of this special area of practice; and the American College of Prosthodontists Dan Gordon Award recognizing lifetime achievement. Story continues The Distinguished Service Award was presented to Dr. Eckert on Thursday, March 16th prior to the opening session of the AO's annual meeting in Phoenix. During the meeting, ClearChoice network doctors Amirali Zandinejad, DDS, MSc and Sameh El-Ebrashi, BDS, MS presented on topics related to 3D printing, digital workflow, and fixed-detachable hybrid prostheses. For more information, visit clearchoice.com and follow on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . About ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers Since 2005, ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers have helped restore hope and confidence in more than 150,000 patients across the United States through advanced oral treatments that can lead to better overall health and quality of life. Equipped with innovative technology, including 3D CBCT Scan technology and a full-service, on-site lab, each ClearChoice Dental Implant Center is owned and operated by a licensed and experienced dental expert, providing comprehensive dental implant treatment services in advanced, all-in-one treatment facilities. The ClearChoice Network is supported by TAG The Aspen GroupSM. ClearChoice Logo (PRNewsfoto/ClearChoice Management Services) Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/academy-of-osseointegration-honors-steven-e-eckert-dds-ms-with-prestigious-distinguished-service-award-301777731.html SOURCE ClearChoice Management Services Zerify EDISON, N.J., March 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zerify Inc., (OTC PINK: ZRFY), the 22-year-old cybersecurity company focused on secure video conferencing & digital communications, announced today that Acadia Village Resort is licensing our Zerify Meet Secure Video Conferencing Platform. Acadia Village is a Premier Timeshare Resort located in Downeast Maine, a short distance from Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor. Jim Killam, Acadia Village's resort director, says, We use the Zerify Meet Secure Video Conferencing platform for all of our meetings held at the resort, in addition to quarterly board meetings. Security, ease of use, and the video quality are far superior than any of its competitors, along with their low cost. It makes going with Zerify Meet an extremely easy choice. We are thrilled that Jim at Acadia Village Resort is so happy with our Zerify Meet Secure Video Conferencing Platform, says Mark L. Kay, CEO of Zerify. Its always great when a client compliments us on things like security, ease-of-use, video quality and low cost, says Kay, it means that were delivering a quality product and the end-user sees that, which makes us feel real good. In addition to Jim at Acadia, both the Forrester Group and Aite-Novarica Group, also listed Zerify Meet as the industrys leading Secure Communications Platform, says Kay. To learn more about all Zerify solutions, go to: https://www.zerify.com/ About Acadia Village Resort: Welcome to Coastal Downeast Maine and Acadia Village Resort, a three-seasons resort area with New England tradition. Ellsworth, a gracious town with hospitable people, is enhanced by historic architecture and surrounded by an extensive lake region. Originally settled in 1763, it is located at the head of the Union River and at the Crossroads of Downeast Maine. Stretching from the lake region north of Ellsworth toward the most easterly portions of our nation, the Downeast Acadia region encompasses some of the most striking stretches of Maine coastline. Story continues Much of the coastlines primitive beauty is preserved within Acadia National Park, the oldest national park east of the Mississippi River, the only coastal national park north of Florida, and the second most visited of all our national parks. Learn more about Acadia Village Resort: https://acadiavillageresort.com/ About Zerify: Zerify Inc. (OTC PINK: ZRFY), formerly StrikeForce Technologies, is an Edison, New Jersey-based company with over two decades of experience in cybersecurity solutions. The company helps to prevent cyber theft and data security breaches for consumers, corporations and government agencies through powerful multi-factor out-of-band authentication and keystroke encryption along with mobile solutions. Zerify offers a video conferencing solution that uses no desktop and is entirely web-based, offering a five-level meeting security control approach designed to protect valuable information. Features include keystroke protection, anti-screen capture, and push and biometric authentication to keep businesses secure. The technology also protects cameras, microphones and speakers, keeping computers and confidential data secure even when one is offline and not on a video conference. No other video conferencing service on the market, such as Zoom, Webex, LogMeIn, MS Teams or BlueJeans, offers these protections. Zerify Contact, Mark L. Kay marklkay@zerify.com (732) 661-9641 Market.Us According to Market.us, the Global Agriculture Equipment Market size is encouraged to reach around USD 305.6 billion by 2032 and it is poised to reach a CAGR of 6.4% from 2023 to 2032. New York, March 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Global Agriculture Equipment Market size Is Predicted to Increase from USD 166.9 Billion in 2022 to USD 305.6 Billion in 2032, with a CAGR of 6.4% during the forecast period. Agricultural Equipment is the tools and machines used by the farmers in the field for various agricultural tasks and activities. Some of the equipment are harvesters, tractors, and plows. Farmers use this agricultural equipment on the farm for cultivating high crop yield in a short time period and with less effort than before. Farm labor cost is very high thats where this equipment is. Automated and semi-automated equipment is used on the farm to reduce labor costs and achieve more yield than human labor. Global Agriculture Equipment Market Get additional highlights on major revenue-generating segments, Request a telemedicine market sample Agriculture Equipment Market report at https://market.us/report/agriculture-equipment-market/request-sample/ Key Takeaway: By Type , agriculture tractors are expected to cover a major share of the global agriculture equipment market during the forecast period from 2023 to 2032. By application , the land development segment has dominated the market and it is anticipated to have a large market share during the forecast period from 2023 to 2032. In 2022, Asia Pacific dominated the market with the highest revenue share of 37.5% . North America region is anticipated to grow with significant CAGR during the forecast period. Factors affecting the growth of the Agriculture Equipment market industry? There are several factors that can affect the growth of the agriculture equipment market industry. Some of these factors include: Increasing mechanization: Rising mechanization in the agriculture sector has boosted the agriculture equipment industry. Due to this, the demand for advanced agriculture equipment has risen in the market. Government initiatives and funding: Governments across the world are funding and supporting the agriculture equipment industry by offering low tax rates and decreased import duties on this equipment. Research and development: Major players in this market are heavily investing in research development activities to advance the products and dominate the market share more than the competition in the market. Innovative and advanced equipment: In recent years agricultural equipment has gone through many technological advances to advance the equipment. These technologically advanced products are driving the market growth of agriculture equipment. Execution of precision farming: To increase sustainability in agriculture activities, farmers across the world are accepting precision farming to increase the yield and profit from the farms. Growing population and high demand for food: Increasing population across the world is demanding more food supply which is fuelling the growth of the agriculture equipment market. Story continues To understand how our Agriculture Equipment Market report can bring a difference to your business strategy, Inquire about a brochure at https://market.us/report/agriculture-equipment-market/#inquiry Top Trends in the Global Agriculture Equipment Market: The increasing population across the world has created the need for high crop production in the market. This rise in demand has further increased the need for agriculture equipment in the market. Modern and advanced farm equipment has become the need for the market to meet the demand for food production in the market. According to the reports, the global population will be nearly 10 billion in 2050. This will also increase the demand for food products in the market. And to fulfill these demands in the market farmers across the world are adopting advanced technologies like the internet of things (IoT) to monitor and increase the production rate of the yield. Farmers across the world are adopting innovative and advanced technological equipment in farming methods to increase the efficiency and productivity of farms. For example, farmers are using various sensors on the farm. These sensors help them to monitor the factors like temperature of the soil, weather forecast updates, surveillance for crops, and many more. These factors are helping the farmers to monitor and analyze the crops and other information about statistics of livestock estimation from anywhere. Also, the use of smartphones has helped farmers to access the sensors from anywhere. The labor shortage is a problem that is faced by every region in the world. The rising need for food production has also increased the need for more laborers in the market to perform different farm activities. To counter this problem farmers are moving towards advanced agriculture equipment, which helps them to reduce their dependency on labor and increase the production on the farm. Market Growth With the increasing population, the demand for food production is also increasing. And to meet these needs is forcing farmers to accept advanced agriculture equipment to decrease labor dependency and increase food production across the world. This demand for increased food production is propelling the agriculture equipment market growth. Farmers are adapting innovative and advanced technological solutions in farming to increase the yield on the farm. Some of the technologies are the internet of things(IoT) and artificial intelligence. By using these technologies, farmers are able to control and monitor various factors affecting farming. These technologies are expected to drive the growth of agriculture equipment during the forecast period from 2023 to 2032. Regional Analysis Asia Pacific region dominates the global market for agriculture equipment by covering the major revenue share of 37.5%. And this region is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period from 2023 to 2032. The dominance of the Asia Pacific region in the global agriculture market is due to the presence of countries like China and India. These countries complete the major share of the world's demand for food production. The economic development of countries like China, India, and many more in this region is the reason for the development in this region. Agriculture developments are going at a rapid and efficient pace in this region. The inclusion of technologies like digitalization, control capabilities, and electrical drives for farming activities in the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to dominate the market during the forecast period. Competitive Landscape The competitive landscape of the market has also been examined in this report. Some of the major players include AGCO corporation, Alamo Group Inc, China National, Machinery Industry Corporation, CNH Industrial N.V., CLAAS KGaA GmbH, Deere & Company, Kubota Corporation, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, SDF S.p.A, Valmont Industries Inc, and 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 166.9 Billion Market Size (2032) USD 305.6 Billion CAGR (from 2023 to 2032) 6.4% Asia Pacific Revenue Share 37.5% Historic Period 2016 to 2022 Base Year 2022 Forecast Year 2023 to 2032 Market Drivers The agriculture equipment market is gaining importance worldwide due to the growing population and the need for higher productivity to meet the food demand. The market is anticipated to be boosted by increasing purchasing power and rapid industrialization in the agriculture sector. The demand for fertilizing and planting equipment is increasing as an alternative to manual fertilizing and planting. Significant growth is also expected in the field of fertilizers and planting technology. Self-propelled spreaders and sprayers are also used by many farmers for their benefits like efficiency, faster, and covering more areas. These machines help to reduce costs and increase yield by ensuring equal distribution of nutrients. These sprayers are available in manual, tractor-mounted, and air versions. Modern farmers are appreciating the advantages of an onboard sprayer. Which increases flexibility and productivity for the farmers. Market Restraints Agriculture equipment is expensive to purchase and has a high cost of installation. Additionally, the cost of using such equipment for farming can be high and making farms less profitable. Running multiple machines at the same time can add difficulties and require a skilled operator to monitor and manage them. Farming tools can also increase the movement of heavy equipment across farmlands which can lead to tension in the soil and sometimes may lead to crop and food damage. Modern agricultural equipment is forcing farmers to overuse fertilizers and mechanical spreaders which leads to the overuse of chemical fertilizers that damage plants. The delay or failure of agriculture equipment can cause a loss of time and disrupt the cultivation process, which can decrease the profits of farmers. High-performance machines can have high maintenance costs and Repair costs and can negatively affect the farmers. Market Opportunities Farmers across the world are using advanced methods like precision agriculture for better yield and high production. Precision agriculture is a method for farmers to focus on increasing production with limited resources. This technology allows farmers to observe, analyze and address the variability of crops to make firm decisions for profits. Increased food production demand has put the agriculture sector under constant pressure to produce higher yields. Precision agriculture improves the efficiency and production of crops and reduces the gap between supply and demand. This cultivation technology is a solution to the problem of high demand for food production across the world during the forecast period. Precision agriculture permits farmers to optimize the use of water, soil, and fertilizers to increase the yield on the farms. Many major companies have developed drones that can be used to monitor large fields and crops. The growth of the agricultural equipment market is anticipated to be driven by increasing government initiatives to promote precision tools and the growing presence of precision agricultural machinery dealers. The forecast period is anticipated to see an increase in precision farming technology and lucrative opportunities for global market players in the agricultural equipment market. Grow your profit margin with Market.us - Purchase This Premium Agriculture Equipment Market Report at https://market.us/purchase-report/?report_id=56232 Report Segmentation of the Agriculture Equipment Market Type Insight Agriculture equipment is divided into many types such as agriculture tractors, harvesting equipment, soil preparation and cultivation equipment, irrigation and crop processing equipment, agriculture spraying and handling equipment, and other types of equipment. Among all the types of agriculture equipment, the agriculture tractors segment is anticipated to cover a large revenue share of the global market during the forecast period of 2023 to 2032. The growth of agriculture tractors is due to the availability of eco-friendly and efficient tractors which provides better speed and low cost for plowing and other farm activities. High-speed tractors increase the profit margin of the farmer by reducing the time and offering a better yield with good efficiency. Application Insight By applications, the agriculture equipment market is classified into three segments, which are threshing and harvesting, land development, plant protection, and after-agro processing. The land development segment in the applications of agricultural equipment covers a major share of the global market. The land development segment is rising in the market due to increasing demand for this equipment in the market. Innovation and advancement of technology used in land development equipment are the major factors driving the growth of the land development segment growth in the global market. The land development segment is growing at a significant pace and it is supported by the factors like focus on soil conservation, increasing yield, and soil contamination. For more insights on the historical and Forecast market data from 2016 to 2032 - download a sample Agriculture Equipment Market report at https://market.us/report/agriculture-equipment-market/request-sample/ Market Segmentation By Type Agriculture Tractors Harvesting Equipment Irrigation & Crop Processing Equipment Agriculture Spraying & Handling Equipment Soil Preparation & Cultivation Equipment Others By Application Land Development Threshing and Harvesting Plant Protection After Agro Processing 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 Market Key Players: Kubota Corporation Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. SDF S.p.A. Valmont Industries Inc. AGCO Corporation Alamo Group Inc. China National Machinery Industry Corporation CNH Industrial N.V. CLAAS KGaA GmbH Deere & Company Other Key Players Recent Development of the Agriculture Equipment Market In March 2022, SurePointsAg Systems and John Deere announced the partnership for the joint venture company which manufactures liquid fertilizer application systems and irrigation injection equipment. SurePointAg has allowed using the John Deere technologies and solutions to increase the productivity of various agricultural equipment. In April 2021, Alamo Group and New Holland Agriculture collaborated for a strategic partnership that focuses on the development of attachments and tools, and implements which compatible with New Hollands tractor range. Browse More Related Reports: Agriculture testing and monitoring equipment market was valued at USD 5,426.30 million in 2021 and is anticipated to witness a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70% from 2022 to 2030. Microirrigation systems market is projected to reach a valuation of USD 20724.99 Mn by 2032 at a CAGR of 7.6%, from USD 9,258.9 Mn in 2021. Farm tire market was valued at USD 7.8 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at a 4.6% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR), between 2023-2032. It is expected to reach USD 12.79 billion in the forecast period. Smart agriculture market was valued at USD 14,740 million in 2021. It is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 11% between 2023 and 2032. Artificial Intelligence (Ai) In Agriculture Market : Research Report, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2022 to 2032 Agriculture Machine to Machine Market: Research Report, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2022 to 2032 About Us: Market.US (Powered by Prudour Pvt Ltd) specializes in in-depth market research and analysis and has been proving its mettle as a consulting and customized market research company, apart from being a much sought-after syndicated market research report-providing firm. Market.US provides customization to suit any specific or unique requirement and tailor-makes reports as per request. We go beyond boundaries to take analytics, analysis, study, and outlook to newer heights and broader horizons. Follow Us on LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter Our Blog: CONTACT: Global Business Development Teams Market.us Market.us (Powered By Prudour Pvt. Ltd.) Email: inquiry@market.us Address: 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 300, New York City, NY 10170, United States Tel: +1 718 618 4351 Website: https://market.us WILMINGTON, DE / ACCESSWIRE / March 21, 2023 / Transparency Market Research Inc. - The global agriculture machinery and equipment market stood at US$ 132.3 billion in 2022 and the global market is projected to reach US$ 219.5 billion by 2031. The global industry is slated to expand at a CAGR of 5.8% between 2023 and 2031. Transparency Market Research inc., Tuesday, March 21, 2023, Press release picture With the world's population expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, there will be a greater demand for food, which will drive the need for agriculture machinery and equipment to increase crop yields and productivity. The market value of agriculture machinery and equipment is also increasing due to advancements in technology, which have led to the development of innovative and advanced farming equipment and machinery such as precision farming, smart irrigation systems, and autonomous tractors. These advanced technologies are expected to increase the efficiency of farming and reduce labor costs. Request for a Sample PDF Report with Latest Industry Insights - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=1730 Additionally, governments in several countries are supporting farmers by providing subsidies and incentives for the purchase of agricultural machinery and equipment. This support is expected to increase the adoption of modern farming techniques and equipment, which will, in turn, boost the growth of the agriculture machinery and equipment market in the near future. The increasing adoption of precision farming techniques is a major factor that is expected to create lucrative avenues for the market growth during the forecast period. The precision farming involves using technology to collect data on soil, crop, and weather conditions to optimize crop yields and reduce costs. Furthermore, the global market is expanding rapidly due to the increasing demand for food security. Food security is a growing concern globally, and governments and organizations are investing in modern farming techniques and equipment to improve crop yields and ensure food security. This is expected to drive the demand for agriculture machinery and equipment, especially in developing countries where agriculture is a major source of income and employment. Story continues Key Findings of the Market Report By machinery and equipment type, tractors generated over 47% of market revenue in 2022 Sales of electric tractors to spike significantly, backed by an increase in the shift towards carbon-free mobility On the basis of harvesting machinery, combine harvesters to generate significant revenue pools Buy this Premium Research Report | Immediate Delivery Available - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/checkout.php?rep_id=1730